ultima multi-purpose cutting plotter user’s...

ULTIMA multi-purpose cutting plotter User’s Guide

MUTOH EUROPE N.V. Part n°: AP-75032

Rev. 1.1 – 22/09/03

User’s Guide –Ultima cutting plotter

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COPYRIGHT NOTICE COPYRIGHT 2003 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. September 2003 Published: Mutoh Europe N.V., Archimedesstraat 13, B-8400 Oostende, BELGIUM


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Dear Customer, By purchasing a Mutoh Ultima cutter, you have become the owner of one of the most versatile single-tool cutters in the market. It is fast, reliable, of the highest quality and has been assembled with the application of the most stringent quality checks. But even more important, it is easy to use, as the following guide will show you.


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TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Regulatory and safety information .................................................................................11

1.1. EMC statement for CE Marking...............................................................................11 1.2. FCC compliance......................................................................................................11 1.3. Important notes .......................................................................................................11 1.4. Safety Labels: Safety Labels, Symboles de sécurité, Sicherheitssymbole.............12

2. Installation Procedures ..................................................................................................13

2.1. Preparing the cutting environment...........................................................................13 2.2. Parts list ..................................................................................................................14 2.3. Unpacking and setting up the Ultima Cutter ............................................................15 2.4. Cutter parts & components......................................................................................16 2.5. Operation panel.......................................................................................................18 2.6. Connecting the cutter to the computer ....................................................................20 2.7. Connecting the power cable....................................................................................21 2.8. Installing a tool ........................................................................................................22 2.9. Loading media.........................................................................................................23

2.9.1. Loading cut sheet media...................................................................................23 2.9.2. Loading roll media ............................................................................................24

2.10. Straightening the vinyl edge using the auto-sheet-off utility ..................................26 3. Cutter Controls...............................................................................................................27

3.1. Understanding the Operation panel.........................................................................27 3.2. Direct key access ....................................................................................................31

3.2.1. Force selection .................................................................................................31 3.2.2. Speed selection ................................................................................................32 3.2.3. Offset selection .................................................................................................32 3.2.4. Tool selection....................................................................................................32 3.2.5. Origin selection .................................................................................................33 3.2.6. Test selection....................................................................................................34 3.2.7. Presets selection ..............................................................................................34

3.3. Contour Cutting .......................................................................................................37 3.4. Square details .........................................................................................................40

4.Cutter settings & Special functions .................................................................................43

4.1. General procedure to change settings on the cutter ...............................................43 4.2. Overview of General settings ..................................................................................43

4.2.1. Sheet Off Mode.................................................................................................44 4.2.2. Sheet Off Margin...............................................................................................45 4.2.3. Pre-Feed Length...............................................................................................46 4.2.4. Max Sheetlength...............................................................................................48 4.2.5. Page Mode .......................................................................................................49 4.2.6. Laser Speed .....................................................................................................51 4.2.7. Tool-up Speed ..................................................................................................52 4.2.8. Cut Quality ........................................................................................................53 4.2.9. Factory Default .................................................................................................54 4.2.10. Copies ............................................................................................................55 4.2.11. Smoothing.......................................................................................................56


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4.2.12. Bezier selection ..............................................................................................57 4.2.13. Language selection.........................................................................................58 4.2.14. Emulation selection.........................................................................................59 4.2.15. Program Step selection ..................................................................................60 4.2.16. VS/ZF/AS Settings selection...........................................................................61 4.2.17. Communication selection................................................................................62

5. Finetuning your cutter to obtain Mutoh quality ...............................................................63

5.1. Adjusting the knife depth .........................................................................................63 5.2. Setting the cutting pressure / Test squares .............................................................66 5.3. Offset principle ........................................................................................................66 5.4. Offset effect.............................................................................................................67 5.5. Offset adjustment procedure ...................................................................................67 5.6. Performing a test cut ...............................................................................................70

5.6.1. Etxo 8 ...............................................................................................................70 5.6.2. EPOS Align tune (Automatic)............................................................................70 5.6.3. EPOS Align tune (Manual)................................................................................71 5.6.4. EPOS Alignment → test plot.............................................................................74 5.6.5. Setting ..............................................................................................................75 5.6.6. Offset2 ..............................................................................................................75 5.6.7. Offset1 ..............................................................................................................76 5.6.8. Offset ................................................................................................................77 5.6.9. Robot2 ..............................................................................................................78 5.6.10. Robot1 ............................................................................................................79 5.6.11. Hiro2 ...............................................................................................................79 5.6.12. SC-850 ...........................................................................................................80 5.6.13. SC-1400 .........................................................................................................81

6. Plotter maintenance & Troubleshooting.........................................................................83

6.1. Cleaning & Daily maintenance ................................................................................83 6.1.1. Cleaning the grid rolls .......................................................................................83 6.1.2. Cleaning the cutter blade..................................................................................84 6.1.3. Cleaning the cutting plotter ...............................................................................84

6.2. Wear & Tear............................................................................................................85 6.2.1. Replacing the cutting mat .................................................................................85 6.2.2. Replacing the knife blade .................................................................................86 6.2.3. Replacing the auto sheet-off knife ....................................................................87

6.3. Clean sensor and E-pos laser. ................................................................................88 6.3.1. Testing E-pos Laser..........................................................................................88

6.4. Troubleshooting.......................................................................................................89 6.5. Checking the communication settings .....................................................................90 6.6. Error messages.......................................................................................................91

6.6.1. Recoverable system errors...............................................................................91 6.6.2. Unrecoverable system errors............................................................................92 6.6.3. Communication errors ......................................................................................93 6.6.4. Language errors ...............................................................................................94


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7. Ultima cutting plotters - Media compatibility & Dimensions...........................................95

7.1. Ultima cutting plotters: Media compatibility .............................................................95 7.2. Physical dimensions Ultima.....................................................................................95


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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.

1.2. 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.

1.3. 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.


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1.4. SAFETY LABELS: SAFETY LABELS, SYMBOLES DE SÉCURITÉ, 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:

CAUTION When tilling or storing the media scroller, always keep the

fixed flange side at the bottom to avoid media from sliding down.


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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.


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2.2. PARTS LIST CONTENTS OF THE PLOTTER BOX : A) Plotter unit with roll support system, 2 conveyor rolls and small guiding flanges.

F) Set of 2 water-based fiber tip pens.

B) Mutoh Ultima User’s Guide. G) Spare cutting mat (1 pc). C) One knife holder with pre-mounted cutting blade H) Power Cord. D) Set of 2 spare cutting blades and 1 spring for cutting jobs (45°/ Offset 0.50 mm).

I) RS-232 or USB interface cable.

E) Blade for auto sheet-off. (1 pc – pre-installed in tool head)

J) Quick Start Manual (includes a CD-rom)


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2.3. UNPACKING AND SETTING UP THE ULTIMA CUTTER

Notes :

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 : Open the box. Step 2 : Remove the buffer box. Step 3 : Remove the packaging leg set. Step 4 : Take out the cutter box. Step 5 : Lift the cutter unit out of the box and put it on a flat and stable surface. Step 6 : Remove all plastic wrapping materials. Step 7 : Remove the pieces of foam, protecting the tool head during transportation. Step 8 : If you had your cutter delivered with a stand, please refer to the instructions for mounting the

stand.


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2.4. CUTTER PARTS & COMPONENTS

Part Description 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 When using roll media for cutting jobs, put the roll of media on

top of the two conveyor rolls.

5 Small guiding Flanges 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 Hold Lever Raises and lowers the pressure rollers. Lowering the pressure rollers will hold the media in place.

7 Platen & Grid Cover Supports the cutting media and guides the movement of the media along the x-axis.

8 Cutting Mat Provides a reliable cutting surface and minimizes damage to the knife tip.


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9 USB interface USB connector to easily connect the cutter for fast and reliable data transmission.

10 Serial Interface Connector RS-232 serial interface connector to connect the cutter to the host computer.

11 Power Connector Connector for the power cord, which plugs into the main power supply of the cutter.

12 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.

13 Drive Rollers Move the cutting media along the X-axis.

14 Pressure Rollers Hold the media against the drive rollers during cutting.

15 Stand Support the Plotter Body.

16 Media Basket Media collecting basket prevents finished cuts to fall on the floor when they are sheet-off.


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2.5. OPERATION PANEL

Using the operation panel, you can access different modes and alter several settings, in order to fine-tune the cutter to match all your needs. CONTROL-KEY Key Description CANCEL Press the [CANCEL] key to clear all received data.

Press the [CANCEL] key to return to the previous setting (without changes).

EXIT The [EXIT] key cancel the changes made in the setting. You will return to the previous menu. Press the [EXIT] key in normal mode to perform a sheet-off.

ENTER Press the [ENTER] key to select a menu. Press the [ENTER] key to confirm the changes made to the setting.

