Troubleshooting Stretched Registration Marks on Epson SureColor T3270 Screen Printing Edition

Printers play a crucial role in screen printing workflows, and maintaining accurate registration marks is essential for quality results. Recently, a user of the Epson SureColor T3270 Screen Printing Edition sought assistance with an issue where registration marks on transparencies were being inconsistently stretched during printing. In this tech overview, we'll delve into potential causes and offer solutions to resolve this problem.

Identifying the Issue

The user reported that, during the printing process, the registration marks were getting stretched, while the actual artwork remained unaffected. This discrepancy led to difficulties in aligning separations accurately. The user attempted to address the issue by adding a line to the left of each print using AccuRIP Emerald, hoping to synchronize the rollers with the printhead's speed.

Adding Registration Marks in Adobe Illustrator

The registration marks were being added in Adobe Illustrator, a common practice in screen printing workflows. However, the user experienced intermittent success with the added line, indicating that there might be more to the issue.

Refining the Workaround

A fellow user suggested a refined workaround – adding a line off the side of the image in Registration color that extends from the very top to the very bottom. This technique aims to prevent misregistration problems caused by voids in the artwork, ensuring that the printer doesn't jump to the next area to be printed. Despite the user's prior attempt with a similar approach, this suggestion provides a more comprehensive solution.

Calibrating the Printer

The discussion further explored the calibration process, with the second user mentioning a process taught by an Epson technician a few years ago. While the details of the calibration process were not explicitly provided, it's a valuable step that can contribute to resolving alignment issues. Calibration helps synchronize printer settings, ensuring optimal performance for accurate and consistent results.

Adjusting Printer Settings and Alignment

The last piece of advice emphasized the importance of checking printer settings, especially those related to transparency paper. Ensuring proper alignment is crucial, as misalignments can lead to irregularities in the printed output. If the problem persists, consulting the printer's manual for guidance is recommended.

Conclusion

Addressing stretched registration marks on the Epson SureColor T3270 Screen Printing Edition involves a combination of refined workarounds and technical adjustments. Users are advised to follow the suggested steps, including adding a registration-colored line and exploring the calibration process. Checking and adjusting printer settings, as well as ensuring proper alignment, can contribute to resolving the issue.

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