Poor print quality on the PB-SP100 (1E47, 1E48, 1E51, or 1E53) label printer

Learn how to resolve poor print quality on the PB-SP100 label printer.
Products affected: PB-SP100 label printer (1E47, 1E48, 1E51, 1E53), PitneyShip™, PitneyShip™ Pro

Issue

When printing labels on the PB-SP100 printer, the print quality is poor. This may include faded text, unreadable bar codes, or streaks through text and graphics.

Resolution

Solution 1: Close the cover

Ensure that the cover is closed tight by firmly pressing down on each corner of the cover.pbsp100-cover-partially-open.jpg

If the issue is not resolved, try solution 2.

Solution 2: Clean the printhead

  1. Check for and remove any debris or label material on the rollers and printhead.
  2. Turn off the power switch and unplug the printer.
  3. Open the printer. Wait a few minutes for the printhead to cool.
  4. Remove any installed media. Using a cotton swab moistened (not soaked) with isopropyl alcohol, thoroughly clean the printhead.
    Cleaning the printhead on the PB-SP100 printer
  5. Reinstall the media, close the printer, plug it back in.
  6. Print a test print. See related topics below for instructions on how to do this.
Related topics
Printing a printer configuration test label on the PB SP-100 printer

UPDATED: August 18, 2023