READY / PAUZE Press the [READY / PAUZE] key to set the cutter READY or PAUZE.

UP Press the [UP] key to increase the value of the setting.

DOWN Press the [DOWN] key to decrease the value of the setting.

PRESETS Change the user (there are maximum 32 users); each user has his own set of settings that are saved when the machine is shut down.

ORIGIN Press the [ORIGIN] key to change the origin. (This can change the origin direction and move the origin point.)

TEST Press the [TEST] key to choose one of the testplots to plot.

CONTOUR CUTTING Press the [CONTOUR CUTTING] key to start an auto/manual aligning procedure.

SPEED Press the [SPEED] key to change the value of the speed.


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FORCE Press the [FORCE] key to change the value of the force.

OFFSET Press the [OFFSET] key to change the value of the offset.

TOOL Press the [TOOL] key to change the tool type.

Take-Up / Sheet / Roll Press the [TUSR] key to select how media is loaded.

JOGG-KEY Press the [JOGG] key for manual movement of the tool head.

LAMPS LED Description ORIGIN Blinks to indicate that you can move the head to replace the origin when you

are in the origin menu. Lighting indicates that we have a replaced origin.

CONTOUR CUTTING Indicates that an aligning procedure is busy.

TAKE-UP Indicating that you are working with the take-up system.

SHEET Indicating that you are working with a sheet of media.

ROLL Indicating that you are working with roll media.

Caution : Please do not use sharp or pointed tools like ballpoints or pencils to press keys. The operation panel is to be operated with your fingertips.


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2.6. 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 : 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. Step 2 : Fasten the screws to secure the connector. Step 3 : Connect the other end of the serial cable to your computer.

Notes : For proper operation of the serial communication, it will be necessary to match the computer settings to the plotter settings !

USB INTERFACE Step 1 : Make sure the USB driver is installed. Step 2 : Connect one end of the USB cable to the USB connector at the rear side of the cutting plotter. Step 3 : Connect the other end of the USB cable to your computer or the network.

Notes : 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, ...).


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2.7. CONNECTING THE POWER CABLE

To connect the power cable, please follow the instructions mentioned below. Step 1 : Make sure the cutter’s power switch is turned OFF. Step 2 : Plug the plotter-end of the power cable into the connector at the rear of the plotter. Step 3 : Plug the other end of the power cable into an electrical outlet of the correct voltage and with a

proper grounding.

Notes : The disconnect device is the plug on the power supply cord.


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2.8. 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. To do so, please follow the instructions mentioned below. Step 1 : Open the screw (1) to unlock the tool head-mounting bracket. Step 2 : 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). Step 3 : Fasten the screw to secure the tool into position.


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2.9. 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.

2.9.1. Loading cut sheet media Step 1 : Put the pressure rollers in the “up” position using the media hold lever and turn the power switch

ON. The cutter will perform its initialization routine and move the tool head 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. Step 3 : 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. Step 4 : 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).

Notes : Please note that the middle pressure roller should always be placed on top of a grid roller.


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Step 5 : 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.

Step 6 : 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.

Notes : 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.

2.9.2. Loading roll media Step 1 : 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. Step 2 : Press the media-select button on the operation panel and select the roll. 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.

Notes : 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.


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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”) 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).

Notes : Please note that the middle pressure roller should always be placed on top of a grid roller.

Step 5 : 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.

Step 6 : 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 1300 mm and can be adjusted by the user.

Step 7 : 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.


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2.10. STRAIGHTENING THE VINYL EDGE USING THE AUTO-SHEET-OFF UTILITY The auto-sheet-off mechanism of your cutter can be very easily used to cut the front edge of a new roll of vinyl straight as well as to cut off a sheet of vinyl from a roll, to be used as a separate sheet. To do this, proceed as follows: If you want to sheet-off the vinyl, please follow the instructions below. Step 1 : Make sure the Ultima cutting plotter is in ‘normal’ mode. Following display will appear. * READY * User1 X 170 Y 170 Drag knife Tool 25 cm/s 125 g Step 2 : Press the [EXIT] key. The following message will appear on the operation panel. Do a sheet-off? Up = No Down = Yes Step 3 : Press the [DOWN] key to confirm. A sheet off will be performed.

Notes : Press the [UP] key to not perform a sheet off. The display will show the previous value for the Program Step parameter.


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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-key Press the [EXIT] key to go to the previous menu setting. Press the [EXIT] key if you do not want to process the changes in the cutting settings. Press the [EXIT] key in normal mode to perform a sheet-off.

ENTER-key The [ENTER] key has to be pressed to confirm requested changes to the cutting settings.

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 By pressing the [ORIGIN] key you can change the origin point and origin direction Origin direction: L Right (lower right), MANUAL and CENTER When you select MANUAL, you can change the origin point by moving the head with the [JOG] keys to the desired origin point (the LED blinks). When you press the [ENTER] key the new origin is confirmed and the origin LED lights.


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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 an automatic or manual 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 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.

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

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.


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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. When media is loaded the LED’s only show which type of media is loaded but cannot be changed.

JOGG-key The [JOGG] 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 JOGG] or [RIGHT JOGG] key, the head will move accordingly. It will move slowly for two seconds and speed up afterwards. When pressing the [TOP JOGG] or [BOTTOM JOGG] key, the media (if loaded) will move accordingly. It will move slowly for 2 seconds and speed up afterwards. When pressing two [JOGG] keys simultaneously the head will move relative diagonal to the media.

ORIGIN LED Lights when alternative origin is selected. Blinks when changing origin.

CONTOUR CUTTING LED Blinks when executing alignment procedure.

TAKE-UP LED This LED will light up if you selected the Take-Up System.


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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.


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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 automatic or manual

alignment procedure. [CONTOUR CUTTING] key

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

3.2.1. Force selection Tool force is the amount of downward pressure that the cutter applies on the tool. To change or control the toll force, please perform the instructions mentioned below. Step 1 : Press the [FORCE] key. Step 2 : The actual FORCE setting for the selected tool will now be shown on the display. Viewing of the

value can be performed in PAUZE as well as in READY mode. Force Actual : 30 New : 30 In gram Step 3 : Press the [UP] or [DOWN] key to change the force setting. Step 4 : Press the [FORCE] key. The Ultima will cut following picture.

Step 5 : Check the patterns. Especially look for good quality of the corners and easy weeding. If this is

not the case readjust the FORCE selection. Step 6 : Press the [ENTER] key to confirm the FORCE selection.

Notes : 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.


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3.2.2. Speed selection To change / control the speed, please perform the instructions mentioned bow. Step 1 : Press the [SPEED] key. Step 2 : The actual SPEED setting for the selected tool will now be shown on the display. Viewing of the

value can be performed in PAUZE as well as in READY mode. Speed Actual : 10 New : 10 In cm/s

Notes : Changing/viewing of the value can be performed in BUSY mode. Please note that the effect can only be seen after a few seconds.

Step 3 : Press the [UP] or [DOWN] key to change the force setting. Step 4 : Press the [ENTER] key to confirm the SPEED selection.


3.2.3. 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 ‘Finetuning your cutter to obtain Mutoh quality’.

3.2.4. Tool selection To change / control the tool selection, please perform the instructions mentioned bow. Step 1 : Press the [TOOL] key.


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Step 2 : The actual TOOL setting for the Ultima cutting plotter will be shown on the display. Viewing of the value can be performed in PAUZE as well as in READY mode.

Rool 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’ or

‘knife’.

Notes : 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 the TOOL selection.


3.2.5. Origin selection To change / control the origin, please perform the instructions mentioned bow.

Notes : Please make sure media is loaded. If this is not the case, the Ultima positioning calculation is based on previously installed media.

Step 1 : Press the [ORIGIN] key. Step 2 : The actual ORIGIN setting for the selected tool will now be shown on the display. Viewing of the

value can be performed in PAUZE as well as in READY mode. Origin type : Actual : L RIGHT New : L RIGHT Set new origin Step 3 : Press the [UP] or [DOWN] key to change the force setting. Values are : L RIGHT, CENTER or

MANUAL.


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Step 4 : In case you have selected ‘CENTER’ or ‘L RIGHT’, press the [ENTER] key to confirm the ORIGIN selection. The head will move to the requested position.

Step 5 : In case you selected ‘MANUAL’, press the [ENTER] key to confirm the ORIGIN selection.

Following display will appear. Point laser to desired origin position Enter = Confirm Step 6 : The laser will light up. By using the [JOGG] keys position the head to the requested origin.

Press the [ENTER] key to confirm the ORIGIN.


3.2.6. 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 ‘Finetuning your cutter to obtain Mutoh quality’.

3.2.7. 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.

