Solving Ghosting and Shadow Issues on Epson EcoTank ET-8550 with Large Prints (11x17)

Question:
My Epson EcoTank ET-8550 prints perfectly crisp lines using letter-sized paper, but when I switch to 11x17 prints, I notice shadowing or ghosting. I've tried horizontal alignment and even disabled bi-directional printing, but the problem persists. Can you help me figure this out?

Answer:
Thank you very much for contacting us! I'm truly sorry for not getting back to you sooner. We completely understand how urgent and frustrating printer issues can be, and at BCH Technologies, we strive to address each problem carefully and thoroughly. Your continued support and engagement, particularly through our YouTube channel, greatly enhance our technical resources.

The issue you're describing—clear and crisp prints on smaller paper but ghosting on larger formats (11x17)—is often related to alignment and paper handling mechanisms. Here’s a detailed breakdown of likely causes and practical solutions:

Potential Causes and Solutions:

1. Paper Feed Alignment or Skewing:
Larger paper sizes, like 11x17, are susceptible to minor misalignment and feed instability, which can cause noticeable ghosting or shadowing.

• Solution:

  • Perform a manual printhead alignment, specifically using 11x17 paper. Aligning with the actual size used can drastically improve accuracy.

  • Ensure the paper is loaded straight and securely, without curls or bends.

2. Feed Roller Issues:
Dirt, debris, or slight wear on feed rollers can cause inconsistent grip, making larger sheets prone to slipping.

• Solution:

  • Gently clean the rollers with a soft cloth dampened slightly with isopropyl alcohol. Allow rollers to dry completely before using the printer again.

  • Inspect rollers for signs of wear. If visibly worn, consider replacing them.

3. Bi-directional Printing Settings:
Even though you've turned off bi-directional printing, verify that this setting remains consistently off for the 11x17 print jobs, as settings can occasionally revert unintentionally.

• Solution:

  • Double-check your printer’s settings to ensure bi-directional printing remains disabled, specifically for larger paper sizes.

4. Media Type Mismatch:
Using incorrect paper settings can significantly impact print quality, leading to ghosting.

• Solution:

  • Always select the exact paper type in your printer settings (e.g., plain paper, matte photo, DTF film).

  • Consider using thicker, higher-quality paper or manually feeding sheets individually through the rear tray for optimal handling.

5. Encoder Strip Issues:
If ghosting consistently appears in the same spot, the printer's encoder strip might be dirty or smudged, causing carriage misalignment.

• Solution:

  • Clean the encoder strip carefully with a soft, lint-free cloth lightly moistened with isopropyl alcohol. Ensure it dries fully before resuming printing.

Additional Recommendations:

• Confirm print quality settings are set to "High" or "Best" to reduce speed and improve accuracy.

• Ensure printer firmware and drivers are updated to the latest versions, as software updates frequently address such issues.

Addressing printer issues can indeed be complicated, given their hands-on nature. Therefore, BCH Technologies doesn't offer remote troubleshooting or repairs. However, we do provide professional, in-person diagnostic and repair services through our local facility. Learn more on our Printer Repair Service page. Due to high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis so that service availability may take a few weeks. While our services may not always be the most budget-friendly, we highly encourage exploring self-help options online. Our YouTube channel homepage offers extensive resources. Use the channel's search function (next to the "About" section) to locate specific printer model tutorials or troubleshooting guides efficiently. Additionally, YouTube often suggests valuable resources from other creators as well.

Thanks again for reaching out—we greatly value your patience and continued support!