Operation Instructions. English

Transcription

1 Operation Instructions English

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3 COPYRIGHT NOTICE COPYRIGHT 2007 Mutoh Europe N.V. All rights reserved. This document may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without written permission of the copyright owner. This document is furnished to support the MUTOH Ultima cutting plotter. In consideration of the furnishing of the information contained in this document, the party to whom it is given assumes its custody and control and agrees to the following: The information herein contained is given in confidence, and any part thereof shall not be copied or reproduced without written consent of Mutoh Europe N.V. This document or the contents herein under no circumstances shall be used in the manufacture or reproduction of the article shown and the delivery of this document shall not constitute any right or license to do so. April 2007 Published: Mutoh Europe N.V., Archimedesstraat 13, B-8400 Oostende, BELGIUM 3 AP-75125, Rev 2.2, 20/04/07

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5 Dear Customer, Thank you for choosing a Mutoh Ultima series sign cutting plotter. The Mutoh Ultima drag knife cutting plotter has been designed to be one of the most user-friendly and versatile cutting plotters in the market. As a stand-alone cutting plotter, the Ultima can cut and plot designs onto PVC or paper as required. In combination with an inkjet printer, the Ultima cutting plotter is ready for contour-cutting of preprinted signs made with any printer capable of printing onto cutting plotter compatible media. Contour-cutting is made possible via the integrated EPOS (electronic positioning) technology and the in-the-box software. But even more important, it is easy to use, as the following guide will show you. 5 AP-75125, Rev 2.2, 20/04/07

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7 Table Of Contents 1. REGULATORY AND SAFETY INFORMATION EMC STATEMENT FOR CE MARKING FCC COMPLIANCE IMPORTANT NOTES SAFETY LABELS: SAFETY LABELS, SYMBOLES DE SÉCURITÉ, SICHERHEITSSYMBOLE INSTALLATION PROCEDURES PREPARING THE CUTTING ENVIRONMENT PARTS LIST UNPACKING AND SETTING UP THE ULTIMA CUTTER Unpacking the body Mounting cutter body to the stand CUTTER PARTS & COMPONENTS CONNECTING THE CUTTER TO THE COMPUTER Serial Interface USB interface CONNECTING THE POWER CABLE INSTALLING A TOOL LOADING MEDIA Loading cut sheet media Loading roll media TEST SHEET VERIFY EPOS ALIGNMENT EPOS Alignment test plot HOW TO UPGRADE YOUR ULTIMA FIRMWARE CUTTER CONTROLS UNDERSTANDING THE OPERATION PANEL DIRECT KEY ACCESS Force selection Speed selection Offset selection Tool selection Origin selection Test selection Presets selection CONTOUR CUTTING Aligning methods Which Aligning Method should I use? SQUARE DETAILS SPECIAL FUNCTIONS FOR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT EPOS offset fine-tune Print deformation CUTTER SETTINGS & SPECIAL FUNCTIONS GENERAL PROCEDURE TO CHANGE SETTINGS ON THE CUTTER OVERVIEW OF GENERAL SETTINGS LANGUAGE SELECTION KEY COMBINATIONS FINETUNING YOUR CUTTER TO OBTAIN MUTOH QUALITY ADJUSTING THE KNIFE DEPTH OFFSET PRINCIPLE OFFSET EFFECT OFFSET ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURE PERFORMING A TEST CUT TROUBLESHOOTING ULTIMA CUTTING PLOTTERS - MEDIA COMPATIBILITY & DIMENSIONS ULTIMA CUTTING PLOTTERS: MEDIA COMPATIBILITY PHYSICAL DIMENSIONS ULTIMA AP-75125, Rev 2.2, 20/04/07

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9 1. REGULATORY AND SAFETY INFORMATION 1.1. EMC STATEMENT FOR CE MARKING Important This is a Class A product approved for industrial environments. In a domestic environment this product may cause radio interference in which case you may be required to take adequate measures FCC COMPLIANCE This equipment complies with the requirements for a Class A computing device in the FCC rules, part 15, subpart J. Operation of this device in a residential area may interfere with television reception or operation of utilities. Cutters generate weak radio signals and may interfere with television reception and utilities. If the cutter does interfere with radio or TV reception, try the following: Change the direction of your radio and TV reception antenna or feeder. Change the direction of the cutter. Move either the cutter or the receiving antenna so that there is more distance between them. Be sure the cutter and the receiving antenna are on separate power lines IMPORTANT NOTES Technical problems and maintenance, which require the cutter to be opened, can only be done by qualified personnel who were trained to repair this type of machine. Unauthorized removing of covers and/or overruling safety locks can be dangerous and will result in your guarantee becoming void. 9 AP-75125, Rev 2.2, 20/04/07

10 1.4. SAFETY LABELS: SAFETY LABELS, SYMBOLES DE SECURITE, SICHERHEITSSYMBOLE Safety Labels are attached to the internal and external area of the cutter to alert you to potentially hazardous situations or conditions. The following safety labels are used in and on the cutter: AP-75125, Rev 2.2, 20/04/07

11 2. INSTALLATION PROCEDURES 2.1. PREPARING THE CUTTING ENVIRONMENT The location where you set up your equipment is very important. Please see to it that it meets following conditions: Power supply of 100 to 120 VAC 50/60 Hz or 200 to 240 VAC 50/60 Hz. Ambient Conditions : Operating environment - Temperature: 5 C to 30 C - Humidity: 35 % - 75 % non-condensing. Recommended environment - Temperature: Room temperature 16 C to 25 C - Humidity: 50 % to 65 %, non-condensing. Variation rate - Temperature: 2 C per hour. - Humidity: 5 % per hour. Storage environment - Temperature: 0 C to 50 C Please protect your cutter from moisture, dust, draughts and direct sunlight. It is best to keep your machine away from open windows and air-conditioners. See to it that there is an adequate space around the cutter so that ventilation is not obstructed. Avoid unnecessary vibrations and set up your cutter on a level surface. When selecting a place for your cutter, leave at least 90 cm in front and 90 cm at the rear, as shown in the illustration below. 11 AP-75125, Rev 2.2, 20/04/07

