When Print Head Alignment Should Be Done

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The unsatisfactory prints from your printer may be due to a misalignment in the print heads. How often should the print head alignment function be engaged on your printer? Read on and discover some of the circumstances under which you should conduct the print head alignment procedure.

After Printer Installation

Have you just installed a printer in your office or home? Don't start using it until you have done a print head alignment. Why is this necessary? The process of manufacturing, assembling, transporting and handling the printer may have caused some of its components to go out of alignment. Conducting a print head alignment before the maiden use of the printer will, therefore, correct any issues in the alignment of the print heads so that ink will be placed in the correct positions on the paper.

When Print Heads Touch Papers

Print heads are supposed to hover over the paper as they release ink in predetermined patterns. However, you may hear a scraping sound when a defect causes the print heads to touch the paper as the printer is working. Perform the print head alignment procedure when you hear that scraping sound as the machine works so that you restore proper alignment before the print heads are irreparably damaged by this contact.

After Changing Paper Sizes

It is also wise to run a print head alignment when you are changing from using thick paper to thinner paper. This is because the previous settings may no longer be applicable to the new size of paper. Thicker paper reduces the distance that has to be moved as ink is ejected from the print heads to the paper. The use of thinner paper, therefore, calls for adjusting the print heads so that the ink patterns will not be affected by the longer distance covered as ink leaves the heads on its way to the paper.

After Shifting the Printer

Print head alignment should also be conducted after the printer has been moved from one position or location to another. Modern printers are so sensitive that any movement can throw the different components inside the machine out of alignment. Using the print head alignment function after moving the printer from its position will, therefore, ensure that your prints retain the high quality that you have come to expect from your machine.

Print quality issues can arise from other factors, such as clogged ink nozzles and a dirty paper feed roller. It is therefore helpful to have the printer serviced periodically by a qualified person so that all its components can work at optimum levels.


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