3.2.7.1. ‘Select Presets’ Use this function to select a previously saved user setting. Please follow the instructions mentioned below. Step 1 : Press the [PRESETS] key. Step 2 : Following message will appear on the display. Presets Select presets Choose user


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Step 3 : Press the [ENTER] key. Following message will appear on the display. → User 1 Enter = select ↑ = Up ↓ = Down Step 4 : Use the [UP] or [DOWN] key to select a user setting. Step 5 : Press the [ENTER] key to confirm the selected user setting. The Ultima cutting plotter will load

the requested user settings.


3.2.7.2. ‘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 : Press the [PRESETS] key. Step 2 : 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 : Use the [UP] or [DOWN] key to select a setting based on Mutoh’s values. Step 5 : 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.



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3.2.7.3. ‘Add’ To add a new user setting, please follow the instructions below. Step 1 : Change all settings for the specific cutting job you will perform. Step 2 : To store all these settings, press the [PRESETS] key. Step 3 : 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.


3.2.7.4. ‘Remove’ To remove a previously saved user setting, please follow the instructions mentioned below. Step 1 : Press the [PRESETS] key. Step 2 : 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 : Use the [UP] or [DOWN] key to select the user setting you want to delete. Step 5 : Press the [ENTER] key to confirm. The Ultima cutting plotter will delete the selected user setting.



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3.3. CONTOUR CUTTING

Notes : In case the software is not supporting the Ultima contour cutting function, you can use the [CONTOUR CUTTING] key to perform contour cutting.

To perform an alignment, please follow the instructions mentioned below. Step 1 : Load the printed media into the cutting plotter. Step 2 : Install a knife. Step 3 : Power ON the cutting plotter. The cutting plotter will perform a shuffle sequence. Step 4 : Press the [CONTOUR CUTTING] key. Contourcutting : Methods : → Automatic Start alignment Step 5 : By using the [UP] and [DOWN] key you select ‘manual’ or ‘automatic’.

Notes : 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 6 : Press the [CONTOUR CUTTING] key. On the display following message will appear. Contourcutting : X Length (mm) : → 500 Start alignment Step 7 : By using the [UP] and [DOWN] key you select an appropriate value for the X Length.

Notes : 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.


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Step 8 : Press the [CONTOUR CUTTING] key to confirm. On the display following message will appear. Contourcutting : Y Width (mm) : → 500 Start alignment Step 9 : By using the [UP] and [DOWN] key you select an appropriate value for the Y Width. Step 10 : Press the [CONTOUR CUTTING] key to confirm. On the display following message will appear. Contourcutting : Roll direction → Non-reverse Start alignment Step 11 : Select the appropriate ‘roll direction’ (non-reverse or reverse) by using the [UP] and [DOWN] key. Step 12 : Press the [CONTOUR CUTTING] key to check the entered values of the ‘X length’, ‘Y width’ and

‘roll direction’. Step 13 : To confirm your settings press the [ENTER] key. Step 14 : The Ultima cutting plotter will start the frame detection. (‘manual’ or ‘automatic’ as selected in

step 5). In case you selected ‘Automatic’. 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 [JOGG] 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 [JOGG] keys to select the second alignment point (P2). Press the [ENTER] key to

perform.


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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 [JOGG] keys to select the third alignment point (P3). Press the [ENTER] key to perform. Step 21 : The Ultima cutting plotter will move the head toward the last alignment point. On the display

following message will appear. Manual alignment method please select the point Step 22 : Use the [JOGG] keys to select the fourth alignment point (P4). Press the [ENTER] key to

perform Step 23 : Manual alignment is completed.


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3.4. SQUARE DETAILS

Notes : Please note that the creation of an image should be done in a graphics application software (e.g. CorelDRAW, Corel PHOTO-PAINT, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop or MacroMedia Freehand).

Notes : Do not forget to create the cutting line around your image. The default cutting line is a “magenta hairline” (in the CMYK pallet). → Thickness line = hairline (or 0.25) → Colour = 100% magenta

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. There must be 5 mm white space between the image and the Bounding Box. Make sure that the Bounding Box is coloured black. Make sure that the Bounding Box fits in the margins of the maximum cutting width of your cutting plotter.

Notes : Please note that the position of the design with the Bounding Box compared to the page edges is defined in the print-software.


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The square will be detected on the following points.


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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 : Pressing the [ENTER] key, the user enters the setup-menu. Step 2 : Pressing the [UP] or [DOWN] key, the user can select the parameter he wants to adjust. Confirm

with the [ENTER] key the selection. Step 3 : 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.


Step 4 : Press the [EXIT] key to go back to the previous menu and confirm the changed settings.

4.2. 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 → Bezier → Language → Emulation → Program Step → VS / AS / FS → Communication


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4.2.1. Sheet Off Mode With the sheet-off mode, you can select “AUTOMAT”, “MANUAL” or “DISABLE”. The auto-sheet-off mechanism of your cutter can be very easily used to cut the front edge of a new roll of vinyl straight as well as to cut off a sheet of vinyl from a roll, to be used as a separate sheet. To do this, proceed as follows: Step 1 : In the general setting select ‘Sheet Off Mode’ by using the [UP] or [DOWN] key. Step 2 : Press the [ENTER] key to confirm your selection. The actual Sheet Off Mode will now be shown

on the display Sheet Off Actual : AUTOMAT New : AUTOMAT Sheet Off Mode Step 3 : By using the [UP] or [DOWN] key select “Automat”, “Manual” or “Disable”. Step 4 : Press the [ENTER] key to confirm.



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4.2.2. Sheet Off Margin With the sheet-off margin, you can select a value from 1 mm to 250 mm. Before performing a sheet-off the Ultima cutting plotter will forward the media equally to the selected margin. To do this, proceed as follows: Step 1 : In the general setting select ‘Sheet Off Margin’ by using the [UP] or [DOWN] key. Step 2 : Press the [ENTER] key to confirm your selection. The actual Sheet Off Margin will now be shown

on the display Sheet Off Margin Actual : 5 New : 5 Margin (mm) Step 3 : By using the [UP] or [DOWN] key select an appropriate value. Step 4 : Press the [ENTER] key to confirm.



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4.2.3. Pre-Feed Length This parameter is directly related to the loading of ROLL media. The Pre-Feed length or SHUFFLE length has to be set before a roll is loaded. There are three reasons for using a Pre-Feed Length :

1. The length of media set for the Pre-Feed length parameter will be pulled off the roll, before the cutting job commences. This will prevent media from being pulled off the roll at high speed and acceleration. Such high speed movements can only be achieved on condition that the media can move freely, without having to be pulled off the roll during a job.

2. Before actually cutting starts the complete length of the media is shuffled back and forth through the cutter, ensuring that the pressure rollers have a discrete path while the user has the time to verify if the vinyl transport goes well.

3. Your Ultima cutter has been equipped with MUTOH’s unique AUTO-SHEET-OFF feature, to automatically cut off media at the end of a cutting sequence. Following an automatic PAGE command or a manual PAGE command initiated via the control panel, the cutter will shuffle through the pre-set Pre-Feed length of media, to ensure that their is enough media left for a possible replot. If there is not enough media left, the cutter will stop before the end of the assigned media length.

To change the value of the Pre-Feed Length, please follow the instructions mentioned below. Step 1 : In the general setting select ‘Pre-Feed Length’ by using the [UP] or [DOWN] key. Step 2 : Press the [ENTER] key to confirm your selection. The actual Pre-Feed Length will now be shown

on the display Pre-Feed Length Actual : 940 New : 940 Pre-Feed (mm) Step 3 : By using the [UP] or [DOWN] key select an appropriate value. Step 4 : Press the [ENTER] key to confirm.


Notes : Please note that the use of the PRE-FEED LENGTH should not be regarded as a loss of time. If the shuffle movement is executed without difficulty, the user can be convinced that the sign to be cut will be executed with very little risk of media tracking problems. As such, it will result in a time-saving operation, preventing that the user will have to re-cut a very complex design because of bad media alignment.


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Notes : Please note that the cutting range is not limited by the Pre-Feed Length which you have set. In case a design which exceeds the shuffle length is sent to the cutting plotter, the cutter will react as follows: The first vector, which exceeds the limit, will be cut using reduced speed for the distance exceeding the limit. An additional 20 cm ( 8” ) of media will be pulled off the roll in order to eliminate any possible snagging at the roll. After the additional (20 cm) pre-feed the cutter will continue at the requested speed until the new limit is exceeded. However, this should not be a reason for you not to change the page length at all, as by omitting to change it; you will be inhibited to check the full vinyl transport before the job is launched.


