Printing The Prime Pattern - Kodak 4000 series Quick Start Manual

4 Verify that all bands print a solid pattern. This indicates that the
cartridges were primed correctly. If it does not print a solid pattern,
do the color test again.

Printing the prime pattern

Before printing and during printing, the printer wipes the ink cartridge jets at the
service station. This function is user selectable during printing or between prints.
However, ink cartridge jets can become clogged, especially with long exposure
to the air or with nonuse. Printing the prime pattern helps to clear the jets and
check that the ink cartridges fire properly. We recommend that you print the
prime pattern daily to ensure the best possible print quality.
The Open Jet Detection and Compensation feature helps maintain optimal print
quality and allows you to print long, unattended jobs. During multi-pass print-
ing, the printer will automatically compensate for jets found to be electrically
damaged. The only intervention needed is to verify that there are no clogged jets
and then choose which print mode is most appropriate for your needs. This is
done by printing the Prime test pattern and then setting the print mode accord-
ingly.
To print the prime pattern:
With media loaded, press Utility/Prime.
1
A test pattern prints. Make sure that it is smooth with no obvious
banding.
2 If the printed results are unsatisfactory, do the test several more
times to unclog the inkjet nozzles.
To interpret the prime test pattern:
The test pattern consists of bands of color for each cartridge and a
sloping line. Within the prime test pattern, each jet is represented
with a short horizontal line. Together, these short horizontal lines
form a "stair step" pattern. Clogged jets appear as missing or
misdirected lines in the "stair step" pattern. Electrically defective jets
appear as solid bars. Electrically defective jets can be automatically
compensated for in certain modes. The print modes for which
compensation is available are shown clearly above the Prime.
Kodak Professional large format 4000 series printers
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