What is wrong with my printer ribbon?

So, you are wondering, “What is wrong with my printer ribbon?” Look no further, we are here to help you troubleshoot. If this article doesn’t answer your questions, please give me a call at 888.972.5234 or send me an Email.  You will be glad you did.

We have been working with customers for years to solve all of their printer solutions issues. The following are common problems when it comes to printer ribbons.

What is wrong with my printer ribbon?

Image is patchy or faint

• The printer’s heat and speed settings may need to be adjusted.
• There may be dust on the label.
• The label substrate may not be compatible with the ribbon grade.
• The printhead may be dirty.

Wrinkling Ribbon

• The printhead may be misaligned.
• The printer’s heat setting may be too high.
• The ribbon unwind tension on the printer may be too low.
• The ribbon may be too wide for the label being used.

Snapped Ribbon

• The printhead may be dirty causing heat build-up.
• The heat setting on the printer may be too high.
• The printhead pressure may be too high.
• The ribbon may be incorrectly loaded on the printer.
• The ribbon rewind tension may be too high on the printer.
• The backcoating may be faulty on the ribbon.

The printer will not detect the ribbon

• The ribbon sensor on the printer may be in the wrong setting.
• The ribbon may be incorrectly loaded in the printer.

Sticking between ribbon and label

• The heat setting on the printer may be too high.
• The printhead pressure may be too high.
• The angle at which the label exits the printer is too steep.

The printer does not stop at the end of the ribbon

• Your ribbon sensor may be dirty or obstructed.
• Is the ribbon sensor may be out of position?
• The ribbon trailer may be incorrect for the specific printer.

Repetitive voids in the image

• The printhead may be dirty.
• The printhead elements are burned out or worn down.

The printed image is scratching off

• Make sure the correct grade of ribbon is being used.
• Check compatibility between ribbon and label.

Premature printhead failure

• The ribbon is smaller than the label width.
• The heat setting on the printer may be too high.
• The printhead pressure may be too high.
• The label surface is uneven (e.g. Containing a hologram)
• Insufficient printhead cleaning.

We have one of the best printhead warranties in the business!

If you have questions or would like to discuss different ways to improve your printer ribbons please give me a call at 888.972.5234 or send me an Email.  You will be glad you did.