Horizontal Banding - Epson Stylus Pro 4000 Field Repair Manual

Stylus Pro 4000 Field Repair Guide 4/28/05

Horizontal Banding

Note: Horizontal Banding is either paper feed related, or Print Head related.
Horizontal Banding is caused by vertical dot placement errors.
Feed Related
Feed related horizontal banding is always spaced at the same interval as the MicroWeave step. Observe the area of
the image that is currently being printed (the image directly under the Print Head). That area exhibits the
MicroWeave step. Compare the interval of the MicroWeave step with the interval of the horizontal banding. If the two
have the same interval, the banding is probably feed related.
Increase or decrease (increase or decrease to the extreme limit) the feed step and observe the impact on the band-
ing. Use the Paper Config section of the driver, or Paper Config section of the Printer's user menu, and increase or
decrease the feed step all the way. If the banding is affected, it is feed related. If the banding is not changed, or a new
banding is added, it is not feed related.
Use another Computer with the Epson Driver and Epson Media to eliminate the users equipment.
Verify that the proper Spindle is being used (High Tension or Low Tension Spindle)
Verify that the media does not bind coming off the roll.
Print Head Related
If the horizontal banding is Print Head related, it is usually due to missing, deflected or sympathetic Nozzles. the ser-
vice level Nozzle Check, is the best way to inspect the Print Head's accuracy. A slightly deflected Nozzle can cause
horizontal banding, depending on the Nozzle's location in the Nozzle array.
Missing or deflected Nozzles may be caused by problems with the Cleaning Station. Before attempting to clear
Nozzle issues, the Cap, Wiper Blade, Wiper Blade Cleaner, and the Print Head Nozzle Plate should be cleaned.
Horizontal Banding Printer Component, Software Item, LCD Display, Printer Button Page 119.