Brother GT-3 User Manual
GT-3 Series
Please read this manual before using the printer.
Please keep this manual within easy reach for quick reference.
GARMENT PRINTER
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
GT Series US support homepage http://www.brother-usa.com/Garmentprinters/
MEMO
Note based on California law (USA) on the use and handling of Perchlorate
This product contains a CR Coin Lithium Battery which contains
Perchlorate Material – special handling may apply.
See http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.
GT-3 Series
Thank you very much for buying a BROTHER printer. Before using your new printer, please read the safety instructions below
and the explanations given in the instruction manual.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
[1] Safety indications and their meanings
This instruction manual and the indications and symbols that are used on the printer itself are provided in order to ensure safe
operation of this printer and to prevent accidents and injury to yourself or other people. The meanings of these indications and
symbols are given below.
Indications
DANGER
WARNING
CAUTION
Symbols
This symbol ( ) indicates something that you should be careful of. The picture inside the triangle
· · · · ·
· · · · ·
· · · · ·
[2] Notes on safety
indicates the nature of the caution that must be taken.
(For example, the symbol at left means “beware of injury”.)
This symbol ( ) indicates something that you must not do.
This symbol ( ) indicates something that you must do. The picture inside the circle indicates the
nature of the thing that must be done.
(For example, the symbol at left means “you must make the ground connection”.)
The instructions which follow this term indicate situations where failure to follow the
instructions will result in death or serious injury.
The instructions which follow this term indicate situations where failure to follow the
instructions could result in death or serious injury.
The instructions which follow this term indicate situations where failure to follow the
instructions may result in minor or moderate injury.
DANGER
Wait at least 5 minutes after turning off the power switch and disconnecting the power cord from the wall outlet
before opening the right side cover. Do not touch the high-voltage area in the control box as high voltage can result
in severe injury.
WARNING
Basic precautions
To prevent accidents and problems, do not modify
the machine yourself.
Brother will not be held responsible for any accidents
or problems resulting from modifications made to the
machine.
Do not handle the power cord with wet hands,
otherwise it may cause electric shocks.
GT-3 Series
i
WARNING
Installation
Do not set up the printer in a dusty environment. If
dust collects inside the printer, it may cause fire or
electric shocks or problems with correct operation.
Be sure to connect the ground. If the ground
connection is not secure, you run a high risk of
receiving a serious electric shock, and problems with
correct operation may also occur.
Do not bend the cords excessively or fasten them
too hard with staples or anything similar to secure
cords, otherwise there is the danger that fire or
electric shocks could occur.
Printing
If a foreign object gets inside the printer, immediately
turn off the power switch and disconnect the power
cord, and arrange for a service call to resolve.
If you continue to use the printer while there is a
foreign object inside, it may result in fire or electric
shocks or problems with correct operation.
Do not allow the printer to come into contact with
liquids, otherwise it may cause fire or electric shocks
or problems with correct operation.
If any liquid gets inside the printer, immediately turn
off the power switch and disconnect the power cord.
Contact Brother to arrange a service call to resolve.
Do not use the printer when smoke or a bad odor
coming from the printer, otherwise it may cause fire
or electric shocks or problems with correct
operation.
Immediately turn off the power switch and
disconnect the power cord, and arrange for a
service call to resolve.
Environmental requirements
Use the printer in an area which is free from
sources of strong electrical noise such as electrical
line noise or static electric noise.
Sources of strong electrical noise may cause
problems with correct operation.
Any fluctuations in the power supply voltage should
be within ±10% of the rated voltage for the printer.
Voltage fluctuations which are greater than this
may cause problems with correct operation.
The power supply capacity should be greater than
the requirements for the printer’s power
consumption.
Insufficient power supply capacity may cause
problems with correct operation.
CAUTION
The ambient temperature should be within the
range of 18°C to 30°C during use.
Temperatures which are lower or higher than this
may cause problems with correct operation.
The relative humidity should be within the range of
35% to 85% during use, and no dew formation
should occur in any devices.
Excessively dry or humid environments and dew
formation may cause problems with correct
operation.
Use the printer in a place which is adequately
ventilated.
A slight odor is generated when the printed articles
are being fixed by heat.
In the event of an electrical storm, turn off the
power and disconnect the power cord from the wall
outlet.
Lightning may cause problems with correct
operation.
ii
GT-3 Series
CAUTION
Installation
Setting up and moving of the printer should only be
carried out by a qualified technician.
The printer machine weighs approximately 111 kg
(245 lb). Transporting and setting up of the printer
should be held in proper way.
The machine may fall down and cause injury.
The printer must be used on a suitable stable
surface, otherwise it may tip over or fall down and
cause injury.
Furthermore, the table that supports the printer
should be at least 137 cm (53.9 inch) in width and
104.5 cm (41.1 inch) in depth, and should be able to
bear a weight of 150 kg (330 lb) or more.
This printer should only be used by operators who
are appropriately trained in its operation.
Ensure there is adequate space left for safe working.
The Platen moves forward while operating and it
may be injured.
Do not handle the platen while printing. If your hand
gets caught between the platen or the T-shirt tray
and the covers, it may be injured.
Printing
Do not set up the printer in a place where it will be
affected by vibration. It may become unbalanced
and fall down, which cause injury or damage to the
printer.
Do not connect the power cord until setup is
complete, otherwise the printer may operate if the
power switch is turned on by mistake, which could
result in injury.
Do not climb onto the printer or place heavy objects
on top of it, otherwise it may become unbalanced
and tip over or fall down and cause injury.
Do not move the Platen by hand.
The Printer may be mechanically and electrically
damaged.
Do not put your hands inside the covers while the
printer’s power is turned on, otherwise your hands
may touch against moving parts and this may result
in injury.
When a problem occurs with the operation of the
printer, contact the place of purchase or a qualified
technician.
Wait at least 1 minute after turning off the power
switch before opening the front cover.
