HP DesignJet Z3100 44 User Manual

							Alternatively, or if you have other print quality problems, you can continue reading this chapter.
Horizontal lines across the image (banding)
If your printed image suffers from added horizontal lines as shown (the color may vary):
1.Check that the paper type you have loaded corresponds to the paper type selected in the front panel
and in your software. To check on the front panel, use the View loaded paper key.
2.Check that you are using appropriate print-quality settings for your purposes (see 
Printing
on page 45). In some cases, you can overcome a print-quality problem merely by selecting a higher
print-quality level. For instance, if you have set the Print Quality slider to Speed, try setting it to
Quality; if you have already set it to Quality, try selecting custom options and then More
Passes. If you change the print-quality settings, you may wish to reprint your job at this point in case
the problem has been solved.
3.Print the Image Diagnostics Print. See 
The Image Diagnostics Print on page 172.
4.If the printheads are working correctly, go to the front panel and press the View loaded paper key
to see the paper advance calibration status. If the status is RECOMMENDED, you should perform
paper advance calibration: see 
Recalibrate the paper advance on page 156.
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							If the problem persists despite all the above actions, contact your customer service representative for further
support.
Lines are too thick, too thin, or missing
1.Check that the paper type you have loaded corresponds to the paper type selected in the front panel
and in your software. To check on the front panel, use the View loaded paper key.
2.Check that you are using appropriate print-quality settings for your purposes (see 
Printing
on page 45). Select the custom print-quality options in the driver dialog (Mac OS Print dialog), and
try turning on the Maximum detail option. You may wish to reprint your job at this point in case
the problem has been solved.
3.If the resolution of your image is greater than the printing resolution, you may notice a loss of line
quality. If you are using the PCL or HP-GL/2 driver for Windows, you can find the Max.
Application Resolution option in the driver dialogs Advanced tab, under Document
Options > Printer Features. If you change this option, you may wish to reprint your job at this
point in case the problem has been solved.
4.If lines are too thin or missing, print the Image Diagnostics Print. See 
The Image Diagnostics Print
on page 172.
5.Try aligning the printheads. See 
Align the printheads on page 182. After alignment, you may wish
to reprint your job in case the problem has been solved.
6.Go to the front panel and press the View loaded paper key to see the paper advance calibration
status. If the status is RECOMMENDED, you should perform paper advance calibration: see
Recalibrate the paper advance on page 156.
If the problem persists despite all the above actions, contact your customer service representative for further
support.
Lines appear stepped or jagged
If lines in your image appear stepped or jagged when printed:
1.The problem may be inherent in the image. Try to improve the image with the application you are
using to edit it.
2.Check that you are using appropriate print-quality settings. See 
Printing on page 45.
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							3.Select the custom print-quality options in the driver dialog (Mac OS Print dialog), and turn on the
Maximum detail option.
4.If you are using the PCL or HP-GL/2 driver for Windows, you can change your image rendering
resolution to 300 dpi or 600 dpi depending on your printing needs. You can find the Max.
Application Resolution option in the driver dialogs Advanced tab, under Document
Options > Printer Features.
Lines print double or in the wrong colors
This problem can have various visible symptoms:
●Colored lines are printed double, in different colors.
●The borders of colored blocks are wrongly colored.
To correct this kind of problem:
1.Reseat the printheads by removing them and then reinserting them. See 
Remove a printhead
on page 122 and Insert a printhead on page 125.
2.Align the printheads. See 
Align the printheads on page 182.
Lines are discontinuous
If your lines are broken in the following way:
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							1.Check that you are using appropriate print-quality settings. See Printing on page 45.
2.Reseat the printheads by removing them and then reinserting them. See 
Remove a printhead
on page 122 and Insert a printhead on page 125.
3.Align the printheads. See 
Align the printheads on page 182.
Lines are blurred
Humidity can cause ink to soak into the paper, making the lines blurred and fuzzy. Try the following:
1.Check that your environmental conditions (temperature, humidity) are suitable for high-quality
printing. See 
Environmental specifications on page 206.
2.Check that the paper type selected in the front panel is the same as the paper type you are using.
To check on the front panel, use the View loaded paper key.
3.Try changing to a heavier paper type, such as HP Heavyweight Coated Paper, HP Super
Heavyweight Plus Matte Paper, or Digital Fine Art paper.
4.Select a paper type that is slightly thinner than the paper you have loaded; this will persuade the
printer to use less ink. Here are some example paper types in ascending order of thickness: Plain
Paper, Coated Paper, Heavyweight Coated Paper, Fine Art Paper, Super Heavyweight Plus Matte
Paper, Thick Fine Art Paper (>250 g/m²).
5.If you are using glossy paper, try changing to a different type of glossy paper.
6.Select the custom print-quality options in the driver dialog (Mac OS Print dialog), and turn on the
More passes option.
7.Align the printheads. See 
Align the printheads on page 182.
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							The whole image is blurry or grainy
1.Check that the paper type you have loaded corresponds to the paper type selected in the front panel
and in your software. To check on the front panel, use the View loaded paper key.