12 2.2. PARTS LIST Contents of the plotter box A Plotter unit with roll support system, 2 conveyor rolls and small guiding flanges. J Adapter Cable B Box with stand and instructions how to install K Mutoh Ultima User s Guide. C One knife holder with pre-mounted cutting blade L Application Guide D Blade for auto sheet-off. (1 pc pre-installed in tool head) M Quick Start Manual (includes a CD-rom) E Set of 2 spare cutting blades and 1 spring for cutting jobs (45 / Offset 0.50 mm). N Ultima Installation CD F Pressurized ballpoint pen O 5 test sheet verify epos alignment (AP-77010) G Power Cord. P Quality Cut Sheet H RS-232 and USB interface cable Q Spare Cutting Mat (1 piece) I IF-Cable R Starter software kit (*) (*) When ordered as a bundle together with a Mutoh Printer, the in-the-box software may be replaced by one software which handles cutting, printing and contourcutting. 12 AP-75125, Rev 2.2, 20/04/07

13 2.3. UNPACKING AND SETTING UP THE ULTIMA CUTTER Unpacking the body When unpacking the cutter, check whether all parts described in the parts list are included in the box. Consult your dealer if anything seems to be missing. Lifting the machine out of the box should be done by two people. This to avoid back injuries. Protect the plotter from firm shocks. Do not dismantle the unit To unpack the cutter, please follow the instructions mentioned below: Step 1 : Step 2 : Step 3 : Step 4 : Step 5 : Step 6 : Step 7 : Step 8 : Open the box. Remove the buffer box. Remove the packaging leg set. Take out the cutter box. Lift the cutter unit out of the box and put it on a flat and stable surface. Remove all plastic wrapping materials. Remove the pieces of foam, protecting the tool head during transportation. If you had your cutter delivered with a stand, please refer to the instructions for mounting the stand. 13 AP-75125, Rev 2.2, 20/04/07

14 Mounting cutter body to the stand. Assemble the stand as described in the procedure enclosed in the stand box. Step 1 : Position the body above the stand. There are two positioning points on the stand and one screw hole. Step 2 : Place the body on the stand and tighten with one screw at both sides. 14 AP-75125, Rev 2.2, 20/04/07

15 2.4. CUTTER PARTS & COMPONENTS 1 Operation Panel Removable Panel with LCD-display and control keys. 2 Power Switch Switches the Ultima cutting plotter ON or OFF. 3 Roll Support System The roll support system carries the conveyor rolls. 4 Conveyor Rolls 5 Small guiding Flanges When using roll media for cutting jobs, put the roll of media on top of the two conveyor rolls. These flanges on the conveyor rolls will prevent the roll of media from shifting to the left or to the right when vinyl is pulled off the roll during the pre-feed cycle. 6 Conveyor Brake To prevent that the roll media keeps unwinding. 7 Platen & Grid Cover 8 Cutting Mat Supports the cutting media and guides the movement of the media along the x-axis. Provides a reliable cutting surface and minimizes damage to the knife tip. 9 Firmware Card Socket Socket to use when using a firmware card. 15 AP-75125, Rev 2.2, 20/04/07

16 10 USB interface 11 Serial Interface Connector USB connector to easily connect the cutter for fast and reliable data transmission. RS-232 serial interface connector to connect the cutter to the host computer. 12 Centronics Connector Centronics Connector to connect the cutter to the host computer. 13 Power Connector Connector for the power cord, which plugs into the main power supply of the cutter. 14 Pressure Rollers Hold the media against the drive rollers during cutting. 15 Drive Rollers Move the cutting media along the X-axis. 16 Media Basket Media collecting basket prevents finished cuts to fall on the floor when they are sheet-off. 17 Cutting head for Cutting and Sheeting Off All available tools such as knife holders, drawing pens and painting pens can be secured into the head using the locking screw. The tool head moves along the Y-axis to locate the cutting position. 18 Stand Support the Plotter Body. 19 Hold Lever Raises and lowers the pressure rollers. Lowering the pressure rollers will hold the media in place. 16 AP-75125, Rev 2.2, 20/04/07

17 2.5. CONNECTING THE CUTTER TO THE COMPUTER To make the connection between the cutter and the computer, you are offered two possibilities. The first possibility is a 2-way RS-232C serial interface. The second possibility is a USB interface Serial Interface The serial RS-232C interface enables the cutter to be connected to and controlled by an RS-232C compatible host computer system. The cutter is equipped with a standard RS-232C - DB-9P connector on the rear panel and requires a standard RS-232C DB-9S mating connector. Step 1 : Step 2 : Step 3 : Make sure both the cutter and the computer are turned off. Connect one end of the serial interface cable to the serial interface connector at the rear side of the cutting plotter. Fasten the screws to secure the connector. Connect the other end of the serial cable to your computer. For proper operation of the serial communication, it will be necessary to match the computer settings to the plotter settings! 9 pin 25 pin 25 pin 9 pin USB interface Step 1 : Make sure the USB driver is installed as described in the application guide chapter 1. Step 2 : Step 3 : Connect one end of the USB cable to the USB connector at the rear side of the cutting plotter. Connect the other end of the USB cable to your computer or the network. Using the serial/usb communication, your cutter will not only be able to receive data from the computer, but will also be able to send information to the computer (media size,...). 17 AP-75125, Rev 2.2, 20/04/07