Do not touch the head heat sink as it may be HOT
and may cause a burn.
Be careful not to get your fingers caught when
closing the front cover, otherwise it may result in
injury to your fingers.
Do not move the Platen by hand.
The Printer may be mechanically and electrically
damaged.
Do not disassemble the ink cartridge.
Maintenance
Take care not to let the liquids: Ink, Wash Liquid,
Maintenance Solution, Pretreatment or waste liquid
come into contact with your eyes or onto your skin,
otherwise inflammation can result. In case of contact
with eyes, do not rub but immediately rinse the eyes
with water.
Furthermore, do not drink the liquids: Ink, Wash
Liquid, Maintenance Solution, Pretreatment or waste
liquid under any circumstances, as they can cause
vomiting and diarrhea.
Keep the liquids out of the reach of children.
Be sure to wear protective goggles and gloves when
handling the grease, so that they do not get into
your eyes or onto your skin. If the grease get into
your eyes or onto your skin, inflammation can result.
Furthermore, do not drink or eat the grease. They
may cause diarrhea or vomiting.
Keep the grease out of the reach of children.
When replacing parts and installing optional
accessories, be sure to use only genuine Brother
parts.
Brother will not be held responsible for any
accidents or problems resulting from the use of
non-genuine parts.
GT-3 Series
iii
[3] Warning labels
The following warning labels appear on the printer.
Please follow the instructions on the labels at all times when using the printer. If the labels have been removed or are
difficult to read, please contact your nearest Brother dealer.
1
2
3
5
7
6
9
10
11
12
4
Watch your fingers, or you may be
injured.
High temperature warning display
Be sure to connect the ground. If
the ground connection is not
secure, you run a high risk of
receiving a serious electric shock,
and problems with correct
operation may also occur.
8
iv
GT-3 Series
q
Grease
Wash Li
uid
Waste Ink Tank
Ink Cartridge
Pretreatment
(20kg)
Maintenance Solution
(5kg)
0085Y
GT-3 Series
v
CONTENTS
1. Read This First..............................................................................................................................................................1
1-1. Precautions............................................................................................................................................................1
1-2. Unpacking Your Printer .........................................................................................................................................5
1-3. Required Condition................................................................................................................................................5
1-3-1. Environment...................................................................................................................................................5
1-3-2. Electrical Requirements.................................................................................................................................6
1-3-3. Software Information......................................................................................................................................6
1-3-4. Other Requirements......................................................................................................................................6
1-3-5. Consumable Requirements and Options....................................................................................................7
2. Identifying Your Printer’s Parts......................................................................................................................................8
2-1. Front ....................................................................................................................................................................... 8
2-2. Right ....................................................................................................................................................................... 9
2-3. Rear........................................................................................................................................................................9
2-4. Inside of the Front Cover.......................................................................................................................................10
2-5. Upper part of the Maintenance Unit.....................................................................................................................11
2-6. Under the Platen....................................................................................................................................................12
2-7. Control Panel.........................................................................................................................................................13
2-7-1. Display............................................................................................................................................................14
2-7-2. Menu List........................................................................................................................................................15
3. Getting Started...............................................................................................................................................................17
3-1. Placing Your Printer...............................................................................................................................................18
3-2. Turning On/Off Your Printer...................................................................................................................................19
3-2-1. Turning On Your Printer.................................................................................................................................19
3-2-2. Turning Off Your Printer.................................................................................................................................20
3-3. Preparing Your PC.................................................................................................................................................21
3-3-1. When you already have GT-541/GT-782 .................................................................................................... 21
3-3-2. PC preparation: For Windows XP (32 bit)....................................................................................................21
3-3-3. Connection with USB 2.0 Cable: for Windows XP......................................................................................22
3-3-4. Installation of PC for Windows Vista / Windows 7 (32 bit / 64 bit)...............................................................24
3-3-5. Connection with USB 2.0 Cable: for Windows Vista / Windows 7.............................................................25
3-3-6. Opening the installed manuals .....................................................................................................................25
3-3-7. Opening the Useful Tools ..............................................................................................................................26
3-3-8. How to use Firmware Update Tools............................................................................................................. 27
3-4. Setting Up Your Printer..........................................................................................................................................28
3-4-1. Adjusting the Display Contrast ......................................................................................................................28
3-4-2. Adjusting the Speaker Volume......................................................................................................................28
3-4-3. Temperature...................................................................................................................................................28
3-4-4. Language .......................................................................................................................................................28
4. Printing Directly from Applications................................................................................................................................29
4-1. Basic Printing Procedure ......................................................................................................................................30
4-2. Setting the Applications’ Print Condition...............................................................................................................30
4-2-1. Common Notice for All Applications .............................................................................................................30
4-2-2. Settings for CorelDRAW ............................................................................................................................... 32
4-2-3. Settings for Adobe Photoshop......................................................................................................................38
4-2-4. Settings for Adobe Illustrator ......................................................................................................................... 44
4-2-5. Settings for Adobe Photoshop Elements.....................................................................................................49
4-2-6. Settings for Paint Shop Photo Pro................................................................................................................50
4-2-7. Printing From Other Applications..................................................................................................................50
4-3. Setting the Printer Driver Condition...................................................................................................................... 51
GT-3 Series
4-3-1. Selecting Machine Mode...............................................................................................................................52
4-3-2. Entering the Job Comment...........................................................................................................................53
4-3-3. Selecting the Platen Size ..............................................................................................................................53
4-3-4. Setting the Ink.................................................................................................................................................53
4-3-5. Setting the Resolution....................................................................................................................................53
4-3-6. White Settings................................................................................................................................................54
4-3-7. Print with Black Ink on black garment...........................................................................................................55
4-3-8. Making Gray with CMY Inks .........................................................................................................................55
4-3-9. Color Multiple Pass Printing.......................................................................................................................... 56
4-3-10. Settings for Color Inks .................................................................................................................................56
