Haha, ok I know it's not really "out of register" but that's damn sure what it looks like. It looks like the light light black is out of register about maybe 3-4 "dots" (1/64").. It makes the whole proof look overall a little fuzzy, and fine black type just a hair thicker than it should be. You can't see it until you look through a loupe or compare it to our proofs from the corporate office. I've run the Auto Head Alignment, (Uni, and Bi), I've cleaned the nozzles (numerous times, normal cleaning, power cleaning, & the secret SS cleaning in maintenance mode), I tried printing it both Unidirectional and bi-directional, I've confirmed all settings are correct regarding paper type, thickness, and tension, etc....
What am I missing? Why is this damn proofer out of register?
FYI - this is a proofer over at our photo studio, my proofer here at corporate prints the exact same file perfectly - so it's definitely not the file.
Also - the print head was replaced on the proofer about 4-5 years ago.
Any ideas?
:ninja:
Well people do want it to match the press sooooo....mission accomplished?
But seriously...no, no idea at all.
is the paper flush with the surface, not floating?
I'm thinking that the paper is too curly so it's not laying flat to the print surface maybe?
Quote from: david on March 14, 2018, 03:59:43 PMis the paper flush with the surface, not floating?
I'm thinking that the paper is too curly so it's not laying flat to the print surface maybe?
Hmmm, good thought, but it's apparently been going on since at least last summer (I found an old proof today..) so many new rolls loaded..
Does it look good on your screen?
seriously.. Its a 4-5 year old printhead?
Quote from: delooch on March 14, 2018, 04:44:56 PMDoes it look good on your screen?
seriously.. Its a 4-5 year old printhead?
Yes and yes.
Not only did I zoom in as far as it would go - but our other proofer prints it great.
I'm guessing on print head replacement since I just started in September of last year and no one seems to remember shit around here. The guy before me handled all of it, by having service calls galore to EFI and Epson and a local reseller... I refuse. I'm going to own these things and make shit work right again. :ninja:
i was joking about the screen comment, but i think a registration issue is going to be with the printheads. does a test-print do it too?
Sounds like the print head needs an alignment. We run a 9900, and although I've never done it, there is a procedure for aligning the print head on the 7900/9900 Quick Reference Guide I have. See the attached screenshot.
Quote from: andyfest on March 15, 2018, 09:32:45 AMSounds like the print head needs an alignment. We run a 9900, and although I've never done it, there is a procedure for aligning the print head on the 7900/9900 Quick Reference Guide I have. See the attached screenshot.
Already ran that - issue still present...
Quote from: ninjaPB_43 on March 14, 2018, 03:11:22 PM I've run the Auto Head Alignment, (Uni, and Bi), I've cleaned the nozzles (numerous times, normal cleaning, power cleaning, & the secret SS cleaning in maintenance mode), I tried printing it both Unidirectional and bi-directional, I've confirmed all settings are correct regarding paper type, thickness, and tension, etc....
What am I missing? Why is this damn proofer out of register?
FYI - this is a proofer over at our photo studio, my proofer here at corporate prints the exact same file perfectly - so it's definitely not the file.
Also - the print head was replaced on the proofer about 4-5 years ago.
Any ideas?
:ninja:
Quote from: delooch on March 15, 2018, 09:19:43 AMi was joking about the screen comment, but i think a registration issue is going to be with the printheads. does a test-print do it too?
Test-print from what? I've printed out the nozzle check, and head alignment sheets but those don't really have areas that would show me if it was doing it or not. Is there another "test-print" somewhere in one of the menus?
i dont know about the epson- i was referring to the head alignment sheets. Odd that it passes that check but wont align on regular prints. could it be the carraige belt is worn? i dont think that would effect the alignment though.
There is no "test print," that I am aware of for the Epson. When I had to maintain one of these (I've had the 4000, 4800, 7880 and 10600) I would come in each morning and do a "nozzle check," and if it required further cleaning, I would do so at that time. I would also do extra cleaning after running uncoated stock. I did keep an old Agfa press check sheets to check once in a while.... something like this:
(http://rukodel.co/wp-content/uploads/manificent-decoration-color-printer-test-page-inspirational-design-print-with-pdf.jpg)
It has CMYK images, RGB images, K only images and then grayscale images created with CMYK and RGB for reference.
Once a week or so, I would run the test strips from EFI and scan them in with the spectrophotometer.
(https://www.minutemanbristol.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Calibration-630x400.jpg)
I used to have to do daily nozzle checks but since I replaced the bearing that blew up it's been pretty good. I go weeks without running it and it doesn't clog.
Quote from: DigiCorn on March 15, 2018, 10:22:22 AMThere is no "test print," that I am aware of for the Epson. When I had to maintain one of these (I've had the 4000, 4800, 7880 and 10600) I would come in each morning and do a "nozzle check," and if it required further cleaning, I would do so at that time. I would also do extra cleaning after running uncoated stock. I did keep an old Agfa press check sheets to check once in a while.... something like this:
We use a similar file to run weekly tests... this image also prints with the same issue.
The issue was only JUST discovered when one of the photo studios guys was over here at corporate looking at some proofs and said why are yours sharper than ours... we started looking closer (through loupe) and discovered. You really cannot tell otherwise.
Quote from: delooch on March 15, 2018, 09:52:58 AMcould it be the carraige belt is worn?
In my mind if the carriage belt began malfunctioning the print would error out altogether - maybe I'm wrong on that though.
Are they ripping in same workflow?
