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GPX solved case

Color Misregistration in Printing: Causes and Preventive Controls

During printing this defect appeared. Previously the job was printing correctly. From the photo can you understand what I can check before stopping production?

By Cristiano Zappacosta — Senior Graphic Production Consultant

The Problem

During printing this defect appeared. Previously the job was printing correctly. From the photo can you understand what I can check before stopping production?

What Emerged from the Case

Is the job still to be printed or has it already entered production? yes

Cause and Analysis

The misregistration between colors varies in magnitude across different areas of the sheet and changes from print to print, consistent with mechanical misalignment of the paper transport system or printhead positioning (a possible cause is slippage of the transport belt or irregular wear of the rollers)

An accumulation of ink or dirt on the transport rollers or pressure rollers could reduce friction and cause intermittent paper slippage during passage, generating the observed misregistration

Solution Proposed by GPX

A possible cause is intermittent slippage of the transport belt or irregular wear of the drive rollers, generated by accumulation of ink, dirt or dry lubricant

Limitations of this Analysis

This analysis is generated with the support of Artificial Intelligence: always verify its correctness and applicability before using it. The reliability level of this analysis is "Medium", not the highest possible.

Checks Before Proceeding

  • Access the lower panel of the machine and visually inspect the transport belts and drive and pressure rollers. Look for accumulation of dried ink, paper residue, dust or glossy areas (signs of slippage). If you notice significant buildup, gently clean with a damp cloth and isopropyl alcohol (or the cleaner recommended by Mimaki), then run a test print to verify if the misregistration decreases

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