Banding issue on Epson 9900

[Mike Guilbault]

For some reason I've started having banding issues (visible in the dark tones). I've made a test strip of all black (attached). As you can see, it started out ok, but then there is a definite area that is printing lighter with banding, and just before and just after that you can see the banding although it's not as noticeable.

I've read several posts about banding, but there doesn't seem to be any consensus. I'm using Qimage One on a MacPro. I tried printing for LR and get the same results. I've tried an alignment, several cleanings, different resolutions... still the same.

My nozzle check is good except for ONE gap in the LK channel. I had that before and it was working fine though. Any ideas?

[dgberg]

Doesn't take much of a nozzle print irreugularity to get banding. I get any type of banding on my 9900 you can bet one color will have missing nozzles.

[Mike Guilbault]

I may have to try some power cleaning cycles on it then. I have more ink on order but not enough to try a power cleaning at the moment. I did try the power cleaning a while ago to get rid of that one gap, but that didn't help. I don't do a lot of printing any longer and struggle to keep the humidity up as well. My humidifier has been running steadily for a few days to keep it upwards of 50%. Never had a problem when I was printing more regularly. I ran a job of about 135 8x10s back in March and it was fine then.

[[email protected]]

Can you post a magnified nozzle check to evaluate the problem?

[deanwork]

I have had this in mine with refillable carts and I realized when the ink carts are low it effects the pressure that keeps ink flow acceptable. I filled the carts and it went away. I think as the pumps get older they don’t do their job as efficiently and carts less than 1/3 can cause this. I know that is true with 3rd party carts. I have one of these with new heads and pump and it is never a problem, so far.

If you haven’t cleaned the bottom of your heads lately then that should be done. I also clean the cap station where the heads rest about every 2 weeks and always after a big job.

Here is a video for that: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6Mmi0nvXC8

I just do my cleaning usually with distilled water, when the printer is unplugged.

John





https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6Mmi0nvXC8

[Mike Guilbault]

Can you post a magnified nozzle check to evaluate the problem?

Here's the portion of the nozzle check with the gap in the LK.  there's also an irregularity in the two vertical lines in the black.

[Mike Guilbault]

John... I was wondering about the cartridges that are low. I have some that I've been swapping out for cleaning, but have been doing that for a while with a few of the colours. I've replaced the low cartridges entirely now so will try it again today. I'll take a look at that video too... haven't done that in quite a while either.

[[email protected]]

Here's the portion of the nozzle check with the gap in the LK.  there's also an irregularity in the two vertical lines in the black.

Don't waste your time and inks Mike. The vertical lines show that is almost sure a head failure. I am sorry!

[Mike Guilbault]

Ouch... I didn't want to hear that! That just starting showing up.

[SigImage]

Agreed, the vertical lines are a sure sign the head is going out. Sorry for the bad news.

I'm right there with you, my 11880 head died yesterday. $2000 for a new head or buy a new P20000??? Not that I have the money for either with Covid19 happening.

[dgberg]

There is a like new P10000 demo unit for sale in Rockville, Md.
On Ebay for $2500. I was told it has a little warranty left as the guy selling it is a dealer.
All but one of the inks will need replaced. (low) It is the third time on Ebay so it is not moving.
Might be available for $2000, who knows. That would be a steal at that price.

[Garnick]

Don't waste your time and inks Mike. The vertical lines show that is almost sure a head failure. I am sorry!

I hadn't noticed this reply initially, but as soon as I checked the nozzle pattern I had exactly the same thought.  The bulging vertical edges of the black channel is exactly the same sort of situation I experienced on the green channel in early 2016.  I had been communicating with a tech about the banding issue I was encountering.  He said it was possibly a head problem, and as soon as I sent the nozzle check pattern he confirmed that the only fix for that is a new head.  Knowing his background in the industry I didn't bother to ask again.  Three days later the new head was installed and all was good until the day I sold the printer in early 2017.  Sorry to pass along news that you didn't want to hear, but that's my experience after checking your nozzle pattern.

[tastar]

In the U.S., Epson still has the one-time repair program for a 9900 for 1,395.00:

Epson 1-time repair program

I would push to get a print head and a capping station. I would guess that they have the equivalent program in Canada.

Tony

[mearussi]

The only way your 9900 would be worth repairing is if you can get a good warranty on the replacement head.

[deanwork]

This is correct. Personally I would run as far away form a 9900 as I could possibly run. I’ve heard nothing but headaches and heads after heads needing replaced from friends that had them.

It is definitely a de laminated head. You see that by the double vertical lines.

The only way your 9900 would be worth repairing is if you can get a good warranty on the replacement head.

[Mike Guilbault]

I'll look into the One-Time plan... but that's still going to be approximately $2000 in $CDN. I don't do as much printing as I used to so I'll have to weight this out with going back to a photo-lab for my prints - argh!

[I.T. Supplies]

Just be careful on "extended service plan" since it will only cover the specific issue you speak to Epson about.  If it happens to be something else (or additional), you'll have to purchase another 1-time plan to cover that issue.

Also, Epson's technically won't cover replacing the head with a new one and most likely be a refurbished one.  These are actually stated in the terms of the warranty that comes with the printer.  A customer I spoke to a few years ago mentioned this after reading the terms and it did note this.

So "hopefully" the repair or the replacement head will (if it's either), but I'd make sure you give all details to Epson and hope to get everything possibly entered into the system of what it could be so it's covered under that 1-time plan cost.  If it's more, you're putting more money into it where you can put into a new printer and start fresh (realistically).

Just our opinion on that extended service and to help save you money in the long haul (especially during these harsh times).