HP Designjet T520 color prints have banding

[RLL]

The plot from a prn file from an Autodesk product: Revit   Using HP paper, the color drawing has 1 /4" bands that lighten a dark color. The bands run lengthwise across the drawing, parallel with the 36" wide edge of a 24 x 36 plot. If the size of the plot is changed, the bands remain at 1 1 /4" wide. The bands alternate..normal color for 1 1/4", then a band that  lightens the same color, then normal color.  No banding occurs on black and white prints

[jasonmiamifl]

I don't have DJ520, but DJ500 / DJ800 which more or less very similar. Also I use Photoshop, not Cad programs.

But I recommend you do some very basic testing :

First, do printhead alignment..........................

2nd check your ink and make sure not those cheapy refill...
Make sure pick right paper type on front panel & also pick printing quality                 normal                          not fast  

Also install the newer printer driver............

Myself also found out another possibility........... make sure not too many memory resident programs in your computer.....

Good luck and post your testing result.......................

[RLL]

Hello Jason, Thank you for the response. Below are my troubleshooting efforts. Banding is still occurring on all size prints and when printing from different computers in the office. I now will call HP and request someone to come onsite. The plotter is only 7 months old.

1) HP DesignJet utility is installed, June 14 driver update is installed - Print quality report (Test Pat 1 and Test Pat 2) show no print problems

2) HP ink cartridges are the only brand used in this office

3) paper type is roll, and is HP paper stock

4) print quality is: normal, or medium

5) memory resident programs - minimal, don't think it is this

6) ran print head alignment, test page is perfect, but my files still have banding

7) after print driver install, the prints now have some streaking as well

[jasonmiamifl]

I have a T610 44" and it gave me that problems before and since I used print quality       BEST      and all disappeared.
Because best quality print goes twice and slower

Try it...............

I use only photoshop to print photos.......................... not cad program............. not 100% sure  work or not........

Anyway have to try different approaches, in order to solve the crazy unexpected printings problems .

I have Designjet Z3200, Z3100, Z2100, T610 24" & 44", also Designjet 800, 500 24 & 42" , DJ5500 60" & 42" ........ Still prefer DJ500 most which Very easy to maintent & run & much less headaches , but wish it had the pigment inks....................

[jasonmiamifl]

I print 99% on canvas for photos, reproduction of painting, posters etc. see a sample .........

Quality is the most important, one tiny line would ruin whole picture & expensive canvas...............

[Eldamar]

Hello.

What kind of paper have you chosen in the front panel? Try to change the type of paper to HP coated, both in front panel and driver.

[RLL · Accepted solution]

It is a Paper Type mis match problem. When a roll of HP Designjet Bright white 24lb paper is used, AND the paper type with the same name is selected, then the file printed correctly, no color bands - from both Revit and Bluebeam.

If the paper type doesn't match the roll of paper in the HP T520, then print quality has noticeable lines. On the touch screen of the printer, touch "Roll", touch "Paper Type", touch "More" , touch "Bond and Coated Paper"  or read the HP User Manual, page 107