HPZ2100 leaving black ink drag marks

[waterme]

Hi folks - I'm having print quality issues, which seem to be getting worse with time.  Most of my prints/posters show drag marks, as if something (the carriage?) is sometimes dragging ink across the poster and especially at the edges.  All drag marks appear to be black.  See attached photo for examples. 

I've changed out the black printheads and ink cartridges, cleaned printheads and run color calibrations and diagnostic images.  I'm wondering if there's some other part that needs to be cleaned.

Thanks!

[Sajeeda]

Hello,
Good day. Thank you for reaching out to the Hp community. I would be delighted to assist you. Superb description and terrific troubleshooting. Kudos to you for that. 

Experiencing black ink drag marks on prints from the HP Designjet Z2100 44in Photo printer is often caused by a few factors such as paper handling, media type, or ink smearing. Here are some steps to troubleshoot and fix the issue:

1. Check Media Settings:

   • Ensure that the media type you are using is properly loaded and aligns with the printer settings. Refer to the printer's manual or the HP Designjet Z2100 Printing Guide for selecting the appropriate media type settings.

2. Clean Printheads:

   • Perform a printhead cleaning through the printer’s maintenance menu to clear any clogs that might be causing the issue.

3. Correct Media Loading:

   • Verify that the media is loaded flat and not curled. Improper loading might cause the paper to touch the ink nozzles, leading to drag marks.

4. Calibrate the Printer:

   • Use the printer's calibration feature to adjust and align the printheads correctly. A calibrated printer reduces drag marks and ensures better print quality.

5. Adjust Print Settings:

   • In the print settings, ensure that the quality is set appropriately. Sometimes reducing the print speed or adjusting the drying time in the settings can minimize drag marks.

6. Update Printer Firmware:

   • Ensure your printer’s firmware is up-to-date to benefit from ongoing improvements in printer performance and reliability.

By following these steps, you should be able to minimize or eliminate black ink drag marks on your prints. If the problem persists after trying these solutions, it might be a good idea to consult HP support or a qualified technician for more assistance.