You may have encountered the frustrating issue of horizontal or vertical lines appearing at the end of your prints. These lines can reduce the overall quality of your work. Not only that, but they can even render prints unusable, wasting time, resources, and money. Fortunately, there are solutions to fix and prevent this problem. In this article, we’ll explain DTF print lines and how to correct them. We’ll also provide tips on avoiding the problem in the future.
This tutorial will teach you how to maintain high-quality DTF prints and eliminate horizontal lines at the end of the page. Let’s get started and understand the problem and how to solve it.
Why Does My DTF Printer Leave Horizontal Lines?
Misaligned print heads:
One of the most common causes of horizontal lines at the end of DTF prints is incorrectly aligned print heads. These lines result from gaps in ink coverage caused by misaligned print heads.
Last 4 cm not printing:
For EPSON printers, leave the last 4–5 cm of paper blank to prevent design smearing.
Clogged print head nozzles:
Lines on the print can also occur due to clogged nozzles. These gaps in ink coverage happen when the nozzles are blocked by dried ink or debris.
Low ink:
Horizontal lines at the end of a page may appear if the print head lacks sufficient ink due to a malfunction in the ink supply system.
Improper media tension:
If media tension is not properly set, the material may move during printing, resulting in horizontal lines at the bottom of the page.
Worn print head or printer components:
Over time, printer parts such as the print head, rollers, or belts can wear out. This causes poor print quality and horizontal lines at the end of the page.
What Causes Lines in DTF Prints?
Print speed:
Printing at high speed may not give ink enough time to dry and settle properly on the media, leading to horizontal lines at the bottom of the print.
Ink quality:
Low-quality or expired ink can also cause unwanted lines. Always use high-quality inks for consistent coverage.
Media quality:
Using poor-quality media may create horizontal lines at the end of a print. Low-quality or damaged media does not provide a smooth surface for ink adhesion.
Printer maintenance:
Regular maintenance is essential. Clean the print head, adjust media tension, and replace damaged printer parts to prevent these issues.
How Does This Problem Affect Print Quality?
- Smudging: Horizontal lines can cause ink to smudge, giving the print a messy and unprofessional appearance.
- Incomplete prints: Lines at the end of a page leave gaps in ink coverage, resulting in incomplete prints.
- Uneven print quality: Some areas may appear darker or lighter than others, making the page look skewed or sloppy.
- Reduced durability: Prints with horizontal lines may wear out faster.
Addressing these issues ensures DTF prints meet quality standards and perform as intended.
Solving the Problem – Random Lines in DTF Printing
- Check print head alignment: Run a print head alignment test and correct any misalignment using the printer’s hardware or software controls.
- Clean print head nozzles: Ensure nozzles are unclogged by cleaning with a lint-free cloth and cleaning solution or using the printer’s cleaning function.
- Check the ink supply system: Make sure there are no blockages in the ink tanks or lines and that sufficient ink is available.
- Adjust media tension: Ensure media is properly tensioned and does not move during printing.
- Replace worn printer parts: Inspect and replace worn parts, such as the print head, rollers, or belts.
- Reduce print speed: Slower printing allows ink to dry and adhere properly.
- Check ink and media quality: Use high-quality ink and media to prevent horizontal lines.
Tips to Prevent the Problem in the Future
- Use high-quality ink and paper: High-quality supplies help ensure proper ink adhesion and prevent horizontal lines.
- Perform regular printer maintenance: Clean print heads and replace worn parts regularly.
- Adjust print speed: Use an appropriate speed to allow proper ink drying and settling.
- Regularly check print head alignment: Ensure the print head is delivering ink correctly.
- Maintain consistent media tension: Proper tension prevents material movement that can create lines.
- Use correct print settings: Adjust parameters such as temperature and ink quantity for the specific media.
Head Strike at the End of the Page
If using an Epson L805 printer, a head strike at the end of the paper may occur. This is often due to insufficient bottom margin. Most modified Epson printers require at least a 4 cm bottom margin to handle paper properly and prevent head strikes.
To avoid this, adjust the printer margin settings and check paper loading.
Conclusion
Why do DTF prints have lines? Misaligned print heads, clogged nozzles, ink supply issues, and improper media tension cause horizontal lines at the end of DTF prints.
You can solve the problem by using high-quality ink and media, performing regular maintenance, and using proper print settings. Following these steps ensures your DTF prints meet quality standards and eliminates horizontal lines at the end of the page.