OfficeJet 8720 - vertical separation / gap when printing

[brockoly]

Hi,

We have an OfficeJet Pro 8720.  Great machine. 

Recently, it started having a vertical gap / separation in the print out.  (see image below)

The print text is not missing, there's just a separation, leaving a gap.

We've tried most everything.

- Clean printheads x 3

- Alignment

- Clean printheads with cleaning kit.

- Opened all the usual spots to look for paper or debris inside (from a past paper jam).

- Printed from a 2nd windows 11 laptop. (so it's not specific to a machine)

- Using genuine HP ink cartridges.

- Factory reset the printer.

- Confirmed the printer is using the latest firmware.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[zoey7886]

@brockoly, Welcome to the HP Support Community!  

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding your OfficeJet 8720 - vertical separation! 

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.  

If your HP OfficeJet Pro 8720 is experiencing vertical gaps or separations in printed text, it could be indicative of print quality issues that might be resolved through several maintenance actions. Here are the recommended steps:

Steps to Troubleshoot Vertical Separations and Gaps in Print Output:

Align the Printheads:

• Through the printer's control panel, navigate to the settings and perform the printhead alignment. This can help resolve misalignment issues that cause gaps in prints.
• For alignment instructions specific to HP printers, refer to your user manual or the online HP support documentation.

Clean the Printheads:

• Use the in-built cleaning function via the printer's control panel to clean the printheads. Sometimes multiple cleanings are required for effective results.

Inspect for Obstructions:

• Check all accessible areas of the printer for any debris or remnants of paper that might be causing interruptions in print quality.
• Make sure to examine the print zone, cartridge area, and paper path thoroughly.

Use Quality Paper and Suitable Print Settings:

• Ensure you are using high-quality, HP-recommended paper to avoid print defects caused by inferior media.
• Adjust print settings to a higher quality mode which might mitigate the issue.

Manual Cleaning of Printheads:

• If automated cleanings do not solve the issue, you can manually clean the printheads. Use a lint-free cloth and distilled water to gently clean the printhead nozzles. This can sometimes help dislodge dried ink or other minor obstructions.  

Hope this helps!

Take care, and have an amazing day!  

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, Please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!  

Regards, 

[brockoly]

@Zoey7886 thank you for the reply. 

As detailed in the original post, we have tried everything that is mentioned in your reply. And those steps did not resolve the issue. 

Do you have any other suggestions?

[zoey7886]

Hi @brockoly, 

Thanks for following up! I appreciate the detailed troubleshooting you've already done—it definitely helps narrow things down. Since you've already tried all the usual fixes, let's explore a few deeper possibilities.

Check the Printhead Carriage Path

Power off the printer and open the access door to check for any ink buildup, paper dust, or debris that might be obstructing the carriage’s movement.

Manually slide the printhead carriage from side to side (gently) to see if it moves smoothly without resistance.

Print a Diagnostics Page

On the printer’s control panel, go to Setup > Reports > Print Quality Report.

This report can reveal alignment issues, missing nozzle lines, or ink distribution inconsistencies.

If you see any patterns in the separation, it may indicate a mechanical issue.

Hope this helps!

Take care, and have an amazing day!  

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, Please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!  

Regards,