What is the purpose of the Clean and Align buttons in PrintHub? (LX500, LX600, LX610, LX910, LX3000, IP60, Eddie)

Below is an explanation of the Clean and Align buttons in PrintHub and Config Utility (Mac).

Align Button

Cartridge alignment fixes quality issues caused by bidirectional misalignment. The alignment print available on all of our printers prints a test pattern that aligns the Cartridge to improve print quality.  This test print aligns the right and left passes to each other.  When you print a label in bidirectional printing mode, it prints as it moves to the left, and it prints as it moves to the right.  These two passes must be aligned. Otherwise, you have images that look blurry.  As the printer prints the alignment pattern, it scans what was printed with the sensor mounted to the print head.  Ink must be properly flowing from the nozzles for a successful alignment print.  Print the Clean test pattern to ensure the printer is functioning. Note: The alignment print will never help with the alignment of the printed image to label.  Instead, print alignment is controlled by TOF, Left Margin Offset, Edge Scan(Left Margin Offset Start Position) and Paper Sensor Calibration.

 Clean Button

The clean button sends a CMYK test pattern.  While it does some cleaning, the clean test pattern's true purpose is to determine if any of the CMYK nozzles are clogged or mixed.  If you see anything but a solid block of cyan, magenta, or yellow, the nozzles are clogged and should be cleaned using the procedure in this article.  If you see colors other than what is shown in the example below, you may have mixed ink at the nozzle.  Manual cleaning is an option, but you will probably need to replace the cartridge.

   

Note on Label stock size requirements

The LX600, LX610, and LX910 require at least 4x3 labels or digital die-cut stock (LX610).  The LX500 requires at least 3x3 for the Clean Print and at least 3.5 x 1.5 for the Alignment Print.  If this size is not available, you may substitute a sheet of standard paper cut in half along the length.  Set your sensor mode to continuous. Load the cut paper.  For the LX910 you will need a roll installed on the roll arm to trick the media sensor.  Now press the Align or Clean button. 

Article ID: 020323

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