CLS621 Print Issues

This knowledge base article shows you common CLS621 Print Issues when making number plates using our reflective, with simple and easy fixes. The exaggerated images below are meant to represent print problems clearly to help illustrate each issue. And are only really relevant to printing number plates.

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.

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. Temperature is below recommended levels.
• Resolution: Increase heat settings until the issue is cleared or re-locate the production area to a warmer place.

Too much heat causes smudged areas

Overburn is when a 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 until issue is cleared. Check and clean print head. Re-locate the production area to a cooler place or provide better ventilation.

Dirt & dust cause spots

Spotted number plate prints occur because of dusty or damp components, which results in speckled or dotted areas. Remember, one or two spots are normal with thermal printing.

• Cause: Contamination of media, usually from dust or condensation.
• Resolution: Ensure media and production environment is dry, clean and dust free. Keep media in their packets and wipe them before use.

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 print head and test print until the issue clears. Always check media components and work environments are clean, double check your printer settings.

Creased ribbons & tight guides can cause lines

Angled lines on a print occur when the CL-S621 printer 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: Creased, loose or wrinkled ribbon. Loose ribbon or winding core on print unit.
• Resolution: Remove wrinkles from the ribbon using the blue knobs of the holders. Check the ribbon alignment, ensure the adjusters are in the correct positions.
• Cause: An overly tight media guide can cause your reflective to bend up during operation.
• Resolution: Move the media guide so it is 1-2mm wider than your plate components.

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 sliding guides under head unit are correct and ensure the sheets or rolls are loaded correctly fitted. The ribbon needs to be wrinkle free and setup right.

For more troubleshooting instructions, try your systems user guide. If you need further assistance with your number plates contact our customer service team for help. And remember, you can order Cleaning Pens or Alcohol Swabs from our Online NP-Shop.