Scratches on prints; pixma pro-10

[JayElDee]

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

[rsilber]

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. 

[JayElDee]

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

[rsilber]

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.