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4.2.4. Max Sheetlength After installation of a sheet (and sheet is selected in the menu) the Ultima cutting plotter will measure the width and length of the sheet. In case sheet is selected in the menu but roll media is loaded the Ultima will measure the length of the roll. This is not the intension. Therefore, you can select a Max Sheetlength value. In case sheet is selected in the menu, the Ultima will not measure more than the length selected in the Max Sheetlength menu, preventing roll media to be rolled off completely. To change the value of the Max Sheetlength, please follow the instructions mentioned below. Step 1 : In the general setting select ‘Max Sheetlength’ by using the [UP] or [DOWN] key. Step 2 : Press the [ENTER] key to confirm your selection. The actual Pre-Feed Length will now be shown

on the display Max sheetlength Actual : 5000 New : 5000 Sheetlength (mm) Step 3 : By using the [UP] or [DOWN] key select an appropriate value. Step 4 : Press the [ENTER] key to confirm.



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4.2.5. Page Mode The page mode determines the cutter’s reaction to a PAGE command sent by the cutting software. The PAGE command is a command, which is used to relocate the origin after a job is finished and which can take control remotely of the cutter’s automatic sheet-off feature. Sheeting-off automatically, without user intervention, is a feature which is unique to Mutoh cutting-plotters and which enhances the cutter’s versatility and overall performance enormously. A page-command looks like this : “PG;” or “Pgn;” with “n” a number in millimeters. If the PAGE command “PG;” is sent, the cutter will automatically sheet of regardless of the Page mode, minimizing the loss of vinyl. If the PAGE command “Pgn;” is sent, the number mentioned after the PG command will be interpreted differently, depending on the page mode you have chosen : Page Mode 0 : The number after the page command is ignored. The media will be cut 5 mm (0.2”) after the latest vector. The new cutting limit will be located 0.5 (0.2”) from the lower media border. Page Mode 1 : The new origin is located “n” millimeters beyond the last vector that was sent. Page Mode 2 : The new origin is located “n” millimeters beyond the previous origin position.

“PGn” is sent (n is a number in mm). A : Original origin B : End point last vector C : New origin with Page Mode 1 D : New origin with Page Mode 2

To change the Page Mode, please follow the instructions mentioned below : Step 1 : In the general setting select ‘Page Mode’ by using the [UP] or [DOWN] key. Step 2 : Press the [ENTER] key to confirm your selection. The actual Page Mode value will now be

shown on the display Page Mode Actual : 1 New 1 0, 1 or 2 Step 3 : By using the [UP] or [DOWN] key select an appropriate value.


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Step 4 : Press the [ENTER] key to confirm.



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4.2.6. Laser Speed It is possible to perform a test contour cutting with the Ultima cutting plotter. Lines will be indicated by the laser beam. In case the speed of the test contour cutting is not acceptable, you can decrease or increase the speed. To change the Laser Speed, please follow the instructions mentioned below : Step 1 : In the general setting select ‘Laser Speed’ by using the [UP] or [DOWN] key. Step 2 : Press the [ENTER] key to confirm your selection. The actual Laser Speed value will now be

shown on the display Laser Speed Actual : 10 New 10 In cm/s Step 3 : By using the [UP] or [DOWN] key select an appropriate value. Step 4 : Press the [ENTER] key to confirm.



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4.2.7. Tool-up Speed Tool-up movements are mostly long movements (which reach their maximum speed) between the short tool-down movements. These movements could cause abrupt media transport (which could cause trading problems). Therefore, it is recommended to select a tool-up speed lower then the speed selection in the menu.

Notes : In case the Tool-up speed is higher then the speed. The Tool-up speed will be set automatically to the value of the speed.

Notes : The tool-down speed is related to the value selected in the speed menu.

You can change the tool-up speed in the menu. To change the Tool-up Speed, please follow the instructions mentioned below : Step 1 : In the general setting select ‘Tool-up Speed’ by using the [UP] or [DOWN] key. Step 2 : Press the [ENTER] key to confirm your selection. The actual Tool-up Speed value will now be

shown on the display Tool-up Speed Actual : 100 New 100 In cm/s Step 3 : By using the [UP] or [DOWN] key select an appropriate value. Step 4 : Press the [ENTER] key to confirm.


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4.2.8. Cut Quality You can choose a level of quality in the menu.

Draft Normal High

Notes : This value has only effect on the ‘acceleration’ value. The lower the acceleration → the higher the quality but the lower the speed. The higher the acceleration → the higher the speed but the lower the quality.

To change the Cut Quality, please follow the instructions mentioned below : Step 1 : In the general setting select ‘Cut Quality by using the [UP] or [DOWN] key. Step 2 : Press the [ENTER] key to confirm your selection. The actual cut quality value will now be shown

on the display Cut quality Actual : DRAFT New DRAFT Choose quality Step 3 : By using the [UP] or [DOWN] key select an appropriate value. Step 4 : Press the [ENTER] key to confirm.



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4.2.9. Factory Default You can reset the operating user his user settings back to factory default.

Notes : Of the operating user, all user settings are reset to factory default. Only the Offset value remains. Of course, machine settings (EPOS connection, serial number, ..) will also keep their value.

To set the user to the Factory Default, please follow the instructions mentioned below : Step 1 : In the general setting select ‘Factory Default’ by using the [UP] or [DOWN] key. Step 2 : Press the [ENTER] key to confirm your selection. The display will show the following message. Factory default Actual : NO New NO Reset settings Step 3 : By using the [UP] or [DOWN] key select ‘YES’’. Step 4 : Press the [ENTER] key to confirm. The settings of the Ultima cutting plotter will be resetted.



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4.2.10. Copies In case multiple outputs of a specific design are needed, you can use the copies function. This function will replot the last set of data, which was sent to the cutting plotter. That is, all data that was sent since the last INITIALISATION command (“IN”). To change the copy-value, please follow the instructions mentioned below : Step 1 : In the general setting select ‘Copies’ by using the [UP] or [DOWN] key. Step 2 : Press the [ENTER] key to confirm your selection. The display will show the following message. Copies Actual : 1 New 1 Times to copy Step 3 : By using the [UP] or [DOWN] key select ‘YES’’. Step 4 : Press the [ENTER] key to confirm.



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4.2.11. Smoothing Smoothing can be ENABLED or DISABLED. Depending on your choice, cutting of obtuse angles will be dealt differently by the cutter. If the complementary angle between two consecutive vectors A & B is larger than the smoothing angle, the cutter will slow down and cut a sharp corner (1). If the angle is smaller, the cutter will maintain its speed and cut a rounded corner (2). The optimum smoothing angle is calculated internally. When smoothing is DISABLED all corners will be cut sharply.

To change the smoothing settings, please follow the instructions mentioned below : Step 1 : In the general setting select ‘Smoothing’ with the [UP] or [DOWN] key Step 2 : Press the [ENTER] key to confirm your selection. The actual smoothing setting will now be

shown on the display Smoothing Actual : ENABLED New : ENABLED Smoothing Status Step 3 : By pressing the [UP] or [DOWN] key select the appropriate smoothing vector. If ‘Disabled’ is

selected, smoothing will be turned OFF.


Step 4 : Press the [ENTER] key to confirm and go back to the previous menu.

Caution : The cutting plotter will work significantly slower when smoothing is DISABLED.


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4.2.12. Bezier selection This is the calculation accuracy factor for the incorporated Bézier curve generation. The value can be set between 1 and 10. To change the Bezier settings, please follow the instructions mentioned below : Step 1 : In the general setting select Bezier settings with the [UP] or [DOWN] key. Step 2 : Press the [ENTER] key to confirm your selection. The actual Bezier setting will now be shown on

the display Bezier Actual : 1.0 New : 1.0 Bezier step Step 3 : By pressing the [UP] or [DOWN] key select the requested value. The following message will

appear on the operation panel.




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4.2.13. 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 : In the general setting select [LANGUAGE] with the UP or DOWN key Step 2 : 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 and Dutch).




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4.2.14. Emulation selection Your cutter is able to understand different graphic languages. These languages are MHGL, MHGL/2, HPGL and HPGL/2. To change the graphic languages, please follow the instructions mentioned below. Step 1 : In the general setting select “Emulation” with the [UP] or [DOWN] key Step 2 : Press the [ENTER] key to confirm your selection. The actual graphic languages will now be

shown on the display Emulation Actual : HPGL2 New : HPGL2 Plot file type Step 3 : By pressing the [UP] or [DOWN] key select the appropriate graphic languages.




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4.2.15. Program Step selection Select 0.025 or 0.010 mm. Factory default is 0.025 mm. Some cutting software packages use 0.010 mm. If the plot unit is not set correctly, all your cutting jobs will be cut 2.5 times too large or too small.

Notes : Please note that some software packages use the “step per mm” terminology, in which case a program step of 0.025 mm corresponds with 40 steps per mm and a program step of 0.010 mm with 100 steps per mm.