18 2.6. CONNECTING THE POWER CABLE To connect the power cable, please follow the instructions mentioned below. Step 1 : Step 2 : Step 3 : Make sure the cutter s power switch is turned OFF. Plug the plotter-end of the power cable into the connector at the rear of the plotter. Plug the other end of the power cable into an electrical outlet of the correct voltage and with a proper grounding. The disconnect device is the plug on the power supply cord 18 AP-75125, Rev 2.2, 20/04/07

19 2.7. INSTALLING A TOOL At the right-hand side of the cutter head, you will find a pivoting mounting bracket. Opening this bracket will enable you to install a full range of cutting and drawing tools. Step 1 : Step 2 : Step 3 : Open the screw (1) to unlock the tool head-mounting bracket. Hold back the clip (2) of the tool head and slide the tool into position, making sure the tool collar fits into the groove just beneath the locking screw (3). Fasten the screw to secure the tool into position. 19 AP-75125, Rev 2.2, 20/04/07

20 2.8. LOADING MEDIA When loading media into the cutter, it is necessary to clearly distinguish two situations. The first situation is when you are using cut-sheet media. The second situation is when you are using roll media Loading cut sheet media Step 1 : Put the pressure rollers (1) in the up position using the media hold lever (2) and turn the power switch ON (3). The cutter will perform its initialization routine and move the tool head (4) to the rightmost position. Step 2 : Press the media-select button on the operation panel and select the sheet. After selection the SHEET-LED will light up. 20 AP-75125, Rev 2.2, 20/04/07

21 Step 3 : Step 4 : Insert the media into the cutter. It is best to position the media so that half of it hangs in front and half of it hangs at the back of the cutter. Adjust the position of the pressure rollers so that they align well with the drive rollers. Doing this you are helped by the tactile and audible click system for the left pressure roller. The right pressure roller s movement is limited so that it can never be malpositioned. Always make sure that the pressure rollers are completely inside the sheet of the media you want to load. Especially when you use a cut-sheet of which the corners are not perfectly square, it is best to put the pressure rollers well inside the vinyl as the width of the sheet may vary. In case you are using a SC-1400D, you have the opportunity to use either two or three pressure rollers, depending on the width of the vinyl you are using. When not using the left pressure roller (i.e. when loading vinyl of a small width), the left pressure roller should be placed at the extreme left of the cutter (that is, not on top of a grid roller). Please note that the middle pressure roller should always be placed on top of a grid roller. Step 5 : Step 6 : Put the hold lever in the DOWN position. This action will initialize the media loading sequence, during which the cutter will measure the loaded sheet. The sheet will be shuffled back and forth, enabling the cutter to determine the media size and enabling you to verify the media transport. After finishing the media loading sequence, the tool head will be parked at the origin position and the cutter will be in ON-LINE mode, ready to receive data from the host computer. Do not try to move the pressure rollers when the media hold lever is in the down position as this may cause damage to the system. 21 AP-75125, Rev 2.2, 20/04/07

22 Loading roll media Step 1 : Step 2 : Put the pressure rollers in the up position and turn the power switch ON. The cutter will perform its initialization routine and move the tool head to the rightmost position. Press the media-select button on the operation panel and select one of the roll loading options. After selection the ROLL-LED will light up. Step 3 : Position the roll of media onto the conveyor rolls. Open the protective cover and pull the media through to be able to choose the best possible position for the pressure rollers. Place the media roll on the conveyor rolls as visible on the picture. To avoid back injuries, the roll of media should be lifted by at least two persons if it s heavier than 30 kg. 22 AP-75125, Rev 2.2, 20/04/07

23 Step 4 : Adjust the position of the pressure rollers so that they align well with the drive rollers and that they can accommodate the roll of vinyl. Doing this, you are helped by the tactile and audible click system for the left pressure roller. The right pressure roller s movement is limited so that it can never be malpositioned. Always make sure that both pressure rollers are at least 5 mm (0.2 inch) inside the media. It is not recommendable that the rollers run on the very edge of the material. In case you are using a SC-1400D, you have the opportunity to use either two or three pressure rollers, depending on the width of the vinyl you are using. When not using the left pressure roller (i.e. when loading vinyl of a small width), the left pressure roller should be placed at the extreme left of the cutter (that is, not on top of a grid roller). Please note that the middle pressure roller should always be placed on top of a grid roller. Step 5 : Step 6 : It is best that you hold the front edge of the media in the middle with one hand and with the other hand, the roll itself. As you are holding the roll firmly into position, pull the front edge of the media forward so that there is an even tension across the whole width of the roll. At this stage, put the hold lever in the DOWN position. Adjust the position of the small conveyor flanges so that they are just alongside the roll of vinyl. This action will initialize the media loading sequence, during which the cutter will shuffle a pre-set distance of vinyl. The media will be shuffled back and forth enabling you to verify the media transport. The page length (pre-feed length) is factory-set to 1000 mm and can be adjusted by the user. After finishing the media loading sequence, the tool head will be parked at the origin position and the cutter will be in ON-LINE mode, ready to receive data from the host computer. 23 AP-75125, Rev 2.2, 20/04/07

24 2.9. TEST SHEET VERIFY EPOS ALIGNMENT EPOS Alignment test plot Verify Automatic EPOS Alignment workflow (From FW V2.00 onwards) To verify the EPOS alignment, please follow the instructions below. Step 1 : Step 2 : Step 3 : Step 4 : Step 5 : Step 6 : Step 7 : Power ON the Ultima cutting plotter and install a pen. Press the [TOOL] key and select pen. Make sure levers are up. Set speed = 30 cm/s, Force = 60 gr Load media (AP-77010), delivered with the Ultima Cutting Plotter. (with the black arrow in the upper right corner) Levers down. Make sure the pressure rollers are located outside your frame Press the [TEST] key. The display will show the following message. Testplot : Quality check SC-850 or SC-1400 Choose testfile Step 8 : By pressing the [UP] or [DOWN] key select EPOS alignment --> test plot. The Display on the Operation Panel will show the following message. Testplot : EPOS alignment test plot Choose testfile Step 9 : Press the [ENTER] key. The laser of the Ultima cutting plotter will measure the box and will start (re)drawing the image file. Step 10 : Verify positioning of contour cutting. To verify bar code reading, please follow the instructions mentioned below. In the box of the Ultima Cutting Plotter, there s a paper (Test sheet verify epos alignment) delivered with the pattern on. You can find the procedure also on the sheet. Perform this test before you start contour cutting. 24 AP-75125, Rev 2.2, 20/04/07

