Feed calibration

Feed Calibration - Know Before You Print

Feed Calibration performs a very important function which is often overlooked. It adjusts how
the printer compensates for the thickness and weight of the media as the media is being fed o
of the roll.
When the Feed Calibration is set improperly, consistent dark overlapping lines or white lines will
be seen in the output. The key indicator that the Feed Calibration is set incorrectly is that the
results will be consistent throughout the entire print.
Performing the Feed Calibration
The first step in performing the Feed Calibration is setting up the media that you are going to be
using. It is important to set up the media in the exact manner that the media will be printed.
For example, if the prints will be output using the take-up reel, be sure to perform the feed
calibration while using the take-up reel. Factors such as this are important because they influence
how the media tracks through the machine and will ultimately affect the Feed Calibration.
Once the media is set up press the Menu key and press the Down Arrow until you reach
Calibration. Press the Right Arrow and Test Print will be shown. Press Enter to perform the Feed
Calibration Test Print.

Note: Depending on what model printer is being used and the firmware that is loaded the Feed
Calibration can appear in two forms. Either a single print showing the current setting or a series
of prints that shows the current setting with variances of six prints with a higher setting and six
prints with a lower setting.

In this instance, the Feed Calibration that is currently set will have an arrow indicating the current
setting.

Reviewing and Adjusting the Test Print

No matter which type of Feed Calibration Test Print is displayed the correction method is the
same.

A. The ideal output shows the two boxes just touching so that there is no gap or overlap.
B. If a gap is present decrease the value by going to Menu, Calibration, Setting and pressing
the Down Arrow to decrease the percentage shown to match what setting is best on the test
pattern.
Press Enter to save the value. If the printer does not show multiple test patterns perform the
Feed Calibration, Test Print again to check the results.
C. If an overlap is present increase the value by going to Menu, Calibration, Setting and
pressing the Up Arrow to increase the percentage shown to match what setting is best on the
test pattern. Press Enter to save the value. If the printer does not show multiple test patterns
perform the Feed Calibration, Test Print again to check the results.

Tech Tip: The Feed Calibration is a very fine adjustment meaning that an incremental
adjustment of .05% or 10% is very small. Some media will require an adjustment in much
larger steps.

Note: The Feed Calibration setting on the printer will be overridden by Versaworks as a
default. This can lead to a confusing scenario where the Feed Calibration setting doesn’t
appear to make any adjustments. Please see the next page for information on setting the Feed
Calibration in Versaworks.