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LINKO K605 Step and Vertical Calibration Guide
Applicable model: LINKO K605 DTF Printer
This guide is used to solve vertical misalignment or ghosting between the white ink layer and the color ink layer.
1. Check Whether Calibration Is Needed First
Calibration is needed when the white ink layer and the color ink layer are not aligned vertically in the printed image.
| Condition | Check Result | Next Step |
|---|---|---|
| White ink layer and color ink layer are fully aligned | Normal | No calibration needed |
| Vertical misalignment or ghosting between white ink layer and color ink layer | Abnormal | Do step calibration first. Then do vertical calibration |
| Broken nozzle lines, missing nozzles, obvious missing colors, or material slipping | Direct calibration is not recommended | Check nozzle status, material, and film feeding first |
1-1 White and Color Layer Alignment Check
1-2 Vertical Misalignment Check
Important: Follow this sequence:
Pre-check → Step calibration → Step verification and save → Vertical calibration → Vertical verification and save → Final print check.
Do not skip step calibration and do vertical calibration directly.
2. Preparation Before Start
2.1 Turn On Vacuum Suction
- Turn on the vacuum suction function (See Fig. 2.1-1).
- Confirm that the material can be firmly held on the platform.
- If the material curls up, slides, or is not held evenly, solve the material or vacuum suction issue first.
2.1-1 Vacuum Suction Location
2.1-2 Vacuum Suction Status
2.2 Confirm the Feeding Direction
- Set the feeder switch to Forward (See Fig. 2.2-1).
- Confirm that the material feeds forward.
- If the feeder is in reverse state or off state, set it to forward first.
2.2-1-Feeder switch Location
2.2-2 Confirm the Feeding Direction
2.3 Check the Material
- Confirm that the material surface is flat.
- Confirm that the material edge is parallel to the paper feeding direction.
- Confirm that the material has no wrinkles, curled edges, slipping, or skewing (See Fig. 2.3).
2.3 Flat Material Placement
2.4 Check the Nozzle Status
- Print the nozzle test pattern.
- If there are continuous broken lines or missing nozzles, clean the nozzle first.
- Start calibration after the nozzle status returns to normal.
Note: Poor nozzle status can make the calibration result inaccurate.
For the nozzle test pass standard and guide location, see [Test Strip Printing (Nozzle Test) Guide].
3. Open the Calibration Screen and Back Up the Original Parameters
3.1 Start the Print Manager Software
Double-click the PM icon on the computer desktop to start the Print Manager software (See Fig. 3.1).
3.1 Double Click PM Icon
3.2 Open Calibrate
Click Calibrate on the menu bar (See Fig. 3.2).
3.2 Click Calibrate
3.3 Back Up the Original Parameters
- After entering the Calibrate window, click Base Step.
- Take a screenshot to save the current step calibration parameters.
- Switch to the Vertical/Overlap page.
- Take a screenshot to save the current vertical calibration parameters (See Fig. 3.3).
Important: Save a screenshot of the original parameters before changing any value.
If the calibration result becomes worse, restore the original settings.
3.3 Original Parameter Backup
4. Step Calibration
4.1 Print the Step Calibration Pattern
- Confirm that the material is placed flat.
- Confirm that vacuum suction is turned on.
- Confirm that the feeder is in forward state.
- In the Calibrate window, click Base Step.
- Click Print(See Fig. 4.1).
- Wait until the step calibration pattern is printed.
4.1 Click Base Step Print
4.2 Read the Step Calibration Value
- Check only the top row of calibration lines on the step calibration pattern.
- Compare each group of lines from left to right.
- Find the group where the two lines fully overlap with no gap.
- Record the value below that group (See Fig. 4.2).
Check Criteria:
| Result | Action |
|---|---|
| Two lines fully overlap with no gap | Select this group |
| Lines are offset, have shadows, or do not touch | Do not select this group |
| Several groups are close to overlapping | Select the thinnest and clearest group |
4.2-1 How to Locate the Calibration Lines
①：First Row
②：One Group of Lines
4.2-2 Step Calibration Result Check
4.3 Enter the Step Calibration Value
- Enter the recorded value in the Revise input box.