To change the plot unit, please follow the instructions mentioned below. Step 1 : In the general setting select “Program Step” with the [UP] or [DOWN] key Step 2 : Press the [ENTER] key to confirm your selection. The actual program step will now be shown on

the display Program step Actual : 0.025 New : 0.025 Plot unit (mm) Step 3 : By pressing the [UP] or [DOWN] key select the appropriate Program Step.




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4.2.16. VS/ZF/AS Settings selection Several cutting software packages enable the user to send speed, force and acceleration commands to the cutter. The cutter can be set up to ACCEPT or IGNORE these commands. To change the VS/ZF/AS settings, please follow the instructions mentioned below. Step 1 : In the general setting select VS/ZF/AS settings with the [UP] or [DOWN] key. Step 2 : Press the [ENTER] key to confirm your selection. The display will shown the following message. VS/ZF/AS Actual : ACCEPT New : ACCEPT VS/ZF/AS mode Step 3 : By pressing the [UP] or [DOWN] key select “Accept” or “Ignore”.



Notes : When VS, FZ and AS commands are sent and accepted, they will override the speed, force and acceleration settings the user may have set from the cutter operation panel. When the VS, FZ and AS commands are ignored, the cutter will always use the settings, which are set-up from the cutter operation panel.


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4.2.17. Communication selection In order for your plotter to be able to communicate well with your host computer, the communication settings on both machines have to match exactly. Please refer to the manual of your software to determine which communication setting will be used by your software. Your cutter can be set up to use any settings necessary. In the factory, several commonly used settings have been pre-installed. For your convenience, however, we have included the possibility to alter any of the settings when necessary. To change the communication selection, please follow the instructions mentioned below. Step 1 : In the general setting select “Communication” with the [UP] or [DOWN] key Step 2 : Press the [ENTER] key to confirm your selection. The next menu will appear. Baudrate DataBits Pariteit StopBits

Other items in this menu are : FlowControl USB/RS232 Step 3 : By pressing the [UP] or [DOWN] key select the appropriate menu to be changed. Step 4 : Press the [ENTER] key to confirm your selection. Step 5 : By pressing the [UP] or [DOWN] key select the appropriate value for the selected menu. Step 6 : Press the [ENTER] key to confirm the selection and go back to the menu selection.


Step 7 : Press the [ENTER] key to go back to the previous menu.

Values that can be changes under Communication are : BAUDRATE : 9600 or 19200 Bps DATABITS : 7 or 8 bits PARITEIT : None, even or odd STOPBITS : 0, 1 or 2 bits FLOWCONTROL : Softw or Hardw USB/RS232 : AUTO, USB or RS232


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5. FINETUNING YOUR CUTTER TO OBTAIN MUTOH QUALITY

In order to help you to obtain perfect quality our engineers have developed a step-by-step method for the beginning user. Once you have more experience with your cutter, you will be able to fine-tune your cutter in a trice. There are several knife types available, each of them meant for specific cutting media. Cutting Blade 1 Cutting Blade 2 Cutting Blade 3 Top Angle 45º (Red cap) 30º (Yellow cap) 60º (Blue cap) Typical Offset 0.50 mm 0.50 mm 0.50 mm Default Speed 50 cm/s (20”/s) 50 cm/s (20”/s) 50 cm/s (20”/s) Default Force 100 g 100 g 100 g Default Acceleration 3.0 G 3.0 G 3.0 G

There are three factors that have to be taken into account when setting up your cutter to execute a demanding cutting job :

The knife depth The cutting pressure The offset

5.1. ADJUSTING THE KNIFE DEPTH Two types of high quality knife holders are available for the Ultima cutters. No matter which type of knife holder you are using, adjusting the knife depth is a very important parameter when it comes to making high quality outputs. Always make sure that the knife blade protrudes enough, but not too much out of the knife holder.

1. Knife Holder 2. Vinyl 3. Backing 4. Cutting blade


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TO ADJUST THE KNIFE DEPTH, PROCEED AS FOLLOWS : STANDARD KNIFE HOLDER OPTIONAL KNIFE HOLDER WITH NONIUS Hold the body (2) in one hand and adjust the depth by using the set screw (3).

Loosen the base part of the cutting knife. To do this, take the base part in your left hand and twist the ring slightly.

STANDARD KNIFE HOLDER OPTIONAL KNIFE HOLDER WITH NONIUS Turning the set screw (3) clockwise will make the blade protrude out of the edge of the base part (1). Turning the set screw (3) counterclockwise, will retract the blade. For a first test, turn out the blade until it protrudes about 0.2mm (0.008”) out of the base part

Take the base part and the ring in your left hand and twist the shaft until the knife point protrudes about 0.2 mm (0.008”) out of the edge of the base part.

Tighten the ring firmly against the base part. This will prevent the cutting blade from coming loose during cutting.

Make a manual test-cut on a small piece of media, of the same type that you will be using. Adjust the depth until the top layer is cut completely and that you can see a slight scratch on the backing when peeling off. At no times you should be able to see a scratch at the back side of the media.

Repeat steps 2 and 3 until the correct depth is obtained.


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FEATURES OF THE OPTIONAL KNIFEHOLDER For some applications it might be convenient to be able to very accurately change the depth of the cutting blade. For those applications, MUTOH can provide you with an optional knife holder, featuring a nonius (vernier) with which it is possible to adjust the depth of the knife in increments of 0.01 millimeter (0.0004”) The upper scale lines make it possible to change the knife depth over 0.05 mm (0.002”). The lower scale (nonius) makes it possible to change the knife depth over 0.01 mm (0.0004”).

- 0,05 mm + 0,05 mm

- 0,01 mm + 0,01 mm


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5.2. SETTING THE CUTTING PRESSURE / TEST SQUARES Here, we merely want to point out that you have to try to cut your design with the lowest possible pressure that gives no trouble to weed. Some cast media require only 20 grams to be cut completely through. In that case there is no need to apply 100 grams of pressure. Too much pressure can cause a decrease of quality. 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.

5.3. OFFSET PRINCIPLE One of the most important factors to obtain good quality, but unfortunately also one of the factors that is easily forgotten, is the offset.

1: Cutter blade 2: Theoretical Offset

As you can see in the above figure, the knife offset (2) is the distance between the knife center and the knife tip. Accurate measurement of the OFFSET to be used is very difficult and requires specialized equipment. You should therefore adjust the offset (2) by checking real cutting results on the media you will use. MUTOH helps you doing this by way of a semi-automatic offset adjustment routine, which has been integrated into your cutter.

1

2


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5.4. OFFSET EFFECT The selected Offset value is LARGER than the optimum knife offset.

The selected Offset value is SMALLER than the optimum knife offset.

In this case, a square corner will be cut as follows : In this case, a square corner will be cut as follows :

The cutting direction is indicated by the arrow. The corners are not well formed. The cutter cuts too far in the angular points.

The cutting direction is indicated by the arrow. The corners are not well formed. The cutter did not cut far enough in the angular points.

5.5. OFFSET ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURE In the Ultima you have 2 tools (drag knife and pen) with its own velocity, force, acceleration, offset (only drag knife) settings. Each user preset holds the settings for these 2 tools.

Notes : 1) Inaccurate offset setting may cause :

POOR cutting quality. Difficult weeding.

2) In case the offset adjustment routine is aborted, the cutter will continue working with the value prior to launching the adjustment routine.

To perform an offset, please follow the instructions mentioned below. Step 1 : Install a knife in the tool head. Please do not forget to select knife in the menu. Step 2 : Install a sheet of media. Step 3 : Press the [OFFSET] key. The display will show the following message. Offset Actual : 60 New : 60 Calibration base Step 4 : By pressing the [UP] or [DOWN] key select a value.


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Step 5 : Press the [ENTER] key to confirm. The display will show the following message. Test offset: Cancel = no test Up = test1 Down = test2 Step 6 : By pressing the [UP] or [DOWN] key select the “test1” or “test2”

Notes : Press the [CANCEL] key in case you do not want to perform an offset.

You have selected “TEST1” Step 7 : After pressing the [UP] key, the cutter will cut the offset “TEST1”.

Following pattern is cut.

The display will show the following message:

Offset : 66 Enter = select Up = Up Down = Down Step 8 : Use the [JOG] keys to forward the media. Check the patterns and determine which of them gives

best quality. Especially look for good quality of the corners, closure of the circles and easy weeding.

Step 9 : Use the [UP] or [DOWN] key to select the correct Offset value. The LED will light up the chosen

value. Step 10 : Press the [ENTER] key to confirm. You have selected “TEST2” Step 7 : After pressing the [DOWN] key, the cutter will cut the offset “TES2”.

Following pattern is cut.


