Resolving Banding Issues on Canon Pro 1000: A Comprehensive Guide

If you're experiencing incomplete nozzle checks and banding issues, particularly with the black matte ink section on your Canon Pro 1000, fear not. We've gathered insights from a community discussion and some expert advice to guide you through troubleshooting and potential solutions.

Identifying the Problem

The user inquired about incomplete nozzle checks and banding specifically on black matte ink, even after multiple cleaning cycles, including a deep clean. Interestingly, banding was observed on regular or matte paper but not on glossy paper, where the photo black ink was utilized. Seeking guidance from Canon customer service, the recommendation was to replace the two-year-old printhead.

Expert Suggestions: Manual Cleaning

1. Avoid Excessive Cleaning Cycles

It's advised not to indulge in additional cleaning cycles, as this might exacerbate the ink plugging issue.

2. Preliminary Steps

Start by removing the cartridges. Cover the cartridge ink outlets with tape to retain moisture, ensuring tape doesn't touch the outlet baton.

3. Windex Soak Method

Place the printhead, channels down, into a dish with about 1/6 inch of original Windex (not deodorized). Allow it to soak, avoiding contact with the contacts. Soaking time can vary; a couple of hours may suffice, but longer durations might be needed.

4. Post-Soak Cleanup

After soaking, wipe off Windex with a wet napkin, followed by a dry one. Use a vinyl eraser (not abrasive types) to clean contacts, following the contact angles. Be cautious, as going against these angles may damage the contacts.

5. Prudent Cleaning Frequency

Limit cleaning cycles to a couple per hour to avoid excessive heat, which can harden any plug and worsen the situation.

Community Input and Counterpoint

Alternate Viewpoint: Pro 1000 Specifics

One user suggested caution with manual cleaning on the Pro 1000, recommending not to attempt printhead removal without a replacement ready. External cleaning might not yield benefits.

Additional Insights: Paper and Printer Behavior

The anomaly of banding appearing on certain paper types raised questions. It was suggested that ensuring correct paper settings and allowing the printer to sit overnight before retrying might be worthwhile.

Next Steps

While the soak-and-clean method appears promising, it's essential to approach it with patience and a readiness for potential variations in results. For Pro 1000 users, the cautionary note about printhead removal without a replacement is worth considering.

For a visual guide and more tech insights, check out BCH Technologies' YouTube Channel or explore their tech blog. If you're local to Greensboro, North Carolina, consider stopping by for personalized assistance.

Remember, these suggestions are user-generated and may not guarantee success in all cases. Your experience might vary, so proceed with these steps at your discretion.