Canon TM-200: Smudges and Dark Streaks on Matte Paper Despite Clean Nozzle Check

[Lethan]

Hello,

I’m experiencing an issue with my Canon TM-200 plotter when printing on matte paper (230 gsm). The problem manifests as dark streaks or smudges, particularly noticeable in areas with color transitions (e.g., white to black) or in solid dark regions.

Here’s what I’ve already checked:

1. Nozzle Check: The test comes out perfectly—no missing lines or gaps.
2. Head Cleaning: Performed multiple times, with no improvement.
3. Paper Feed Calibration: Attempted this, but the streaks persist.

Interestingly, the issue does not occur on glossy paper, only on matte media.

Could this be related to a misalignment of the print head, a specific ink issue, or something else?

I’d appreciate any insights, suggestions, or solutions from the community. Thank you!

[Lethan]

I am attaching a few pictures from maintenance, including automatic head print adjustment done on an A4 220 gsm matte sheet, paper feed adjustment on an A4 sheet, and on 80 gsm regular coated paper. I am not sure how to evaluate the results, but I think I see some banding in the shades of grey during the paper feed adjustment test. Any help or insight would be greatly appreciated.

[Lithoman]

This is an interesting issue. What is the media brand and label info? What inks are you using, Canon OEM? Please take pictures of the labels and post them.

[Lethan]

Thank you for taking a look. I use Tecco 230gsm matte coated paper, which is a high-quality paper, and I indeed use OEM inks, with which I've never had any problems. Just a few days ago, I got the same model (used one) that was serviced and works well, but the problem with the first printer still persists.

One thought came to mind: could I have accidentally put photo ink into the MBK slot if they were mislabeled? Or could it be an issue with the printer head? However, I just performed a nozzle check, and it looks fine to me. Pictures attached. Thanks!

[Lithoman]

Your nozzle check does indeed look correct. The question about wrong ink is hard to do as the cartridges are keyed. Could you attach a picture of the MBK cartridge and label?

To clarify, the media works in the other machine fine? I was going to suggest humidity in the paper as I have seen that but if it works fine in one and not the other...

It could be the head, but that seems odd to me. How old the head, do you know?

[Lethan]

I am attaching labels of ink and also keeping humidity in mind. My workplace sometimes has a temperature of 18°C. However, I store the media paper in the same place. I checked this issue on both separate rolls I have right now, and when loading the paper onto a new TM-200, there is no issue. Therefore, I assume it is not a paper problem. Do you have any other ideas? Thanks!

Although in the new printer, I am using Epson inks. I was considering buying a set to flush the system, but I am not sure if that is the issue.

[Lethan]

I bought a new TM-200 in March 2023 and installed the print head at that time. It has been working almost every day since then.

[Lithoman]

Using non-canon inks can cause many different weird issues as they are not 100% formulated to work with the printheads and the Canon ink system. I would get a set on OEM stuff and flush the system like you said. As for the head, I would hold off only as a last resort. The age isn't that bad and that nozzle check looks good. If possible, google how to perform a "Service Nozzle Check". This has much more detail and can give you better incite into what is going on with the head. 

[Lethan]

Thanks for the reply. Still, I am wondering why this issue is not appearing on glossy paper. It looks like matte black, but with much darker tones in those color contrast bands. I will definitely flush the whole system with Epson inks, but if that doesn't help, where else should I look?

[Lithoman]

It has to do with the surface coating that is placed on the medias and subtly different mixes for the colors with the inks. Not to mention the printhead and hardware come into play as the inks can jet differently depending on the viscosity and such. Same goes for the other manufacturers. There are many factors that come into play. But ultimately Canon consumables are all designed to work together under known conditions with known and repeatable results. When you start going outside of this weird  anomaly's can happen.

A good case example was a translucent window film I had, both HP and Canon branded. At my shop I had a imagePROGRAF and a DesignJet. Ran the same image on each machine with their branded media (Canon on Canon and HP on HP). Both images looked fantastic. I swapped the medias and ran the same image again. In both cases the ink ran off the surface as in exited the machines on both.

For the sake of your printhead I recommend agains running the Epson inks on a Canon device and getting the proper Canon ink.