- Click =>.
Example: If the fully overlapping group value is -3, enter -3 in Revise, then click => (See Fig. 4.3).
4.3 Step Calibration Value Entry
4.4 Reprint and Verify the Step Result
- Reprint the step calibration pattern.
- Check whether the left and right lines at the 0 position fully overlap.
- If the 0 position fully overlaps, step calibration is complete (See Fig. 4.4-1).
- If the 0 position does not fully overlap, fine-tune by 0.1 based on the current value (See Fig. 4.4-2).
- After each fine-tune, repeat Enter → Print → Check.
Direction Check:
| Result | Action |
|---|---|
| Lines are closer to overlapping | The adjustment direction is correct |
| Lines are farther from overlapping | Adjust in the opposite direction |
4.4-1 Zero Position Overlap Check
4.4-2 Zero Position Misalignment Check
4.5 Save the Step Parameters
- Confirm that the 0 position fully overlaps.
- Click Save(See Fig. 4.5).
Important: If you do not click Save, the step calibration result will not take effect.
4.5 Click Save
5. Vertical Calibration
Important: Start vertical calibration only after step calibration is complete and Save has been clicked.
5.1 Print the Vertical Calibration Pattern
- Stay in the Calibrate window.
- Click Vertical/Overlap.
- Select VertCal Calibration.
- Click Print.
- Wait until the vertical calibration pattern is printed (See Fig. 5.1).
5.1 Click Vertical Overlap VertCal Calibration Print
5.2 Read the Vertical Calibration Values Row by Row
- Start from the first row.
- Check one row at a time.
- Find the group where the left and right lines overlap best.
- Record the value below that group.
- Repeat the same check for each row that needs adjustment (See Fig. 5.2).
Reading Rule:
| What You See | What to Do |
|---|---|
| The best overlap is at 0 | No adjustment is needed for this row |
| The best overlap is not at 0 | Record that value for this row |
| Several groups look close | Select the thinnest and clearest group |
Example:
If the best overlap in row G1(C) is under -3, record:
| Field Name | Recorded Value |
|---|---|
| G1(C) | -3 |
5.2 Read the Recorded Value from One Row
5.3 Calculate and Enter the Vertical Calibration Values
Use this formula:
Final Value = Original Value + Recorded Value
- Find the field name in the software.
Example: G1(C) means row G1 and column (C).
- Check the original value shown in that field.
This number is the Original Value.
- Add the recorded value from the calibration pattern.
- Enter the final value in the same field (See Fig. 5.3).
- Change only the fields that need adjustment.
Calculation Examples:
| Field Name | Original Value | Recorded Value | Final Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Example G1(C) | 3 | -3 | 0 |
| Example G1(Y) | -5 | -2 | -7 |
| Example 3 | 2 | 3 | 5 |
| Example 4 | -2 | 3 | 1 |
Example for G1(C):
If the original value of G1(C) is 3, and the recorded value from the pattern is -3:
3 + (-3) = 0
Enter 0 in the G1(C) field.
Important: Keep the plus or minus sign.
Check the field name and final value before entry.
5.3-1 Locate the Field and Enter the Final Value（Example G1(C)）
5.3-2 Locate the Field and Enter the Final Value（Example G1(Y)）
5.4 Reprint and Verify Vertical Calibration
- Reprint the vertical calibration pattern.
- Check whether the 0 position of the adjusted row fully overlaps.
- If the 0 position fully overlaps, calibration for that row is complete.
- If it does not fully overlap, fine-tune by ±0.1 based on the current value.
- After each fine-tune, reprint and check again.
Note: If multiple rows need adjustment, adjust them row by row.
Follow this sequence:
Adjust one row → Print and verify → Confirm that this row is complete → Adjust the next row.
