Star Micronics Printer Not Cutting Paper Fixed in Minutes

A Star Micronics printer not cutting paper usually isn’t a broken cutter at all. Most of the time, a Star Micronics printer not cutting paper comes down to a setting that needs adjusting or debris stuck in the cutter mechanism, both of which you can fix yourself without replacing anything.

Why is my Star Micronics printer not cutting paper?

Before trying any fixes, it helps to understand what’s likely behind a Star Micronics printer not cutting paper.

• Cut settings configured incorrectly: If the page cut type in your printer’s driver or software settings isn’t set correctly, the printer will feed paper without cutting it.
• Debris stuck in the cutter mechanism: Small bits of paper or dust can build up around the cutter blade over time, preventing it from cutting cleanly or at all.
• Outdated or incorrect printer driver: Running the wrong driver version for your exact Star model can cause cut commands to be ignored.
• POS software overriding cut settings: Some POS platforms control cutting behavior directly, which can override settings configured manually on the printer or in Windows.
• Worn or damaged cutter blade: Over time, heavy daily use can wear down the cutter blade, leading to partial cuts or no cut at all.

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How to fix a Star Micronics printer that’s not cutting paper

Work through these steps in order to restore normal cutting behavior.

Step 1: Check for stuck debris in the cutter

Turn off the printer and carefully inspect the cutter area for small paper fragments or dust buildup. Gently clear any debris you find, since even a small obstruction can stop the cutter from working properly.

Step 2: Confirm the correct printer driver is installed

Check that you’re running the correct Star driver for your exact printer model, since using a driver for a different model can prevent cut commands from working as expected.

Step 3: Adjust the page cut setting in Windows

Open your computer’s printer settings and locate the device settings for your Star printer. Look for the page cut option and set it to a partial cut, then apply the change. This setting controls whether the printer cuts the receipt after each print job.

Step 4: Test the cutter with a test print

After adjusting the setting, run a test print directly from the printer’s properties menu to confirm a Star Micronics printer not cutting paper has been resolved. This isolates whether the issue is with the driver setting or with your POS software.

Step 5: Check your POS software settings

If the test print cuts correctly but receipts from your POS system still aren’t cutting, the POS software itself may be overriding the printer’s cut settings. Check your POS platform’s printer or hardware configuration and contact your software provider if the setting isn’t available there.

Step 6: Inspect the cutter blade for wear

If cuts are partial or inconsistent even after adjusting settings, the cutter blade itself may be worn from heavy use. In this case, a replacement part or professional service may be needed.

For related hardware troubleshooting, our Receipt Printers category covers other common issues across Star Micronics and other brands.

When to contact Star Micronics support

If your Star Micronics printer is still not cutting paper after trying every step above, reach out to Star Micronics’ official support team for further help, since a Star Micronics printer not cutting paper after all these fixes may require a hardware repair.

Our POS Terminals category also covers troubleshooting guides for terminals commonly paired with Star receipt printers, including setups involving models like the Star SP700.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I change the ink in a Star TSP100?

Star TSP100 printers are thermal printers, which means they don’t use ink at all. They print using heat applied to specially coated thermal paper, so instead of replacing ink, you simply replace the paper roll when it runs low.

How do I print on a Star TSP100 using Chrome?

Printing from Chrome on a Star TSP100 typically requires the printer to be set up as a system printer first, after which it becomes available as a print option within Chrome’s print dialog like any other connected printer.

How do I turn on a Star receipt printer?

Most Star receipt printers have a power button located on the side or front of the unit. Pressing and holding it briefly powers the printer on, and a status light usually confirms it’s ready.

How do I connect a Star SP700 to Square?

Connecting a Star SP700 to Square typically involves checking Square’s list of compatible printers first, since not all Star models are officially supported, and setting up the connection through Square’s hardware settings if compatible.

How do I fix a Star TSP100 printer?

Start by checking the physical connection and power, then confirm the correct driver is installed and settings like page cut are configured correctly. Restarting both the printer and connected device resolves many common issues.