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HP Designjet 430 print quality

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(@target-locked)
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I have an 8-year old HP 430 (Black only) plotter that has poor print quality. The linework is o.k., but the text looks like it was written by a shaky 95 year old. I've tried changing every setting under the sun and replaced the cartridge.

I'm hoping the 430 is(was) popular enough that someone might have some advice.

I know, I know, buy a new one. Not in the cards right now.

 
Posted : July 23, 2010 3:11 pm
 jud
(@jud)
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Do you run a test page to check and reset if needed the print quality when changing the cartridge? Mine usually requires a couple of adjustment for good quality.
jud

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Posted : July 23, 2010 3:16 pm
(@target-locked)
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Jud:

Can you expand on "a couple of adjustments"? I think it's getting finicky in its old age. Never had problems before.

 
Posted : July 23, 2010 3:30 pm
(@jimmy-cleveland)
Posts: 2812
 

Have you tried oiling the rod that the cartridge carriage slides on?

 
Posted : July 23, 2010 7:27 pm
(@shawne-tx-rpls)
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I have had some issues with my HP Designjet 500 of late. I may be able to help some if your troubles are comparable to mine. If you would, decribe your print quality.

 
Posted : July 24, 2010 6:25 am
(@target-locked)
Posts: 652
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I recently tried that, too. Cartridge sounds to be sliding smoothly.

 
Posted : July 24, 2010 6:43 am
(@target-locked)
Posts: 652
Topic starter
 

There's slight "smearing" (not too bad) of the line work, but certain text is the worst. I suspected a driver/font/Windows XP issue, so I updated the driver last night.

Interesting, the print quality is different if I change the setting to "process in computer" and "process in printer". The quality is better if processed in the computer.

 
Posted : July 24, 2010 6:51 am