85
Print Quality Problems
9/30/2014 GT800™ Thermal Transfer Printer User Guide P1032729-003Rev. A
Print Quality Problems
No print on the label.
• The media may not be direct thermal media when printing without ribbon (i.e. thermal
transfer). The media may not be direct thermal media. See the test procedure
Determining Thermal Media Types on page 41.
• For thermal transfer printers, the media may not be outside wound or approved for use
in the printer. See the following ribbon test procedures: Ribbon Test with Adhesive
on page 48 and Ribbon Scratch Test on page 49.
• Is the media loaded correctly? Follow the instructions for Loading Roll Media
on page 12 in the Getting Started section. For printing using transfer ribbon, see
Loading Transfer Ribbon on page 16.
The printed image does not look right.
• The printhead is dirty. Clean the printhead.
• The printhead is under temperature.
• Adjust the print darkness and/or print speed.
•Use the ^PR (speed) and ~SD (darkness) commands referenced in the ZPL
Programming Guide.
•Use the D (darkness/density) and S (speed) commands in the EPL Programmer’s
Guide.
• Manually adjust print darkness with the six-flash sequence of Feed Button Modes
on page 92.
• The Windows printer driver or application software may change these settings and
may require a change to optimize print quality.
• The media being used is incompatible with the printer. Be sure to use the
recommended media for your application, and always use Zebra-approved labels and
tags.
• The printhead has worn out. The printhead is a consumable item and will wear out due
to friction between the media and printhead. Using unapproved media may shorten
life or damage your printhead. Replace the printhead.
• The platen may need cleaning or replacement. The platen (driver) roller maybe losing
traction due to:
• Foreign objects attached to its surface,
• The rubbery smooth surface has become polished and slippery, or
• There is damage to the normally smooth and flat print surface such as box knife cuts.
To Next Page
Loading...