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Ribbon Troubleshooting
Occasionally there can be some minor adjustments needed for ribbons to perform to your expectations.
Please keep in mind that all ribbons are not created equal (DPM's are created to be the best!).

Ribbon performance is also affected by several variables including printer make & model, heat settings and/or type of material being printed on.

No Image Being Produced

Is the ink coated side of the ribbon touching the label or tag you are trying to print on? 
To determine the side of the ribbon that contains the ink, simply take a piece of tape and stick it to the ribbon. When
you pull the tape from the ribbon, ink will be left on the piece of tape on the side that contains the ink. Generally speaking, the dull side of the ribbon is usually the side that contains the ink, however there are exceptions. If through this test, you have determined that the ribbon is facing the wrong direction, you must clean the printhead because it is likely that you have transferred thermal transfer ink directly onto the printhead unit. Clean the printhead to OEM specifications and then turn the ribbon around and try printing again.

Are you heat and speed settings correct?
Generally speaking, the slower you run your printer and the higher the heat setting, the darker the image. You will want to find the optimal heat and speed combination at the lowest possible temperature and highest speed with acceptable print quality to insure efficiency and extend the life of your printhead.



Unacceptable Print Quality

Are your heat and speed settings correct?
Generally speaking, the slower you run your printer and the higher the heat setting, the darker the image. You will want to find the optimal heat and speed combination at the lowest possible temperature and highest speed with acceptable print quality to insure efficiency and extend the life of your printhead.

Are you using the correct formulation of ribbon for the chosen label/tag stock (wax, wax/resin, resin)?
Different label/tag stocks require different ribbon formulations to provide a sharp, lasting image. Please refer to ribbon specification sheets for recommended label/ribbon combinations or contact your sales rep.

Is the label/tag stock designed to accept thermal transfer inks?
It is highly recommended that you use label/tag stock that are engineered to accept thermal transfer inks. Although some materials may be printable with thermal transfer inks, this may be not what they are designed for and can cause inconsistent performance in the long run. Determine the exact label or tag material you are using and check with your DPM sales representative to make sure you have a "good" marriage.



Voids or blank spots on the label or tag

Does your printhead need to be cleaned?
Dirt and debris can find its way to your printhead and cause a coating or barrier that interferes with the transfer of heat from the printhead to the ribbon, resulting in blank spots on the image. Consult your OEM printer manual for proper cleaning and printhead maintenance instructions. Printhead cleaning should be part of your normal printer maintenance routine.

If after you've cleaned your printhead, there remains a very straight and defined vertical line void – then it is likely you have a printhead element burned out. This is normal over time. Your options are to either adjust your print format and move your information around the void or replace the printhead.



Ribbon is wrinkling

Do you have the correct width of ribbon?
Often times the cause of "ribbon wrinkle" is the ribbon is too wide for the selected label/tag stock. The ribbon needs to be just slightly wider than the label and liner or web-width.

Is your printhead pressure correct?
A common problem is the printhead pressure is too tight or tilted too much to one side. Make sure the printhead pressure is adjusted evenly across the printhead. Consult your OEM printer manual for instructions on how to adjust the printhead pressure. Make sure you clear any dust or debris on the ribbon path through the printer.

Is your printhead temperature correct?
Too high of a temperature can heat up and distort the polyester film base of the ribbon causing it to weaken and wrinkle.

Is your ribbon tension correct?
An adjustment may also need to be made to the ribbon tension of the ribbon supply spindle and/or the take up spindle.

Does your ribbon have superior backcoating?
Using a ribbon with poor backcoating can cause a wrinkle. It may "stick" when it should slide. Demand DPM's SlickStream Backcoating Technology.
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