When printing labels using ribbon, you may encounter poor print quality or problems with the thermal transfer printer.
Let’s take a look at the most common problems and how to solve them.
1. “Pores” in the printed image
Possible reasons:
- The material from which the label is made is too rough and smooth.
Try using a different label quality. - The print speed is too fast.
Try slowing down the print speed. - The print temperature is too low.
- The print head is not properly adjusted.
Try to increase the print temperature.
Try adjusting the mechanism responsible for the print head pressure.
Usually, this problem is solved in a complex way. First, you need to gradually decrease the print speed and increase the heating temperature. If the problem persists when reaching the minimum print speed and maximum print temperature, then the materials are most likely incorrectly selected: the ribbon does not match the label used.
2. Vertical white lines in the printed image
- The print head is dirty or damaged.
Try cleaning the print head with an alcohol solution. If the problem persists, then the print head needs to be replaced.
3. Diagonal white lines in the printed image
- Wrinkles formed on the ink ribbon (ribbon).
Try adjusting the ribbon tension and print head pressure. The ribbon may have jammed while installing. Also check the drive shaft and print head for foreign objects.
4. In some models of label printers that have a roller or rotary cutter installed, the ink ribbon (ribbon) may break completely or partially, which ultimately affects print quality.
This is because the label return function is enabled in the cutter mode. Since the knife blade is at some distance from the print head, after cutting, the printer returns the label to the start of printing. And, if the print head is not raised at this moment, then when the label moves back, the ribbon may tear.
If the printer does not have an optional module such as an economizer (for example, this module is installed in the Toshiba B-EXT1 printer when using the rotary cutter), then try reducing the label return speed after cutting.