Issue / Question
Resolving print quality issues for ZT400 series printers.
Applicable To
ZT400 Series
Resolution / Answer
This article has 5 sections:
- Light print or faded image
- Partial missing print or image cut-off
- Broken bars or lines in a barcode
- Poor or low barcode ANSI grade
- White lines appearing in the print
- Streaks appearing in the print
Media
Print quality is a product of proper printer setup and use of compatible media for the application. When ribbon is used for Thermal Transfer printing, it must be compatible with the labels to ensure the printer meets the requirements expected by the users.
Proper matching of the labels or ribbon assures the pressure and darkness settings do not have to be at the extremes to print correctly. Direct Thermal (no ribbon) labels must be approved for thermal printing applications since it does come in direct contact with the printhead.
Configuration
Printer setup includes adjusting the printhead pressure properly, setting the appropriate darkness level, and optimizing the print speed. In addition, regular maintenance assures the printer is operating at an optimal level.
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IMPORTANT! All printer settings can be impacted by commands from a mismatched or misconfigured driver or software application. A printer that is functioning well after setup but fails or indicates an error after label requests are received are most likely affected by the host side misconfiguration of the driver or printer software settings. The host device that generates the printer commands for printing, typically have setup configuration that send these as commands to the printer. Ensure all settings match with the printer settings to avoid intermittent issues. |
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NOTE Use the printer Pause Test Label when performing initial print quality adjustments. This will eliminate any issues introduced by the application or driver configurations. Refer to: PAUSE KEY SELF TEST. |
Problem |
Example | Resolution |
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The print is faded or too light when printing self-test
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Contamination can cover the elements preventing heat transfer.
Refer to this article: Video: Zebra Tabletop and Print Engine Printhead Cleaning Procedure.
Refer to: User Guide: Adjust Printer Settings.
Refer to this article: Adjust ZT Series Printhead Pressure.
Refer to this article: Setting the Print Speed on a Zebra Printer.
Refer to: User Guide: Load the ribbon.
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The print is faded or too light on the left or right side of the label
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ZT400 Printhead Pressure.
Refer to this article: Adjust ZT Series Printhead Pressure. |
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Barcode ANSI grade is low or won't scan
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Refer to: User Guide: Adjust Printer Settings.
Refer to: User Guide: Feed Self-Test.
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The print is smearing or rubbing off |
The ribbon ink will rub off the label if it is not matched for the media. Verify your ribbon and media are properly matched for your application.
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The ribbon is wrinkling |
Refer to this article for ribbon wrinkle resolution: Video: Loading Ribbon and Resolving Ribbon Issues on ZT400.
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White lines in the print |
Build-up can cause lines in the print. Aggressive cleaning with cleaning film is sometimes needed if there is baked on residue that fails to be removed by swabs.
Refer to this article: Video: Zebra Tabletop and Print Engine Printhead Cleaning Procedure.
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Image is cut off on the right Refer to Label Properties to view the left or right side of the label. |
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Watch this video and learn how to clean the printhead and platen:
How the ZT400 Series Printers work There are 2 thermal printing methods:
Each method uses a thermal printhead that applies heat to the surface being marked.
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