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Orange County, Ca HP DesignJet Plotter & Large Format Printer Repair: Common Issues We Can Fix

When it comes to large format printing, whether you’re working on architectural designs, engineering plans, or high-quality photo prints, the reliability of your HP DesignJet plotter is essential. However, like any piece of machinery, these high-performance printers can experience issues over time. Fortunately, many of these problems are not only fixable but can be repaired quickly with the right expertise.

In this blog, we’ll walk through some of the most common issues we fix for HP DesignJet plotters and large format printers, and how our same-day onsite repair service can get your printer up and running again.

1. Carriage Belt Replacement & Broken Carriage Belt

A broken or worn-out carriage belt is one of the most common issues that can affect your HP DesignJet printer. This belt controls the movement of the printhead carriage across the page, and if it’s damaged or slack, the printer can’t perform correctly, often causing print errors or misalignment.

Solution: We replace broken or worn carriage belts, ensuring proper tension and alignment. After replacing the belt, we also calibrate the printhead and conduct a quality test print to ensure everything is functioning smoothly.

2. Print-Head Error

Print-head errors can be caused by clogged nozzles, faulty printhead connections, or even a misalignment in the printer’s system. If your prints are showing faded colors, missing lines, or streaks, a print-head error is likely the culprit.

Solution: Our repair technicians clean and inspect the printhead, perform necessary calibrations, and may replace damaged printheads to restore sharp, vibrant prints. We also conduct a test print to ensure the issue is fully resolved.

3. Ink Supply Error

Ink supply errors often occur when there’s an issue with ink cartridges, ink tanks, or the ink delivery system itself. This can result in poor print quality, color mismatches, or complete print failures.

Solution: We inspect the ink cartridges, clean the ink supply system, replace any defective cartridges, and recalibrate the printer to ensure smooth ink flow. A quality test print will confirm the solution.

4. Paper Not Cutting

If your HP DesignJet plotter has a paper cutting function that’s malfunctioning, it can delay your workflow and increase your paper handling time. Paper cutting issues may result from a jam, a malfunctioning cutter blade, or a misaligned cutting mechanism.

Solution: We inspect and repair the cutting mechanism, ensuring proper calibration for smooth, accurate cuts. After fixing the cutter, we run a series of test prints to make sure your printer operates without issue.

5. Excessive Noise

An HP DesignJet printer that’s making strange or excessive noise may have an issue with its internal moving parts, like the carriage, rollers, or motors. This can affect print quality and even cause more significant damage if not addressed quickly.

Solution: We inspect and clean the moving parts such as the plotter carriage rails, drive rollers, and other critical components. Lubrication and proper alignment will often eliminate the noise and ensure the printer operates quietly.

6. Error Codes

When your HP DesignJet displays an error code, it can be frustrating and may leave you wondering how to fix it. These error codes can relate to a variety of issues, such as hardware malfunctions, software bugs, or paper jams.

Solution: Our technicians have extensive experience diagnosing and fixing error codes. After identifying the cause, we perform the necessary repairs or replacements, followed by a reset to ensure the error code no longer appears.

7. No Power – Faulty Power Supply

If your printer is not turning on, the issue could be a faulty power supply, damaged power cords, or an internal circuit problem. A loss of power can halt your workflow entirely.

Solution: We troubleshoot the power supply and electrical connections, replacing any faulty parts to restore power to your device. A full system check ensures that no other components are affected by the issue.

8. Ink Leaking

Ink leaks are a serious issue that can not only damage your printer but also create a mess that can be difficult to clean up. Leaks typically occur from damaged ink cartridges or seals.

Solution: We identify the source of the leak, clean any spilled ink, and replace damaged cartridges or seals to prevent further issues. We also check the entire ink system for potential weaknesses to ensure smooth operation.


Our Comprehensive Same-Day Onsite HP DesignJet Repair Service Includes:

  • Cleaning the Plotter Carriage Rails: Ensures smooth movement of the printhead for better print quality and reduced noise.
  • Lubricating the Plotter Carriage Rails: Reduces friction and wear on critical components, improving lifespan and performance.
  • Cleaning the Drive Roller: Ensures proper paper feeding, preventing paper jams and improving print accuracy.
  • Encoder Strip Cleaning and Inspection: Maintains accurate positioning of the printhead, preventing alignment issues.
  • Inspecting and Cleaning the Platen Assembly: Prevents print defects caused by dust, debris, or ink buildup.
  • Complete Cleaning of the HP DesignJet: We perform a deep cleaning of your entire printer, inside and out, to ensure optimal performance.
  • Adjusting the DesignJet Print Head: After servicing the belt or printhead, we calibrate the printhead for perfect print alignment.
  • Quality Test Printout: We perform a test print to ensure the repair was successful and that your printer is working like new.

Popular HP DesignJet Models We Service:

We provide expert repair services for a wide range of HP DesignJet printers, including but not limited to:

  • HP DesignJet T120, T520, T790, T920, T1500, T1700, T3500 eMFP, T2500 eMFP
  • HP DesignJet Z3200, Z5200ps, Z6600, Z6800, Z9+, Z3100ps
  • HP Latex Printers (HP Latex 280, 310, 330, 360, 370, 820, 850)
  • And more!

Whether you’re in Orange County, Aliso Viejo, Anaheim, or surrounding areas, we provide reliable, fast, and efficient same-day onsite repairs to get your HP DesignJet back in action.


Get Your HP DesignJet Plotter Back in Working Condition

If your HP DesignJet plotter is showing signs of trouble, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Contact us for same-day onsite repair and experience high-quality, professional service from our experienced technicians. We’ll inspect, clean, calibrate, and repair your printer to ensure it runs as smoothly as the day you bought it.

Let us help you get back to producing stunning prints without interruption. Reach out today to schedule a repair appointment!