Matan The SprinterB User Manual

Page 1

The SprinterB

User's Manual

Page 2

No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language or any computer language, in any form or by any third party, without the prior written permission Matan Digital Printers Ltd.,

Disclaimer

Matan Digital Printing Ltd., does not accept any responsibility for any damage caused to its products by unauthorized personnel.

Environmental Policy

Clients are advised that when changing consumables or any part of the printer, care should be taken to dispose of these consumables or parts in the correct manner and according to the laws and regulations of the local authorities.

For further details regarding the disposal of part and consumables, contact your local distributor.

Head Office

Matan Digital Printers Ltd.,

11, Amal Street,

Rosh Ha'Ayin 48092

Israel

Tel: (972) 3 9039939 Fax: (972) 3 9039947

E-mail: [email protected]

Manual Version Number: Revision 0303

Software Version Number: 5.35

Declaration of Conformity

FCC

Page 3

Limited Warranty

For a period of 12 months from the date of original purchase (“Limited Warranty Period”) (except for the Thermal Print Heads, which are guaranteed for 6 months), MATAN DIGITAL PRINTERS (2001) LTD., (“Company”), will, at Company’s option, either replace or repair any defective product manufactured by Company and sold by its authorized distributor, (“Product”), in the (“Territory”) to the person making a claim under this Limited Warranty, provided the original purchaser complies with the terms and conditions set forth herein below.

This Limited Warranty applies only to a person or company that demonstrates to Company’s reasonable satisfaction he or it was the original purchaser of a Product purchased in new condition in the original package from an authorized distributor of Company in Territory. This Limited Warranty is not transferable or assignable.

If a claim is made within Limited Warranty Period by the original purchaser. Company will repair or replace a Product that, in Company’s reasonable judgment after inspection, is defective in either workmanship or materials.

Company’s liability is limited to repair or replacement of a defective Product. Company will not be responsible for any consequential or incidental damages or expenses of any kind or nature, regardless of the cause, even if Company has any knowledge regarding the probability of their occurrence. Without limiting the generality of this statement, Company will not be liable for injury to persons or property, loss of use of the Product, lost goodwill, lost profits, work stoppage, impairment of or damage to other goods. If any of the following have occurred, it will void this Limited Warranty, and Company will have no liability of any kind to original purchaser.

1. Product shows evidence it has been tampered with, or it has been subject to misuse, abuse or negligent use, or,

2. Any repair or alteration of Product was made by someone other than Company, including the distributor, except with Company’s written authorization, or,

3. Product was either improperly installed, operated or used for a purpose for which it was not intended, or,

4. The original purchaser failed to provide normal maintenance, if any is required, in accordance with Company’s instruction manual, or,

5. The serial numbers or other factory-installed labeling has been altered or removed.

The original purchaser should return the defective Product to Company at the address set forth below, together with proof of purchase, packed with either the original packaging or other similar packaging designed to avoid damage to Product during the course of shipment.

THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS GIVEN IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES WHETHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED. THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES AS TO THE FITNESS OF PRODUCT FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE. COMPANY DISCLAIMS ANY OTHER WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, THAT PRODUCT IS MERCHANTABLE.

HOWEVER, IF COMPANY IS HELD LIABLE, WHETHER DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, FOR ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE ARISING FROM UNDER THIS LIMITED WARRANTY OR OTHERWISE, REGARDLESS OF CAUSE OR ORIGIN, COMPANY’S MAXIMUM LIABILITY SHALL NOT EXCEED THE PURCHASE PRICE OF THE PRODUCT, WHICH SHALL BE COMPLETE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY AGAINST COMPANY.

ALTERATIONS AND ADDITIONS TO OR IN CONNECTION WITH ANY PART, HARDWARE OR SOFTWARE, OF THE SYSTEM MAY ONLY BE CARRIED OUT BY MATAN OR PURSUANT TO ITS EXPLICIT AUTHORISATION, AND NO LIABILITY WHATSOEVER SHALL BE ACCEPTED BY MATAN FOR ANY ALTERATIONS OR ADDITIOINS CARRIED OUT OTHERWISE, NOR FOR ANY EFFECT SUCH ALTERATIONS OR PROVISIONS MAY HAVE ON THE SYSTEM OR THE SUPPORT THEREOF.