5.4-1 Row Zero Position Overlap Check
5.4-2 Row Zero Position Misalignment Check
5.5 Save the Vertical Calibration Parameters
- Confirm that the 0 position fully overlaps for all rows that need adjustment.
- Click Save in the lower right corner.
Important: If do not click Save, the vertical calibration result will not take effect.
5.5 Click Save
6. Final Check
- Reprint the pattern that needs to be checked.
- Confirm whether the white ink layer and the color ink layer are fully aligned.
- If they are fully aligned, calibration is complete.
- If vertical misalignment or ghosting still exists, check again according to the table below.
| Check Item | Pass Criteria |
|---|---|
| Vacuum suction | Vacuum suction is on. Material does not slip |
| Material | Flat. Parallel to paper feeding direction. No skewing or slipping |
| Feeder | Forward / advance state |
| Nozzle test | No obvious broken lines, missing nozzles, or missing colors |
If the issue is still not solved after checking again and recalibrating, contact LINKO Technical Support.
Warning: Do not continue to change parameters randomly.
LINKO Technical Support
Email: support@dtflinko.com
Website: www.dtflinko.com
© 2026 LINKO Technical Team. All rights reserved.
Reproduction or modification of this document without permission is prohibited.
Troubleshooting Print Alignment and Ghosting Issues – Version DVersion EVersion A
Applicable Model: K-602, K-603, K-604KM-602, S-30, S-60A-602, A-604, A-502
(More models may be added in future updates.)
White and Color Layers Not Aligned Vertically — How to Calibrate? (Vertical Misalignment – White/Color Ink)
Goal: Fix vertical misalignment between the white and color layers so they are perfectly aligned top-to-bottom.
❌ Incorrect
White and color layers not aligned — please adjust
✅ Correct
White and color layers fully aligned — no need to adjust
Full Process (4 Main Tasks):
1.1 Check and Turn ON Vacuum Suction
1.2 Check the Paper Feeder Switch — set to Forward
1.3 Check the Feed motor damping system — Left and right sides are in relaxed state.
1.4 Perform Two Calibrations:
- 1.4.1 Step Calibration (adjusts feed distance for accurate scaling)
- 1.4.2 Vertical Alignment Calibration (aligns white and color layers vertically)
Full Process (2 Main Tasks):
1.1 Check and Turn ON Vacuum Suction
1.2 Perform Two Calibrations:
- 1.2.1 Step Calibration (adjusts feed distance for accurate scaling)
- 1.2.2 Vertical Alignment Calibration (aligns white and color layers vertically)
Detailed Steps
Solution and Step-by-Step Instructions
1.1 Make sure the vacuum suction is turned on.
1.1-1-Location-of-Suction-Switch
1.1-1-Location-of-Suction-Switch
❌ Incorrect
1.1-2 Suction closed
✅ Correct
1.1-3 Suction on
1.2 Paper feeder switch — set to ‘Forward’
1.2-1 Paper feeder switch
❌ Incorrect
1.2-2-Reverse
1.2-3-Of
✅Correct
1.2-4-Forward
1.31.2 Check the calibration settings (this involves two steps: step calibration first, followed by vertical alignment calibration).
1.3.11.2.1 Step Calibration: Adjusts the feed distance to ensure accurate image scaling.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1 Access the Calibration Menu
Open the printer control software and click the “Calibrate” section.
Enter the calibration page
Step 2 Access and Print the Calibration Chart
A dialog box will appear. Select “Base Step”, then click “Print” to start printing the step calibration chart. (Ensure the media is loaded and the printer is ready)
1.2.1-2-Print-the-Step-Calibration-Chart
Step 3 Find the set of lines where the left and right columns overlap most clearly, and Record the number.
Look at the printed chart. In the first row, find the group of lines from the left and right columns that overlap perfectly, and record the number shown below.