2.Check that you are printing on the correct side of the paper.
3.Check that you are using appropriate print-quality settings (see 
Printing on page 45). In some cases,
you can overcome a print-quality problem merely by selecting a higher print-quality level. For
instance, if you have set the Print Quality slider to Speed, try setting it to Quality; if you have
already set it to Quality, try selecting custom options and then More Passes. If you change the
print-quality settings, you may wish to reprint your job at this point in case the problem has been
solved.
4.If you are using gloss enhancer, you can reduce grain by turning it off. Select the custom print quality
options, and set Gloss Enhancer to Off.
5.Try aligning the printheads. See 
Align the printheads on page 182. After alignment, you may wish
to reprint your job in case the problem has been solved.
6.Go to the front panel and press the View loaded paper key to see the paper advance calibration
status. If the status is RECOMMENDED, you should perform paper advance calibration: see
Recalibrate the paper advance on page 156.
If the problem persists despite all the above actions, contact your customer service representative for further
support.
The paper is not flat
If the paper does not lie flat when it comes out of the printer, but has shallow waves in it, you are likely
to see defects in the printed image, such as vertical stripes. This can happen when you use thin paper that
becomes saturated with ink.
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							1.Check that the paper type you have loaded corresponds to the paper type selected in the front panel
and in your software. To check on the front panel, use the View loaded paper key.
2.Try changing to a thicker paper type, such as HP Heavyweight Coated Paper, HP Super Heavyweight
Plus Matte Paper, or thicker Digital Fine Art papers.
3.Select a paper type that is slightly thinner than the paper you have loaded; this will persuade the
printer to use less ink. Here are some example paper types in ascending order of thickness: Plain
Paper, Coated Paper, Heavyweight Coated Paper, Fine Art Paper, Super Heavyweight Plus Matte
Paper, Thick Fine Art Paper (>250 g/m²).
The print is scuffed or scratched
The black ink pigment can be scuffed or scratched when touched by a finger, a pen, or some other object.
This is particularly noticeable on coated paper, matte proofing paper, and fine art material.
Glossy paper may be extremely sensitive to the basket or to anything else that it contacts soon after
printing, depending on the amount of ink used and the environmental conditions at the time of printing.
To reduce the risk of scuffs and scratches:
●Handle prints carefully.
●Avoid stacking prints on top of each other.
●Disable the automatic cutter before printing, so that the print will not fall into the basket. See 
Turn
the automatic cutter on and off on page 42. Alternatively, leave a sheet of paper in the basket so
that freshly printed sheets do not make direct contact with the basket.
Ink marks on the paper
This problem can occur for several different reasons.
Horizontal smears on the front of coated paper
If a lot of ink is used on plain or coated paper, the paper absorbs the ink quickly and expands. As the
printheads move over the paper, the printheads may come into contact with the paper and smear the
printed image. This problem is normally seen only on cut sheets of paper (not on roll paper).
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							Whenever you notice this problem, cancel the printing job immediately. Press the Cancel key and also
cancel the job from your computer application. Soaked paper can damage the printheads.
Try the following suggestions to avoid this problem:
1.Check that the paper type you have loaded corresponds to the paper type selected in the front panel
and in your software. To check on the front panel, use the View loaded paper key.
2.Use a recommended paper type (see 
Order paper on page 141) and the correct print settings.
3.If using sheet paper, try rotating the sheet 90 degrees. The orientation of the paper fibers may affect
performance.
4.Try changing to a thicker paper type, such as HP Heavyweight Coated Paper, HP Super Heavyweight
Plus Matte Paper, or thicker Digital Fine Art papers.
5.Select a paper type that is slightly thinner than the paper you have loaded; this will persuade the
printer to use less ink. Here are some example paper types in ascending order of thickness: Plain
Paper, Coated Paper, Heavyweight Coated Paper, Fine Art Paper, Super Heavyweight Plus Matte
Paper, Thick Fine Art Paper (>250 g/m²).
6.Try to increase the margins by relocating the image to the center of the page using your software
application.
Ink marks on the back of the paper
This can happen after a lot of borderless printing, especially with non-standard paper sizes. Ink residues
on the platen are likely to mark the back of the paper.
Clean the platen with a soft cloth. Clean each rib separately without touching the foam between the ribs.
Black ink comes off when you touch the print
This problem may be caused by printing with matte black ink on glossy paper. The printer will not use
matte black ink if it knows that the paper will not retain it. To be sure of avoiding matte black ink, you
can select Photo Glossy Paper as the paper type (in the Photo Paper category).
Edges of objects are stepped or not sharp
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							If edges of objects or lines appear to be poorly defined or lighter in density, and you have already set
the print-quality slider to Quality in the driver dialog (Mac OS Print dialog), select the custom print-quality
options, and make sure that the More Passes and Maximum Detail options are turned off. See
Printing on page 45.
Edges of objects are darker than expected
If edges of objects seem darker than expected, and you have already set the print-quality slider to
Quality in the driver dialog (Mac OS Print dialog), select the custom print-quality options, and make sure
that the More Passes and Maximum Detail options are turned off. See 
Printing on page 45.
