print head marks

[Tim Gray]

Crop from Epson 4000, 17" x 25"  enhanced matte,  obviously (?) part of the print head is dragging.  Problem is intermittent - didn't occur anywhere else on the print.  Printed 3 17x25, then this, then another 2 with no problems.  Suffered quite a bit during the last box of 11 x 14, but I attributed it to the curl in the paper - which would be 90 degrees to print head travel.  With the roll paper the curve is parallel to the print head direction.

any adjustments I could make?  any suggestions appreciated.

[Landscapes]

Is this at the end of the roll?  This always happened to me at the end of the Enhanced Matte roll.  Only option is to actually unroll the rest of the paper and let it dangle out the back on the ground.  I think that at the end of hte roll. the paper is wound up so tight that even though its in the printer, it still curls up.  So if you unwind it first off the roll, it straightens out itself a little before going into the printer.

Kiran

[Tim Gray]

actually, about 6' into a new roll.

[azmike]

With the same printer, I have had random "head dragging" problems (black lines/scratches about 1mm apart, in the direction of head motion) often using 8 1/2 x 11 Epson double-sided matte. Ocasionally with Moab Entrada roll (and then at or near the end).

Solution is in the "Paper Configuration" menu, setting the "Platen Gap" from "Auto" to "Wide". (or "wider").  

Although this stops the head dragging, it seems as if the printing is a bit softer, as would be logical.  I haven't explored using a Auto platen gap setting and instead tinkering with the paper thickness.

[Tim Gray]

thanks, I'll give that a try.