Variables:

  • Condition of roll- no dents, dings                       
  • Age of media
  • Print setting
  • Print heads

Defect is appearing in north/ south direction on roll and continues through whole roll

  • Possible cause- Coating is defective
    • Solution- replace roll

Defect is appearing across the roll – “banding”

  • Possible cause- One of the print heads is not firing correctly.
    • Solution- clean or replace print head

Defect is a pattern or mottling in dark areas

  • Cause- this typically occurs on vinyl materials that are too old.  “Plasticier migration” caused this , typically shows up on banner materials.
    • Possible solution- more common on latex printers, try on uv printer or replace roll.

Repeating defect in the same spot throughout the roll

  • Cause- defect in coating process-
    • Possible solution-replace roll

Light image on one area of the roll- continues throughout the roll

  • Cause- roll was damaged in shipping and that  dimpled area receives ink differently than rest of roll.
    • Possible solution- run out some of roll to see if this goes away then replace roll

Image is coming out blurry

Getting head strikes

  • Cause- material is getting too hot- correct print setting?
    • Possible solution- Advance material and use takeup to keep material flatter.
    • Make sure you are using the correct print setting.