laserjet 5500dn problems with black density

[chadroeder]

Hi...we usually use the 1100 for printing good deep blacks for making film positives, but larger jobs call for the 5500--I've noticed that the 5500 prints blacks with low density...in other words, not very opaque(we print to a vellum-like material that is semi-transparent...kinda foggy)...and we need total blackness in the artwork etc. so the film will develop properly. I have tried every conceivable configuration with the drivers (have both 5c and 6 installed), I have tried printing only in grayscale, have tried setting the black density in the printer to its highest setting...all to no avail. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks!

CR

 

[1101001100110101]

There should be a setting on the printer itself in the control panel for the color toner density. Try making it higher.

 

[chadroeder]

Yes, as I say, I have set the density to the highest setting. BUT...After talking with HP tech support for a considerable length of time, I have discovered that there is no way around this issue...the toner used in this printer does not print as dense colors as previous models, in an attempt to get better color fidelity. Oh well! Thanks for the response.

CR

 

[hpwizzard]

What is the settings in the Advanced color settings in the driver ? There you can decide whether the black should be mixed by the color toners or only use the black toner itself.

 

[chadroeder]

There's really nothing in the control panel that allows me to simply use the black cartridge...unless you're referring to the color management options which let you specify 4 color or black only, in which case, yes, i've set them all to print black only..all to no avail. I just think that the new toner (i think it's called "organic" or something) will not print the deep saturated colors. Thanks,

CR