1.2.1-3-Find-the-Lines-that-Overlaps-Perfectly
Step 4 Adjust the Calibration value
Enter the number in “Revise” and click “=>”
- Rough Adjustment (Initial Calibration)
Use the value that gives the best overlap — for example, if -32 looks best, enter -32 as the Calibration number.
- Fine Adjustment (Precise Calibration)
If the result is still not ideal, make fine adjustments using decimal number, such as -2.1, -2.2… up to -2.91.1, 1.2… up to 1.9, until the best result is achieved.
1.2.1-4-Adjust-the-Calibration-Value
Step 5 Save the Calibration value
Click “Save” to apply it.
1.2.1-5-Save-the-Calibration-Value
Step 6 Check if Calibration is Complete
If the value of the overlapping line group is “0”, calibration is complete. If not, repeat the above steps until it is.
⚠️ If the value is still not “0” after several attempts, stop and check:
- Is vacuum suction turned on?
- Is the DTF film slipping or not properly loaded?
Fix these issues before repeating calibration.
1.2.1-6-Step-Calibration-Completed
1.3.21.2.2 Vertical Alignment Calibration
Ensures white and color layers align correctly in the vertical direction.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Access the Vertical Calibration Menu
Open the printer control software and click the “Calibrate” tab.
1.2.2-1
Step 2 Access and Print the Vertical Calibration Chart
A dialog box pops up. Click “Vertical/Overlap”→Click “VertCal Calibration”→Click “Print” to print the vertical calibration chart (Ensure the media is loaded and the printer is ready)
1.2.2-2-Print-the-Vertical-Calibration-Chart
Step 3 Find the group of lines
That Overlaps Perfectly between the left and right columns, and record the number below.
- First, look at the printed chart. Each row of calibration lines has its name indicated on the left side of the line. For example, the calibration line in the first row is labeled “G1 (K)”“G1，1（C, M, Y, K, G, R, B, O）”, the second row is labeled “G1 (C)”“G2, 1（W1, W2, W3, W4, W5, W6, W7, W8）”, and so on.
- Then, for each row, find the group of lines from the left and right columns that are perfectly overlapping, and check the number displayed directly below that group.
If the value is not “0”, you need to adjust that row accordingly. - For example, in the second row, the value below the group of lines that overlap perfectly on the left and right columns is “-3″“-5“, indicating that this row needs adjustment.
- If all other rows have an overlapping group with a value of “0”, then those rows do not need adjustment.
- Finally, record the name and value of the row that requires adjustment:“G1 (C)”“G2, 1 (W1, W2, W3, W4, W5, W6, W7, W8)” and “-3”“-5”.
1.2.2-3-Find-the-Lines-that-Overlaps-Perfectly
Step 4 Calculate and Set the Final Calibration Value
Use the following formula:
Final Value = Original Value + Overlap Value
Example: If the original value is 35 and the overlap value is -3-5, then final value:
3-3 + (-3) =05 + (-5) =0
Enter 0 into the G1(C)G2, 1（W1, W2, W3, W4, W5, W6, W7, W8) parameter field in the system. (No need to modify the number in other parameter fields)
1.2.2-4-Set-the-Calibration-Value
Step 5 Save the Calibration Settings
Click “Save” to apply the new calibration value.
1.2.2-5-Save the Calibration Settings
Step 6 Check if Calibration is Complete
If the value of the overlapping line group is “0”, calibration is complete. If not, repeat the above steps until it is.
⚠️If the value is still not “0” after several attempts, stop and check:
- Is vacuum suction turned on?
- Is the DTF film flat and parallel to the feed path?
- Is the DTF film slipping or not properly loaded?
Correct these issues before redoing calibration.
1.2.2-6-Vertical-Calibration-Completed
1.3 Feed motor damping system — Left and right sides are in relaxed state.
1.3-1 Feed motor damping system
❌ Incorrect
1.3-2-Feed-motor-damping-relaxed
✅ Correct
1.3-3-Feed-motor-damping-tightened
✅ Relaxed State: The screw is almost fully tightened inward, with little to no thread visible.