Quote from: ninjaPB_43 on March 15, 2018, 12:14:23 PMQuote from: delooch on March 15, 2018, 09:52:58 AMcould it be the carraige belt is worn?
In my mind if the carriage belt began malfunctioning the print would error out altogether - maybe I'm wrong on that though.
Since it's one color I'd rule out any part of the transport mechanism.
Quote from: Tracy on March 15, 2018, 01:51:29 PMAre they ripping in same workflow?
No. Each proofer has their own RIP, but both are setup identical running EFI Fiery XF v. 6.4
Since the difference is as slight as you say could it just be a tolerance difference from one to the other? Can you check earlier proofs from the offending printer and see if it ever printed as sharp as the other one?
Quote from: Joe on March 15, 2018, 02:38:55 PMSince the difference is as slight as you say could it just be a tolerance difference from one to the other? Can you check earlier proofs from the offending printer and see if it ever printed as sharp as the other one?
We found a proof from 2012 in the stack and it was clear of the issue - so it is something that developed sometime between 2012 - 2017. (trying not to laugh my ass off) We have a stack of old proofs, all time/date stamped, but I don't think anyone here wants to sit down with it (or has the time to) and try to narrow down a more narrow date range as to when it first started.
I'm starting to think it is something with one of the nozzles on the light light black, and possibly one of the cyans. An issue that a tech is going to have to come in and look at. May end up getting a whole new head again.
AHA....a simple solution. Get in a time machine and go back to 2012, make the proof, then bring the proof back with you to present day. While not a scientist/physicist I admit there may be a flaw or two with this plan but I do drive right past a Holiday Inn Express every night so I am feeling confident with this solution.
(I suspect a new print head will take care of it too but that isn't nearly as much fun as the above)
Quote from: Joe on March 16, 2018, 08:12:16 AMAHA....a simple solution. Get in a time machine and go back to 2012, make the proof, then bring the proof back with you to present day. While not a scientist/physicist I admit there may be a flaw or two with this plan but I do drive right past a Holiday Inn Express every night so I am feeling confident with this solution.
(I suspect a new print head will take care of it too but that isn't nearly as much fun as the above)
Yeah. Doesn't your shop have a DeLorean?
Quote from: DigiCorn on March 16, 2018, 09:09:16 AMQuote from: Joe on March 16, 2018, 08:12:16 AMAHA....a simple solution. Get in a time machine and go back to 2012, make the proof, then bring the proof back with you to present day. While not a scientist/physicist I admit there may be a flaw or two with this plan but I do drive right past a Holiday Inn Express every night so I am feeling confident with this solution.
(I suspect a new print head will take care of it too but that isn't nearly as much fun as the above)
Yeah. Doesn't your shop have a DeLorean?
Pitstop and a DeLorean...tools #1 and #2.
No!
:facepalm:
Entering a ticket with the Support team now to request one. :popcorn:
Quote from: ninjaPB_43 on March 16, 2018, 09:21:35 AMNo!
:facepalm:
Entering a ticket with the Support team now to request one. :popcorn:
When you get it, wait it out until July of 2017, and then put a ton of money on the Eagles to win the Super Bowl. Then hop back in, come back to the present day and retire.
Quote from: DigiCorn on March 16, 2018, 09:30:11 AMWhen you get it, wait it out until July of 2017, and then put a ton of money on the Eagles to win the Super Bowl. Then hop back in, come back to the present day and retire.
Oh come on, it's not Gray's Sports Almanac. :toaster:
Could it be the platen gap?
Adjusting the Platen Gap
If the print quality is not satisfactory when printing on very thin or very thick media, you may need to adjust the Platen Gap setting.
Note: If you notice scuffs on the first few inches of your prints, this is caused by paper curl and print head strikes. Make sure your paper is flat. You can also try changing the Platen Gap setting to Wide. If that doesn't solve the problem, try changing it to Wider.
Press the Menu button.
Press the down arrow button to select Printer Setup and press the right arrow button.
Press the right arrow button to select Platen Gap.
Press the up or down arrow to select a platen gap setting and press the OK button.
Note: To avoid damaging the printer, do not select the Narrow setting when loading thick media.
A check mark appears next to the selected setting.
Press the pause/cancel button to exit the menu.
The platen gap symbol on the LCD screen changes to match the new setting.
It's certainly worth a try but I'd think if there was an issue with the platten gap all colors would show the fuzzies, not just the light light black.
You can also attempt to do the windex trick. Free the head, unplug it and park the head over a paper towel soaked with windex. I'd read it can help with clogged heads but it may be worth a shot.
I'm on vacation next week (family cruise to Roatan, & Mexico yippee!) We have an Epson tech coming in the week after I'm back - I'll update this once I know what they find.
SUCCESS!!!!! :banana:
Here's the update...
We had the tech come out and they cleaned EVERYTHING inside and out.
We reran the auto head alignment, no go.
We did the manual head alignment, no go.
Finally they came back out today to try one last thing before ordering a new print head... They did a Printhead Slant Adjustment, which consists of loosening screws inside and tilting the printhead back/forth & side to side until the test sheet lines are straight, and parallel. Proofer now back in registration, and avoided a costly new printhead. :ninja:
never heard of the Printhead Slant Alignment,
learn something new everyday!!
Glad you got it sorted out.
Quote from: david on April 17, 2018, 03:55:02 PMnever heard of the Printhead Slant Alignment,
learn something new everyday!!
Glad you got it sorted out.
I hadn't either, but I found and downloaded a 519pg service manual for the Epson - and sure enough - it walks you through how to do it... :ninja: