Issue | Possible Cause | Recommended Solution |
|---|---|---|
General print quality issues | The printer is set at the incorrect print speed. | For optimal print quality, set the print speed to the lowest possible setting for your application via control panel, the driver, or the software. You may want to perform the Evaluating Barcode Quality to determine the optimal settings for your printer. See Print Speed in Settings for how to change the print speed. |
You are using an incorrect combination of labels and ribbon for your application. | Switch to a different type of media or ribbon to try to find a compatible combination. If necessary, consult your authorized Zebra reseller or distributor for information and advice. | |
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 Evaluating Barcode Quality to determine the ideal darkness setting. See Print Darkness in Settings for how to change the darkness setting. | |
The printhead is dirty. | Clean the printhead and platen roller. See Cleaning the Printhead and Platen Roller. | |
Incorrect or uneven printhead pressure. | Set the printhead pressure to the minimum needed for good print quality. See Adjusting the Printhead Pressure. | |
Loss of printing registration on labels. Excessive vertical drift in top-of-form registration. | The platen roller is dirty. | Clean the printhead and platen roller. See Cleaning the Printhead and Platen Roller. |
Media guides are positioned improperly. | Ensure that the media guides are properly positioned. See Loading the Media. | |
The media type is set incorrectly. | Set the printer for the correct media type (gap/notch, continuous, or mark). | |
The media is loaded incorrectly. | Load media correctly. See Loading the Media. | |
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 Issues. | |
Fine, angular gray lines on blank labels | Wrinkled ribbon. | See wrinkled ribbon causes and solutions in Ribbon Issues. |
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. Procure the recommended supplies from zebra.com/supplies. |
You are using an incorrect combination of media and ribbon for your application. | Switch to a different type of media or ribbon to try to find a compatible combination. 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. See 'How can I tell which side of the ribbon is coated?' inRibbon. | |
Incorrect or uneven printhead pressure. | Set the printhead pressure to the minimum needed for good print quality. See Adjusting the Printhead Pressure. | |
Printing too light or too dark on one side of the label | ncorrect or uneven printhead pressure. | Adjust the printhead pressure as needed for good print quality. See Adjusting the Printhead Pressure. |
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. | Calibrate the printer. See Calibrating the Ribbon and Media Sensors. |
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 Cleaning the Printhead and Platen Roller. |
Media does not meet specifications. | Use media that meets specifications. See Media Specifications. | |
Vertical drift in top‑of-form position | The printer is out of calibration. | Calibrate the printer. See Calibrating the Ribbon and Media Sensors. |
The platen roller is dirty. | Clean the printhead and platen roller. See Cleaning the Printhead and Platen Roller. | |
Vertical image or label drift | The printer is using non‑continuous labels but is configured in continuous mode. | Set the printer for the correct media type (gap/notch, continuous, or mark) and calibrate the printer, if necessary (see Calibrating the Ribbon and Media Sensors). |
The media sensor is calibrated improperly. | Calibrate the printer. See Calibrating the Ribbon and Media Sensors. | |
The platen roller is dirty. | Clean the printhead and platen roller. See Calibrating the Ribbon and Media Sensors. | |
Improper printhead pressure settings (toggles). | Adjust the printhead pressure to ensure proper functionality. See Adjusting the Printhead Pressure. | |
The media or ribbon is loaded incorrectly. | Ensure that the media and ribbon are loaded correctly. See Loading the Ribbon and Loading the Media. | |
Incompatible media. | You must use media that meets the printer specifications. Ensure that the inter-label gaps or notches are 2 to 4 mm and consistently placed (see Media Specifications). | |
The bar code printed on a label does not scan. | The bar code is not within specifications because the print is too light or too dark. | Check the quality of the printed bar codes. See Evaluating Barcode Quality. Adjust the darkness or print speed settings as necessary. |
There is not enough blank space around the bar code. | Leave at least 1/8 in. (3.2 mm) between the bar code and other printed areas on the label and between the bar code and the edge of the label. | |
Auto Calibrate failed. | The media or ribbon is loaded incorrectly. | Ensure that the media and ribbon are loaded correctly. See Loading the Ribbon and Loading the Media. |
The sensors could not detect the media or ribbon. | Calibrate the printer. See Media Specifications. | |
The sensors are dirty or positioned improperly. | Ensure that the sensors are clean and properly positioned. | |
The media type is set incorrectly. | Set the printer for the correct media type (gap/notch, continuous, or mark). |
