Request for HP Technical Knowledge Support – HP PageWide XL 4200/5200 Persistent Print Quality Issue

[Arunan2fp]

We have an issue with an HP PageWide XL 4200/5200 that we have been unable to resolve. We need HP technical knowledge and support to identify the root cause.

The plotter has a total of eight printheads. Printheads #2, #3, #7, and #8 are working normally. However, printheads #4, #5, and #6 are experiencing a print quality issue.

The strange part is that the Print Quality Diagnostic page looks normal and passes without any visible defects. However, when the customer prints actual jobs, there are print quality defects such as lines and banding in the areas covered by printheads #4, #5, and #6.

The troubleshooting steps we have already performed are:

• Replaced the affected printheads.

• Performed Printhead Recovery multiple times.

• Performed Printhead Alignment.

• Verified that the issue remains unchanged.

• Suspected the printbar assembly and swapped it with a known-good printbar from another plotter, but the issue remained exactly the same.

Since the problem persists even after replacing the printheads and swapping the printbar, we would appreciate HP's assistance in identifying the next troubleshooting steps or the possible root cause.

Could this issue be related to the carriage system, ink delivery system, calibration, electronics, or another component? We would appreciate your technical guidance.

[BeemerBiker]

You may need to contact an HP authorized repair center.

Click here to check warranty
and
Click here for world-wide contact info
Or contact the closest authorized service center

I did ask HP's AI BOT and got this answer.  

Printhead Quality Problems with No Visible Defects in Diagnostics

If some printheads seem to have quality problems but the print diagnostic plot shows no visible defects, HP recommends these checks and actions:

• Verify paper settings

  • Make sure the paper type selected on the front panel matches the paper loaded.
  • Make sure the same paper type is selected in your software.
  • If the wrong paper type is selected, it can cause poor print quality or incorrect colors.

• Check calibration status

  • If there is any pending calibration for the paper type, tap Calibrate Print Bar.
  • You can also run Color uniformity calibration from the optimize-quality app.

• Check printhead status

  • Review the printhead status from the printer controls.
  • If needed, use Check and recover print bar. This can clean affected printheads and may take up to 5 minutes.

• Run Enhanced printhead recovery

  • If you still suspect a specific printhead, go to Advanced calibrations > Enhanced printhead recovery.
  • HP notes this is useful for printheads degraded by heavy usage or when other methods have failed.

• Try printhead alignment

  • Run Automatic printhead alignment first.
  • If the issue continues, try Manual printhead alignment, then Advanced manual printhead alignment if needed.

• Confirm supplies and environment

  • Use only genuine HP supplies and accessories.
  • Check that ink cartridges are in good condition and not expired.
  • Make sure temperature and humidity are within the recommended range.

• Replace the printhead if needed

  • Printheads rarely need replacement, but the front panel will indicate when one is failing or at end of life.
  • HP also notes that a test print may indicate a printhead problem before the printer detects it.
  • After replacing a printhead, recalibrate the printer.

If none of the above resolves the issue, contact your HP service representative.

Sources

1. Print quality
2. Color uniformity calibration
3. Alignment Failure - HP PageWide XL Pro 5200/8200 MFP

The BOT asked me exactly which pagewide, which I did not know as there were several versions.  You could possible get a better answer at the BOT's url I listed earlier.