❌ Tightened State: Multiple threads are visibly exposed, indicating the screw is not fully tightened.
1.4 Check the calibration settings (this involves two steps: step calibration first, followed by vertical alignment calibration).
1.4.1 Step Calibration: Adjusts the feed distance to ensure accurate image scaling.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1 Access the Calibration Menu
Open the printer control software and click the “Calibrate” tab.
1.4.1-1-Access-the-Step-Calibration-Menu
Step 2 Access and Print the Calibration Chart
A dialog box pops up. Click “Base Step”, then click “Print” to start printing the step calibration chart.（Ensure the media is loaded and the printer is ready.）
1.4.1-2-Print-the-Step-Calibration-Chart
Step 3 Find the group of lines that overlaps perfectly between the left and right columns, and record the number.
Look at the printed chart. In the first row, find the group of lines from the left and right columns that overlap perfectly, and record the number.
1.4.1-3-Find-the-Lines-that-Overlaps-Perfectly
Step 4 Adjust the Calibration value
Enter the number in “Revise” and click “=>”
- Rough Adjustment (Initial Calibration)
Use the value that gives the best overlap — for example, if -3 looks best, enter -3 as the Calibration number.
- Fine Adjustment (Precise Calibration)
If the result is still not ideal, make fine adjustments using decimal number, such as -2.1, -2.2… up to -2.9, until the best result is achieved.
1.4.1-4-Adjust-the-Calibration-Value
Step 5 Save the Calibration value
Click “Save” to apply it.
1.4.1-5-Save-the-Calibration-Value-K602-K603-K604
Step 6 Check if Calibration is Complete
If the value of the overlapping line group is “0”, calibration is complete. If not, repeat the above steps until it is.
⚠ If the value is still not “0” after several attempts, stop and check:
- Is vacuum suction turned on?
- Is the paper feeder set to Forward?
- Is the feed motor damping system on left and right sides are in relaxed state?
- Is the DTF film slipping or not properly loaded?
Fix these issues before repeating calibration.
1.4.1-6-Step-Calibration-Completed
1.4.2 Vertical Alignment Calibration: Ensures white and color layers align correctly in the vertical direction.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1 Access the Vertical Calibration Menu
Open the printer control software and click the “Calibrate” tab.
1.4.2-1-Access-the-Vertical-Calibration-Menu
Step 2 Access and Print the Vertical Calibration Chart
A dialog box pops up. Click “Vertical/Overlap”→Click “VertCal Calibration”→Click “Print ” to print the vertical calibration chart （Ensure the media is loaded and the printer is ready.）
1.4.2-2-Print-the-Vertical-Calibration-Chart
Step 3 Find the group of lines That Overlaps Perfectly between the left and right columns, and record the number below.
- First, look at the printed chart. Each row of calibration lines has its name indicated on the left side of the line. For example, the calibration line in the first row is labeled “G1, 1 (C, M, Y, K, G, R, O, B)”, the second row is labeled “G2，1（W1, W2, W3, W4, W5, W6, W7, W8）”, and so on.
- Then, for each row, find the group of lines from the left and right columns that are perfectly overlapping, and check the number displayed directly below that group.
If the value is not “0”, you need to adjust that row accordingly. - For example, in the second row, the value below the group of lines that overlap perfectly on the left and right columns is “-5“, indicating that this row needs adjustment.
- If all other rows have an overlapping group with a value of “0”, then those rows do not need adjustment.
- Finally, record the name and value of the row that requires adjustment: “G2, 1 (W1, W2, W3, W4, W5, W6, W7, W8)” and “-5”.
