Printronix SLPA8000 User Manual page 233

Symptom
Smears or voids in printed
image.
Table 12. General Symptom List
1. Dust on label stock from shipping, storage, or the core can
cause print voids. Clean the labels with compressed air, a
vacuum cleaner, or use static tinsel.
2. Atmospheric dust from long-term storage can also cause
print voids. Remove a few feet of label stock, exposing the
clean inner surface. When storing labels, cover them or
place them in plastic.
3. Skin oils can adhere to the surface of label stock, causing
fingerprints which inhibit thermal transfer. Wipe label stock
with a cloth or remove a few feet of labels to expose a
clean area. Handle labels by the edges.
4. Labels with a rough or uncoated surface can also print with
voids. Use smooth (coated) label stock or use a soft wax
for printing.
5. Oozing adhesive can cause print voids. This sometimes
happens with old label stock. Use new label stock.
6. Power off the printer and thoroughly clean the printhead
with a cleaning pen or isopropyl alcohol and a cotton swab.
7. Print the checkerboard and grey diagnostic test patterns
(page 196).
8. Verify that the head pressure blocks are positioned to
match the width of the media being used. (See "Printhead
Pressure Block Adjustments" on page 54.)
9. Make sure the head pressure adjustment dial is set
properly for the media thickness installed.
10. Make sure the printhead temperature (Print Intensity) is
not too high. Use software control to adjust the heat
setting. Change the Print Intensity value in the QUICK
SETUP or MEDIA CONTROL menu. (See "Print Intensity"
on page 98.)
11. Check that the media has not been installed inside out.
Surfaces on both sides may look identical, but can
produce big differences in print quality.
12. Make sure the correct ribbon and media combination are
being used; install a new roll of ribbon and media and
repeat step 7. Use the correct ribbon type. Genuine
Printronix Supplies are highly recommended to ensure the
best possible print quality. (See "Printronix Supplies
Department" on page 15.)
13. Check the ribbon for creases or folds across its surface.
Smooth out the ribbon to remove any creases.
General Symptom List
Solution
233