This knowledge base article shows you common GoDex Print Issues when making number plates using our reflective, with easy fixes. The exaggerated images below are meant to represent print problems clearly to help illustrate each issue. And are only really relevant when you are printing number plates using your HD830i.
GoDex Print Issues
Remember most issues are usually caused by not following our recommended conditions for the printer and media. And we recommend you clean the print head regularly, while changing the ribbon or before a production run.
Underburn
Faded areas caused by Underburn
Underburn occurs when number plate prints have faded leading edges. This problem may be more obvious towards the end of your media components.
- Cause: Insufficient heat from the thermal head when printing. Or the room temperature is below recommended levels.
- Resolution: Increase heat settings until the issue is cleared or re-locate your production area to a warmer place.
Overburn
Too much heat causes smudged areas
Overburn is when your number plate print has faded, smudged trailing edges and crescent shaped nicks or cuts. Printed areas can also appear slightly smudged or blurred.
- Cause: Excessive heat in the thermal print head when printing. Temperature above recommended levels or insufficient cooling.
- Resolution: Reduce the heat settings and check and clean print head. Re-locate your production area to a cooler place or provide better ventilation.
Speckled or Spotted
Dirt & dust cause spots
Speckled prints occur because of dusty or damp components, which result in dotted areas. Remember, one or two spots are normal with thermal printing. For those, simply ignore or use a marker.
- Cause: Contamination of your media, usually from dust or condensation.
- Resolution: Ensure your production environment is dry, clean and dust free. Keep your media in their packets and wipe them before use.
Lines or Banding
A line or band across a print
Banding or horizontal lines on your prints usually occurs because of media or printer contamination from dirt, grease or excess ribbon ink.
- Cause: Dirty, dusty or greasy media components. Print head being contaminated with dirt or ink.
- Resolution: Clean your print head and test print until the issue clears. Always check your media components and work environments are clean. And double check your printer settings.
Angled Lines
Creased ribbons & tight guides can cause lines
Angled lines on a print occur when your GoDex ribbon is sitting creased or wrinkled. This issue usually occurs when a ribbon has just been replaced or the printer recently moved or knocked. Another reason for lines is an overly tight media guide on your printer. Without enough room your components may bend & flex while being fed through the printer.
- Cause: A creased, loose or wrinkled ribbon. Loosen the ribbon or winding core on the print unit.
- Resolution: Remove wrinkles from the ribbon using the blue knobs of the cradle. You may need to adjust both cores.
- Cause: An overly tight media guide can cause your components to bend during operation.
- Resolution: Move the media guide so it is 1-2mm wider than your plate media.
Misaligned Prints
Check your media guides are set correctly
Number plates with a misaligned print occurs when the print unit or media is incorrectly setup. So check you’re loading your components correctly and review the printers setup.
- Cause: Media guides incorrectly positioned. Wrong tension and media adjustment settings.
- Resolution: Check the guides on your media tray are correct and positioned correctly. The ribbon needs to be wrinkle free and setup right.
Need Help?
For more detailed instructions, view your printers user guide. Or if you need further assistance contact our customer service team for help. And remember, you can order Cleaning Pens or Alcohol Swabs to clean your print head.
