Zebra 2824-z User Guide

50

TLP 2824-Z User Guide

980533-001 A 

Print Quality Problems

• You must use the correct media for the method of printing you require. When printing 

without a ribbon, you must use direct thermal media. When using ribbon, you must use 
thermal transfer media. The printer's ribbon sensor detects motion of the supply spindle.

• Is the media loaded correctly?  Follow the instructions in “Loading the Media”in the 

Getting Started chapter.

• The print head is dirty.  Clean the print head.
• The print head is under temperature.
• Adjust the print darkness and/or print speed.  Refer to the six-flash sequence in “Feed 

Button Modes” later in this chapter, or the 

^PR

 and 

~SD

 commands in the ZPL II 

Programming Guide.

• The media being used is incompatible with the printer.  Be sure to use the recommended 

media for your application, and always use Zebra-approved labels and tags.

• The print head is dirty.  Clean the print head.
• The print head elements are damaged.  Replace the print head (see “Replacing the Print 

Head” in the Maintenance chapter).

• The printer is set for direct thermal printing; use the 

^XA^MTT^XZ

 command to reset the 

printer for thermal transfer printing and calibrate again.