25 2.10. HOW TO UPGRADE YOUR ULTIMA FIRMWARE Please make sure that the USB driver is installed! Please make sure to shut down all programs on your computer before installing new firmware. Step 1: In case the power is ON, first turn the power of the machine OFF. Step 2: Connect the Ultima cutting plotter with your PC by means of a USB cable. Remove the RS232 connection. Step 3: Power ON the Ultima cutting plotter. Step 4: Go to the Control Panel System. Step 5: Go to the hardware tab. Step 6: Press the [Device Manager] button. 25 AP-75125, Rev 2.2, 20/04/07

26 Step 7: In the Device Manager open the list Ports (COM & LPT). Step 8: Step 9: Check the COM-port number for the USB serial Port (Mutoh Ultima). In the figure above it is COM3. Start the Ultima update utility on your PC. Step 10: Step 11: Select the correct comport (in this case COM3). Press the [Connect] button. 26 AP-75125, Rev 2.2, 20/04/07

27 Step 12: Step 13: Step 14: Step 15: Step 16: Step 17: Step 18: The status bar starts moving. Press the [Start] button to begin the updating Select the right.bin file. The Ultima gives a beep and "Connection with ULTIMA established! Please wait..." is shown in the update tool. After 13 seconds the message "Sending firmware to ULTIMA!! Please wait...!" appears in the update tool. The progress bar now starts increasing. The first seconds the progress bar colours red and green. Afterwards the progress bar is black. Please note that you passed the critical section of updating when the progress bar is black. When the machine is shut down in the critical section of the update we refer to the section When you shut down the Ultima inside the critical section. Step 19: Step 20: After 1 minute the update finishes with the text "Firmware update successful, restart the ULTIMA!" on the Ultima update tool. Power OFF the Ultima cutting plotter. Please perform a Code Update after a firmware upgrade. Without performing a Code Update, the panel keyboard remains in the old firmware version. Step 21: Restart the Ultima cutting plotter. 27 AP-75125, Rev 2.2, 20/04/07

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29 3. CUTTER CONTROLS 3.1. UNDERSTANDING THE OPERATION PANEL CANCEL-key The [CANCEL] key can be used for clearing all received data. Press the [CANCEL] key to return to the previous setting (without changes). EXIT/SHEET OFF-key Press the [EXIT/SHEET OFF] key to go to the previous menu setting. Press the [EXIT/SHEET OFF] key if you do not want to process the changes in the cutting settings. Press the [EXIT/SHEET OFF] key in normal mode to perform a sheet-off. ENTER/MENU-key Press the [ENTER-MENU] key to enter the menu system. Press the [ENTER-MENU] key to confirm the changes made to the setting. PRESETS-key Pressing the [PRESETS] key you can choose the active user. Each user has its own settings that are saved. You can make users for different types of cutting jobs and so pick the desired settings when necessary by selecting the user. ORIGIN-key Use the ARROW keys to set the origin position by means of the laser and confirm with the [ENTER] key. Diverse Origin Positions can be set in the Origin Menu (Enter Menu) L Right (default), L Left, Center, U Right, U left 29 AP-75125, Rev 2.2, 20/04/07

30 TEST-key By pressing the [TEST] key you can select one of the test plots out of the list to cut. CONTOUR CUTTING-key In this menu you can start a manual, auto no barcode, barcode multi or barcode single aligning procedure by selecting the desired one of the shown list. SPEED-key Press the [SPEED] key to enter the setting menu to change the cutting speed. Press the [UP] or [DOWN] key to change the speed. Press the [ENTER] key to confirm the change. If you do not want to change the speed press the [CANCEL] or [EXIT] key. FORCE-key Press the [FORCE] key to enter the setting menu to change the force. Press the [UP] or [DOWN] key to change the force. Press the [ENTER] key to confirm the change. If you do not want to change the force press the [CANCEL] or [EXIT] key. Press the [FORCE] key again to cut following picture to verify your force cutting value. OFFSET-key By pressing the [OFFSET] key you can change the offset of the knife: When you enter this menu you can input the offset or the base offset for cutting the calibration figures. When you press the [ENTER] key you get a dialog on the cutter that asks if you want to do a test cutting (select 1 or 2) or not. When you perform a test cut, 10 reference pictures around the selected base offset are cut. You can choose the best one by selecting one of the pictures with the laser pointer and the [UP] and [DOWN] key. TOOL-key Press the [TOOL] key to select: Knife or Pen 30 AP-75125, Rev 2.2, 20/04/07

