Abnormal Font Appearance in Inkjet Printing: Causes and Adjustment Tips | Cheef Inkjet

Abnormal Font Appearance in Inkjet Printing: Causes, Diagnosis, and Adjustment Tips

If the text printed by your inkjet printer appears distorted, misaligned, overly thick or thin, or spaced incorrectly, it could be due to software, hardware, or environmental issues. These font irregularities can affect readability, compliance, and brand presentation. This article explores the common causes and practical solutions for CIJ, TIJ, and DOD systems.

Common Abnormal Font Symptoms

• ⚠️ Characters appear skewed or slanted
• ⚠️ Fonts are overly bold, faint, or inconsistent
• ⚠️ Letters or numbers are unevenly spaced
• ⚠️ Some lines appear compressed, others stretched
• ⚠️ Print shifts when speed changes or substrates vary

Causes and Fixes

1. Incorrect Font or Message Layout Settings

• Cause: Font file or layout design incompatible with printer type or resolution
• Fix:
  • Select fonts recommended for your printer’s DPI and speed
  • Avoid using proportional fonts in high-speed production—use monospaced alternatives
  • Adjust character spacing and alignment in layout editor

2. Printhead Misalignment

• Cause: Head is not perpendicular or is tilted relative to substrate
• Fix:
  • Recalibrate printhead angle and distance (CIJ: 2–6 mm; TIJ: <2 mm)
  • Use a level bracket and spacer tool for mounting consistency

3. Ink Jetting Irregularities

• Cause: Ink flow inconsistency causes gaps or blotting
• Fix:
  • Run nozzle test and clean clogged nozzles
  • Ensure ink viscosity is within specified range

4. Conveyor Speed Fluctuations

• Cause: Variable speeds distort timing-based font generation
• Fix:
  • Use encoder feedback for speed synchronization
  • Switch from fixed-delay to dynamic-delay print mode

5. Substrate Curvature or Surface Texture

• Cause: Irregular surfaces stretch or compress printed characters
• Fix:
  • Use support fixtures or alignment guides to stabilize products
  • Increase font size or boldness on high-contrast or curved surfaces

Advanced Tips

• ✅ Enable bold or stroke-weight options in layout software for better contrast
• ✅ Store different font templates per product type
• ✅ Use test print function at production speed to confirm font integrity

FAQs

• Can all printers use custom fonts? No—TIJ and low-end CIJ models may have fixed font libraries; DOD systems are more flexible
• Why does font only distort at high speeds? High-speed output requires precise timing, stable ink delivery, and well-matched fonts

Conclusion

Font issues in inkjet printing stem from mismatches between software settings, mechanical setup, and operating conditions. By selecting appropriate fonts, stabilizing your line, and aligning your hardware, you can restore sharp, readable coding. For layout assistance, printhead calibration kits, or professional support, contact Cheef Inkjet at sales@cheef.cn.