4-3-11. Settings for White Ink................................................................................................................................... 57
4-3-12. Selecting the Color Processing for increasing the Vividness ...................................................................57
4-3-13. Printing the image file on Transparent Layer.............................................................................................58
4-3-14. Setting Print Direction as Uni-Directional ...................................................................................................63
4-3-15. Printing Color Chart.....................................................................................................................................64
4-4. Uninstalling / Installing the Platen.........................................................................................................................65
4-4-1. Uninstalling the Platen ...................................................................................................................................65
4-4-2. Installing the Platen........................................................................................................................................66
4-4-3. Lowering the Platen height............................................................................................................................67
4-5. Placing the T-shirt on the Platen........................................................................................................................... 69
4-6. Printing ...................................................................................................................................................................72
4-6-1. Applying the Pretreatment.............................................................................................................................72
4-6-2. Making One Print...........................................................................................................................................75
4-6-3. Printing More than One Print Using the Same Print Data ..........................................................................75
4-7. Removing the T-shirt from the Platen...................................................................................................................76
4-8. Curing the Ink onto the T-shirt...............................................................................................................................76
5. Printing AR3 Files..........................................................................................................................................................77
5-1. Making Print Data in AR3 File...............................................................................................................................77
5-2. Reading AR3 Files Saved in a USB flash drive .................................................................................................. 79
5-3. Sending AR3 Files from GT-3 File Viewer to your Printer ..................................................................................80
6. Maintenance..................................................................................................................................................................83
6-1. Replacing Consumables ......................................................................................................................................84
6-1-1. Replacing the Ink Cartridge...........................................................................................................................84
6-1-2. Replacing the Wiper Cleaner and Cleaning the Caps / Wipers .................................................................86
6-1-3. Replacing Flushing Plate Sponge and Flushing Plate Felt.........................................................................89
6-1-4. Replacing the Fan Filter ................................................................................................................................89
6-1-5. Replacing the Roller Felts .............................................................................................................................91
6-1-6. Cleaning the inside of the printer and restart................................................................................................91
6-1-7. Cleaning the Encoder Strip ...........................................................................................................................92
6-2. Regular Maintenance............................................................................................................................................95
6-2-1. Daily Cleaning White for replacing dull White Ink (Once a day, before printing) ....................................... 95
6-2-2. White Tube Cleaning (once a week) ............................................................................................................95
6-2-3. Waste Ink Disposal........................................................................................................................................97
6-2-4. Replacing the Platen Sheet ..........................................................................................................................98
6-2-5. Required Maintenance for the Long Storage...............................................................................................99
7. Troubleshooting.............................................................................................................................................................101
7-1. Solving Printer Problems ......................................................................................................................................102
7-2. Solving Print Quality Problems.............................................................................................................................104
7-2-1. Procedure for Solving the Print Quality Problems.......................................................................................106
7-2-2. Cleaning the Print Heads..............................................................................................................................108
7-2-3. Checking Print Quality with Nozzle Check Pattern .....................................................................................108
GT-3 Series
7-2-4. Changing the Print Direction .........................................................................................................................111
7-2-5. Changing the Auto Cleaning Setting ............................................................................................................111
7-2-6. Cleaning the Print Head Nozzles..................................................................................................................112
7-2-7. Replacing the Print Head ..............................................................................................................................114
7-2-8. Adjustment after the Print Head has been replaced....................................................................................123
7-2-9. Adjusting the CR Speed................................................................................................................................124
7-2-10. Adjusting the Flushing Interval....................................................................................................................124
7-2-11. Adjusting the Flushing Volume....................................................................................................................125
7-2-12. Adjusting the amount of White Ink in Daily Cleaning White......................................................................126
7-2-13. Copy Log file to USB flash drive.................................................................................................................127
7-3. Solving Application Problems ...............................................................................................................................128
7-4. Error Messages.....................................................................................................................................................129
8. Specifications.................................................................................................................................................................137
8-1. Mechanical Specification.......................................................................................................................................137
8-2. Software Specification........................................................................................................................................... 137
GT-3 Series
1. Read This First
1. Read This First
1-1. Precautions
Please observe the following precautions before using your printer.
z GT-3 represents the common specifications of GT-381, GT-361 and GT-341 models. The individual specifications
are described with each model name.
z Please advise the following to your customers who buy your printed materials:
z Printed colors may transfer when a printed surface rubs on a white or light-colored synthetic leather made of
PVC (polyvinyl chloride). When printing CMYK-only garments, the CMYK ink may transfer to the White-only
printed garment when they rub against each other. In those cases, clean the stains with a soft cloth or
toothbrush with a household cleaner or alcohol.
z Wash away the pretreatment halo marks.
z The printer is designed to be used within the temperature and humidity levels below. Less humidity may cause ink
clogging in Print Head nozzles and higher temperature may cause splashy print result. Use the printer within the
range of our recommendation for the best print result.
Keeping your printer
Temperature Humidity
32 °F to 104 °F
(0 °C to 40 °C)
(no condensation)
20 % to 85 %
Operating your printer
For the best print result
z Do not pull out Ink Cartridge(s) during the operation; it may result in poor print quality or cause damage to your
printer.
z Do not turn off your printer, or open the Front Cover during the operation; otherwise the printer may be damaged or
spoil the print job.
z Be careful in handling a printed T-shirt that has not yet fixed by heat. Ink is difficult to wash from stained clothes.
z Clean the Caps and Wipers, replace the Wiper Cleaners, Fan Filter, Roller Felts (4), Flushing Plate Sponge (top)
and Flushing Plate Felt (bottom) according to our maintenance schedule to maintain good print quality. Those
Maintenance Parts are packed together in White, Cyan and Magenta (except 180 cc) ink Cartons. Replace them
when you open the new ink cartridge or you see the warning indicated on the display. Print quality may be
damaged by insufficient cleaning, e.g. dirty printed materials, mis-firing.
z Never use alcohol when you clean Head Caps and Wiper Blade; it will cause damage to the Print Heads. Use
Wash Liquid when you clean around the Print Heads.
z Install the Ink Cartridges in the correct positions as shown. Confirm both the colors of labels on your printer and the
Ink Cartridges.
z The printer indicates empty status "Empty XXXX (color)" when the ink cartridge is used up. Replace with a new Ink
Cartridge. Make a new Ink Cartridge available when the icon on the Operation Panel starts blinking. A small amount
of ink remains to avoid damage to your printer.