31 READY / PAUSE-key By pressing this key you can interrupt the cutting job. When you press the [READY/PAUSE] key again the cutting job is started again. When no media is loaded you only can be in pause. When media is loaded the status is ready and can be changed to pause. When in the pause status (media loaded or not) you still can send a file to the cutter but it will only responds when you go to ready. UP-key Press the [UP] key to select a desired value when you are in a menu or a selection dialog. DOWN-key Press the [DOWN] key to select a desired value when you are in a menu or a selection dialog. TUSR-key By pressing this key you can select take-up, sheet or roll media loading system. The selection can only be done when no media is loaded. (= lever up position) When media is loaded the LED s only show which type of media is loaded but cannot be changed. Selection Media Initialization Origin position Take-Up Right, left + pre-feed At X-loading position Sheet Right, left + Front + Back Search distance will be the maximum sheet length. Origin position at the front Roll Right, left + Front + Pre-feed At the front In case the pre-feed value is larger than the sheet length Auto swap from Roll to Sheet ARROW-key The [ARROW] keys are always active, the cutter being ONLINE or OFFLINE. To enable the user to manually move the tool head and the media. This can be necessary in order to examine specific details of the sign or to set a new origin. When pressing the [LEFT ARROW] or [RIGHT ARROW] key, the head will move accordingly. It will move slowly for two seconds and speed up afterwards. When pressing the [TOP ARROW] or [BOTTOM ARROW] key, the media (if loaded) will move accordingly. It will move slowly for 2 seconds and speed up afterwards. When pressing two [ARROW] keys simultaneously the head will move relative diagonal to the media. ORIGIN LED Lights when alternative origin is selected. Blinks when changing origin. 31 AP-75125, Rev 2.2, 20/04/07

32 CONTOUR CUTTING LED Blinks when executing alignment procedure. TAKE-UP LED This LED will light up if you have selected to load roll media without front edge detection. SHEET LED This LED will light up if you selected Sheet Media. ROLL MEDIA LED This LED will light up if you selected the Roll Media. DISPLAY 4 lines / 16 characters Displays the LCD-display messages, shows settings/values and allows menu-wise control. 32 AP-75125, Rev 2.2, 20/04/07

33 3.2. DIRECT KEY ACCESS On the operation panel are keys to directly change or control some values of the Ultima cutting plotter. Following items can be changed / controlled directly via the operation panel. No Function Description Short-key 1 Force Control/change the force of the Ultima. [FORCE] key 2 Speed Control/change the speed of the Ultima. [SPEED] key 3 Offset Control/change the offset of the Ultima. [OFFSET] key 4 Tool Control/change the tool setting of the Ultima. [TOOL] key 5 Origin Control/change the origin of the Ultima [ORIGIN] key 6 Contour Cutting In this menu you can start an manual, auto no [CONTOUR CUTTING] key barcode, barcode multi or barcode single alignment procedure. 7 Test Perform one of the test plots onto the Ultima. [TEST] key 8 Presets Select an user previously saved in the Ultima cutting plotter. [PRESETS] key Force selection Tool force is the amount of downward pressure that the cutter applies on the tool. To change or control the tool force, please perform the instructions mentioned below. Step 1 : Step 2 : Press the [FORCE] key. The actual FORCE setting for the selected tool will now be shown on the display. Viewing of the value can be performed in PAUSE as well as in READY mode. Force Actual : 30 New : 30 In gram Step 3 : Step 4 : Press the [UP] or [DOWN] key to change the force setting. Press the [FORCE] key. The Ultima will cut following picture. Step 5 : Step 6 : Check the patterns. Especially look for good quality of the corners and easy weeding. If this is not the case readjust the FORCE selection. Press the [ENTER] key to confirm the FORCE selection. To cancel the changes of the parameter, press the [CANCEL] key. The display will show the previous value for the parameter. When you press the [EXIT] key the changed value will be ignored and you go back to the previous menu. 33 AP-75125, Rev 2.2, 20/04/07

34 Speed selection To change / control the cutting speed, please perform the instructions mentioned bow. Step 1 : Step 2 : Press the [SPEED] key. The actual SPEED setting for the selected tool will now be shown on the display. Viewing of the value can be performed in PAUSE as well as in READY mode. Speed Actual : 10 New : 10 In cm/s Changing/viewing of the value can be performed in BUSY mode. Please note that the effect can only be seen after a few seconds. Toolup / laser speed is independent of the cutting speed. Step 3 : Step 4 : Press the [UP] or [DOWN] key to change the force setting. Press the [ENTER] key to confirm the SPEED selection. To cancel the changes of the parameter, press the [CANCEL] key. The display will show the previous value for the parameter. When you press the [EXIT] key the changed value will be ignored and you go back to the previous menu Offset selection One of the most important factors to obtain good quality, but unfortunately also one of the factors that is easily forgotten, is the offset. For more information about the offset, please refer to the chapter Fine-tuning your cutter to obtain Mutoh quality. 34 AP-75125, Rev 2.2, 20/04/07

35 Tool selection To change / control the tool selection, please perform the instructions mentioned bow. Step 1 : Step 2 : Press the [TOOL] key. The actual TOOL setting for the Ultima cutting plotter will be shown on the display. Viewing of the value can be performed in PAUSE as well as in READY mode. Tool Actual : knife New : knife Pen or knife Step 3 : Press the [UP] or [DOWN] key to change the force setting. You can choose between pen and knife. Please make sure the tool selected onto the display is the same as the installed tool in the Ultima cutting plotter. Step 4 : Press the [ENTER] key to confirm TOOL selection. To cancel the changes of the parameter, press the [CANCEL] key. The display will show the previous value for the parameter. When you press the [EXIT] key the changed value will be ignored and you go back to the previous menu Origin selection To change / control the origin, please perform the instructions mentioned bow. Please make sure media is loaded. If not, the Ultima positioning calculation is based on previously installed media. Step 1 : Step 2 : Press the [ORIGIN] key. The laser LED will be activated automatically. The display will show following message: Point laser to Desired origin Position Enter = Confirm Step 3 : Use the arrow keys to move the laser to the desired origin position and press the [ENTER] key. 35 AP-75125, Rev 2.2, 20/04/07