Bronzing
If you are printing on photo paper in grayscale, and you experience a gloss differential problem when
fluorescent light is directly reflected towards you from the print, producing bronzed reflections from the
ink, try one of the following:
●If using standard print quality options, ensure that the slider is set to Quality (see 
Select print
quality on page 47)
●If using custom print quality options, ensure that the Gloss enhancer option is set to Whole
page (see 
High-quality printing on page 54)
●Display the print vertically or behind glass
Horizontal lines at the end of a cut sheet print
This type of defect affects only the end of a print, within approximately 30 mm of the trailing edge of the
paper. You may see some very thin horizontal lines across the print.
To avoid this problem:
1.Print the Image Diagnostics Print. See 
The Image Diagnostics Print on page 172.
2.Consider printing with roll paper.
3.Consider using larger margins around your image.
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							Vertical lines of different colors
If your print has vertical bands of different colors along it:
1.Try using thicker paper, choosing from the recommended paper types such as HP Heavyweight
Coated Paper and HP Super Heavyweight Paper. See 
Order paper on page 141.
2.Try using higher print-quality settings (see 
Printing on page 45). For instance, if you have set the Print
Quality slider to Speed, try setting it to Quality; if you have already set it to Quality, try selecting
custom options and then More Passes.
White spots on the print
You may notice white spots on the print. This is probably due to paper fibers, dust, or loose coating
material. To avoid this problem:
1.Try cleaning the paper manually with a brush before printing, to remove any loose fibers or particles.
2.Always keep the cover of your printer closed.
3.Protect your paper rolls and sheets by storing them in bags or boxes.
Colors are inaccurate
If the colors of your print do not match your expectations, try the following:
1.Check that the paper type you have loaded corresponds to the paper type selected in the front panel
and in your software. To check on the front panel, use the View loaded paper k ey.  A t t he s ame  ti me ,
check the color calibration status. If the status is PENDING or OBSOLETE, you should perform color
calibration: see 
Color calibration on page 68. If you have made any changes, you may wish to
reprint your job in case the problem has been solved.
2.Check that you are printing on the correct side of the paper.
3.Check that you are using appropriate print-quality settings (see 
Printing on page 45). If you have
selected the Speed or Fast options, you may not get the most accurate colors. If you change the
print-quality settings, you may wish to reprint your job at this point in case the problem has been
solved.
4.If you are using Application Color Management, check that the color profile you are using
corresponds to the selected paper type and print-quality settings. If you have doubts about which
color settings to use, see 
Color management on page 61. If you need to create a color profile,
see 
Color profiling on page 69.
5.If you try to do color management in your application and also in the printer, your results will be
wrong. You should manage colors in the application or in the printer, but not in both.
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							6.If the problem consists of color differences between your print and your monitor, please follow the
instructions in the “How to calibrate your monitor” section of the HP Color Center. At this point, you
may wish to reprint your job in case the problem has been solved.
7.Print the Image Diagnostics Print. See 
The Image Diagnostics Print on page 172.
If the problem persists despite all the above actions, contact your customer service representative for further
support.
Color accuracy using EPS or PDF images in page layout applications
Page layout applications such as Adobe InDesign and QuarkXPress do not support color management of
EPS, PDF, or grayscale files.
If you have to use such files, try to ensure that the EPS, PDF, or grayscale images are already in the same
color space that you intend to use later on in Adobe InDesign or QuarkXPress. For instance, if your final
goal is to print the job in a press that follows the SWOP standard, convert the image into SWOP when
you create it.
The image is incomplete (clipped at the bottom)
●Did you press Cancel before all the data were received by the printer? If so, you have ended the
data transmission and will have to print the page again.
●The I/O timeout setting may be too short. This setting determines how long the printer waits for
the computer to send more data, before deciding that the job is finished. From the front panel,
increase the I/O timeout setting to a longer period and then send the print again. From the
Connectivity menu 
, select Advanced > Select I/O timeout.
●There may be a communications problem between your computer and the printer. Check your USB
or network cable.
●Check to make sure that your software settings are correct for your current page size (for example,
long-axis prints).
●If you are using network software, make sure it has not timed out.
The image is clipped
Clipping normally indicates a discrepancy between the actual printable area on the loaded paper and
the printable area as understood by your software. You can often identify this kind of problem before
printing by previewing your print (see 
Preview a print on page 51).
●Check the actual printable area for the paper size you have loaded.
printable area = paper size – margins
●Check what your software understands to be the printable area (which it may call printing area or
imageable area). For example, some software applications assume standard printable areas that
are larger than those used in this printer.
●If you have defined a custom page size with very narrow margins, the printer may impose its own
minimal margins, clipping your image slightly. You may want to consider using a larger paper size,
or borderless printing (see 
Select margins options on page 48).
●If your image contains its own margins, you may be able to print it successfully by using the Clip
Contents by Margins option (see 
Select margins options on page 48).
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