Poor Quality Print on Zebra 105SL direct thermal

There are 3 different DPI Printheads for Zebra printers if you print a label set up for a 200 DPI Printhead on a printer with a 300 DPI Printhead installed it will be about 66% of the size.

This could simply be old direct thermal labels. Direct thermal labels have a shelf life of about 1 year from the date of manufacture. After that time has lapsed the thermal coating on the labels begins to dissipate and this will cause labels to print light or faded. You can trouble shoot with a roll known to be fresh. You can get one free here to test Labeldomain com .

If this does not solve your problem then please check this article on 5 common print quality issues and how to correct them Fix Zebra 2824 2844 3842 print quality

There are a couple of possible solutions.
1/ Resin ribbons are meant to be used on synthetic labels onle ie vinyl or polyester. If you are trying to print on paper labels then you will get a rubbish print. you need to use either a wax ribbon or a wax resin ribbon.

2/ If you are printing onto a synthetic labels and the print is light, try increasing the "print darkness" some times called contrast or heat or printhead setting.. This can be fount in the printer set up in the labels software you are using or in the print drive under "Print Preference"

Hi

You have the heat setting in the driver set too high.

Lower the heat setting to the lowest possible setting, the print quality will probably be poor then gradually increase it by 1 until print quality is good.

Regards

Rob

Plain, Printed and Barcode Labels

If you are not using ribbon, the tickets are probably not Direct thermal. Try using a Ribbon and see if it works

Is the roller worn-out?
Try adding a little more pressure on the head.

Download zebra setup utility and use it to configure print quality.

If you have two printers 105se and the 105sl must install the two printers and select the correct model when you print your labels.

Lizardlick,
I found this information in the user manual:
Let the print head to cool for one minute, then use a new
cleaning pen to swab the print elements (the thin gray
line on the print head) from end to end. NOTE: You do
not have to turn off the printer to do this.
If print quality remains poor after cleaning, try the
Save-a-Print Head cleaning film to remove buildup
without damaging the print head. Call your authorized
reseller for more information.

Check the temperature settings. If all of the text and barcode is clear and not fuzzy, check the platten roller for low areas, cuts, or other deformity.