Resolve Print Issues

Resolve Print Issues

Use this information to identify issues with printing or print quality, the possible causes, and the recommended solutions.
Issue
Possible Cause(s) and Remedies
The printed image does not look right.
The printer may be set at an incorrect darkness level and/or print speed. Perform the Print Quality test (FEED self test) to determine the ideal darkness and speed settings for your application. Be sure NOT to set print speeds above the manufacturer’s maximum rated speed for your print media. See Resetting Non-Network Printer Configuration Settings to their Factory Defaults and Adjust the Print Quality.
The printhead may be dirty. Clean the printhead. See Cleaning the Printhead.
The platen roller is dirty or damaged. Clean or replace the platen. See Cleaning and Replacing the Platen (Drive Roller).
The printhead has worn out or is damaged. Replace the printhead. See Replace the Printhead.
The wrong power supply may be in use. Verify you are using the power supply that came with this printer.
No print on the label.
The media may not be direct thermal media (and is thermal media, made for thermal transfer printers). Load the right media for your printer type. See Performing a Media Scratch Test to determine the media type.
Media has been loaded incorrectly. The media printable surface must face up towards the printhead. See Get Ready to Print and Roll Media Sensing and Media Loading.
Labels are distorted in size, or the print area start position varies, or the printed image skips between labels (faulty registration).
Media has been loaded incorrectly or the movable media sensor is not set properly. Verify that the sensor is set and positioned correctly for your media type and sensing location. See Roll Media Sensing and Media Loading, Set Media Sensing by Media Type, and Movable Sensor Adjustment.
The media sensors are not calibrated for your media length, physical properties, or sensing type (gap/notch, continuous, or mark). See Running a SmartCal Media Calibration. If it still skips labels try Manually Calibrating Media.
The platen (drive) roller is slipping or damaged. Clean or replace the platen. See Cleaning and Replacing the Platen (Drive Roller).
The printer may have communication issues with cables or communication settings. See Resolve Communication Issues.