asked on

Suggestion for label printing problems

HI,
We are having difficulty getting the label to print in the same place each time. Page after page of labels will print correctly. Then for no apparent reason the labels will drift 10 to 20 pixels, up or down, left or right. We are using fonts as small as 3 point on the label so it is very noticable when they drift.

We are currently using a HP LaserJet 8150N to print lables. We have tried the straight through path and the regular tray. The same problem is encountered in both. The label size is 7/8"H x 4 1/2"W with a 1/8" separartion between lables.

Any idea what is going on?

Any suggestions for a laser printer that would always register page position consistently?

If we have to switch to a dot matrix printer, the software will have to be rewritten but that is doable. What printer would give good results at these small point sizes?

Thanks for your ideas.
pat

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

hdhondt

membership

This solution is only available to members.

To access this solution, you must be a member of Experts Exchange.

Start Free Trial

mpdillon

ASKER

The Graphics - Print Quality in the PrintDriver was 600x600. The labels were off this morning. To the best of my ability, I measured the drift and it was between 1 and 1.5 mm. So I believe you are on the right track. You are correct in needing a magnifying glass to read some of these labels. Actually, point size is adjust for each label. Only the labels with the most text get the 3 point. Most labels are 4 point. The quantity of the text cannot change and the labels are applied to an itty bitty bottle. So the font cannot get bigger because lable is so small.
In summary it sounds like Dot matrix printers do not have the resolution necessay. Laser printers do not have the required paper registration. And I can change the font size. I just love Mondays!!!

hdhondt

All that's really needed is to leave at least 1 mm space between the text and the edge of the label, to allow for drift. Of course, if these are really small labels that may be an apreciable part of the total area...