36 Test selection In order to enable the user to check if the cutter is fully functional, without needing a computer, MUTOH has integrated demo test cuts into the Ultima cutters. For more information about the test cuts, please refer to the chapter Fine-tuning your cutter to obtain Mutoh quality Presets selection Using the presets makes it possible to store settings (all settings that can be changed from the panel) for specific cutting jobs. In the presets menu following options are available. Select Preset : Use this function to select a previously saved user setting. Reset : Change a saved user setting to a default value based on Mutoh s values. Add : Add a new user setting. Remove : Remove a previously saved user setting Select Presets Use this function to select a previously saved user setting. Please follow the instructions mentioned below. Step 1 : Step 2 : Press the [PRESETS] key. Following message will appear on the display. Presets Select presets Choose user Step 3 : Press the [ENTER] key. Following message will appear on the display. User 1 Enter = select = Up = Down Step 4 : Step 5 : Use the [UP] or [DOWN] key to select a user setting. Press the [ENTER] key to confirm the selected user setting. The Ultima cutting plotter will load the requested user settings. To cancel the changes of the parameter, press the [CANCEL] key. The display will show the previous value for the parameter. When you press the [EXIT] key the changed value will be ignored and you go back to the previous menu. 36 AP-75125, Rev 2.2, 20/04/07

37 Reset Use this function to change a saved user setting to a default value based on Mutoh s values. Please follow the instructions mentioned below. Step 1 : Step 2 : Press the [PRESETS] key. Use the [UP] or [DOWN] key to select the following display. Presets Reset Choose user Step 3 : Press the [ENTER] key. Following message will appear on the display. Monomeric vinyl Enter = select = Up = Down Step 4 : Step 5 : Use the [UP] or [DOWN] key to select a setting based on Mutoh s values. Press the [ENTER] key to confirm the selected user setting. The Ultima cutting plotter will load the requested settings into the active user setting. The active user setting will now have the settings based on Mutoh s values. To cancel the changes of the parameter, press the [CANCEL] key. The display will show the previous value for the parameter. When you press the [EXIT] key the changed value will be ignored and you go back to the previous menu Add To add a new user setting, please follow the instructions below. Step 1 : Step 2 : Step 3 : Change all settings for the specific cutting job you will perform. To store all these settings, press the [PRESETS] key. Use the [UP] or [DOWN] key to select the following display. Presets Add Choose user Step 4 : Press the [ENTER] key. The Ultima cutting plotter will store all settings in a new user setting. To cancel the changes of the parameter, press the [CANCEL] key. The display will show the previous value for the parameter. When you press the [EXIT] key the changed value will be ignored and you go back to the previous menu. 37 AP-75125, Rev 2.2, 20/04/07

38 Remove To remove a previously saved user setting, please follow the instructions mentioned below. Step 1 : Step 2 : Press the [PRESETS] key. Use the [UP] or [DOWN] key to select the following display. Presets Remove Choose user Step 3 : Following display will appear. User 1 Enter = select = Up = Down Step 4 : Step 5 : Use the [UP] or [DOWN] key to select the user setting you want to delete. Press the [ENTER] key to confirm. The Ultima cutting plotter will delete the selected user setting. To cancel the changes of the parameter, press the [CANCEL] key. The display will show the previous value for the parameter. When you press the [EXIT] key the changed value will be ignored and you go back to the previous menu. 38 AP-75125, Rev 2.2, 20/04/07

39 3.3. CONTOUR CUTTING Contour cutting is without doubt the most used feature of the Ultima Cutting Plotter. This feature is made to cut pre-printed signs on vinyl for sticker production. Before using this feature, perform the epos alignment as described in chapter Aligning methods There are some different approaches to cut your signs which also implicate a different alignment method. To perform and choose the proper alignment, please follow the instructions mentioned below. Step 1 : Step 2 : Step 3 : Step 4 : Load the printed media into the cutting plotter. Install a knife. Power ON the cutting plotter. The cutting plotter will perform a shuffle sequence. Press the [CONTOUR CUTTING] key. Contourcutting : Methods : BCode Single Start alignment Step 5 : By using the [UP] and [DOWN] key you select Manual, Auto No BCod, BCode Multi or BCode Single. 4 methods are possible for aligning: 1) Manual Manual align (MP1) 2) Auto No Bcod Automatic aligning, No Barcode (AL3) 3) Bcode Single Automatic align Barcode Single frame (AL4) 4) Bcode Multi Automatic align Barcode Multi-segment (AL5 or AL6) Each one of these methods has its own cropmark system (see below) MP 1 AL 3 AL 4 AL 5 39 AP-75125, Rev 2.2, 20/04/07

40 Step 6 : Before performing an alignment, X Length, Y Width and Roll Direction must be inserted. With these values the Ultima cutting plotter will calculate the E-pos correction. Step 7 : Press the [CONTOUR CUTTING] key. On the display following message will appear. Contourcutting : X Length (mm) : 500 Start alignment Step 8 : By using the [UP] and [DOWN] key you select an appropriate value for the X Length. Please make sure that the value of the X Length is smaller than the length of the loaded media. Otherwise, the Ultima cutting plotter cannot complete the alignment NO VALID EPOS REFERENCE FOUND. Step 9 : Press the [CONTOUR CUTTING] key to confirm. On the display following message will appear. Contourcutting : Y Width (mm) : 500 Start alignment Step 10 : By using the [UP] and [DOWN] key you select an appropriate value for the Y Width. Step 11 : Press the [CONTOUR CUTTING] key to confirm. On the display following message will appear. Contourcutting : Roll direction Non-reverse Start alignment Step 12 : Select the appropriate roll direction (non-reverse or reverse) by using the [UP] and [DOWN] key. Step 13 : Press the [CONTOUR CUTTING] key to check the entered values of the X length, Y width and roll direction. Step 14 : To confirm your settings press the [ENTER] key. Step 15 : The Ultima cutting plotter will start the frame detection. ( Manual or automatic as selected in step 5). 40 AP-75125, Rev 2.2, 20/04/07

