Zebra ZM400 - Manual (Page 114)

Troubleshooting
Print Quality Problems 106
79695L-001 Rev. A ZM400/ZM600 User Guide 3/27/07
Wrinkled ribbon Ribbon fed through the
machine incorrectly. See Load Ribbon on page 47 .
Incorrect burn temperature. Set the darkness to the lowest possible setting for
good print quality. See
Adjust Print Darkness
on page 62 .
Incorrect or uneven printhead
pressure. Set the printhead pressure to the minimum
needed for good print quality. See
Adjust
Printhead Pressure on page 53 .
Media not feeding properly;
“walking” from side to side. Make sure that media is snug by adjusting the
media guide, or call a service technician.
The strip plate needs adjusting. Call a service technician.
The printhead needs vertical
adjustment. Call a service technician.
The printhead is improperly
balanced. Call a service technician.
The printhead and platen roller
need to be realigned. Call a service technician.
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.
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
check if you are using direct thermal media,
perform the label scratch test in
When to Use
Ribbon on page 27 .
Incorrect or uneven printhead
pressure. Set the pressure to the minimum needed. See
Adjust Printhead Pressure on page 53 .
Smudge marks on
labels The media or ribbon is not
designed for high-speed
operation. Replace supplies with those recommended for
high-speed operation.
Misregistration/skips
labels The printer is not calibrated. Recalibrate the printer.
Improper label format. Use correct label format.
Misregistration and
misprint of one to
three labels The platen roller is dirty. See Clean the Printhead and Platen Roller
on page 90 .
Media does not meet
specifications. Use media that meets specifications.
Table 16 • Print Quality Problems (Continued)
Problem Possible Cause Recommended Solution