1.4.2-3-Record-the-Number
Step 4 Calculate and Set the Final Calibration Value
Use the following formula:
Final Value = Original Value + Overlap Value
Example: If the original value is 5 and the overlap value is -5, then the final value:
5 + (-5) =0
Enter 0 into the G2, 1(W1,W2,W3,W4,W5,W6,W7,W8) parameter field in the system. (No need to modify the number in other parameter fields)
1.4.2-4-Set-the-Calibration-Value
Step 5 Save the Calibration Settings
Click “Save” to apply the new calibration value.
1.4.2-5-Save the Calibration Settings
Step 6 Check if Calibration is Complete
If the value of the overlapping line group is “0”, calibration is complete. If not, repeat the above steps until it is.
⚠ If the value is still not “0” after several attempts, stop and check:
- Is the suction working properly?
- Is the DTF film flat and parallel to the feed path?
- Is the paper feeder switch in Forward?
- Is the DTF film slipping or skewed?
Correct these issues before redoing calibration.
1.4.2-6-Vertical-Calibration-Completed
Vertical Misalignment Between White and Color Inks
The white and color layers are not properly aligned in the vertical direction.
Incorrect❌
White and color layers not aligned — please adjust
Correct✅
White and color layers fully aligned — no need to adjust
Solution and Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Make sure the vacuum suction is turned on.
Step 2: Paper feeder switch — set to ‘Forward’
Step 3: Check the tension knobs on both sides of the paper feeding motors. Make sure both are in a relaxed state.
- Relaxed State: The knob is almost fully screwed in, with little or no thread exposed.
- Tightened State: The knob is less screwed in, with several thread loops clearly visible.
Step 4: Check the calibration settings
(This involves two steps: step calibration first, followed by vertical alignment calibration).
4.1 Step Calibration: Adjusts the feed distance to ensure accurate image scaling.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
4.1.1 Access the Calibration Menu
Open the printer control software and Click the “Adjust” section.
4.1.2 Access and Print the Calibration Chart
Click “Step Adjust”, then click “Print Adjust” to start printing the step calibration chart.
4.1.3 Find the Line That Overlaps Perfectly and Record the number.
Look at the printed chart and find the line where the two sets overlap most clearly. Write down the number shown next to that line.
4.1.4 Adjust the Calibration value
Enter the number and click “Calculate”
Step ①: Rough Adjustment (Initial Calibration)
Use the value that gives the best overlap — for example, if -3 looks best, enter -3 as the calibration number.
Step ②: Fine Adjustment (Precise Calibration)
If the result is still not ideal, make fine adjustments using decimal number, such as -2.1, -2.2… up to -2.9, until the best result is achieved.
4.1.5 Enter and Save the Calibration value
Input the final calibration number and click “Save” to apply it.
4.1.6 Check if Calibration is Complete
If the number where both left and right lines overlap is “0”, calibration is complete. If not, repeat the above steps until it is.
4.2 Vertical Alignment Calibration: Ensures white and color layers align correctly in the vertical direction.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
4.2.1 Access the Vertical Calibration Menu
Open the printer control software and Click “Adjust”section.
4.2.2 Access the Vertical Calibration Page
Click “Head Space”→Click “Vertical”→Click “Print Adjust” to print the vertical calibration chart (Ensure the media is loaded and the printer is ready)
4.2.3 Find the Value Where Black and White Overlap
Look at the printed chart and identify the number where the black line and white background overlap most perfectly. Record that number.
4.2.4 Calculate and Set the Final Calibration Value
Use the following formula:
Final Value = Original Value + Overlap Value
Example: If the original value is 731.8 and the overlap value is -4, then:
731.8 + (-4) = 727.8
Enter 727.8 into the H2 parameter field in the system. (No need to modify the number in H1)
- Rough Adjustment: Start with the integer value where overlap is most obvious.
- Fine Adjustment: If needed, fine-tune using decimal values (e.g. -0.2, +0.3, etc.) until the overlap is perfect.
4.2.5 Save the Calibration Settings
Click “Save” to apply the new calibration value.
If the overlap value is 0, the calibration is complete. If not, repeat the steps until it is.