50 °F to 95 °F
(10 °C to 35 °C)
64 °F to 86 °F
(18 °C to 30 °C)
35 % to 85 %
(no condensation)
z New consumables should be stored away from direct sunlight until they are required. Use up the Ink Cartridges,
Pretreatment and Maintenance Solution before the expired date, and CMYK inks should be used up within six
months after opening the new one.
GT-3 Series
1
1. Read This First
z Never refill ink, never reconstruct ink cartridges; ink may cohere inside the cartridge bag, tube or even Print Head
and may cause serious damage to your printer. We assume no responsibility for any problem caused by using
them. Only genuine new ink cartridges should be used.
z The ink cartridges should always be installed; otherwise the needles may stopped up with ink and your printer may
be damaged.
z Tubes and Print Heads for White must be cleaned with Maintenance Solution once a week by the menu Tube
Cleaning. The Warning "Clean Tube W*" is indicated on the display of the Control Panel after a week passes since
the last Tube Cleaning.
z If the printer is unused for a period of time there is a possibility that Print Heads and Maintenance Unit may become
clogged as ink dries. To avoid this, we recommend that the printer should be turned on at least once a week and
press the Head Cleaning Button to clean the Print Head. If you are planning not to use your printer for more than
two weeks, follow “6-2-5. Required Maintenance for the Long Storage" to keep printer in good condition.
z Shake the White Ink Cartridges once a day before you start printing (30 seconds to 1 minute for each, 1-2 minutes
for new one). Hold the cartridge upside down
to agitate the pigment in the bottom and shake it horizontally.
z If CMYK inks are printed on a Pretreatment applied T-shirt, ink may wash off. Do not apply Pretreatment when you
print without using White ink.
z The clearance between the Clearance Sensor and the surface of the Print Heads should be app. 2 mm. If the
clearance is wider, the ink mist will spread inside the printer and the printing material, and may damage the sensors
inside. If you print with wider clearance (more than 2 mm) then check the inside of the printer and keep it clean by
referring to "6-1-6. Cleaning the inside of the printer and restart" and "6-1-7. Cleaning the Encoder Strip".
z Pretreatment mist may spread out when you use a spray and/or pretreatment applicator. Ventilate your room in
operation. Wear a face mask or goggles as necessary.
z Pre-treatment on some T-shirts may be seen after applied and cured, wash lightly with water to remove mark.
Some dyes may be decolorized by Pretreatment; we recommend you test the garment before printing.
z Dispose the used waste ink, pretreatment, maintenance solution (all water-based) or other wastes in accordance
with your local regulations. Or make contact to your dealer.
z The pretreated area may turn yellow when you apply Pretreatment on a white or light-colored garment. Keep the
pretreated garment away from the sunlight and wash the printed T-shirt soon.
<Note> Only for the use in the United States
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may
not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
2
GT-3 Series
1. Read This First
<Note>
Product names used in this manual are, in general, trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective developer or
manufacture. However, in this manual, the ® marks or
TM
marks are not used.
Brother logo is registered trademark of Brother Industries, Ltd.
Microsoft and Windows are either registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
Corel, CorelDRAW and Paint Shop Pro are registered trademarks of Corel Corporation.
Adobe, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop Elements are either registered trademarks of Adobe
Systems Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries.
Other product and company names mentioned herein may be the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective
owners.
Screen shots used in this document are in accordance with the guidelines of Microsoft Corporation.
GT-3 Series
3
1. Read This First
<Software>
This unit uses software.
Agree with the license agreement to use the software.
Software License Agreement
The customer may download and use this software after agreeing with the various terms stipulated in the
Software License Agreement (herein referred to as the "Agreement").
This software cannot be used if the customer disagrees with this agreement.
1. Ownership
The ownership of this software and any reproductions belongs to Brother Industries (herein referred to as
"Company") or its supplier, Wind River KK. This agreement does not transfer this company's software
copyright to the customer.
2. License Agreement
2-1. This company hereby grants the customer non-exclusive rights to use this software.
2-2. The customer may not conduct the following.
(1) Modify this software in whole or in part
(2) Duplicate this software for purposes other for backup purposes
(3) Reverse engineering, reverse assemble, or reverse compile this software
(4) Rent or lease this software
(5) Leave a computer in a public location where this software can be downloaded
3. No Warranty
Except for the expressed and implied warranties set forth herein, this company disclaim all other warranties.
This company cannot ensure that this software is not defective, not compatible with specific applications,
and the use of this software does not infringe upon third party rights.
4. Restriction of Liability
This company shall not be held responsible for any damage, directly or indirectly, caused by problems or
any related problems with this software.
5. Third Party Beneficiary
Wind River KK. and its suppliers (herein collectively referred to as "supplier") are third party beneficiaries of
this software in this Agreement and may have enforceable rights of the various terms in this Agreement.
6. License Termination
If the customer violates the conditions stipulated in this Agreement, this company may terminate this
Agreement without prior notice.
7. Governing Law
This Agreement shall conform to and be interpreted according to Japanese Law.
8. Separate Terms
Regarding the use of this software by customers not under this Agreement, this company or the supplier of
this software shall provide the customer with separate terms (herein referred to as "separate terms"). If the
customer agrees to these
separate terms, these terms shall take priority over any terms not covered or infringing upon the provisions
within the License Agreement.
Agree to abide by the aforementioned terms.
4
GT-3 Series
1-2. Unpacking Your Printer
<Note>
Your printer must be unpacked by a Brother representative or a Brother authorized shipping company.
