Printronix SLPA7000 User Manual page 207

Symptom
Smears or voids in printed
image.
Table 9. 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 163).
8. Verify that the head pressure blocks are positioned to
match the width of the media being used. (Refer to
printhead pressure adjustment in the User's Manual .)
9. Make sure the head pressure adjustment dial is set
correctly for the thickness of the media being used. (Refer
to the User's Manual .)
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. (Refer to the User's
Manual .)
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. (Refer to the User's Manual .)
13. Check the ribbon for creases or folds across its surface.
Smooth out the ribbon to remove any creases.
14. Check that the printhead pressure blocks are correctly
positioned. (Refer to the User's Manual .)
General Symptom List
Solution
207