No employee or representative of Company is authorized to change this warranty in any way or grant any other warranty.

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The SprinterB User's Manual i

Table of Contents

1 GETTING STARTED........................................................................................... 1-1

CONVENTIONS USED IN THIS MANUAL......................................................................................1-2

NOTATIONS IN THIS MANUAL ..................................................................................................1-2

IMPORTANT NOTES ...............................................................................................................1-3

2 OVERVIEW........................................................................................................ 2-1

THERMAL TRANSFER PRINTING TECHNOLOGY............................................................................2-1

DIRECT THERMAL PRINTING...................................................................................................2-1

THERMAL TRANSFER PRINTING ...............................................................................................2-1

YMCK ...............................................................................................................................2-1

3 GENERAL DESCRIPTION ................................................................................... 3-1

ABOUT THE SPRINTERB PRINTER ............................................................................................3-1

TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION ......................................................................................................3-2

THE POWER INLET CONNECTION..............................................................................................3-3

POWER SUPPLY UNITS............................................................................................................3-3

THE THERMAL PRINT HEAD (TPH)...........................................................................................3-4

TEMPERATURE CONTROL SYSTEM (LCS)...................................................................................3-4

THE RIBBON SYSTEM.............................................................................................................3-5

THE SUBSTRATE SYSTEM .......................................................................................................3-8

THE PULLING SYSTEM............................................................................................................3-9

THE SUBSTRATE PULLING CYLINDER AND PRESSING ARM ...........................................................3-9

THE SUBSTRATE COLLECTING SYSTEM...................................................................................3-10

THE PRESSURE ROLLERS PISTONS.........................................................................................3-10

THE PRESSURE ROLLERS SYSTEM .........................................................................................3-10

THE OPTIC SENSOR .............................................................................................................3-11

THE SCRAPER AND IONIZOR..................................................................................................3-12

THE SPRINTERB PC CONTROL STATION.................................................................................3-12

THE EMERGENCY STOP BUTTONS..........................................................................................3-13

THE SAFETY MICRO SWITCHES.............................................................................................3-13

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ii The SprinterB User's

4 SPECIFICATIONS...............................................................................................4-1

GENERAL............................................................................................................................4-1

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ............................................................................................................4-2

ELECTRONIC SYSTEM ...........................................................................................................4-2

PC STATION........................................................................................................................4-2

AIR COMPRESSOR................................................................................................................4-3

TEMPERATURE CONTROL SYSTEM (TCS)..................................................................................4-3

PNEUMATICS .......................................................................................................................4-3

OPERATING CONDITIONS .......................................................................................................4-3

SUBSTRATE SPECIFICATIONS AND STORAGE..............................................................................4-4

INK ROLLER (RIBBON) SPECIFICATIONS AND STORAGE ...............................................................4-4

SHELF LIFE.......................................................................................................................... 4-4

5 INSTALLING THE SOFTWARE ............................................................................5-1

INSTALLING THE SOFTWARE ...................................................................................................5-1

6 AROUND THE WINDOWS....................................................................................6-1

ABOUT THE SPRINTERB MAIN SCREEN ....................................................................................6-1

THE MENU BAR...................................................................................................................6-1

THE TOOL BAR....................................................................................................................6-2

THE MAIN SCREEN INFORMATION CENTER ...............................................................................6-3

PRINT INFORMATION.............................................................................................................. 6-3

QUEUE STATISTICS............................................................................................................... 6-4

THE PRINTING INFORMATION CENTER ......................................................................................6-4

THE PRINTER QUEUE WINDOW ............................................................................................... 6-4

THE IMAGE MENU................................................................................................................6-5

THE IMPORT FILE DIALOG BOX ............................................................................................... 6-5

THE EDIT DIALOG BOX.......................................................................................................... 6-6

THE UTILITIES MENU..........................................................................................................6-11

THE CONFIGURATION DIALOG BOX........................................................................................ 6-11

THE CONTROL DIALOG BOX ................................................................................................. 6-13

