Poor print quality on the DM100, DM125i, DM175i

Issue

Print quality issues are occurring:

• Print is faded, blurry or streaky.
• Print is not clear and hard to read, smudged or smeared.
• Partial printing of the frank.
• The franking machine is not printing at all.

Cause

Several factors can contribute to deterioration in print quality:

• Lack of use: When the franking machine is idle for a long time, dried ink from previous printings can clog the nozzles in the print head.
• Overuse: Overuse increases wear and tear on the printhead and can lead to issues.
• Ink issues: Low ink or no ink in the print cartridge can impair print quality and cause other problems with the franking machine.

Resolution

Solution 1: Check your ink cartridge

1. Make sure you installed a postal approved ink cartridge.
2. If you need ink, order a genuine Pitney Bowes replacement ink cartridge.
   

Solution 2: Run a test pattern to assess print quality

1. Press Options.
2. Press Page Down twice.
3. Select Advanced Features.
4. Select Maintenance Mode.
5. Select Printer Maintenance.
6. Select Test Print.
7. Insert an envelope as you normally would to print postage.
8. The test pattern should appear as a grid with no broken lines or smears in the pattern:

   • If the test pattern looks good, press Enter/Yes. Then press Home to return to the Home screen.

     Good Test Print
     

   • If the test pattern looks incorrect, with broken lines or smears in the pattern, or if there is no print at all, select No and your meter performs a print system purge.

     Poor Test Print
     

9. If your print quality is still poor or non-existent after performing a print system purge, or if you have already said No twice, press Yes to return to the printer maintenance menu and run the stronger purge C.

Solution 3: Run purge C to resolve print quality

1. Select Purge from the printer maintenance menu.
2. Select Purge C.
3. When your purge completes, the prompt to insert an envelope to print a test pattern displays. Insert an envelope again. If your pattern still has broken lines or smears, or if there is no print at all, clean your printhead.
4. Press Yes to return to the printer maintenance menu.

Solution 4: Clean your printhead

1. Select Replacement from the printer maintenance menu.
2. Select Replace Print Head.
3. Remove the scale if one is present.
4. Open your ink tank access cover. The print assembly moves to the front of your franking machine.
5. Open your print head cover.
    
6. Remove your ink cartridge from the print assembly, and set it aside with the red circle facing up.
7. While squeezing the clips that hold your printhead in place, lift your print head up and out of the franking machine.
   
8. Wipe the copper-colored section of your printhead with a dry, lint-free cloth or foam swab.
   
9. Reinstall the printhead in your franking machine, making sure that it clicks into place.
10. Reinsert your ink cartridge and close the printhead cover.
11. Close your ink tank access cover. The ink tank mechanism re-initialises.
12. Perform a test to check your print quality. (See Solution 2 for steps).