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The display will show the following message: Offset : 66 Enter = select Up = Up Down = Down Step 8 : Use the [JOG] keys to forward the media. Check the patterns and determine which of them gives

best quality. Especially look for good quality of the corners and easy weeding. Step 9 : Use the [UP] or [DOWN] key to select the correct Offset value. The LED will light up the chosen

value. Step 10 : Press the [ENTER] key to confirm.


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5.6. PERFORMING A TEST CUT In order to enable the user to check if the cutter is fully functional, without needing a computer, Mutoh Europe has integrated thirteen demo test cuts into the Ultima cutters. The demo cuts are accessible by pressing the [TEST] key.

5.6.1. Etxo 8 Step 1 : Load some vinyl (cut-sheet or roll) into the cutter. Step 2 : Make sure that a knife tool is selected. Step 3 : Make sure that a knife with well adjusted depth is mounted into the tool head. Step 4 : If you have not yet performed the offset adjustment routine for the current knife and/or vinyl, first

perform this routine in order to obtain perfect quality. Step 5 : Press the [TEST] key. The display will show the following message. Testplot : Exto8 → Plotacc test Choose testfile Step 6 : By pressing the [UP] or [DOWN] key select “Exto8”. Step 7 : Press the [ENTER] key to confirm.

Notes : If you do not want to perform the test, press the [EXIT] key.

Step 8 : The Ultima will cut a picture. Check the patterns. Especially look for good quality of the corners

and easy weeding. If this is not the case readjust the Ultima cutting plotter.

5.6.2. EPOS Align tune (Automatic) To calibrate the E-pos system using the ‘Automatic calibration’, please follow the instructions mentioned below. Step 1 : Install a knife. Step 2 : Press the [TOOL] key and select ‘knife’. Step 3 : Install a back vinyl.


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Step 4 : Press the [TEST] key. The display will show the following message. Testplot : Exto8 → Plotacc test Choose testfile Step 5 : By pressing the [UP] or [DOWN] key select ‘EPOS align tune --> automatic. The Display on the

Operation Panel will show the following message. Testplot EPOS align tune → automatic Choose testfile Step 6 : Press the [ENTER] key. The Ultima cutting plotter will cut a square. After cutting following

message will appear. Measure box is cut please weed out and press a button Step 7 : Peel of the box cut by the Ultima cutting plotter. Step 8 : Press the [ENTER] key. Step 9 : The laser of the Ultima cutting plotter will measure the box. The distance between laser and

knife is calculated and stored. Step 10 : Calibration of the E-pos system with the ‘automatic calibration’ method is done. Following

message will appear. EPOS Calibration done

5.6.3. EPOS Align tune (Manual) The manual calibration can be done with knife or with pen. Depending of the installed tool a test plot will be drawn/cut. 5.6.3.1. Manual calibration with knife To calibrate the E-pos system using the ‘manual calibration’ with knife, please follow the instructions mentioned below. Step 1 : Install a knife. Step 2 : Press the [TOOL] key and select ‘knife’. Step 3 : Install a black vinyl.


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Step 4 : First set the ORIGIN in the middle of the media. Press the [Origin] key. Select ‘Manual’. Use the [JOG] keys to position the tool head in the middle of the media. Press the [ENTER] key to confirm.

Step 5 : Press the [TEST] key. The display will show the following message. Testplot : Exto8 → Plotacc test Choose testfile Step 6 : By pressing the [UP] or [DOWN] key select ‘EPOS align tune --> manual’. The Display on the

Operation Panel will show the following message. Testplot EPOS align tune → manual Choose testfile Step 7 : Press the [ENTER] key. The Ultima cutting plotter will start cutting two square boxes. After

drawing following message will appear. Measure box is cut please weed out and press a button Step 8 : Peel of the boxes cut by the Ultima cutting plotter. Step 9 : Press the [ENTER] key. Step 10 : The Ultima cutting plotter will move the laser to the point where both squares touch. Following

message will appear. * Epos Calibrat. * Please move laser pointer to cross and enter Step 11 : If necessary, use the [JOG] keys to position the laser exactly onto the point where both squares

touch. Do not keep the [JOG] keys pressed, pressing the keys only causes one movement. Step 12 : Press the [ENTER] key to confirm the position of the laser. The distance between laser and knife

is calculated and stored. Step 13 : Calibration of the E-pos system with the ‘manual calibration’ method is done. 5.6.3.2. Manual calibration with Pen To calibrate the E-pos system using the ‘manual calibration’ with pen, please follow the instructions mentioned below. Step 1 : Install a pen. Step 2 : Press the [TOOL] key and select ‘pen’.


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Step 3 : Install an A4-format paper. Step 4 : First set the ORIGIN in the middle of the media.

Press the [Origin] key. Select ‘Manual’. Use the [JOG] keys to position the tool head in the middle of the media. Press the [ENTER] key to confirm.

Step 5 : Press the [TEST] key. The display will show the following message. Testplot : Exto8 → Plotacc test Choose testfile Step 6 : By pressing the [UP] or [DOWN] key select ‘EPOS align tune --> manual’. The Display on the

Operation Panel will show the following message. Testplot EPOS align tune → manual Choose testfile Step 7 : Press the [ENTER] key. The Ultima cutting plotter will start drawing a cross. Step 8 : The Ultima cutting plotter will move the laser to the point where both lines intersect. Following

message will appear. * Epos Calibrat. * Please move laser pointer to cross and enter Step 9 : If necessary, use the [JOG] keys to position the laser exactly onto the point where both lines

intersect. Do not keep the [JOG] keys pressed, pressing the keys only causes one movement. Step 10 : Press the [ENTER] key to confirm the position of the laser. The distance between laser and knife

is calculated and stored. Step 11 : Calibration of the E-pos system with the ‘manual calibration’ method is done.


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5.6.4. EPOS Alignment → test plot It is possible to check the calibration of the Ultima cutting plotter by using the ‘calibration with pre-drawn sample square’ method. To check the calibration, please follow the instructions mentioned below. Before performing a ‘calibration with pre-drawn sample square’ make sure to have the file ‘kot.eps’.

Step 1 : Prepare your printer to ‘Ready-to-print’. Step 2 : Import the kot.eps file and RIP this file. Step 3 : Print out the ripped kot.eps file. Step 4 : Power ON the Ultima cutting plotter and install a pen. Step 5 : Load the printed output into the Ultima cutting plotter. Step 6 : Press the [TEST] key. The display will show the following message. Testplot : Exto8 → Plotacc test Choose testfile Step 7 : 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 8 : Press the [ENTER] key. The laser of the Ultima cutting plotter will measure the box and will start

(re)drawing the diagonals and the small rectangle. Step 9 : Check if the drawn lines are well positioned according to the printed lines.


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5.6.5. Setting To plot the settings, please follow the instructions mentioned below. Step 1 : Install a pen. Step 2 : Press the [TOOL] key and select ‘pen’. Step 3 : Install an A3-format paper. Step 4 : Press the [TEST] key. The display will show the following message. Testplot : Exto8 → Plotacc test Choose testfile Step 5 : By pressing the [UP] or [DOWN] key select ‘Settings → plot’. The display on the operation panel

will show the following message. Testplot: Settings → Plot Choose testfile Step 6 : The Ultima cutting plotter will plot the actual settings.

5.6.6. Offset2 To perform the ‘Offset2’ procedure, please follow the instructions mentioned below. Step 1 : Load some vinyl (cut-sheet or roll) into the cutter. Step 2 : Make sure that a knife tool is selected. Step 3 : Make sure that a knife with well adjusted depth is mounted into the tool head. Step 4 : If you have not yet performed the offset adjustment routine for the current knife and/or vinyl, first

perform this routine in order to obtain perfect quality. Step 5 : Press the [TEST] key. The display will show the following message. Testplot : Exto8 → Plotacc test Choose testfile Step 6 : By pressing the [UP] or [DOWN] key select “Offset2”. Testplot : Offset2 → Offset plot Choose testfile


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Step 8 : The Ultima will cut following picture.


not the case readjust the Ultima cutting plotter.

5.6.7. Offset1 To perform the ‘Offset1’ procedure, please follow the instructions mentioned below. Step 1 : Load some vinyl (cut-sheet or roll) into the cutter. Step 2 : Make sure that a knife tool is selected. Step 3 : Make sure that a knife with well adjusted depth is mounted into the tool head. Step 4 : If you have not yet performed the offset adjustment routine for the current knife and/or vinyl, first

perform this routine in order to obtain perfect quality. Step 5 : Press the [TEST] key. The display will show the following message. Testplot : Exto8 → Plotacc test Choose testfile Step 6 : By pressing the [UP] or [DOWN] key select “Offset1”. Testplot : Offset1 → Offset plot Choose testfile


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Step 8 : The Ultima will cut following picture.


not the case readjust the Ultima cutting plotter.