THE PREFERENCES DIALOG BOX .......................................................................................... 6-15

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The SprinterB User's Manual iii

7 UPDATING THE SOFTWARE AND USER SERVICE CODE..................................... 7-1

THE USER PLUG ..................................................................................................................7-1

THE USER SERVICE CODE.....................................................................................................7-1

CREATING LOG FILES ...........................................................................................................7-2

VIEWING LOG FILES .............................................................................................................7-3

8 PREPARING YOUR PRINTER FOR PRINTING...................................................... 8-1

PRELIMINARY PREPARATIONS FOR PRINTING..............................................................................8-1

LOADING OR REPLACING A SUBSTRATE ROLL ............................................................................8-3

REPLACING THE USED RIBBONS ..............................................................................................8-8

OPERATING THE SUBSTRATE COLLECTING SYSTEM ..................................................................8-11

LOADING THE PRINTED SUBSTRATE INTO THE COLLECTING SYSTEM ...........................................8-12

UNLOADING THE PRINTED SUBSTRATE FROM THE COLLECTING SYSTEM ......................................8-12

SOFTWARE PREPARATIONS FOR PRINTING...............................................................................8-13

USING THE FORWARD ICON ..................................................................................................8-13

SETTING THE PRINT HEAD TEMPERATURES.............................................................................8-13

CONFIGURING THE SPRINTERB PRINTER .................................................................................8-14

SPECIFYING THE PRINT SETTINGS ..........................................................................................8-20

SETTING THE PIST ONS AND MOTORS PARAMETERS...................................................................8-24

SETTING THE PREFERENCES .................................................................................................8-28

SETTING THE ENCODER DIVISION ..........................................................................................8-29

MAIN MOTOR COEFFICIENT ..................................................................................................8-29

THE PRINTING PROCEDURE..................................................................................................8-30

IMPORTING A FILE TO THE PRINTING MENU..............................................................................8-30

DELETING A SELECTED FILE FROM THE IMPORT FILE DIALOG BOX .............................................8-32

RENAMING A FILE................................................................................................................8-32

DELETING A FILE FROM THE PRINTING MENU...........................................................................8-32

DELETING PRINTED FILES.....................................................................................................8-33

QUEUEING THE FILES F OR PRINTING ......................................................................................8-33

PRINTING THE FILES QUEUED ON THE PRINT MENU..................................................................8-34

THE SAFETY SWITCHES .......................................................................................................8-36

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iv The SprinterB User's

SHUTTING DOWN THE SYSTEM .............................................................................................8-36

9 REPLACING AND ADJUSTING THE PRINT HEADS............................................... 9-1

REPLACING A PRINT HEAD .....................................................................................................9-3

ADJUSTING THE PRINT HEADS................................................................................................9-5

PRINT HEAD ADJUSTMENT..................................................................................................... 9-6

ADJUSTING THE POWER SUPPLY UNIT .....................................................................................9-9

10 MAINTENANCE.............................................................................................10-1

DRAINING THE AIR FILTER...................................................................................................10-1

CLEANING THE PRINT HEADS ...............................................................................................10-2

CHECKING AND CLEANING THE RUBBER CYLINDERS ................................................................10-2

CLEANING THE DUST COLLECTOR.........................................................................................10-3

THE SCRAPER ...................................................................................................................10-3

SCRATCH PREVENTION PROCEDURES ....................................................................................10-3

RELOCATING THE PRINTER...................................................................................................10-5

LEVELING THE PRINTER.......................................................................................................10-6

11 CREATING FILES FOR THE SPRINTERB PRINTER.........................................11-1

CREATING A TIFF-BMP FILE IN PHOTOSHOP .........................................................................11-1

PREPARING A FILE USING SPOT COLORS..................................................................................11-2

CREATING A PS FILE FOR RIPPING........................................................................................11-3

A POSTSCRIPT FILE AND ITS ADVANTAGES.............................................................................. 11-3

PRINTING FROM PC APPLICATIONS (DTP) TO PHOTOPRINT SERVER.............................................11-4

REQUIREMENTS .................................................................................................................. 11-4