After unpacking, check that the following parts are included.
Contact Brother Customer Service Hot Line if any of these is missing.
z GT-3 Printer
z Install CD
z AC cord
z Nozzle Cleaning Kit: 2 for GT-381 and GT-361, 1 for GT-341
z Print Heads: 8 for GT-381, 6 for GT-361, 4 for GT-341
z One Waste Ink Tank
z One Encoder Cleaner
z One Maintenance Cartridge for GT-381, GT-361
z One Tube Cleaning Bottle for GT-381, GT-361
z Flushing Plate (including Flushing Plate Felt and Flushing Plate Sponge)
z Print Head Protection Film: 8 for GT-381, 6 for GT-361, 4 for GT-341
1. Read This First
z Basic Operation Manual
z "How to uncrate" Manual
<Note>
Filter Cartridges (8 for GT-381, 6 for GT-361, 4 for GT-341)are installed in both Ink Cartridge Slots. Keep them since they
should be used for maintenance & transport operations.
1-3. Required Condition
Please use your printer under the conditions described in this section.
1-3-1. Environment
Temperature Humidity
Keeping your printer
Operating your printer
For the best print result
If your room is dry, we recommend using a humidifier to avoid Print Heads from clogging with dried ink.
32 °F to 104 °F
(0 °C to 40 °C)
50 °F to 95 °F
(10 °C to 35 °C)
64 °F to 86 °F
(18 °C to 30 °C)
20 % to 85 %
(no condensation)
35 % to 85 %
(no condensation)
GT-3 Series
5
1. Read This First
1-3-2. Electrical Requirements
Power:
Single-phase 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz
Power Consumptions:
0.4 A (average)
1-3-3. Software Information
Supported OS:
Latest Windows XP (32 bit), Windows Vista (32 bit / 64 bit), Windows 7 (32 bit / 64 bit)
Supported Interface:
USB 2.0
Minimum System Requirements:
256 MB RAM (512 MB or more is recommended),
128 MB free disk space (256 MB or more is recommended),
1 GHz CPU (2 GHz or more is recommended.)
Recommended Applications for precise output:
Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Photoshop Elements, Paint Shop Photo Pro (for BMP editing)
Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW (for Vector Data editing)
1-3-4. Other Requirements
When purchasing optional tools and devices, choose one that meets the following requirements.
USB cable:
USB 2.0-compliant device cable (A/B)
<Note>
Using other USB 2.0-compliant device cable may result in improper connection.
USB flash memory:
Capacity under 32 GB,
Heat Press:
Must be able to handle the area of Platen 14 x 16 (355.6 mm x 406.4 mm) and maintain heat production of 356 °F (180 °C)
for 35 seconds. Pretreatment must be cured with the heat press instead of oven to keep the surface flat and smooth.
<Note>
When you print with White ink, we recommend using oven instead of heat press. (320°F (160 °C), 3 and half minutes with the
tunnel 2.4 meter long as a rough indication)
Separator sheet:
When you cure Pretreatment and ink, be sure to use this to make the surface smooth and flat. When you cure printed ink, use
this for separation.
FAT 32 formatted,
6
GT-3 Series
Urethane mat (continuous foam):
1. Read This First
When you cure Pretreatment, use this to release the hot air quickly.
T-shirt:
Made with 100 % cotton, 50 % cotton and 50 % polyester (light-colored are recommended)
<Note>
z Pretreatment on some T-shirts may be seen after applied and cured. In that case, wash lightly with water to remove mark.
Some dyes may be decolorized by Pretreatment, especially "dye migration" will occur on Polyester garment. Be sure to
test before your production.
z Some manufacturing brands may not work as good as 100% cotton garment.
You need to test prior to your production, especially when you print on something new and unknown materials.
1-3-5. Consumable Requirements and Options
For ordering new or replacement items please use the codes below.
Consumables Parts Code
Black Ink Cartridge 180 cc
380 cc
Magenta Ink Cartridge 180 cc
380 cc
Cyan Ink Cartridge 180 cc
380 cc
Yellow Ink Cartridge 180 cc
380 cc
White Ink Cartridge 380 cc x 2
GC-30K18
GC-30K38
GC-30M18
GC-30M38
GC-30C18
GC-30C38
GC-30Y18
GC-30Y38
GC-30W38
Maintenance Solution (5 kg) GC-50S5K
Pretreatment 20 kg GC-51P2L
Wash Liquid SA6248
Maintenance Cleaning Kit
Nozzle Cleaning Kit
Platen Sheet PLTN 14x16
Platen Sheet S PLTN 10x12
Platen Sheet SS PLTN 7x8
Print Head
Pretreatment Roller
Capping Cartridge W
Wiper Cleaner
Grease
Waste Ink Tank
Maintenance Cartridge W
Maintenance Cartridge (Color)
Filter Cartridge W
Filter Cartridge (Color)
SB3168
SB3082
SB3035
SA6401
SA8211
SB3184
SB1290
SB3047
SB3101
SB3229
SB2582
SB3264
SB3265
SB2512
SB2508
GT-3 Series
7
2. Identifying Your Printer’s Parts
2. Identifying Your Printer’s Parts
2-1. Front
0043Y
No. Name Description
1 Platen Holds the T-shirt to be printed.
2 Platen Sheet Prevents a T-shirt from slipping so that an image is printed on your desired position.
3 T-shirt Tray Keeps parts of T-shirt hanging from the Platen (e.g. sleeves) on this T-shirt Tray.
4 Front Cover Open this to work on the inside of your printer, after you turn OFF the printer. (If you
open the Front Cover while operating, the power automatically turns off.)
5 Stop Lever Unlocks the lock of the Front Cover. Keep pushing it to release the lock when you
close the Front Cover.
6 Control Panel Indicates the status of the printer. Use this to operate your printer.
See “2-7. Control Panel” for the details.
