HP DesignJet 3000/3500 CP Printer User's Guide - C4724-90051

Troubleshooting
Solving Ink System Problems
11-35
Printhead Alignment Errors
The printer automatically runs the printhead alignment procedure every
time you load, replace or even reseat a printhead, whether it is a new
printhead or not. Do not remove the printheads unnecessarily. The routine
is also run when media is loaded that is of a different media type from that
previously loaded, or after powering on the printer with no media loaded.
The message “Printhead alignment error” is displayed when the alignment
procedure has failed or the printer detects a fault that stops the procedure from
completing. The alignment procedure is the first time that printheads print after
installation, so an initial printing problem may be reported as an alignment error.
Most alignment errors are due to:
Problems with the media.
Poor printhead start-up.
Alignment difficulties with the printheads or other printhead malfunction.
You will see the message “Check ink system / Ignore” (see page 11-38, Checking
Ink Systems). If you choose to check the ink systems you will be given the
opportunity to check the printheads that may have caused the problem.
Media Problems
1 Check that the media you are using is clean and has not been printed on. It should
be white and opaque. Colored or clear films, media with insufficient opacity, or
extremely thick or thin media may be causing the Printhead Alignment Error
message.
2 Try performing the alignment procedure again (with Image Quality / Printhead
Service / Align Now) using genuine HP media, or if this is not available, an opaque
white media. If the printer now aligns correctly, the problem is probably the media
type. (See also 11-35, Working with Media that cannot be Used for Alignments
below.)
3 If the Printhead Alignment Error message still occurs, try recovering the printheads
using Utilities / Service Tests / Recover Printheads. Then perform the alignment
procedure again, using Image Quality / Printhead Service / Align Now.
Working with Media that cannot be Used for Alignments
You can still use media that the printer cannot align on. You will need to use a
different type of media to realign the printheads whenever they are removed or
reseated.
1 Unload the media that is causing problems.
C4704034
Printhead alignment
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