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Chapter 3. Troubleshooting
Identifying Print Defects
3 - 12
Elongation
An input tach rate that is too slow for the set resolution produces
stretched, or elongated characters (see Figure 3.12).
Figure 3.12
Elongated and truncated test image, 480 ppi
Truncation
If cue distance or cue delay is changed without checking the piece size
and intra-piece spacing, the image can shift off the piece resulting in
truncation (see Figure 3.12). Check for setup errors by running test
images at a standard setup, such as the following used for printing test
patterns on 6.5 x 9.5-inch cards run on a label base:
•
Substrate
9.5 inches
•
Image length 8.5 inches
•
Cue distance 5.75 inches (measured from sensor to leading edge)
•
Cue delay
0.0 inch.
If the test images print correctly, change the job setup to orient the image
properly on the substrate.
Miscellaneous Problems
The following problems can be produced by various causes:
•
Interference
•
Irregular gaps
•
Single line of dots
•
Smears
•
Distortion
•
Improper print density.
The following sections describe the typical cause of each problem and
normal corrective action.
Interference
Interference appears on a test pattern as a ragged line of print or
scattered dots. Interference appears on test prints as a solid, horizontal
line of missing print. Interference is typically caused by dust adhering to
the printhead bottom cover. Clean the bottom cover, eyelid and catcher
bottom plate to eliminate interference (See Chapter 4). If the problem
improves or has moved, clean the catcher bottom plate again. If
necessary, repeat the cleaning procedure described in Chapter 4. If the
problem persists, check for phase defects.
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