5.6.8. Offset To perform the ‘Offset’ procedure, please follow the instructions mentioned below. Step 1 : Load some vinyl (cut-sheet or roll) into the cutter. Step 2 : Make sure that a knife tool is selected. Step 3 : Make sure that a knife with well adjusted depth is mounted into the tool head. Step 4 : If you have not yet performed the offset adjustment routine for the current knife and/or vinyl, first

perform this routine in order to obtain perfect quality. Step 5 : Press the [TEST] key. The display will show the following message. Testplot : Exto8 → Plotacc test Choose testfile Step 6 : By pressing the [UP] or [DOWN] key select “Offset”. Testplot : Offset → Offset plot Choose testfile


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5.6.9. Robot2 To perform the ‘Robot2’ procedure, please follow the instructions mentioned below. Step 1 : Load some vinyl (cut-sheet or roll) into the cutter. Step 2 : Make sure that a knife tool is selected. Step 3 : Make sure that a knife with well adjusted depth is mounted into the tool head. Step 4 : If you have not yet performed the offset adjustment routine for the current knife and/or vinyl, first

perform this routine in order to obtain perfect quality. Step 5 : Press the [TEST] key. The display will show the following message. Testplot : Exto8 → Plotacc test Choose testfile Step 6 : By pressing the [UP] or [DOWN] key select “Robot2”. Testplot : Robot2 → Plotacc test Choose testfile Step 7 : Press the [ENTER] key to confirm.





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5.6.10. Robot1 To perform the ‘Robot1’ procedure, please follow the instructions mentioned below. Step 1 : Load some vinyl (cut-sheet or roll) into the cutter. Step 2 : Make sure that a knife tool is selected. Step 3 : Make sure that a knife with well adjusted depth is mounted into the tool head. Step 4 : If you have not yet performed the offset adjustment routine for the current knife and/or vinyl, first

perform this routine in order to obtain perfect quality. Step 5 : Press the [TEST] key. The display will show the following message. Testplot : Exto8 → Plotacc test Choose testfile Step 6 : By pressing the [UP] or [DOWN] key select “Robot1”. Testplot : Robot1 → Plotacc test Choose testfile Step 7 : Press the [ENTER] key to confirm.




5.6.11. Hiro2 To perform the ‘Hiro2’ procedure, please follow the instructions mentioned below. Step 1 : Load some vinyl (cut-sheet or roll) into the cutter. Step 2 : Make sure that a knife tool is selected. Step 3 : Make sure that a knife with well adjusted depth is mounted into the tool head. Step 4 : If you have not yet performed the offset adjustment routine for the current knife and/or vinyl, first

perform this routine in order to obtain perfect quality.


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Step 5 : Press the [TEST] key. The display will show the following message. Testplot : Exto8 → Plotacc test Choose testfile Step 6 : By pressing the [UP] or [DOWN] key select “Hiro2”. Testplot : Hiro2 → Plotacc test Choose testfile Step 7 : Press the [ENTER] key to confirm.




5.6.12. SC-850 To perform the ‘SC-850’ procedure, please follow the instructions mentioned below. Step 1 : Load some vinyl (cut-sheet or roll) into the cutter. Step 2 : Make sure that a knife tool is selected. Step 3 : Make sure that a knife with well adjusted depth is mounted into the tool head. Step 4 : If you have not yet performed the offset adjustment routine for the current knife and/or vinyl, first

perform this routine in order to obtain perfect quality. Step 5 : Press the [TEST] key. The display will show the following message. Testplot : Exto8 → Plotacc test Choose testfile Step 6 : By pressing the [UP] or [DOWN] key select “SC-850”. Testplot : SC-850 → Cut test Choose testfile


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Notes : If you do not want to perform a test, press the [EXIT] key.



5.6.13. SC-1400 To perform the ‘SC-1400’ procedure, please follow the instructions mentioned below. Step 1 : Load some vinyl (cut-sheet or roll) into the cutter. Step 2 : Make sure that a knife tool is selected. Step 3 : Make sure that a knife with well adjusted depth is mounted into the tool head. Step 4 : If you have not yet performed the offset adjustment routine for the current knife and/or vinyl, first

perform this routine in order to obtain perfect quality. Step 5 : Press the [TEST] key. The display will show the following message. Testplot : Exto8 → Plotacc test Choose testfile Step 6 : By pressing the [UP] or [DOWN] key select “SC-1400”. Testplot : SC-1400 → Cut test Choose testfile Step 7 : Press the [ENTER] key to confirm.

Notes : If you do not want to perform a test, press the [EXIT] key.




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6. PLOTTER MAINTENANCE & TROUBLESHOOTING

In this chapter, you will learn : How to keep your cutter in good shape and prevent problems by regularly performing some easy, daily maintenance. How to pinpoint and check out problems that might occur.

6.1. CLEANING & DAILY MAINTENANCE Your cutting plotter, knives and pens will work better and last longer if you keep them clean and perform a few simple daily maintenance tasks.

Notes : Before performing cleaning and daily maintenance, please power OFF the unit and remove the power cable.

6.1.1. Cleaning the grid rolls The figure below shows you this part of the plotter that might require your attention.

The pressure rollers (2) press the vinyl firmly against the friction drive rolls (5). For this reason it is possible that, after some time, the friction drive rolls (5) become clogged with accumulated residue from cutting media. This can cause slippage of the material, resulting in inaccurate cuts or incorrect vinyl transport. Therefore it is a good habit to clean the drive rolls regularly. To do this you can use a brush and rotate the rolls manually to make sure that they are thoroughly cleaned.


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6.1.2. Cleaning the cutter blade Use following procedure to remove small vinyl particles in the base part of the cutting blade holder. STANDARD KNIFE HOLDER KNIFE HOLDER WITH NONIUS Step 1 Take the body (2) into one hand and unscrew the base part (1).

Step 1 Take the ring in your hand and remove the base part.

Step 2 Blow away the vinyl particles accumulated in the top of the base part

Step 2 Blow away the vinyl particles accumulated in the top of the base part

Step 3 Remove the spring from the cutting blade and remove any residual material from the blade tip

Step 3 Remove any residual material from the blade tip

Step 4 Place the spring back over the cutting blade and tightly screw the base part on the holder.

Step 4 Place the base part back on the holder and twist it tightly.

6.1.3. Cleaning the cutting plotter Use a soft cloth to clean paper dust and particles off the platen, the grid cover the cutting mat and the carriage cover. Use a cotton swab to clean the media sensors and laser.


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6.2. WEAR & TEAR Although all materials used for your cutter have been chosen to ensure good durability, it will be necessary, in order to maintain high quality output, to replace some parts, which are liable to wear and tear.

Notes : Before performing “wear and tear”, please power OFF the unit and remove the power cable.

6.2.1. Replacing the cutting mat To replace the cutting mat, proceed as follows: Step 1 : First of all, remove the worn cutting mat by pulling it out, together with the underlying strip of vinyl.

Step 2 : Cut a strip of vinyl ( Width : 8 mm (0,3”) / Length : depending on the size of your cutter.) Stick this strip into the cutting groove.

Step 3 : Complete this procedure by sticking the new cutting mat into the cutting groove.

1) cutting mat / 2) Strip of vinyl

12


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6.2.2. Replacing the knife blade To replace a blade, please proceed as follows: STANDARD KNIFE HOLDER KNIFE HOLDER WITH NONIUS Step 1: Hold the body (2) into one hand and unscrew the base part (1)

Step 1: Take the body into one hand and remove the base part

Step 2: Remove the spring (3) and the cutting blade (4).

Step 2: Pull the old blade out of the holder and insert a new one

Step 3: Slide the spring over the new cutting blade

Step 3: Place the base part on top of the holder assembly and twist it tightly.

Step 4: Place the new blade with its spring into the base part and screw the whole assembly onto the body.


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6.2.3. Replacing the auto sheet-off knife When you frequently use the auto-sheet-off utility, it is a good practice to regularly clean the knife and to replace it when it starts to wear. To replace the auto sheet-off knife, please follow the instructions mentioned below. Step 1 : Power OFF the unit and remove the power cable. Step 2 : Remove the 2 screws fixing the head cover. Step 3 : Remove the cutter cap. Please do not lose the spring.

1 = cutter cap Step 4 : Remove the sheet-off knife. Step 5 : Clean the sheet-off knife, removing any material residues that might be clogged to the blade. In

case the blade is worn, reinstall a new knife. Step 6 : Place the (new) knife into the auto sheet-off assembly. Make sure the knife is correctly oriented. Step 7 : Reinstall the cutter cap onto the auto sheet-off knife. Step 8 : Reinstall the head cover.


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6.3. CLEAN SENSOR AND E-POS LASER. Ultima’s sensors and E-pos laser will work better and last longer if you keep them clean and perform a few simple daily maintenance tasks. Use a cotton swab to clean the media sensors and E-pos laser.

