Fountain keys out of zero (false profile)
High severitySymptoms
Console/CIP3 preset doesn't match output; long make-readies
Probable causes
- Key zero drifted
- worn duct blade or dried ink behind it
- expired console calibration
The Print Guy · 2026-10-05
Other problems in this category
Inking calibration · TPG-092
Full ink train calibration (procedure)
Uneven inking, constant key corrections, unstable color
Inking calibration · TPG-093
Form rollers badly set to plate
High gain, plate wear, heavy or starved inking
Inking calibration · TPG-097
Wrong plate-blanket / blanket-paper pressure
Overall high gain or weak image; premature wear
Inking calibration · TPG-094
Ductor and vibrator out of sync
Irregular ink band; color pulses at the ductor rhythm
Inking calibration · TPG-096
Oscillator distribution badly set
Persistent ghosting, lateral bands, mixing across key zones