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It includes things like incorrect printed data, missing electronic data, extra lines or backgrounding, rubs/streaks, mechanical errors, missing lines or text, blurry or fussy images, print alignment  and shifting or movement in the actual printed image.

 

Pic 1 – Density Test

 

Simprint utilizes a three step process to ascertain the issue and resolve it.

 

Step 1 – Diagnose the ‘type’ of print quality issue you’re having – click Print Quality Issues for some general examples.  For example, if you were experiencing ‘Backgrounding’ within the print image then all signs point towards your Job Printing Process – and more specifically, the printing mechanisms within your machine (i.e. Toner/Developer Assemblies & Mix, PC Drum, Charge & Discharge units, as well as any sensors or mechanical adjustments around this area.

 

Step 2 – If you are uncertain in your diagnoses, then try running a similar but different job (or test jobs) to see if the same quality issue persists.  The goal here is to rule out at least one of the three production processes:  Job Creation (software/data) → Job Printing (hardware/supplies) → Job Finishing (hardware/supplies).  Examples of standard test jobs can be seen below in Pic 1 (Density Test) & Pic 2 (Gray Scale Test).

Pic 2 – Gray Scale Test

 

Step 3 - Apply Pareto’s Principle (80/20) on all three production processes.
Job Creation (software/data) – 80% of your issues are caused by 20% of your workforce.  If you don’t know anyone in the 20% club…..then you are the 20% club.

 

Job Printing (hardware/supplies) – 80% of your issues occur within/or around 20% of the printer’s key assemblies/areas.  The main print mechanisms area is always a good place to start ( Developer Station / PC Drum / Transfer Roll) – there’s something about static electricity and micron sized polymer particles which don’t always place nice.  The secondary check point is the Fuser Station area – heat & pressure are a delicate balance.

 

Job Finishing (hardware/supplies) – 80% of your issues occur within/or around 20% of your equipment’s key assemblies/areas.  Lots of different directions we could go here depending on the type of equipment (Unwinder, Cutter, Slitter, Stacker, Buffer, Folder, Inserter, Binder…..).  We’ll be extending this topic & details in upcoming blogs…..so stay tuned.

 

I’d also like to thank Mr. Gordon Pritchard for his contributions to The Print Guide Blog

 

“To raise new questions, new possibilities, to regard old problems from a new angle, requires creative imagination and marks real advance in science.”
- Albert Einstein