Solving Printer Problems


   Print Key has always placed high standards on the print quality and performance of the forms we manufacture.  We willingly go into the field with a customer when our forms are not running properly.   It is our experience however, that the obvious solutions are very often overlooked, and we are called into the field unnecessarily.
    Only by actually visiting the end user can the distributor determine and then solve the problem.  In today's super-competitive market, being able to resolve problems quickly and efficiently can be critical in keeping clients - and winning new ones.

Beating Common Problems

Try these solutions for some common feeding problems:

• Clear the form path to be sure there is no drag on the forms.  Drag can be caused by forms leaving a carton or winding around cables or other obstructions.  Always remove forms from the cartons.
• Consider the height of the form stack. If a client is having feeding problems toward the end of the stack, it may be because the forms are too far away from the printer.  This can change the tension on the forms, causing problems.  Put forms on top of a box when the stack is half gone, and even consider having us box in smaller quantities.
• Store forms properly. Humidity can cause paper to expand and jam the printer.  Have your client store the forms in the computer room - or the coolest room in the office - with the sides of the boxes cut off.
• Check the settings on the printer to reduce tension on the forms.  An improper setting can cause jams.
• Ask if the printer has been cleaned recently. Dirty printers can jam forms.
• Ensure the printer is in proper working order.  If the type on a page runs down or up rather than straight across the page, the tractors of the printer may need adjustment.
• Eliminate Static.  Static can cause drag that will jam printers.  Special metal tinsel, available at many computer stores, will eliminate static when draped across forms.

Preventing Problems

   To avoid some of the most common problems:

• Check the printer specifications and try to design forms well below the uppermost limits.  If your client doesn't know - call us and we will research it for you.
• Test forms in the printer before you place an order.  We will gladly send you a test run of similar construction to try it out.
• Teach clients the proper way to load forms.   A little tactful instruction will build your credibility.
• Consider using flexible fastening (crimping only) for forms that must make tight turns in a printer.
• Eliminate tenting by staggering the glue lines in the stub (parts 1 & 2 are glued close to the line holes and parts 3 & 4 are glued near the tear-off perf).  Or, use stop and go glue, glue alternating sides of the form or glue only half the form depth.  As a general rule, Print Key stops the glue line at least ½" from the fold to help prevent possible tenting.

    Solving feeding problems involves examining not only how the forms were manufactured, but how they were packaged to how the printer works and how the client loaded the forms.  Forms can be produced to spec and still not work.  The first step is going to the client's office to see the problem.  Usually, tenting or paper stretch indicates a manufacturing problem.   Otherwise, look for an obstruction in the form path.
    If your investigation does lead to a manufacturing problem, contact us immediately.  Give us as much detailed information as possible and we'll take it from there.  Reacting and solving such complaints quickly ensures that your customer remains satisfied.  The relationships you build with your customers are important to us too.