SECTION 5 Troubleshooting
5–4 0855855eng 6/08
Symptom Possible Cause / Problem Reference / Action
Smudged / blurred
print (continued)
Product contacting printhead IN, 2, Mounting the Printhead
Ink can build up on the front of
the printhead. If a product
passes closely in front of the
printhead, the liquid ink can
transfer to the product,
distorting the printed image.
Image contacting guide rail IN, 2, Mounting the Printhead
When a guide rail rubs on a
printed image, small amounts
of ink may be transferred. In
time, the ink build up will
smudge the printed image
Airflow near printhead IN, 2, Mounting the Printhead
Airflow in the vicinity of the
printhead may cause a
redirection of the ink droplets,
blurring the printed image
Encoder line speed mismatch IN, 5, Encoder Line Speed
SE, 4, Print Station; Encoder
Print is stretched,
condensed, or tilted
Encoder line speed mismatch
Model 5200/5400SC with tilted
printhead
IN, 5, Encoder Line Speed
Use external encoder
Missing jets / jets drop
out
Contamination SE, 3, Daily Cleaning of the
Printhead
Incorrect low vacuum IN, 2, Connecting Umbilical
Lines to the Printhead
IN, 3, Printhead Vacuum
Settings
SE, 4, VPC 1-2 and 3-4
Incorrect high vacuum SE, 4, VPC 1-2 and 3-4
No ink in the printhead SE, 4, Ink System; Printhead
Ink Level
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) IN, 2, Electrical
IN, 5, Not Printing
Vibration or mechanical shock IN, 5, Print Quality
Auto Purge is enabled
Auto Purge with down jetting
orientation
Printing too soon after Auto
Purge
IN, 3, Auto Purge Frequency
SE, 3, Auto Purge Spacing
Guidelines
SE, 3, Auto Purge Spacing
Guidelines