User's Manual

115
Troubleshooting
Print Quality Problems
5/12/08 ZM™ Series/RZ™ Series User Guide 79695L-002 Rev. A
Print Quality Problems
Table 16 identifies problems with print quality, the possible causes, and the recommended
solutions.
Table 16 • Print Quality Problems
Problem Possible Cause Recommended Solution
General print quality
issues
The printer is set at the
incorrect print speed.
For optimal print quality, set the print speed to
the lowest possible setting for your application
via control panel, the driver, or the software. See
Adjust Print Speed on page 71. You may want to
perform the FEED Self Test on page 126.
You are using an incorrect
combination of labels and
ribbon for your application.
1. Switch to a different type of media or ribbon
to try to find a compatible combination.
2. If necessary, consult your authorized Zebra
reseller or distributor for information and
advice.
The printer is set at an incorrect
darkness level.
For optimal print quality, set the darkness to the
lowest possible setting for your application via
the control panel, the driver, or the software. See
Adjust Print Darkness/Density on page 70. You
may want to perform the FEED Self Test
on page 126 to determine the ideal darkness
setting.
The printhead is dirty. Clean the printhead. See Clean the Printhead
and Platen Roller on page 100.
Incorrect or uneven printhead
pressure.
Set the printhead pressure to the minimum
needed for good print quality. See Adjust
Printhead Pressure on page 61.
The printhead is improperly
balanced.
Call a service technician.
Long tracks of
missing print on
several labels
Print element damaged. Call a service technician.
Troubleshooting
Print Quality Problems
116
79695L-002 Rev. A ZM™ Series/RZ™ Series User Guide 5/12/08
Wrinkled ribbon Ribbon was fed through the
ribbon system incorrectly.
Load the ribbon correctly. See Load Ribbon
on page 55.
Incorrect burn temperature. Set the darkness to the lowest possible setting for
good print quality. See Adjust Print
Darkness/Density on page 70.
Incorrect or uneven printhead
pressure.
Set the printhead pressure to the minimum
needed for good print quality. See Adjust
Printhead Pressure on page 61.
Media not feeding properly;
“walking” from side to side.
Make sure that media is snug by adjusting the
media guide, or call a service technician.
The strip plate needs adjusting. Call a service technician.
The printhead needs vertical
adjustment.
Call a service technician.
The printhead is improperly
balanced.
Call a service technician.
The printhead and platen roller
need to be realigned.
Call a service technician.
Printing too light or
too dark over the
entire label
The media or ribbon is not
designed for high-speed
operation.
Replace supplies with those recommended for
high-speed operation.
You are using an incorrect
combination of media and
ribbon for your application.
1. Switch to a different type of media or ribbon
to try to find a compatible combination.
2. If necessary, consult your authorized Zebra
reseller or distributor for information and
advice.
You are using ribbon with
direct thermal media.
Direct thermal media does not require ribbon. To
check if you are using direct thermal media,
perform the label scratch test in When to Use
Ribbon on page 35.
Incorrect or uneven printhead
pressure.
Set the pressure to the minimum needed. See
Adjust Printhead Pressure on page 61.
Smudge marks on
labels
The media or ribbon is not
designed for high-speed
operation.
Replace supplies with those recommended for
high-speed operation.
Misregistration/skips
labels
The printer is not calibrated. Recalibrate the printer.
Improper label format. Use correct label format.
Misregistration and
misprint of one to
three labels
The platen roller is dirty. See Clean the Printhead and Platen Roller
on page 100.
Media does not meet
specifications.
Use media that meets specifications.
Table 16 • Print Quality Problems (Continued)
Problem Possible Cause Recommended Solution