6.3.1. Testing E-pos Laser Please follow the instructions below to check if the Laser of the E-pos system is still working. Step 1 : Press the [ORIGIN] key. Step 2 : The actual ORIGIN setting will now be shown on the display. Step 3 : Press the [UP] or [DOWN] key to change the ORIGIN setting to manual. Step 4 : Press the [ENTER] key to confirm. Step 5 : The LED should start lighting. Step 6 : Press the [CANCEL] key to exit the setting.

Notes : Please do not look straight into the light.

Notes : In case the laser of the E-pos system is not working, please contact your local Mutoh dealer.


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6.4. TROUBLESHOOTING In this section you will find a summary of problems that might occur during day-to-day use of your cutter and some hints how to determine the cause of the problem. 1. Power switch is turned ON, but the cutter does not operate.

Is the power cable connected to the cutter? Is the cutter connected to a power outlet with the specified voltage?

2. Media is loaded, but the cutter does not operate.

Is the media hold lever lowered? Is the media properly loaded? Are the paper sensors clean?

3. Data is being sent from the computer, but the cutter does not react.

Is there a proper interface cable connected? Is the cutter in ON-LINE mode? Do the interface conditions on the host computer match those set on the cutter?

4. Data is sent from the computer but errors occur on the cutter’s side.

Are the output settings correct on the host computer and in the cutting software? Do the interface conditions on the host computer match those set on the cutter? Does the command mode on the host computer match the command mode on the cutter?

5. Some parts of the design are not well cut.

Check whether the knife tip is not clogged with material residues. Examine the knife blade with a magnifier to see if the tip is not damaged or broken. Perform the offset adjustment routine to check cutting quality. Perform the internal test cut and check its quality.


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6.5. CHECKING THE COMMUNICATION SETTINGS Communication problems are the most frequent errors, which occur. Therefore we have included a step-by-step procedure to check out your configuration’s communication settings and assure that your cutter is working fine. Step 1 : Boot-up your computer. Step 2 : Switch on the cutter. Step 3 : After the initialization routine is finished, install a knife or pen in the head, select the proper tool

and load a sheet of media, which is at least 12 x 12 centimeters. Step 4 : Make sure the cutter shuffles the media and verify that the cutter is ON-LINE. Step 5 : On the host computer go to the DOS-prompt (c:\> ).

If another environment ( for example : windows ) is automatically loaded after booting up, quit this application before continuing.

Step 6 : Check with which of the host computer’s communication ports your cutter is connected ( COM1, COM2, LPT1, … ) to.

Step 7 : If your computer and cutter are linked with a serial interface ( COM1 or COM2 ), type following command. MODE COM1: 96,n,8,1,p then press <ENTER> or MODE COM2: 96,n,8,1,p then press <ENTER>

Notes : The command above will change your computer’s serial communication settings to match the cutter’s factory default communication settings. These settings are : 9600 BAUD, NONE parity, 8 data-bits, 1 stop bit.

Step 8 : Using any text editor, create a file called TEST.PLT with the following contents:

( To start the DOS editor you can type : edit TEST.PLT <ENTER> ) IN; SP1; PA0,0; PD0,4000,4000,4000,4000,0,0,0; PU2000,2000; CI2000; SP0;

Step 9 : Save this file onto a floppy or on your hard-disk. Step 10 : Exit the text editor and return to the DOS-prompt. Step 11 : Make sure you are in the directory where the file is located. Step 12 : Type following command :

copy TEST.PLT COM1 ( If your cutter is connected to COM1 ) copy TEST.PLT COM2 ( If your cutter is connected to COM2 ) copy TEST.PLT LPT1 ( If your cutter is connected with the parallel printer port )

Step 13 : Then press <ENTER>.

The file you have created will now be sent to the cutter, causing it to cut/draw a square of 10 by 10 cm. And a circle with a radius of 5 cm.


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6.6. ERROR MESSAGES

6.6.1. Recoverable system errors In this section you will find a summary of problems that might occur during day-to-day use of your cutter and some hints how to determine the cause of the problem. 1. Power switch is turned ON, but the cutter does not operate.

Is the power cable connected to the cutter? Is the cutter connected to a power outlet with the specified voltage?

2. Media is loaded, but the cutter does not operate.

Is the media hold lever lowered? Is the media properly loaded? Are the paper sensors clean?

3. Data is being sent from the computer, but the cutter does not react.

Is there a proper interface cable connected? Is the cutter in ON-LINE mode? Do the interface conditions on the host computer match those set on the cutter?

4. Data is sent from the computer but errors occur on the cutter’s side.

Are the output settings correct on the host computer and in the cutting software? Do the interface conditions on the host computer match those set on the cutter? Does the command mode on the host computer match the command mode on the cutter?

5. Some parts of the design are not well cut.

Check whether the knife tip is not clogged with material residues. Examine the knife blade with a magnifier to see if the tip is not damaged or broken. Perform the offset adjustment routine to check cutting quality. Perform the internal test cut and check its quality.


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6.6.2. Unrecoverable system errors Unrecoverable errors may be caused by some part of the cutting plotter, which is malfunctioning. In case of an unrecoverable error, most of the time the cutter will be completely blocked and all the LEDs will be flashing. The error id, number and description will appear on the keyboard display, and will be cleared when entering a key. NOYENCODER : No Y encoder, check connectors or call service. YPOSENCTURN : Y+ encoder turn, check connectors or call service. YNEGENCTURN : Y- encoder turn, check connectors or call service. YXSWAPPED : YX are swapped, check connectors or call service. NOXENCODER : No X encoder, check connectors or call service. XPOSENCTURN : X+ encoder turn, check connectors or call service XNEGENCTURN : X- encoder turn, check connectors or call service. XYSWAPPED : XY are swapped, check connectors or call service. YPOSERROR : X position error, PWM switched off as a safety. XPOSERROR : Y position error, PWM switched off as a safety. ZPOSERROR : Z position error, PWM switched off as a safety. DRAMERROR0 : MEMORY size allocation error DRAMERROR1 : MEMORY allocation lower limit error DRAMERROR2 : MEMORY allocation upper limit error GENYENCODER : General Y encoder failure, PWM switched off as a safety. GENXENCODER : General X encoder failure, PWM switched off as a safety. SERIALOFW : Serial Buffer Overflow Error. VECTOROFW : Vector Buffer Overflow Error. SERVOOFW : Servo Buffer Overflow Error. NOZENCODER : No Z encoder, check connectors or call service. ZPOSENCTURN : Z+ encoder turn, check connectors or call service ZNEGENCTURN : Z- encoder turn, check connectors or call service. GENZENCODER : General Z encoder failure, PWM switched off as a safety. RAMCARDAAAA : RamCard Error while writing 'AAAA' code. RAMCARD5555 : RamCard Error while writing '5555' code. UNDEFCARD : Undefined card inserted. UNDEFCARDWP : Undefined card inserted and write protected. CORRUPTFCCA : Corrupt 'FCCA' code, Flash incorrectly loaded.


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6.6.3. Communication errors Communication errors are caused by a problem in the communication between the cutter and the host computer. They can be caused by errors related to the communication conditions, errors due to a defective handshake or command format errors in the ESCAPE sequences. KEYB_COMM_CHECKSUM : KEYB communication checksum problem UART1_COMM_ERROR : UART1 communication error UART2_COMM_ERROR : UART2 communication error UART2_SENDTOKEYB_ERROR : UART2 send to keyb problem


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6.6.4. Language errors Language errors occur when command data entered from the host computer does not match the data format of the command mode currently activated on the cutter’s side. The error can be caused by a difference in command type or by a syntax error. PGTOOSHORT : PG error : Media too short to perform a 'PG;'. PGM0TOOSHORT : PG Mode 0 Error : Media too short to perform a 'PG;'. PGM1TOOSHORT : PG Mode 1 Error : Media too short to perform a 'PG;'. PGM2TOOSHORT : PG Mode 2 Error : Media too short to perform a 'PG;'. DRAWERROR00 : Out of limit error, vector has been clipped. Each HPGL command has its own error code with a message


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7. ULTIMA CUTTING PLOTTERS - MEDIA COMPATIBILITY & DIMENSIONS

7.1. ULTIMA CUTTING PLOTTERS: MEDIA COMPATIBILITY

Ultima 850 Stand Model Maximum Media width:850 Roll and Cut-Sheet Maximum cutting width : 630 mm

Ultima 1400 Stand Model

Maximum Media width:1400 Roll and Cut-Sheet Maximum cutting width : 1200 mm

7.2. PHYSICAL DIMENSIONS ULTIMA Ultima 850 Ultima 1400 Length 1205 1775 Width 670 670 Height 1175 1175 Weight 35 kg 45 kg


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ultima multi-purpose cutting plotter user’s...

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