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GPX Excellence
GPX solved case

Color variation during series printing: causes and solutions

I'm printing 300 copies of the same job. The first copies are correct, but as I continue the color changes slightly even though the file remains the same. What could be causing this?

By Cristiano Zappacosta — Senior Graphic Production Consultant

The problem

I'm printing 300 copies of the same job. The first copies are correct, but as I continue the color changes slightly even though the file remains the same. What could be causing this?

Cause and analysis

A possible cause is the progressive buildup of residual toner on cleaning components or transfer surfaces, which particularly affects neutral colors where small density variations are more visible.

A possible contributing factor is the variation in fuser temperature during the printing of 300 copies, which can slightly alter toner density and perceived tone, especially in neutral colors.

Solution proposed by GPX

Buildup of residual toner on rollers or transfer surfaces during the 300 print cycles.

Limitations of this analysis

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

Checks before proceeding

  • Check the print cycle managed by the machine: verify in the print log (if available in the machine's interface) whether automatic cleaning cycles have been performed between the start and end of the 300 copies. If the machine allows it, print a second identical cycle of 300 copies and observe whether the color change follows the same pattern or if the pattern is different — this would indicate whether it depends on a characteristic of the job or on a machine progression.

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