Summary
đź› Identifying Print Fade: Issues occur when labels print gray instead of black, often due to damp or cold label rolls.
🔄 Replacing the Label Roll: Swap out the current roll for a new one that has been stored in a dry environment.
đź§Ľ Cleaning the Print Head: Use an alcohol wipe to clean the white bar inside the device to ensure clear print quality.
⚙️ Checking the Roller Mechanism: Ensure the roller presses the label firmly against the print head, and the lid closes properly.
đź”§ Adjusting Print Density: Increase the print density in settings if prints are too light; balance with battery life.
Detailed Step-by-Step Summary: Resolving Print Fade Issues
Identifying Print Fade
- Problem Overview: Print fade occurs when labels print with a grayish color instead of a dark, readable black. This can make the labels difficult to read.
- Common Causes: The primary cause of print fade is typically the condition of the label rolls, which may have been stored in a cold or damp environment.
Step 1: Replacing the Label Roll
- Inspect the Label Roll: First, check if the label roll has been exposed to damp or cold conditions, which could affect the thermal compound’s ability to heat and darken the print.
- Replace the Roll: Open the top lid of the device and swap out the current label roll for a new one. Ideally, use a roll that has been stored in a dry, room-temperature environment to ensure better printing quality.
Step 2: Cleaning the Print Head
- Locate the Print Head: Inside the device, there is a white plastic bar located behind the sharp tear-off strip. This bar is the print head.
- Clean the Print Head: Using an alcohol wipe or a probe wipe, carefully clean the white bar. Be cautious around the sharp tear-off strip to avoid injury.
- Importance of Cleaning: Ensuring that the print head is clean is crucial for maintaining good contact with the label roll, which helps in achieving a sharp, crisp print.
Step 3: Checking the Roller Mechanism
- Inspect the Roller: The roller should press the label firmly against the white bar. Check that all components are intact, including a small black stopper on the right-hand side.
- Ensure Proper Closure: If the roller mechanism is broken or the stopper is missing, the lid might not close properly, leading to print fade. Ensure that the lid closes securely to apply the correct pressure on the label roll.
Step 4: Adjusting Print Density Settings
- Access Settings: Power on the device, press the circle button, and navigate to the “Settings” menu. From there, go to “Printer” and then select “Print Density.”
- Adjusting Density: The default setting might be at 100 or 115. Increasing the print density will darken the print but will also consume more battery power. Adjust the setting to a higher value (e.g., 130) if necessary, based on your print quality needs.
- Test and Compare: After adjusting the density, do a test print to see the difference. Compare the results to decide if the higher setting is beneficial or if you should revert to the lower setting.
Final Steps and Troubleshooting
- Perform a Test Print: Once all adjustments are made, perform a test print to ensure the issue is resolved.
- Contact Support if Necessary: If print fade persists after trying a new label roll and adjusting the settings, contact the technical support team for further assistance.
By following these detailed steps, you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve print fade issues, ensuring your labels print clearly and are easy to read. Proper maintenance of the label roll and print head, along with careful adjustment of the print density settings, are key factors in achieving optimal print quality.