← All symptomsSafety stop: Stop the process if there is smoke, an electrical fault, a strong unfamiliar odor, melting, cracked glass, or evidence that the material is not heat-rated. Follow the equipment and blank manufacturer’s safety instructions.
Prioritized checks
Starting order
Confirm or weaken each cause before changing the next variable.
1
Incorrect or duplicate color management
Evidence that supports it
- Multiple colors shift consistently across blanks.
- The printer, ink, media, or application color settings recently changed.
Evidence against it
- A known control target matches expected output.
Safe next actions
- Restore the documented printer/ink/paper profile workflow.
- Print and press a labeled control target.
2
One ink channel is missing or contaminated
Evidence that supports it
- The nozzle check is missing a color channel.
Evidence against it
- All nozzle-check channels are complete.
Safe next actions
- Run the manufacturer’s nozzle check.
- Follow approved maintenance; do not mix unverified ink systems.
3
Blank color or transparency is altering appearance
Evidence that supports it
- The blank is colored, frosted, translucent, or not high-white.
Evidence against it
- The same shift occurs on a white opaque control.
Safe next actions
- Compare on a white documented control blank.
- Build substrate-specific swatches instead of judging from the monitor.