Partially Restricting the Print Heads Used for Printing

When dot drop-out or dot displacement is not improved even after replacing the ink, partially restrict the print heads to use for printing (i.e. prevent the use of the print heads that are causing discharge issues). This operation is called the "nozzle mask," and while it slows down printing speed, it also allows you to decrease the impact of dot drop-out or dot displacement.

First print a test pattern, and then select the nozzle group to use by viewing the test results. After that, use VersaWorks to select the nozzle group used for printing.

1. Perform a printing test for the nozzle mask.

Procedure
  1. Load the media.
  2. Press [FUNCTION].
  3. Press [▼] once, and then press [▶] twice to display the screen shown below.


  4. Press [ENTER].
    Printing of the test pattern starts.
  5. Check for the nozzle group with dot drop-out or dot displacement by viewing the results of the printing test.
    "1" or "2" is the nozzle group. The following shows a dot drop-out in nozzle group 2.


    MEMO:

    If the printing-test results are difficult to interpret

    Examine the results from different angles in a well-lit location. They are visible using the reflection of the light.

2. Limit the print heads used for printing.

Procedure
  1. Start VersaWorks.
  2. Click [Printer] - [Printer Settings].
    The [Printer Settings] dialog box appears.
  3. From the [Printer List], select the printer whose print heads will be limited.
  4. Click [Advanced].
    The [Advanced] dialog box appears.
  5. Select the nozzle group to use in printing from the printing-test results.
    The selectable nozzle group numbers vary depending on the model being used and on the firmware version. Select the appropriate group number to match the printing-test results.


  6. Click [OK].
    Close the [Advanced] dialog box.
  7. Click [OK].
    Close the [Printer Settings] dialog box.

    The icon is displayed on top of the image of the printer whose setting has been changed.