topic Re: Scratches on prints; pixma pro-10 in Professional Photo Printers

Scratches on prints; pixma pro-10

JayElDee — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 00:54:07 GMT

This evening I started getting scratches on my prints from my Pixma Pro 10. The scratches are parallel, slightly more than 1mm apart and numerous, prob about 40 or so on a print.

The first few prints I printed were fine, then this. This image is in portrait, but the same scratches appear in the same areas in landscape.

I've been through the printer utility app performing all of the routines, ie "cleaning," "deep cleaning," "bottom plate cleaning," and "roller cleaning" without any difference. I printed out a test sheet for a nozzle check and that passes fine.

Any advice appreciated. The unit is a couple of years old and til now has been perfect. I've attached what I am getting. Thanks

MacOs Sequoia

Re: Scratches on prints; pixma pro-10

rsilber — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 02:32:11 GMT

This looks to be head strikes.

Are you getting the same results when doing a nozzle check? Are you using a different paper for the nozzle check. Are you using a thicker paper than before? Does this printer have vacuum feed; is it operating properly?

I would check the vacuum feed and your platen gap, ensuring your driver is set to avoid paper abrasion for the paper used.

Re: Scratches on prints; pixma pro-10

JayElDee — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 02:44:16 GMT

Thanks, I think you are right. The paper is very slightly curled, 4x6, maybe curled up 2, 3mm. When I checked prevent paper abrasion the scratches were absent. Somewhat new to printing and didn't know head strikes were a thing.

Is there any downside to that prevent paper abrasion setting?

Thanks

Re: Scratches on prints; pixma pro-10

rsilber — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 03:54:39 GMT

Yes. Too far from the paper can lead to poor printing. Better to follow the paper manufacturer settings for media. Take great care to flatten paper with reverse curl if necessary. Head strikes are to be avoided so as to not damage the head.

Re: Scratches on prints; pixma pro-10

JayElDee — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 19:17:05 GMT

Thanks! I didn't realize that about paper curl as it didn't "seem" to be that much, but clearly it was enough. I have been printing for only about 2 years so still very much learning. Also, we have had a recent cold snap and the humidity in my printing area has really dropped, right now it is under 20% and usually it is in the 55-70% range, and I have learned that can affect paper curl. Very much appreciate your insight and advice. I will leave that setting as is, with the wider distance, for the time being, and definitely look for any paper curl before printing in the future.

Thanks