Templot Club Archive 2007-2020
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posted: 5 Mar 2008 01:25 from: Brian Tulley
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Hi Martin, I've been running thru' the printer calibration procedures. However, whilst I've had no problems with the actual procedure I've been finding that, even though I've been taking great care measuring the printer calibration test sheet dimensions (using a steel rule and/or a digital vernier) I've been finding that the proof sheet dimensions are a little out. For example: Using 80gsm paper, inner frame width = 89.6mm & height = 119.6mm. Proof sheet dimensions are 150.3 & 250.5mm. Head Factor is 99.56%; Roller Factor is 99.67%. Using 160gsm paper, outer frame width = 179.6mm & height = 240.2mm. Proof sheet dimensions are 150.5mm & 250.8mm. Head Factor is 99.78%; Roller Factor is 100.08%. Am I doing anything wrong? Are the dimensions I'm getting ok, bearing in mind the use of track gauges during construction anyway? The Printer is an HP Laserjet 5P, on a stable surface etc. The prints are being left to cool/dry for some minutes prior to measuring. Many thanks. Best Regards, Brian Tulley. |
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posted: 8 Mar 2008 12:19 from: Martin Wynne
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Brian Tulley wrote: The Printer is an HP Laserjet 5P, on a stable surface etc. The prints are being left to cool/dry for some minutes prior to measuring.Hi Brian, I know little about laser printers, but I think you are running up against their inherent lack of precision due to differential heating of the paper. The only thing I can suggest is that you run a blank sheet through the printer first to heat it and pre-condition it. Or find some other way to heat the paper before use. Whether it should then be left to cool, or used hot, is a moot point. Anyone? The problem is likely to be worse during the winter months because of the generally damper atmosphere. Paper stored somewhere warm and dry for a few weeks and then kept in a sealed container should work better. For a single template the precision you are getting is perfectly adequate, because as you say all actual track construction is done using gauge tools. The problem arises when you have a large plan comprising several sheets in several rows and you want to fit them accurately together. Odd half-millimetres can add up and throw things out of alignment. As an alternative to the "official" means of calibrating the printer, you could try printing templates with a 50mm grid and measuring the grid lines. You can then enter the calibration factors by trial and error until you get the best average grid spacings across the full sheet. Generally I recommend using an ink-jet printer rather than a laser printer to get the best accuracy. regards, Martin. |
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posted: 10 Mar 2008 17:24 from: Brian Tulley
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Martin Wynne wrote:Generally I recommend using an ink-jet printer rather than a laser printer to get the best accuracy.Hi Martin, Thanks for the reply; I have an HP Photosmart ink-jet printer in the cupboard. I'll dig it out and give it a go, and report back the results. Best Regards, Brian. |
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posted: 19 Mar 2008 16:20 from: Brian Tulley
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Martin Wynne wrote:Generally I recommend using an ink-jet printer rather than a laser printer to get the best accuracy.Hi Martin, Just to let you know that as soon as I stopped using the Laserjet printer and went over to the HP Photosmart inkjet printer all my calibration problems were solved!. Many thanks. Best Regards, Brian Tulley. |
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