173
Troubleshooting
Printing Issues
8/25/15 ZT400 Series™ User Guide P1066582-003
Long tracks of
missing print on
several labels
Print element damaged. Call a service technician.
Wrinkled ribbon. See wrinkled ribbon causes and solutions in
Ribbon Problems on page 175.
Fine, angular gray
lines on blank labels
Wrinkled ribbon. See wrinkled ribbon causes and solutions in
Ribbon Problems on page 175.
Printing too light or
too dark over the
entire label
The media or ribbon is not
designed for high-speed
operation.
Replace supplies with those recommended for
high-speed operation. For more information, see
http://www.zebra.com/supplies.
The printer is set at an incorrect
darkness level.
For optimal print quality, set the darkness to the
lowest possible setting for your application. You
may want to perform the FEED Self Test
on page 190 to determine the ideal darkness
setting.
See Print Darkness on page 101 for how to
change the darkness setting.
You are using an incorrect
combination of media and
ribbon for your application.
1. Switch to a different type of media or ribbon
to try to find a compatible combination.
2. If necessary, consult your authorized Zebra
reseller or distributor for information and
advice.
You are using ribbon with
direct thermal media.
Direct thermal media does not require ribbon. To
determine if you are using direct thermal media,
perform the label scratch test in When to Use
Ribbon on page 23.
Incorrect or uneven printhead
pressure.
Set the printhead pressure to the minimum
needed for good print quality. See Adjust the
Printhead Pressure on page 147.
Printing too light or
too dark on one side
of the label
Incorrect or uneven printhead
pressure.
Adjust the printhead pressure as needed for good
print quality. See Adjust the Printhead Pressure
on page 147.
Smudge marks on
labels
The media or ribbon is not
designed for high-speed
operation.
Replace supplies with those recommended for
high-speed operation. For more information, see
http://www.zebra.com/supplies.
Misregistration/skips
labels
The printer is not calibrated. Calibrate the printer. See Calibrate the Ribbon
and Media Sensors on page 142.
Improper label format. Check your label format and correct it as
necessary.
Misregistration and
misprint of one to
three labels
The platen roller is dirty. Clean the printhead and platen roller. See Clean
the Printhead and Platen Roller on page 156.
Media does not meet
specifications.
Use media that meets specifications. See Media
Specifications on page 218.
Table 16 • Printing Issues (Continued)
Issue Possible Cause Recommended Solution
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