What causes CIJ printer messages to print out of alignment?

If your codes are printing in the wrong spot, drifting, or overlapping, this guide helps you fix alignment with encoder, delay, and sensor checks.

What is alignment drift?

Alignment issues show up as:

  • Print starting too early or late on product

  • Characters off-centre or split between objects

  • Codes printing in gaps between products


What causes misaligned prints

Cause Fix
Incorrect encoder PPM Calibrate based on conveyor speed
Wrong trigger delay setting Adjust print delay under Print Parameters
Photocell misaligned or dirty Clean and realign sensor
Conveyor vibration or bounce Stabilise surface and product spacing
 

Fix alignment in 4 steps

  1. Run a test print on product at normal speed

  2. Observe where the code lands vs target zone

  3. Adjust Print Delay (positive = later, negative = earlier)

  4. Confirm encoder direction and PPM in setup menu

  5. If products are inconsistent, use guide rails or encoder mode