7 Power Switch Turns on/off your printer.
8 Shoulder Bar Adjusts the T-shirt position.
9 USB flash drive Slot Inserts USB flash drive.
10 Ink Cartridge Slots Load the Ink Cartridges of the appropriate color: from the left side W1, W2, W3, W4,
Black(K), Magenta (M), Cyan (C), Yellow (Y).
11 Ink Cartridge Storage Stores the new Ink Cartridges.
12 Guard Bar Keeps the loading space of the Platens.
13 Clearance Sensor
(Obstruction Sensor)
14 Model Plate Indicates the serial number of the product.
8
Cancels an operation for safety, if it detects obstructions on the Platen. When you
lower the platen for printing thicker materials, use Platen Button on the Control Panel
and check the movement if the material does not hit the flap of the Clearance Sensor.
The sensor will not work when the clearance between the print head and the material
is too wide (the platen is too low). Confirm the platen height by referring "4-5. Placing
the T-shirt on the Platen".
GT-3 Series
2. Identifying Your Printer’s Parts
2-2. Right
0044Y
No. Name Description
1 Exhaust slot The outlet of the Exhaust Fan. Do not cover; Leave the space of 20 cm or
more to release the exhaust air.
2-3. Rear
No. Name Description
1 AC cord socket Inserts AC cord.
2 USB port Inserts USB cable to PC.
3 LAN port Inserts LAN cable to PC.
4 Rear Cover Covers the Platen moving area.
5 Waste Ink Tube Drains the waste ink.
6 Waste Ink Tank Holds the waste ink. Be aware of the room.
0045Y
GT-3 Series
9
2. Identifying Your Printer’s Parts
Y
2-4. Inside of the Front Cover
Cancel any operation, restore the Platens and turn off
your printer before opening the Front Cover.
Lift the Front Cover with both hands until the lock is
set when opening. Keep pushing the Stop Lever to
release the lock and close the Front Cover with both
hands.
<Note> If you open the Front Cover while
operating, the power automatically turns off.
No. Name Description
1 Print Heads (Front) Jets the Color Ink to the platen.
From the left black, magenta, cyan, and yellow .
2 Print Heads (Back) Jets the White Ink to the platen.
From the left W1, W2, W3 and W4.
3 Filter Cover, Fan Filter ,
Exhaust Fan
4 Roller Felts Protects the roller by wiping off the surface. Exchange the Fan Filter inside the Filter
5 Carriage Guide Shaft This may be covered with ink mist and dust. Keep Clean to move the Carriage
Absorbs ink mist inside the printer. Exchange the Fan Filter inside the Filter Cover at
the timing when you exchange Wiper Cleaner. See "6-1-4.
Cover at the timing when you exchange Wiper Cleaner. See "6-1-5. Replacing the
Roller Felts".
smoothly . See "6-1-6. Cleaning the inside of the printer and restart ".
0046
Replacing the Fan Filter".
0047Y
10
GT-3 Series
2. Identifying Your Printer’s Parts
2-5. Upper part of the Maintenance Unit
No. Name Description
1 Caps (Front: Color side) Cover the surface of the Print Heads and absorb ink in head cleaning.
From the left black, magenta, cyan, and yellow .
2 Caps (Back: White side) Cover the surface of the Print Heads and absorb ink in head cleaning.
From the left W1, W2, W3, and W4.
3 Wipers (Color / White) Wipe off the waste ink on the surface of Prin t Heads. Keep them clean for print quality
at the timing when you exchange Wiper Cleaner. See "6-1-2. Replacing the Wiper
Cleaner and Cleaning the Caps / Wipers".
4 Wiper Cleaner
(Front: Color side)
5 Wiper Cleaner
(Back: White side)
6 Flushing Plate Sponge
Flushing Plate Felt
Removes the waste ink on the Wiper. Exchange regularly and keep them clean for
print quality, at the timing when you open the new ink cartridge or when you see the
warning on the display of Control Panel. Remove the projections of both sides and lift it
up. See "6-1-2. Replacing the Wiper Cleaner and Cleaning the Caps / Wipers".
Hold the flushed ink for keeping print quality. Exchange them at the timing when you
exchange Wiper Cleaner. See "6-1-3. Replacing the Flushing Plate Sponge and
Flushing Plate Felt".
0048Y
GT-3 Series
11
2. Identifying Your Printer’s Parts
2-6. Under the Platen
No. Name Description
1 Platen Fixing Lever Fixes the Platen.
Tighten/Loosen this lever to install/uninstall the Platen and to adjust the Platen height.
0049Y
<In case [B] that you cannot rotate Platen Fix Lever (1) by hitting the Platen (3)>
Move the Platen Height Adjustment Lever (2) to the A position in the right image
and loose the Platen Fixing Lever (1). When you pull out the Lever (1), you can turn
it with no load so that move the Lever (1) to easy-to-operate position. Then tighten
the Lever (1) to fix the Platen.
2 Platen Height
Adjustment Lever
3 Bush Platen Shaft
4 Platen Positioning Plate
<Note>
You can use Lower-the-Platen Assy (option) when you regularly print thicker material, which can lower the platen by 13 mm
than the standard height. See "4-4-3. Lowering the Platen height"
Adjusts the Platen height.
Left most position "A" is the normal T-shirt position.
Check the exact height with Platen Button on Control Panel when you print on thicker
material. The adequate clearance between the Flap Sensor and the printed material is
app. 2 mm. See "4-5. Placing the T-shirt on the Platen".
Ink mist may spreads inside the printer If you print with wider clearance, the ink mist will
spread inside the printer and the printing material, and may damage the sensors.
Fixes and holds the Platen.
12
GT-3 Series
2. Identifying Your Printer’s Parts
2-7. Control Panel
0050Y
No. Name Description
1 Error Lamp OFF: no errors
ON: one or more errors have been detected. See "7-4. Error messages".
