Issue: General Print Quality Issues

The printer is set at an incorrect darkness level and/or print speed. Perform the Print Quality Report (FEED self test) to determine the ideal darkness and speed settings for your application. Do not set print speeds above the manufacturer’s maximum rated speed for your media (print material and ribbons both). See Printing a Print Quality Report (FEED Self Test) and Adjusting the Print Quality.

The printhead is dirty. Clean the printhead. See Cleaning the Printhead.

The platen roller is dirty or damaged. Clean or replace the platen. Platens can wear out or get damaged. See Cleaning and Replacing the Platen.

The printhead has worn out. Replace the printhead. The printhead can wear out and be damaged. See Cleaning the Printhead.

During thermal Transfer printing, printing looks fuzzy, has smudge marks, or has voids or holes in print with no particular pattern. The print material (wax, wax-resin, or resin) may not match the material (paper, media coating, or synthetics) in use. Set the printer for no higher than the maximum recommended print speed of the ribbon cartridge. For information on reading ribbon cartridge features, see Ribbon Cartridge Programming Commands.

You may be using the wrong power supply. Verify you are using the power supply that came with this printer.