The print head fires ink when moving to the left and
to the right while printing. Since there is a short
distance (gap) between the paper surface and the print
head, a print misalignment may occur due to the
paper thickness, changes in temperature or humidity,
and internal inertia while the print head moves.
You can perform Head Alignment from a computer
or the printer, however the content varies as described
below.
From the computer
In auto adjustment, an adjustment pattern is printed
on the loaded paper, read by the sensors, and the
optimum adjustment value is registered to the printer.
It takes about 7 to 12 minutes to complete the
adjustments.
We normally recommend this method as it is simple
to perform and normally clears the problem.
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“From the computer” on page 146
From the printer
You can make adjustments by selecting either
automatic or manual.
❏
Auto adjustment
The sensor reads the adjustment pattern printed
on the paper, and automatically registers the
optimum adjustment value to the printer. It takes
about 7 to 12 minutes to complete the
adjustments. The time required varies depending
on the menu selected.
❏
Manual adjustment
Visually check the adjustment patterns printed on
the paper, and enter the optimal adjustment
values. Use this if you cannot perform auto
adjustment, or if you are not satisfied with the
adjustment results when using Auto.
It takes about 3 to 12 minutes to print an
adjustment pattern. The time required varies
depending on the menu selected and the print size.
U
“From the printer” on page 147
Notes on Head Alignment
Adjustments are made depending on the paper
loaded in the printer.
Make sure that the paper is loaded correctly, and that
a
Select Paper Type
is selected.
U
“Loading and Removing the Roll Paper” on
U
“Loading and Removing Cut Sheets” on page 38
When adjusting using commercially available paper,
make sure you register the custom paper in advance.
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“Before Printing on Commercially Available
Perform when nozzles are not clogged.
If nozzles are clogged, adjustment may not be
performed correctly. Print the check pattern, perform
a visual inspection, and perform head cleaning if
necessary.
U
“Checking for clogged nozzles” on page 142
Auto adjustment is only available for specific paper
types.
You cannot perform auto adjustment for
commercially available paper. See the following
section for information on paper that supports auto
adjustment.
U
“Epson Special Media Table” on page 182
When performing manual adjustment, make sure
that no external light (direct sunlight) enters the
printer.
Otherwise, the printer's sensors may not read the
adjustment pattern correctly. If auto adjustment
cannot be performed even after making sure no
external light is entering the printer, perform manual
adjustment.
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“From the printer” on page 147
From the computer
Before starting this procedure, be sure to read the
following.
U
“Notes on Head Alignment” on page 146
Explanations in this section use the Windows printer
driver as an example.
Use Epson Printer Utility 4 for Mac OS X.
U
“Using Epson Printer Utility 4” on page 77
SC-P20000 Series/SC-P10000 Series User's Guide
Maintenance
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