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NovaJet 500/630/700 Series Service Manual
MAINTENANCE
Maintenance 3-15
Banding: Hardware vs Software
The technician must be able to identify whether the banding that is
being observed is related to either a hardware or a software problem.
The two examples in Figure 3-10 represent classic types of hardware
and software banding errors.
HARDWARE SOFTWARE
Figure 3-10. Examples of Banding.
Hardware banding is usually characterized by consistent banding
strips as shown. It signifies a slippage in the media’s normal move-
ment that is possibly due to the stepper motor, lower drive shaft
assembly, pinch rollers, or the rollguides on the back of the printer.
All these possible faulty areas deal with a rotational movement that, if
faulty, will generate a consistent banding pattern. The MPWA and
Carriage PWA can also cause this type of error to incur.
Software banding is characterized by inconsistent banding lines.
These banding lines are generated by the software when the applica-
tion incorrectly interprets the media advancing/ink firing sequence of
the expected print file. Because it is not directly tied to a mechanical
movement, the bands become inconsistent in both frequency and
duration. The possible causes are the printer driver, the original
software package, or the RIP, if one is used. To eliminate the chance
that it is the printer driver:
1) Remove any RIP or network systems and connect the printer
directly to the computer.
2) Print a test file approved by ENCAD that uses only the
printer driver software and the ENCAD printer.