2 Power Lamp ON: shows the power is ON.
3 Head Cleaning
Button
4 Platen Button Loads / Ejects the Platen. Press this button when you check the adequate height of the
5 Stop Button Cancels printing or Print Head cleaning.
6 Up Button Selects the previous (upper) item. Increases a numeric value. Opens the Menu display .
7 Down Button Selects the next (lower) item. Decreases a numeric value. Opens the Menu display.
8 OK Button Executes the selected command. Opens the Menu display . Clears the error status.
9 Back Button Returns to the previous display . Opens the Menu display .
10 Display Displays the Job Comment of the print data received, the status of the printer, and the
1 1 Print Button Indicates the print data status and starts the print.
Cleans all the Print Heads with normal cleaning. (the number of cleaning depends on the
model).
Platen after you change the height. See "4-5. Placing the T-shirt on the Platen"
Returns to Standby mode.
menu items for various settings.
OFF: No print data has been received
Flashing: Receiving a print data
ON: Print data is ready to print.
<Note>
On machine initialization these lamps have a 30-second self check time.
GT-3 Series
13
2. Identifying Your Printer’s Parts
2-7-1. Display
The following image indicates that GT-3 has received a print data and ready to print. The Display indicates Job, printer status
and the information needed for printing operations.
01e0026Y
No. Item Shown Description
1 Job Name Shows the indentified name of the print data, which is automatically set by Printer Driver.
2 Job Comment Shows the 30 characters of the Job Comment set by the operator with Printer Driver.
3 Amount of Ink
Required
4 Platen Size Shows Platen Size set by Printer Driver.
5 Number of Platen
Move
6 Number of Print Shows the number of prints completed of the print data.
7 Printer Status Shows the printer status.
8 Amount of Ink
Remained
9 Uni-Directional Print
Icon
10 Number of White
Print Head Icon
11 Resolution Icon Shows the resolution of the print data.
Shows how much ink (cc) is required for making one print of the received data.
Shows warning message(s) if necessary.
Shows the number of the Platen Move (loading/unloading) in printing one print data.
Shows amount of ink remained in each cartridge, from the left, W1, W2, W3, W4 , Black
(K), Magenta (M), Cyan (C) and Yellow (Y).
It flashes when ink is low. Prepare the new cartridge(s).
Shows when the printer or the print data is set to uni-directional printing.
Shows how many White Print Heads are used in printing one print data.
<Note> When one or more errors are detected, error message(s) will be displayed instead.
14
GT-3 Series
2. Identifying Your Printer’s Parts
2-7-2. Menu List
Push either one of the OK Button, Up Button, Down Button and Back Button to go into the Menu.
Menu Content
Executes Head Cleaning of either one by one or of all four Print Heads.
Head Cleaning
Test Print
Daily Cleaning White
Print Data Load Reads a print dat a (AR3 file) in USB flash drive. The inside folder shows with [...].
Print Direction
Maintenance
Printer Setting
See "7-2-2. Cleaning the Print Heads"
Normal: normal mis-firing
Powerful: After cleaning the Print Head no zzles, when normal head cleaning does not work.
Prints to check mis-firing and print quality .
Nozzle Check CMYK / W: shows mis-firing
Standard Che ck CMYK / W: shows general print quality
Whiteness: confirms the white quality
Head Test CMYK / W: confirms which print head is broken
Flushes the " thinner and white-less" dull White Ink caused by sinking white pigment. See
"6-2-1. Daily Cleaning White for replacing dull White Ink".
Sets the print direction. This setting is prior to Printer Driver setting.
Auto： Default Bi-directional, Printer Driver setting is available.
Always Uni-Directional: always prints uni-directionally .
Always Bi-Directional: always prints bi-directionally. See "7-2-4. Changing the Print
Direction".
Goes into the Maintenance submenu.
White Tube Cleaning： Cleans the pigment in White Print Heads and Tubes.
See "6-2-2. White Tube Cleaning."
Load White： Loads White Ink into the Tubes filled with Maintenance Solution
after White Tub e Cleaning. See "6-2-2. White T ube Cleaning"
Initial Cleaning： Loads ink into the empty new Tubes and Print Heads. CMYK ink
is loaded directly into Tubes. Maintenance Solution is
required before White ink.
Maintenance Parts Exchange: See "6-1-2" to "6-1-7".
Nozzle Cleaning: Select this menu when you cannot solve mis-firing. See
"7-2-6. Cleaning the Print Head Nozzles"
CR Encoder Strip Cleaning: See "6-1-7. Cleaning the Encoder St rip".
Head Replacement: See "7-2-7. Replacing the Print Head"
Color Tube Cleaning: See "7-2-7. Replacing the Print Head"
Log Copy to USB: See "7-2-13. Copy Log file to USB flash drive"
Goes into the Printer Setting.
LCD Contrast: Adjusts the Display contrast. See "3-4-1. Adjusting the Display Contrast"
Speaker V olume: Adjusts the speake r volume. See "3-4-2. Adjusting the S peaker V olume".
T emperature: Sets Fahrenheit / Centigrade. See "3-4-3. Temperature".
Auto Cleaning Interval: See "7-2-5. Changing the Auto Cleaning Setting ".
CR Speed Adjustment: Adjust s the increase/decrease of the Carriage speed. See
"7-2-9. Adjusting the CR S peed".
Flushing Interval: Adjusts the number of lines (interval) to flush ink in printing. See
"7-2-10. Adjusting the Flushing Interval".
Flushing Volume: Adjusts the ink volume in flushing. See "7-2-1 1. Adjusting the Flushing
Vol ume".
GT-3 Series
(Continued on the next page)
15
2. Identifying Your Printer’s Parts
Menu Content
Daily Cleaning W Setting: Adjusts the amount of White Ink that is flushed in Daily
Cleaning White. See "7-2-12. Adjusting the amount of White Ink in Daily
Cleaning White".
Printer Setting
Auto Job Delete: Deletes the print data automatically after the print number which
is set with Printer Driver is finished. Default is OFF.
