Reducing Horizontal Bands (Feed Correction)

Perform corrections to make the band-shaped "stripes" on the printed surface less noticeable.

The band-shaped "stripes" are called "horizontal bands" or "banding."

First, print a test pattern, and then determine and enter the correction value. After entering the correction value, print a test pattern again and check the correction results. Repeat the process of printing a test pattern and entering a correction value several times to find the optimal correction value.

Procedure
  1. Set up the object to be printed on.
    MEMO

    The printing test requires an object with a W (width) of 330 mm (13 in.) or more and an L (length) of 70 mm (2.76 in.) or more. Set the bottom right of the object to the base point, and then carry out a printing test.

    Loading the Object, and Setting the Print Surface Height and Print Start Point
  2. Close the front cover.
  3. Tap AP-640_Panel_Icon_MENU.
  4. Tap Media Settings - Printing Settings - Feed Correction.
  5. Tap Execute next to Printing Test.
    Printing of the test pattern starts.
  6. Check the printed test pattern, and then tap AP-640_Panel_Icon_MINUS or AP-640_Panel_Icon_PLUS to enter the correction value.
    The current correction value (A) is that of the figure indicated by "." Select the value to make the gap (B) and overlap (C) between the upper/lower squares smallest. In the case of the following figure, select "−0.40" (D). When you cannot choose between two sequential numbers, specify a value that is between them.


    MEMO

    If the test pattern is difficult to see, tap TS : FRONT or TS : BACK on the touch panel to move the printer unit to a position where the test pattern is easier to see.

  7. Tap Save.
    The entered correction value is saved.
  8. Prepare the printing test.

    The printing test starts at the location of the printer unit.

    When there is just enough of a printable area on the object, move the printer unit to the location where the previous printing test finished. If the printer unit was not moved when the printing test results were checked, there is no need to move the printer unit.

    When there is not enough of a printable area on the object, remove the object and set up a new one.

  9. Tap Execute next to Printing Test.
    Printing of the test pattern starts.
  10. Check the test pattern to see whether the correction was successful.
    Check that the gap and overlap are the smallest for the figure indicated by "" (that is, the current correction value). If the gap and overlap are smaller for another figure, set the correction value again.
  11. When you have successfully performed the correction, tap AP-640_Panel_Icon_HOME to go back to the home screen.
    MEMO
    • Default setting: 0.00%
    • Depending on the software RIP you are using, you can also configure this setting in the software RIP (by, for example, choosing the media type). When you have made the setting in the software RIP, the software RIP's setting is used and the printer unit's setting is ignored.