41 In case you selected Auto No BCode. Step 15 : The Ultima cutting plotter will automatically measure the four alignments points. In case you selected Manual. Step 15 : After pressing the [ENTER] key following message will appear on the display. Manual alignment method please select the point Step 16 : Use the [ARROW] keys to select the first alignment point (P1). Press the [ENTER] key to perform. Step 17 : The Ultima cutting plotter will move the head toward the second alignment point. On the display following message will appear. Manual alignment method please select the point Step 18 : Use the [ARROW] keys to select the second alignment point (P2). Press the [ENTER] key to perform. Step 19 : The Ultima cutting plotter will move the head toward the third alignment point. On the display following message will appear. Manual alignment method please select the point Step 20 : Use the [ARROW] keys to select the fourth alignment point (P4). Press the [ENTER] key to perform Step 21 : The Ultima cutting plotter will move the head toward the fourth alignment point. On the display following message will appear. Manual alignment method please select the point Step 22 : Use the [ARROW] keys to select the third alignment point (P3). Press the [ENTER] key to perform. Step 23 : Manual alignment is completed. Make sure to keep the order of the alignment points. P1, P2, P4 and then P 3 41 AP-75125, Rev 2.2, 20/04/07

42 In case you selected BCode Single Step 15 : Press the [MENU ] key to choose BCode Single. Step 16 : Press the [CONTOUR CUTTING] button again. Contourcutting: Repeat Mode Start Aligning Step 17 : With the [MENU ] key to choose Single Scan or Repeat Mode. > Single Scan: The command will be given to start scanning the bar code of the first / next bounding box ONLY, from roll or sheet. After finishing this single job, the Ultima returns into the Ready status. > Repeat Mode: AUTOMATICALLY all succeeding frames will be scanned and contour cut as well, until the end of roll is reached. Step 18 : Press the [ENTER] key to start. In case you selected BCode Multi Step 15 : Press the [MENU ] key to choose BCode Multi. Step 16 : Press the [CONTOUR CUTTING] button again. Contourcutting: Single Scan Start Aligning Step 17 : With the [MENU ] key to choose Single Scan or Repeat Mode. > Single Scan: The command will be given to start scanning the bar code of the first / next bounding box ONLY, from roll or sheet. After finishing this single job, the Ultima returns into the Ready status. > Repeat Mode: AUTOMATICALLY all succeeding frames will be scanned and contour cut as well, until the end of roll is reached. Step 18 : Press the [ENTER] key to start. 42 AP-75125, Rev 2.2, 20/04/07

43 Which Aligning Method should I use? The MP1 (Mutoh Manual Align Method) is the non-automatic method. Its advantage is that the cropmark system is very small (for small sized jobs), and that this method can be used in case of vinyl that do not reflect the laser light (meaning, the laser would not be capable of measuring the cropmarks automatically). The user has to use the jog keys on the Ultima s keyboard to measure each cross manually before contourcutting can start. The AL3 (Mutoh Auto Align) is the first fully-automated alignment system. Just place the sign in the cutter, click on PLOT in the cutting software, and the cutter will automatic align the sign by use of the black bounding box, no user intervention is needed. This method is ideal for use of single signs, one at the time. We do not advise to use this method for signs over 2 meter of length, although there is no real limit to the length that can be used. The AL4 (Mutoh Auto Align Barcode) is similar to the AL3 method, but there is barcode printed on the sign. YOU MUST USE THIS METHOD IN COMBINATION WITH THE CUTSERVER! This method can be used in case you are creating multiple different contour signs. It allows you to make all your prints at once (overnight printing for example), and then load the roll with images in the Ultima. If each sign on the roll has a barcode and if all plot files are in the CutServer, just click on GO in the CutServer (make sure that the CutServer properties are set to SINGLE FRAME, and REPEAT MODE) and every sign on the roll will be cut, without the need for user intervention (make sure you ve enabled autosheet-off in EasySIGN for each contour-sign) The reason for the two barcodes is to make it possible for the Ultima to auto-detect if the image is loaded upside-down or correctly. There is no need for you to search the plot file for each image, the Ultima and the CutServer will do this fullyautomatically, until the complete roll with signs is finished. We do not recommend this method over 2 m job length, although there is no real limit to the length that can be used. The AL5 (Mutoh Auto Align Multiframe) offers all advantages of the AL4 and AL3 method, but it will split the image in multiple segments of maximum 50cm. (This is to enhance precision over long length). With AL5, it is possible to make signs of 10m or longer, and the Ultima will measure segment per segment, and cut segment per segment. This method gives you more accuracy than the AL4 method. We do not recommend this method for signs smaller than 1,5m You should use the CutServer for this method, and make sure the CutServer properties are set to MULTI- FRAME MODE. (Single scan for 1 AL5 file and Repeat mode for a roll with multiple AL5 files). For more details about the Print & Cut workflow and CutServer, please refer to the Application Guide in the box. 43 AP-75125, Rev 2.2, 20/04/07

44 3.4. SQUARE DETAILS Please note that the creation of an image should be done in a graphics application software (e.g. CorelDraw, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop or Macromedia Freehand) or in origin software with design functionalities (EasySIGN Power Pack Pro Mutoh Edition or Scanvec Amiable PhotoPRINT DX Mutoh Edition) Do not forget to create the cutting line around your image. The default cutting line is a magenta hairline or spotcolor with <CutContour> swatch name (in the CMYK pallet). Thickness line = hairline (or 0.25) Colour = 100% magenta For more details, please refer to the Application Guide. To use the automatic alignment procedure, the pre-printed sheet contains a Bounding Box (*) around the design to be cut. Details can be found below. VINYL Bounding Box. This Bounding Box should have a minimum thickness of 3 mm; default value of this square is 5 mm thick. Please leave a white edge of 20 mm in front. The sensor firstly detects the white space. (*) Please note that the Bounding Box around your design(s) will be printed. Before contour-cutting the E- pos technology will search for the Bounding Box and measure the position of the design(s). The Bounding Box should be at least an A4 format (Portrait). There must be 5 mm white space between the image and the Bounding Box. Make sure that the Bounding Box is colored black. ( Contrast) Make sure that the Bounding Box fits within the margins of the maximum cutting width of your cutting plotter. Please note that the position of the design with the Bounding Box compared to the page edges is defined in the print-software. 44 AP-75125, Rev 2.2, 20/04/07

