HP Designjet Z3200 24 in User Manual

							General advice
When you have any print-quality problem:
●To achieve the best performance from your printer, use only genuine manufacturers supplies and
accessories, whose reliability and performance have been thoroughly tested to give trouble-free
performance and best-quality prints. For details of recommended papers, see 
Order paper
on page 103.
●Make sure that the paper type selected in the front panel is the same as the paper type loaded into
the printer. To check this, use the View loaded paper key on the front panel. At the same time,
check that the paper type has been calibrated. Also make sure that the paper type selected in your
software is the same as the paper type loaded into the printer.
CAUTION:If you have the wrong paper type selected, you could experience poor print quality
and incorrect colors, and perhaps even damage to the printheads.
●Check that you are using the most appropriate print-quality settings for your purposes (see
Printing on page 42). You are likely to see lower print quality if you have moved the print-quality
slider to the Speed end of the scale, or set the custom quality level to Fast.
●Check that your environmental conditions (temperature, humidity) are in the recommended range.
See 
Environmental specifications on page 159.
●Check that your ink cartridges and printheads have not passed their expiration dates: see 
Maintain
the ink cartridges on page 97.
●Avoid touching the paper while printing is in progress.
Print quality troubleshooting wizard
The Print Quality Troubleshooting Wizard can help with the following problems:
●Horizontal lines across the image (banding)
●The whole image is blurry or grainy
●Lines are too thick, too thin or missing
●Colors are inaccurate
To start the wizard:
●From the HP Printer Utility for Windows: go to the Support tab, and select Print quality
troubleshooting.
●From the HP Printer Utility for Mac OS: select Print quality troubleshooting in the Support
group.
●From the Mac OS Print dialog: go to the Services panel, select Device Maintenance, then
select Print quality troubleshooting from the list of maintenance tasks.
●From the Embedded Web Server: go to the Support tab, select Troubleshooting, then select
Print quality troubleshooting.
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							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 42). 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 133.
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 118.
If the problem persists despite all the above actions, contact your customer service representative for
further support.
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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 42). 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 off or reducing the amount of
gloss enhancer; see 
If you are printing on photo paper on page 48. This can reduce the gloss
quality of the image; if you notice any problem, see 
Bronzing on page 127.
5.Try aligning the printheads. See 
Align the printheads on page 142. 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 118.
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 Coated Paper or thicker Digital Fine Art papers.
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 40. 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 103) 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 Coated Paper or thicker Digital Fine Art papers.
5.Try to increase the margins by relocating the image to the center of the page using your software
application.
6.If you are using a glossy or satin paper type, try changing the definition of the thickness of the
paper. In the HP Printer Utility, go to the Color Center > Paper preset management > Change
printing properties. For custom papers that have been created with glossy or satin papers as a
base, it is possible to change the Paper thickness to Thick.
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.
Vertical dotted or dashed lines on the print
The starwheels that assist in moving the paper may in some cases leave small, regularly spaced marks
on the print.
First 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.
●Using the HP Printer Utility for Windows, select Color Center > Paper Preset Management >
Change Printing Properties.
●Using the HP Printer Utility for Mac OS, select HP Color Center > Paper Preset Management.
Select the paper type, then press the 
 button and select Change Printing Properties from the
popup menu.
Change the starwheels position from Down to Up. If the starwheels position was already Up, as it
normally is by default for glossy papers, try using a different paper type.
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							NOTE:We recommend keeping the starwheels in the Down position by default for all non-glossy
paper types, for better print quality and paper control; change to the Up position only if this problem
occurs.
Vertical continuous lines on the print
When loading a thick single sheet using the rear tray, the plastic rollers may in some cases leave regular
thick stripes on the print.
To avoid this, try loading this kind of sheet using the roll load path instead of the rear tray. You can align
the sheet with the help of the black hub of the spindle. Remember to specify that you are loading a single
sheet even if you are using the roll load path.
Edges of objects are stepped or not sharp
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 42.
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 42.
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							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 43)
●If using custom print quality options, ensure that the Gloss enhancer option is set to Whole
page (see 
If you are printing on photo paper on page 48)
●Increase the amount of gloss enhancer used (see 
If you are printing on photo paper on page 48)
●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 133.
2.Consider printing with roll paper.
3.Consider using larger margins around your image.
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 103.
2.Try using higher print-quality settings (see 
Printing on page 42). 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.
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							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 key. At the
same time, check the color calibration status. If the status is PENDING or OBSOLETE, you should
perform color calibration: see 
Color calibration on page 60. 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 42). 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-managed colors, check that the color profile you are using corresponds
to the selected paper type. If you have doubts about which color settings to use, see 
Color
management on page 53. If you need to create a color profile, see Color profiling on page 61.
5.If you select application-managed colors in your application and printer-managed colors in the
printer driver, your results will be wrong. You should manage colors in the application or in the
printer, but not in both.
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 133.
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.
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							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 46).
●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 44).
●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 44).
●If you are trying to print a very long image on a roll, check that your software is capable of printing
an image of that size.
●You may have asked to rotate the page from portrait to landscape on a paper size that is not wide
enough.
●If necessary, reduce the size of the image or document in your software application, so it fits
between the margins.
There is another possible explanation for a clipped image. Some applications, such as Adobe
Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and CorelDRAW, use an internal 16-bit coordinate system which means
that they cannot handle an image of more than 32,768 pixels.
NOTE:An image 32,768 pixels long would print at a length of 54.61 in or 1.39 m if you select Best or
Quality in the driver, 109.23 in or 2.78 m if you select Fast, Normal or Speed in the driver.
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							If you try to print an image larger than this from these applications, the bottom of the image may be
clipped. To print the whole image, try these suggestions:
●The Windows PCL3 driver dialog includes an option called Max. application resolution, which
enables you to print successfully in this situation. You will not normally need to change the default
setting, which is Auto. However, you can find the option in the Advanced tab, under Document
Options > Printer Features.
●Save the file in another format, such as TIFF or EPS, and open it with another application.
●Use a RIP to print the file.
Some objects are missing from the printed image
Large quantities of data may be necessary to print a high-quality large-format print job, and in some
specific workflows there may be issues that can lead to some objects missing from the output. Here are
some suggestions to help you to avoid this problem.
●Select a smaller page size and scale to the desired final page size in the driver or in the front panel.
●Save the file in another format, such as TIFF or EPS, and open it with another application.
●Use a RIP to print the file.
●Reduce the resolution of bitmap images in your application software.
●Select a lower print quality in order to reduce the resolution of the printed image.
●In the Advanced tab of the Windows driver dialog, select Document options, Printer features,
then set Max. application resolution to 300.
NOTE:The above settings are mentioned for troubleshooting purposes and may adversely affect
the final output quality or the time necessary to generate the print job. Therefore, they should be
restored to their default values if they do not help to solve the problem.
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 42). 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 lines are too thin or missing, print the Image Diagnostics Print. See 
The Image Diagnostics
Print on page 133.
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