Sprocket Printer has horizontal lines through the print

[kg46]

My Sprocket printer (out of warranty) has started to leave lots of horizontal lines through the print. I'm using fresh print paper and I've done a reset of the printer. What's the solution?

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @kg46,

Welcome to the HP Support Community! 

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding your printer!

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

Try the following steps to resolve this issue:

1. Use Genuine HP Sprocket Photo Paper

• Ensure you are using genuine HP Sprocket Photo Paper. Different photo papers might result in poor print quality.
• Unwrap a new pack of HP Sprocket Photo Paper (10 sheets). Ensure the included blue Smartsheet® is loaded at the bottom of the stack with the barcode facing down. The photo paper should have the HP logos facing down.

2. Blue HP ZINK™ Smartsheet

• Always load the blue HP ZINK™ Smartsheet from the same pack currently in the printer. It cleans and calibrates the printer for better quality.

3. Cooling Down Between Prints

• Allow the printer a few minutes to cool down between print jobs. Overheating can affect print quality.

4. Store Photo Paper Properly

• Store the photo paper in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposure to moisture as it can damage the quality of the prints. If water spills on a photo, wipe it off immediately.

5. Update Firmware

Kindly refer to this link to update your printer firmware.

6. Reset Printer

• Reset the printer by locating the pin-hole under the Paper Cover, inserting a straight pin into the hole, and pressing the reset button until the printer turns off. Restart the printer.

7. Cleaning Printer and Paper Path

• Gently clean the paper path, including the photo paper rollers and areas where dust might accumulate. Dust and dirt can affect printing quality.

I hope this helps.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,

[kg46]

Kuroi_Kenshi has replied to my question with a basically generic reply but in his reply, Point 7, he says to "clean the photo paper rollers" (plural).  I can see only one roller. Is there another one hidden, and if so, how do we access it to clean it?

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @kg46,

Thank you for the response.

The Sprocket printer does have one main visible roller, but there may be other areas where dust can accumulate, affecting print quality. Here's how to clean it properly:

Turn Off the Printer

Power off the printer and remove the paper cover.

Locate the Main Roller

The primary roller is where the paper feeds through. Clean it using a lint-free cloth slightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol (do not use water).

Check for Hidden Residue

Shine a flashlight inside to see if there’s any trapped dust or debris near the roller mechanism.

Manually Rotate the Roller

If possible, gently rotate the roller to ensure an even clean.

Clean the Paper Path

Use compressed air or a soft brush to remove any fine dust from inside the printer.

Run the Blue Smartsheet Again

If you haven’t done so, run the HP ZINK™ Smartsheet again to help clean the roller automatically.

If horizontal lines persist, print a test photo with a different paper pack to rule out defective paper.

Ensure the firmware is updated using the HP Sprocket app.

Avoid pressing too hard on the paper cover, as too much pressure can affect the roller alignment.

Let me know if the issue persists after this! 😊

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

Take care and have an amazing day ahead! 🚀

Best regards,