GT-341 mode (No White): Sets the printer to stop all the operation of White Heads.
See "6-2-５. Required Maintenance for the Long Storage".
Total Print Shows the number of prints.
Platen Reset Restores the Platen.
Language Sets the language shown on the display. See "3-4-4. Language".
Version Shows versions of the firmware.
16
GT-3 Series
3. Getting Started
Before using your printer, it needs to be correctly setup as described in this chapter.
WARNING
3. Getting Started
Do not handle the power cord with wet hands, otherwise it may cause electric shocks.
Do not set up the printer in a dusty environment. If dust collects inside the printer, it may cause fire or
electric shocks or problems with correct operation.
Be sure to connect the ground. If the ground connection is not secure, you run a high risk of receiving
a serious electric shock, and problems with correct operation may also occur.
Do not bend the cords excessively or fasten them too hard with staples or anything similar to secure
cords, otherwise there is the danger that fire or electric shocks could occur.
Setting up and moving of the printer should only be carried out by a qualified technician.
The printer machine weighs approximately 111 kg (245 lb). Transporting and setting up of the printer
should be held in proper way. The machine may fall down and cause injury.
CAUTION
The printer must be used on a suitable stable surface, otherwise it may tip over or fall down and cause
injury.
Furthermore, the table that supports the printer should be at least 137 cm (53.9 inch) in width and
104.5 cm (41.1 inch) in depth, and should be able to bear a weight of 150 kg (330 lb) or more.
Do not set up the printer in a place where it will be affected by vibration. It may become unbalanced
and fall down, which cause injury or damage to the printer.
Do not connect the power cord until setup is complete, otherwise the printer may operate if the power
switch is turned on by mistake, which could result in injury.
Do not climb onto the printer or place heavy objects on top of it, otherwise it may become unbalanced
and tip over or fall down and cause injury.
GT-3 Series
17
3. Getting Started
3-1. Placing Your Printer
Uncrate and Setting the printer by following the steps in Uncrate Manual , which is packed with the printer. Locate your printer
taking the following into account
z Environmental conditions are suitable.
z Avoid direct sunlight, dust and extremes of humidity.
z Never use an extension cable.
z A working space must be left around the printer.
Minimum space of 100 cm (39.4 inch) on the front and the right. Keep away from the right side of the Exhaust Fan
at least by 20 cm (7.9 inch).
z Body size is app. 137 cm (53.9 inch) x 104.5 cm (41.1 inch) x 66 cm (26.0 inch) and weighs app. 111 kg (245 lb).
The table that supports the printer should be at least 137 cm (53.9 inch) in width and 104.5 cm (41.1 inch) in depth,
z
and should be able to bear a weight of 150 kg (330 lb) or more. Its tabletop must be level.
Unit:cm
0051Y
18
GT-3 Series
3. Getting Started
3-2. Turning On/Off Your Printer
<Note>
Before you connect the power cord, make sure:
z The Ink Cartridges, Wiper Cleaners and Flushing Sponge et al. are adequately installed.
z Waste ink tube is properly set the Waste Ink Tank*.
(* See "1-3-5. Consumable Requirements and Options" for part code.)
z The Rear Cover is mounted.
z Keep the front space approximately 30 cm (12 inches) on the front as the Platen slides out when operating, and the
right space at least 20 cm (7.9 inch) for exhausting air from the Exhaust Fan for exhausting air.
3-2-1. Turning On Your Printer
(1) Hold the White Ink Cartridges upside down from the inserting position and shake them back and forth beforehand
(30 seconds to 1 minute for each).
(2) Connect the power cord (included) to the AC cord socket of your printer .
(3) Connect the power plug to the power outlet.
Ensue the printer is connected to a suitable earth point
(4) Press the Power Switch to turn ON your printer.
Y our printer turns on, lights up the Error Lamp and the Print Button while initializing.
The initialization requires approx. 40 seconds. When it finishes, the machine goes to [standby] mode.
GT-3 Series
19
3. Getting Started
3-2-2. Turning Off Your Printer
When you have finished using your printer, follow the instructions below to turn it off.
(1) Make sure that your printer is [standby] or [ready] mode.
(2) Select [Platen Reset] in Menu to store the Platen in the printer.
(3) Press Power Switch to turn OFF your printer.
(4) If you are planning not to use your printer for over-two-week periods of time, disconnect the power plug from the power
outlet.
<Note>
z As for GT-381 and GT-361, do not leave the White ink inside the printer. White pigment precipitates and may cause
serious damage to your printer. Before you start your job, shake the cartridges for 30 seconds to 1 minutes and execute
[Daily Cleaning White] to flush the white-less White Ink. Clean the tubes once a week with Maintenance Solution.
Follow the steps of "6-2-1. Daily Cleaning White for replacing dull White Ink" and “6-2-2. White Tube Cleaning ".
z Do not turn off your printer when it is operating. It may cause serious damage to your printer. If you turn off your printer
accidentally during the operation, immediately restart it, and then turn it off correctly following the steps described in this
section. If the power supply stops in printing by accident and will not recover soon, then turn OFF the printer and apply
the Print Head Protection Films packed in the Print Head to cover the nozzles of the Print Heads so that the Films
should protect the nozzles from drying. Wash the surface of the Print Head Protection Films with either the
Maintenance Solution or Wash Liquid to protect the Print Head Nozzles from dust. After the power supply is available,
remove the Print Head Protection Films and turn ON the printer for initialization and do Head Cleaning.
0052Y
z If the printer is unused for a long time we recommend turning on your printer once a week and press the Head Cleaning
Button to protect the Print Heads and Maintenance Unit from drying and clogging. This ensures the ink is kept free
flowing. As for White Print Heads, do the powerful cleaning with maintenance solution.
If you are planning not to use your printer for more than two weeks, follow “6-2-5. Required Maintenance for the Long
Storage" to prevent ink clogging.
20
GT-3 Series
Loading...