Head Strike from Film Curl
high
mechanical
head-strike
media
Carriage rubs the film on raised edges or curled media, leaving smears/scratches.
Likely Causes
Film edge curl >2 mm: Physical interference with carriage path.
Head height set too low: Insufficient clearance for warped stock.
Pinch/idler pressure too high: Imprints curl that rises into the path.
Quick Checks
- Inspect film edges for curl; flatten or pre-condition.
- Verify head height per OEM; raise one step and retest.
Step-by-Step Fix
Flatten or pre-warm curled film — Removes contact risk
Raise head height one notch — Adds clearance for edge warp
Acceptance Criteria
- No audible contact; no fresh rub marks after a 3-pass test