When discharge issues on the printer such as dot drop-out and dot displacement are not improved, 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. This is an emergency measure that should be used when you have to prioritize order delivery.
First, use the printer's menu to perform a printing test for the nozzle mask. With this printing test, a test pattern is printed for each nozzle group. The following figure shows examples of patterns with the lower half of the nozzle masked (1), the upper half of the nozzle masked (2), and the upper and lower 1/4 of the nozzle masked (3).
According to the printing test result, print with the nozzle group that has the least discharge issues.
Depending on the model you are using, this setting may be disabled.
Procedure
Perform a printing test for the nozzle mask.
Select the nozzle group with the fewest discharge defects from the printing test results.
Click Printer - Printer Settings.
The Printer Settings dialog box appears.
From the Printer List, select the printer whose print heads will be limited.
Click Advanced.
The Advanced dialog box appears.
Select the nozzle group to use in printing from the printing-test results.
Click OK.
Close the Advanced dialog box.
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.
When printing for which delivery is prioritized is finished, take action to correct the discharge defects.
icon is displayed on top of the image of the printer whose setting has been changed.