Problems running Multiple Part Forms Jams
LP Series / LineJet Impact Printers
Many shops run multiple part forms. Here's some common problems than have
been seen when running multiple part forms and suggested solutions. The
thicker the form, the more likely these problems will be seen.
Intermittent ribbon problems, paper jams, and loss of Top of Form can all
be experienced when running multiple part forms, and frequently these
problems cannot be fixed by replacing any printer hardware!
1) Loss of TOF (top of form - intermittent) and/or many paper jams
When "difficult" forms are used, the interform perforation (between
forms)may catch in the platen area, resulting in the paper ripping out
of the tractors,or, if the perforation catches uniformly across the
platen, causing the paper advance motor to stall. The paper advance
motor stall is not detected by the printer's electronics (CMX), so no
error is posted. The output starts out printing fine for x number of
forms, then the Top of Form is lost, causing the print to start
somewhere down the page from TOF. The forms continue with this new
incorrect)TOF until it happens again (or) the job is completed.
Solution:
1) There is a new parameter in the latest Function Code (357056)
under the Printer Control area, Platen Open @BOF. The default
is Disable*. Change this parameter to Enable*, and save this
new configuration to a location in the printer. Typically,
Config #1 is the Power Up configuration, so this new
configuration should be saved to some other location. Whenever
multiple parts forms are run, have the operator load this
configuration with Platen Open set to Enable*. Do not run with
this parameter enabled for all forms, because throughput is
slower and the platen open belt will wear out prematurely!
Whenever a interform perforation is reached, the printer will
automatically open the platen, step across the perforation, then
close the platen. You can see this function work if you print a
configuration printout. If Platen Open is Enabled*, the printer
will open the platen at the perforation.
So far, every time we have analyzed forms that experience these
problems, the form has been identified as having perforations
that do not meet the maximum pack thickness specification
of .025". The Forms Specifications for the printer are listed
in the User's Guide.
Notes: 1) The Platen Open @BOF parameter is only present
in the 357056 and 357111 versions of Function
Code. Both of these versions of Code require 4
MB of Flash and 4 MB of DRam memory, which is
present in all "C" and "D" (LineJet)models.
2)On a 1500 LPM printer, the Platen Open @BOF does
not work in the 357056 Function Code. On 1500
LPM models, 357111 Function Code must be loaded
to use the Platen Open @BOF feature.
2) Ribbon problems:
1) Ribbon not tracking correctly
2) Ribbon foldover
3) Ribbon shredding on top of bottom
4) Intermittent blank print on first page (ribbon lifting out of
its track)
These problems may be caused by the operator attempting to get darker
print on the first (and/or) last copy of the multiple part forms by
closing the Form Thickness Lever too much, resulting in these ribbon
problems. If the ribbon problems are intermittent and cannot be
duplicated running a new ribbon on single part forms, this is probably
the problem.
You can test this theory by running the Shuttle Slow test on the printer
with a new ribbon, single part forms, and with the Forms Thickness Lever
set to "A":
From Offline / Config Control, press the left arrow until
Diagnostics <down>, Printer Tests <down>
Shift Recycle <right until Shuttle Fast or Shuttle Slow>.
Press Enter to start the test, which will continue until
Enter is pressed again.
Paper will not move, but the Ribbon Motors run and the Shuttle moves.
The ribbon should wind straight and there should be a slight gap between
the ribbon and the upper/lower ribbon spool. Neither upper nor lower
edge of the ribbon should contact the ribbon spool. If a new ribbon is
contacting the ribbon spool after 1-2 complete passes, the Ribbon Guides
need to be adjusted by a Field Serrvice Customer Engineer. If the new
ribbon winds correctly, you have confirmed incorrect Forms Thickness
Lever as the cause.
Potential Solutions to ribbon problems:
1) Make sure the operator is using text ribbons if they are not
printing barcodes. C3208A = 100 yard text ribbon (cabinet
models only).
Up to August 2000 all LP Series / LineJets were shipped with
60 yard barcode ribbons. Many operators have continued to
reorder the ribbon shipped with the printer, resulting in very
low ribbon life. In an attempt to extend ribbon life, operators
close the Forms Thickness Lever too much. If they use the 100
yard text ribbons instead of the 60 yard barcode ribbons, they
may have a 60-80% increase in ribbon life.
2) Carbonless Forms take up to 24 hours to fully develop. 24 hours
after printing the last copy will be significantly darker. The
LP Series and LineJet printers are specified for 4 part
carbonless maximum. You can run 5-6 part carbonless, but at
your risk!
If the forms are not dark enough, you can try the following:
A) Wait 24 hours and then make a reassess the density
B) Change the Density setting for the Primary Character Set
to NLQ (from Data Processing). This will slow the
printer throughput, but will print more dots resulting
in better character formation and more ink globules
breaking on the carbonless, resulting in darker print.
If this solution is used, make sure this new
configuration is saved to a location and loaded only
when printing the difficult forms! If this
configuration is used for all forms the printer will be
slower and ribbon life will be shorter!
This article was written to hopefully avoid what has been painful experience
for sxome users. Feel free to reply and comment. This is my first posting,
so your replies could be quite interesting to me!
Regards,
Paul Withers
Hewlett Packard
HardCopy Systems Consultant
St. Paul, MN USA
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