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mc_hristel · #1 (**permalink**) 05-31-2007, 09:33 PM

Anyone know how to get rid of (and/or what causes) banding? We are running 2 Epson 7600 printers and one of them has developed the problem of horizontal banding. If we do a cleaning it clears up for a few prints, but the banding keeps comming back. The other Epson dosn't have this problem at all. We can't send proofs out like that.

Any ideas?

Thanks,

-MC

Nicolas · #2 (**permalink**) 06-01-2007, 02:18 AM

In other words, after a few prints you have clogged nozzles again? Or is the nozzle check pattern okay?
If all nozzles are clear: Have you already done the "print-head alingnment" procedure?
Another issue to consider: How do you drive the epsons (which software)?
Which media is used?

prepress_brillance_43 · #3 (**permalink**) 06-01-2007, 04:38 AM

When you say "cleaning" are you doing that at the computer station driving the Epson or are you talking about "PWR Cleaning" through the "Maintenance" menu on the printer itself?

Cory · #4 (**permalink**) 06-01-2007, 06:24 AM

I would try the power cleaning as well...our Epson 7800 constantly is getting clogged on us..

using epson inks. :roll:

frailer · #5 (**permalink**) 06-01-2007, 07:05 AM

We've been running a 7600 since Jan04. Think the log says 4.5 Kms throughput since then. Had 1 major service about 18 mnths ago. they clean all the accumulated gunk out. Had some sort of filter unit replaced a few weeks ago. Due for new print heads within the next year. hardest part is finding a good service tech. The latest advice from the guy we use is to mainly use the 3 second clean, but occasionally use the power clean. This is contrary to the advice we got when it was installed, which was to always use Power Clean. This is not so smart, apparently. If your combination of 3 sec+power[occasionally], isn't clearing your problem, you may need some sort of service on it. Without knowing your usage and age of unit, hard to comment further.
you sure get to rely on them spitting good stuff though!

frailer · #6 (**permalink**) 06-01-2007, 07:14 AM

BTW, forgot to ask the bleedin' obvious. You are running test strips to see if you have blocked nozzles? Toggle Right>Down>Right>Right>Right and get the print out. One missing little horizontal "element" will give you some sort of visible banding.

mc_hristel · #7 (**permalink**) 06-01-2007, 02:04 PM

Thanks for the advice. We have run both the 3 second clean, the power clean, and we have even used the super secret clean you get when you hold down a bunch of buttons and turn the printer back on (all on the Epson). The 3 second clean seems to work the best. We do check head alignment/test strips every time we calibrate our Epsons which is about every other week.

As for volume, the problem Epson reports it has run 53726cm of material and it is about 1 1/2 years old at this point. Some days it will be running almost non stop all day, and when we are slow (like now), it is hardly used. We are using the Epson inks too, but vendor suplied paper.

At this point it sounds like we are going to be getting a new Epson 7800 in here in the next few weeks so getting the problem Epson serviced will most likely not happen :cry:

Oh well.

-MC

frailer · #8 (**permalink**) 06-01-2007, 07:14 PM

Fair enough. As far as I'm aware the 7800s use different inks. They include an extra Black, so that mono jobs are run entirely on 3 shades of black, no CMY. Supposedly got rid of the reflective sheen you see under some lighting, too. But you can't "fudge" by using 9800 cartridges in it, like you could with the 9600/7600. Epson got wise to that little lurk, obviously.
A very low mileage 7600 has come up here for us for about $1800[AU]. think it would be worth getting. If your powers-that-be are willing to fork out for a 7800, go for it. We're looking at more mileage out of the 7600, but it's been a great workhorse.

mrseang · #9 (**permalink**) 06-01-2007, 07:18 PM

Just get an HP DesignJet...problem solved.

skinnypoo · #10 (**permalink**) 08-13-2007, 06:30 PM

have you tried adjusting the paper feed speed...if you have a 3rd party RIP it should be a setting...i did notice that EFI Proof and Colorburst RIPs have that setting.

print out half inch squares CMYK and check the color...if you see lighter lines you need to slow the feed...if you see darker lines you need to speed the feed.

good luck.