HP DesignJet Z3100ps GP 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...

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...

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:...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...