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Professionals in industries relying on large format printing have come to depend on the reliability of their printers. An unexpected paper jam in a printer plotter wastes time and can lead to costly damage to the plotter when not addressed properly. In this guide, we'll explore the common reasons for a plotter jam and provide step-by-step solutions.

Common Causes of Plotter Paper Jams

If you're going to address a paper jam in a printer plotter properly, you first need to know what causes them. Two primary issues contribute to the majority of plotter jams:

Incorrect Paper Size or Type One of the most frequent causes of paper jams in printer plotters is using the wrong paper size or type. A plotter is designed to work with specific paper dimensions, types, and weights. Running paper through them that doesn't meet the specifications will cause a jam.

Worn Out Rollers or Print Heads Over time, a plotter's mechanical components can wear down, leading to paper feed issues and jams.

Rollers move the paper through the plotter. When they wear out, they lose their grip on the paper and cause it to feed unevenly. Similarly, clogged print or misaligned print heads may catch on the paper and disrupt its path.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fix Plotter Jams

Any paper jam in a printer plotter should be addressed promptly to keep your plotter from becoming damaged. Follow the steps below to fix plotter paper jams:

Safely Removing Paper Jams Without Damaging the Plotter The first step is to remove the jammed paper. This must be done carefully to avoid damage to the plotter.

1. To begin, turn off the plotter and remove the main cover. Identify where the paper is stuck and then grab it firmly with both hands.
2. Gently pull in the direction of the paper path. Pulling it at an angle can put stress on parts that aren't supposed to be stressed.
3. With the paper removed, check for any torn pieces. If there are any, then inspect the paper path for any remaining fragments and remove them. Tweezers may be helpful for difficult-to-reach pieces.
4. While you have the cover off, check the rollers and print heads for any signs of damage.

Inspecting for Any Remaining Obstructions Before you put the cover back on and resume printing, you want to ensure all obstructions are removed.

1. Use a torch to illuminate the entire paper path. Look for any small pieces of paper, dust, or other foreign objects that could cause a jam.
2. Manually rotate the rollers to ensure that they move smoothly and show no signs of wear or damage.
3. Locate the paper sensors and make sure that they're clean and unobstructed.

Resetting the Plotter After Clearing a Jam Once the jam and any obstructions are cleared, you can prepare the plotter to print again. Replace the cover and turn the plotter back on.

If you're printing anything but very small projects, run a test print to ensure that everything is functioning before resuming your print job.

If any error messages are still on the display, follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to clear them.

Preventing Future Plotter Paper Jams

Ideally, you'll prevent a paper jam in a printer plotter from ever occurring rather than having to deal with them when they do. The best practices below will help minimise the chances of a jam:

Properly Loading Paper Into the Plotter 1. Always use paper that matches the specifications of your plotter model.
2. Make sure the paper is straight as it goes into the feed guides before starting the job.
3. Pay attention to the maximum capacity of the paper tray and be sure not to overfill it.
4. Before loading the paper, fan it out to unstick any sheets that may be clinging to one another.
5. Keep paper in a cool, dry place to avoid moisture absorption, which can cause feeding problems.

Regular Maintenance to Avoid Paper Jam Issues 1. Remove any dirt and debris from the rollers with a lint-free cloth and approved cleaner.
2. Update your plotter's firmware whenever a new version becomes available.
3. Have a professional service your plotter regularly to handle any wear before it causes a jam.
4. Replace rollers, belts, or other components that show signs of wear.

Using the Correct Paper Type and Quality 1. Use appropriate paper for each job, considering factors like ink coverage and print quality needs.
2. Invest in higher quality paper, which is less likely to shed fibres or dust that can lead to jams.
3. Allow the paper to acclimate to the room temperature of the printer before using it.

How HP Plotters Help Reduce Paper Jams

HP has spent decades refining its printer technology, creating several innovative features that help to minimise any paper jam in a printer plotter, determine how to fix them, and improve overall performance. Below are some of the features you'll find in the HP DesignJet series:

Advanced Features for Jam Prevention 1. Intelligent paper sensing: Advanced sensors detect paper type, size, and alignment. Then, they automatically adjust settings to prevent misfeeds.
2. Multi-roll capability: Many HP plotters support multiple rolls, reducing the number of times paper needs to be loaded.
3. Automatic paper-jam detection: Paper jams are automatically detected, minimising potential damage and downtime.
4. Self-cleaning print heads: Some HP plotters print heads that clean themselves, reducing the risk of jams caused by clogged nozzles.

Efficient Paper Handling and Automatic Alignment 1. Precision paper feed systems: The paper feed system in HP plotters is manufactured with high precision, ensuring smooth and accurate paper movement.
2. Automatic paper alignment: Many HP plotters can automatically align the paper, reducing the risk of skewed prints and jams.
3. Adaptive printing technology: HP plotters are able to adjust printing parameters on the fly, allowing them to accommodate varying paper types.
4. Smart roll switching: Plotters with mult-roll setups automatically switch between rolls to reduce the risk of jams during long print jobs.

Keep Your Plotter Running Smoothly by Troubleshooting and Preventing Jams

Armed with the knowledge of how plotter paper jams occur and how to address them when they do, you'll be able to reduce downtime and significantly extend your plotter's life. To get even more life out of your investment, consider taking advantage of the advanced features offered by the HP DesignJet line.