HP 360 Latex print issue. Any ideas what the problem is?

[Patrick Bateman]

We have been trying to print a gradient that fades out on both ends have noticed a defect in the print in the same area on each end of the print. When we change the feathering of the gradient, it shifts where the defect is then printed. Does anyone know what might be the cause? TIA!

 

[DTP2]

Possibly the transition area from light to dark inks causing a step in the gradient. Especially as you mention it moves when you change the gradient. You could either try to improve the ICC you are using or try another one?

 

[ColoPrinthead]

I had a similar issue with a 360 last week, it was a bad/expired LC/LM head that had run less than 1300 ml . . .

 

[BIG EASY DOES IT]

Have you tried to flatten the gradient transparency? Save file as a .tif and send to print that way.

 

[Patrick Bateman]

Have you tried to flatten the gradient transparency? Save file as a .tif and send to print that way.

I did not flatten the gradient but I did save it as a tiff and sent the film accordingly when I was having the issue.

 

[Patrick Bateman]

I had a similar issue with a 360 last week, it was a bad/expired LC/LM head that had run less than 1300 ml . . .

How were you able to tell it was a bad print head?

 

[Patrick Bateman]

Possibly the transition area from light to dark inks causing a step in the gradient. Especially as you mention it moves when you change the gradient. You could either try to improve the ICC you are using or try another one?

Since the issue, I have printed some gradients successfully by reducing the pass from 16 to 12. (The color vibrancy was identical) (Reduced the step speed to help dry the ink) and altered the image file to have some noise.