# Qualify a printer and media profile

Print the calibration copy, measure it and record the real result.

Source: https://help.smartfact.ai/manuals/printstation/qualification

Review edition: 25 October 2026

Roles: owner

Qualification records how a particular workstation/printer binding handles a media profile. It uses a real calibration copy, measurements and observations. It is recorded evidence, not a guarantee that hardware cannot later fail.

## Prepare the correct binding

Open the intended station and printer. Confirm the displayed queue, hardware, driver, operating system and media profile. Load the specified stock and check any print-width information shown.

If those details identify a different device or stock, stop and correct the setup before printing. Do not use measurements from another printer.

## Print the calibration copy

Under **1. Print the calibration copy**, use the offered action. An attended binding opens the calibration copy for the workstation. An agent binding can send it to the agent for unattended delivery.

After sending to an agent, reload to see progress. If the calibration copy's output is uncertain, open its job and have an Owner or Supervisor record the investigation before trying to qualify the printer.

Do not repeatedly send copies while you are unsure whether the first one arrived.

## Measure and record

Under **2. Measure and record**:

1. Measure between the centres of the reference marks identified by the page.
2. Enter each actual measurement in millimetres. Use the expected value and tolerance displayed for this profile.
3. Scan the calibration barcode into the specified field when requested. Focus that field before scanning.
4. Complete the physical observations only when you have checked them.
5. Add a useful note where needed, then choose **Record and qualify**.

Do not enter the expected measurement just because it is the target. The evidence should describe the physical copy you measured.

## Confirm the result

Read the action result. A qualified page shows **Qualified** and the recorded measurements. If it is refused, read the particular measurement, observation, scan or state requirement and resolve it before another attempt.

A correctly sized calibration copy can still have a readability or stock problem. Use all the required observations and your site's equipment procedure.

## After a change

Treat a changed printer, driver, stock or binding as a reason to check its current qualification and the affected source-product requirements. A previous qualification belongs to its recorded conditions.

For LabelRules, complete its separate [product label qualification](/manuals/labels/printer-setup) on the selected current binding before relying on it for production.