Partially Restricting the Print Heads Used for Printing

When dot drop-out or dot displacement is not improved even after renewing 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. Set up the media.
  2. Tap AP-640_Panel_Icon_MENU.
  3. Tap Cleaning - Printing Test.
  4. Select Nozzle Mask Test and tap Execute.
    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.

    Nozzle test print
    MEMO

    If the printing-test results are difficult to interpret

    Check the results in a bright location, changing your line of vision. They are visible using the reflection of the light.

  6. If you have opened the front cover, close it.
  7. Tap AP-640_Panel_Icon_HOME to go back to the original screen.

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 nozzle group numbers that can be selected vary depending on the model being used and the firmware version. Select the appropriate group number (or all the group numbers) to match the results of the printing test.


  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.