any one know anything about Zebra barcode printers?

[snapper]

Just on the off chance !
 
 I got one for work its run faultlessly for over ten years started to play up labels sticking ribbons sticking
 
 Zebra told me it looks like a new head ! mega Bucks
 
 so I brought a new one even more bucks
 
 but still have the same problem
 
 but heres the crunch as I am running non standard software zebra are less than helpful !

[BBROWN1664]

Time to replace the printer. 10 years is a couple of lifetimes in IT.

I dont know that specific printer but usually with printers, things sticking is down to something either being out of alignment or dirty. Take it apart and give it a damn good clean and check teh paths for the ribon and lables for anything slightly protruding into the path.

[DILLIGAFF]

How would you ever find the barcode on a Zebra?

[Dave48]

 

[Lazarus]

have you changed the type of labels you use on the printer?

[Pickle]

Snapper,


Is the print head nice and clean? You can use a cotton bud and some isopropyl alcohol with gentle sweeps along the length of the head to remove any debris.
Also check the settings for boldness as the print head could be overheating and causing the transfer ribbon to melt. Use the lowest setting and see if it stops. Your prints will be faint but shouldn't stick.


In my experience the following can cause issues
1) Bad batch of ribbons, try a new one or open a new box
2) Bad labels, there is glue residue in between the labels on the roll
3) Debris on the print head, clean as above
4) Faulty print head is overheating causing the ribbon to melt / stick, turn down the boldness to compensate although if this is the case you are looking at a new print head


Depending on model you can remove the print head for cleaning quite easily. What model is it?


Bob

[snapper]

After being told by Zebra it might be the print head I bit the bullet and got a whole new printer brand new
At first there were worries it would not work due to software issues but it was plug in and play , or sort of
So looking at it I've wasted nearly £800 as I still have the same problem that not taking into account of the hundreds and hundreds of wasted labels and ribbons
I've tried lots of different ribbons and different label rolls with no difference
 
short vid to follow
 

[snapper]

 
 
 
 
 

[BBROWN1664]

Its the motor driving the ribbon failing. May be a broken cog.

[snapper]

The main problem seems to be that just before printing the label and ribbon back feed into the printer
But it seems the ribbon is stuck to the print head to start
So the first part of the label is grey were it rubs
 
Please remmber this same issue is happening on both printers the old one and the brand new one so a broken cog would be unlikely 

[Pickle]

Software is unlikely to cause this unless you are trying to print huge areas of black. Suspect you have a bad batch of ribbons. Wouldn't be the first time I have binned a batch of ribbons cos they were jamming. Try a different ribbon supplier.

[snapper]

Cheers

I have the ribbon supplier coming in on Monday evening so will see what he has to say

If it is the ribbons I am going to be mighty pissed off !