Troubleshooting Roland Test-Print Quality Issues: A Step-by-Step Guide
The Skinny
Running into test print problems with your Roland printer? Whether you’re seeing banding, color mismatches, or incomplete prints, this guide is designed to walk you through quick diagnostics and long-term solutions. We’ll cover:
- Common causes of Roland test-print failures
- Step-by-step troubleshooting techniques
- Maintenance best practices
- When to call for service
- A printable chart to track issue resolution
Ideal for print shop managers, techs, and DIY operators across Colorado and beyond.
Why Test Prints Matter
A test print is your first line of defense. It quickly tells you if your Roland printer is ready for production or if something needs fixing. It helps verify:
- Nozzles are firing correctly
- Ink is flowing consistently
- Print heads are aligned
- Colors are balanced
Failing to check with a test print could cost you time, media, and customer confidence. In many cases, consistent test printing can prevent minor issues from becoming costly repairs. It also ensures that color consistency remains high across jobs—essential for client satisfaction and brand integrity. In regulated industries or corporate branding applications, poor print quality could lead to product recalls or reprints. Plus, a clean test print serves as a baseline when diagnosing unexpected changes in output, making it easier to isolate software vs. hardware causes.
Common Test Print Issues (And What They Mean)
| Issue | Symptoms | Likely Cause | Quick Fix |
|---|---|---|---|
| Banding | Horizontal lines through prints | Clogged nozzles, wrong settings | Perform nozzle clean, check media profile |
| Missing Colors | One or more colors absent | Empty cartridge, head clog | Replace ink, deep clean print heads |
| Blurry Prints | Fuzzy edges, double images | Head misalignment | Run bi-directional alignment |
| Smudging or Ink Pools | Wet ink, dragging effects | Incorrect media type setting | Adjust heater settings, check material |
| Color Shifts | Tinted blacks, oversaturated tones | ICC profile mismatch | Load correct color profile in VersaWorks |
Step-by-Step: Troubleshooting Your Roland Test Print
Step 1: Run a Nozzle Test Print
On your Roland printer menu:
- Navigate to
Menu > Cleaning > Test Print - Inspect all color bars for breaks or missing lines
If nozzles are clogged, proceed to Step 2.
Step 2: Clean Print Heads
Start with a normal cleaning cycle:
Menu > Cleaning > Normal- If that fails, try a Powerful Clean
- Still not clear? Consider manual cleaning with cleaning swabs and Roland-approved solution
Step 3: Re-Run Test Print
- After cleaning, re-run the test print
- If all nozzles fire cleanly, you’re good to go
Step 4: Print Alignment & Calibration
Use the menu to:
- Check bi-directional alignment
- Verify media feed calibration
- Adjust head height if using specialty media
Best Practices to Avoid Print Issues
- Print Daily or Weekly: Regular usage keeps ink flowing and heads clean
- Use Genuine Roland Ink: Non-OEM inks may clog nozzles or void warranties
- Control Humidity: Keep print room between 40–60% humidity
- Store Media Properly: Avoid dusty or rolled edges
- Keep a Maintenance Log: Note cleanings, errors, or service calls
When to Call a Technician
If you’ve done all the above and still have issues, you might need pro help:
- Ink delivery failure
- Wiper blade needs replacement
- Cap top or dampers clogged
- Encoder strip dirty or misread
- Persistent nozzle clogs after multiple cleanings
- Test print shows irregular ink pooling or over-spray
- You’re encountering repeat errors like “ink not recognized” or “head position error”
- Software or firmware issues causing freezing or miscommunication with RIP software
Sometimes the issue may not be mechanical—it could stem from outdated drivers or corrupted ICC profiles, which a certified Roland technician can help identify and resolve.
ABT’s certified Roland technicians across the Colorado Front Range can assist with same-week repairs, diagnostics, and part replacements.
Printable Troubleshooting Chart
| Date | Issue Noted | Fix Attempted | Result | Technician Needed? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 09/03/2025 | Missing Cyan Lines | Normal Clean | Improved, retrying | No |
| 09/04/2025 | Color Shift | Loaded New ICC | Resolved | No |
| 09/06/2025 | Smudging on vinyl | Adjusted heater temp | Still smudging | Yes |
Keep Your Roland Running Like New
Whether you’re printing wraps, signage, or decals, a clean test print is essential to production quality. Staying ahead of issues saves you downtime, money, and unhappy clients.
📍 Based in Colorado? ABT offers local Roland service, ink, and media supply.
✅ Same-week technician support
✅ Genuine Roland parts & ink
✅ Workflow training & test print optimization