Troubleshooting 4 of 6
Material Problems
Suspect the material when the same controlled file and machine setup produces different results across blanks, stock types, colors, surfaces, or lots.
Material diagnosis
| Symptom | Likely cause | Check | Correction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transfer or ink will not adhere | Incompatible surface, coating, preparation, cure, or contamination | Confirm material specification and preparation history | Use approved material and repeat the validated preparation and cure |
| Color appears dull or altered | Substrate color, coating, composition, texture, or profile mismatch | Compare with a known approved blank and lot | Use the correct material, profile, underbase, or physical proof |
| Product warps, scorches, melts, or cracks | Material exceeded a safe process limit | Stop and review manufacturer limits and actual conditions | Reject unsafe settings and use a compatible process or product |
| Result varies between units | Lot, coating, moisture, thickness, or surface variation | Compare supplier, lot, storage, and preparation records | Segregate inconsistent material and validate the replacement lot |
| Surface has spots or voids | Dust, oil, moisture, residue, or coating defects | Inspect before and after cleaning under suitable light | Use the approved cleaning method or replace the defective blank |
| Laser result is unexpected or unsafe | Unknown or incompatible composition | Stop and identify the material through reliable documentation | Do not process unidentified material; use verified laser-safe stock |