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When encountering thermal printing problems, it is common to put the blame on the ribbon. However, it is important to remember that there are three elements to successful printing that need to be correct. These are the ribbon, receptor. and printer settings. 

Below are some of the common problems and possible reasons for why they occur.

  • The printers 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.
  • The printhead may be misaligned.
  • The printers 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.
  • 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 ribbon sensor on the printer may be in the wrong setting.
  • The ribbon may be incorrectly loaded in the printer.
  • 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 ribbon sensor may be dirty or obstructed.
  • The ribbon sensor may be out of position.
  • The ribbon trailer may be incorrect for the specific printer.
  • Make sure the correct grade of ribbon is being used.
  • Check compatibility between ribbon and label.
  • Ribbon width is smaller than 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.

Transam Industries is Singapore’s Leading Producer of TTR, Coding Ribbons, and MICR products. We have delivered over 17 million high-quality image products globally and are now a proud subsidiary of OVOL Singapore Pte Ltd, a member of the Japan Pulp and Paper Group.

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Contact Details

12 Kallang Way #03-00 
North East Building Singapore 349216

Tel : (65) 6282 2122
Fax : (65) 6283 6466

Email : info@transam.com.sg

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