45 The square will be detected on the following points. 110 mm or more for a cut-sheet or for the roll end. Between consecutive boxes: 30 mm 250 mm (recommended 65 mm) VINYL 5 mm white space between bounding box and drawing Min. side margin of 10 mm. Min. front margin of 10 mm / max. 250 mm Min. side margin of 10 mm Black bounding box: Line thickness of 3 mm-30mm Default value 5 mm Minimum size of A4 (Portrait) Maximum colour contrast with media. When measuring the four points of the box and the cutter establishes a distortion (this means the box is not a perfect rectangle due to print deformation, or not between the margins), the cutter will beep and shows following message: EPOS-warning ******************** Much print distortion The cutter will cut a little cross in the lower right corner to remind you and us to its bad print quality in case of bad contour cutting; however it will continue its workflow after two seconds. Please refer to next chapter Print Deformation for more details. 45 AP-75125, Rev 2.2, 20/04/07

46 3.5. SPECIAL FUNCTIONS FOR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT EPOS offset fine-tune This function is made to fine-tune the EPOS offset. Please follow the steps below to perform a fine-tune Step 1 : Step 2 : Step 3 : Step 4 : Install a knife. Press the [TOOL] key and select knife. Load media Activate the EPOS offset fine-tune function by pressing the [TEST] + [CONTOURCUTTING] button simultaneously. This function is only accurate for 1 job. EPOS fine-tune selected for next job press any key Step 5 : Step 6 : Send contour job to the plotter. The cutter will start cutting 11 lines on the bottom of the box. Step 7 : When pressing the [UP] or [DOWN] key, the laser goes to the next line. Following message is displayed Offset: 0.00 Enter = Select = Up = Down You can also use the [ARROW] keys Step 8 : Press the [ENTER] key when laser is above the line which lies on the bottom side of the box. 46 AP-75125, Rev 2.2, 20/04/07

47 Step 9 : The cutter will start cutting 11 lines on at the right side of the box. Step 10 : When pressing the [UP] or [DOWN] key, the laser goes to the next line. Following message is displayed Offset: 0.00 Enter = Select = Up = Down You can also use the [ARROW] keys Step 11 : Press the [ENTER] key when laser is above the line which lies on the right side of the box. Step 12 : The EPOS offset fine-tune is finished. 47 AP-75125, Rev 2.2, 20/04/07

48 3.5.2 Print deformation This function is a warning. Following message could appear when the printed box on the vinyl or other media is deformed. This means, not a perfect rectangle. The Ultima can not guarantee a perfect cut workflow when the box is deformed. When measuring the four points of the box and the cutter establishes a distortion, the cutter will beep and shows following message: EPOS-warning ******************** Much print distortion The cutter will cut a little cross in the lower right corner and will continue its workflow after two seconds. 48 AP-75125, Rev 2.2, 20/04/07

49 4. CUTTER SETTINGS & SPECIAL FUNCTIONS 4.1. GENERAL PROCEDURE TO CHANGE SETTINGS ON THE CUTTER Not only there are keys to directly change or control some values of the Ultima cutting plotter, but more settings are available by following the instructions mentioned below. Step 1 : Step 2 : Step 3 : Pressing the [ENTER] key, the user enters the setup-menu. Pressing the [UP] or [DOWN] key, the user can select the parameter he wants to adjust. Confirm with the [ENTER] key the selection. The [UP] key will increase the value or select the next parameter. The [DOWN] key will decrease the value or select the previous parameter. Press the [ENTER] key to confirm the new setting. After confirmation the display will show the previous menu. To cancel the changes of the parameter, press the [CANCEL] key. The display will show the previous value for the parameter. When you press the [EXIT] key the changed value will be ignored and you go back to the previous menu. Step 4 : Press the [EXIT] key to go back to the previous menu and confirm the changed settings OVERVIEW OF GENERAL SETTINGS The general settings parameter influences the cutter s reactions to commands given by the computer or initiated via the control panel. In the general settings menu, several parameters are available: Sheet Off Mode Sheet Off Margin Pre-Feed Length Max Sheet Length Page Mode Laser Speed Tool-Up Speed Cut Quality Factory Default Copies Smoothing Bézier Language Emulation Program Step VS / ZF / AS Communication 49 AP-75125, Rev 2.2, 20/04/07

50 4.3. LANGUAGE SELECTION It is possible to change the user language of your cutter. To change the language, please follow the instructions mentioned below : Step 1 : Step 2 : In the general setting select [LANGUAGE] with the UP or DOWN key Press the [ENTER] key to confirm your selection. The actual LANGUAGE-setting will now be shown on the display Language Actual : ENGLISH New : ENGLISH Language Step 3 : By pressing the [UP] or [DOWN] key select the appropriate language. Five language settings are available (English, German, French, Spanish and Dutch). To cancel the changes of the parameter, press the [CANCEL] key. The display will show the previous value for the parameter. When you press the [EXIT] key the changed value will be ignored and you go back to the previous menu. Step 4 : Press the [ENTER] key to confirm and go back to the previous menu. 50 AP-75125, Rev 2.2, 20/04/07