PROCEDURE....................................................................................................................... 11-4

PRINTING FROM MAC APPLICATIONS (DTP) TO PHOTOPRINT SERVER..........................................11-8

REQUIREMENTS .................................................................................................................. 11-8

PROCEDURE....................................................................................................................... 11-8

SETTING UP A PS DRIVER ..................................................................................................11-11

PREPARING A PS FILE WITH FREEHAND............................................................................... 11-13

PREPARING A PS FILE WITH ILLUSTRATOR ............................................................................ 11-15

USING OVER PRINT AND TRAPPING COMMANDS .....................................................................11-17

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The SprinterB User's Manual v

A WORKFLOW WITH GRAPHIC SOFTWARE ..............................................................................11-17

12 TEN RULES FOR PRINTING FILES ................................................................ 12-1

FILE FORMAT ....................................................................................................................12-1

IMAGE SIZE.......................................................................................................................12-1

COMMON PROBLEMS ................................................................................................................I

TOOLS FOR PACKING:...............................................................................................................VI

PACKING THE PRINTER .............................................................................................................VI

FLOW CHART FOR COMPLAINT HANDLING....................................................................................IX

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION & SAMPLES TO BE SUPPLIED BY THE CUSTOMER AND SENT TO MATAN:.........IX

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vi The SprinterB User's

List of Figures

Figure 2-1: Thermal Transfer Printing.............................................................................................................2-1

Figure 3-1: General View of the Front and Left Side of the Printer................................................................3-2

Figure 3-2: General View of the Rear & Right Side of the Printer..................................................................3-2

Figure 3-3: The Main Power Connector..........................................................................................................3-3

Figure 3-4: Power Supply Units ......................................................................................................................3-3

Figure 3-5: The Liquid Cooling Control Box..................................................................................................3-4

Figure 3-6: Liquid Coolant pumped to the Aluminum Profiles.......................................................................3-5

Figure 3-7: The Ribbon and Substrate flow..................................................................................................... 3-5

Figure 3-8: The Ribbon flow on a single Print Head.......................................................................................3-6

Figure 3-9: The four Ribbon Brakes................................................................................................................3-6

Figure 3-10: Adjusting the Ribbon Brake........................................................................................................3-7

Figure 3-11: The Anti-static Brush and Strip...................................................................................................3-7

Figure 3-12: The Substrate flow......................................................................................................................3-8

Figure 3-13: The Substrate Roll Holder...........................................................................................................3-9

Figure 3-14: The Substrate Collecting System..............................................................................................3-10

Figure 3-15: The Optic Sensor.......................................................................................................................3-11

Figure 3-16: The Substrate Absent Window..................................................................................................3-11

Figure 3-17: The Scraper and Ionizer............................................................................................................3-12

Figure 3-18 The Open Cover Warning Window............................................................................................3-13

Figure 3-19: Location of the five Safety Micro Switches.............................................................................. 3-14

Figure 6-1: The SprinterB Main Screen...........................................................................................................6-1

Figure 6-2: The Import File Dialog Box..........................................................................................................6-5

Figure 6-3: The Edit Dialog Box.....................................................................................................................6-6

Figure 6-4: The Gray Level Dialog Box..........................................................................................................6-8

Figure 6-5: The Printing Window....................................................................................................................6-8

Figure 6-6: The Enqueue Dialog Box..............................................................................................................6-9

Figure 6-7: The Serial Number Font Dialog Box..........................................................................................6-10

Figure 6-8: The Configuration Dialog Box....................................................................................................6-11

Figure 6-9: The Control Dialog Box..............................................................................................................6-13

Figure 6-10: The Preferences dialog box.......................................................................................................6-15

Figure 7-1: The Update User Service dialog box ............................................................................................7-1

Figure 7-2: A typical User Log File.................................................................................................................7-3

Figure 8-1: The Power Socket and Air Inlet....................................................................................................8-1

Figure 8-2: The Main Screen...........................................................................................................................8-2

Figure 8-3: The Cooling Channel and Thermal Print Head.............................................................................8-3

Figure 8-4: The Control Panel Dialog Box......................................................................................................8-3

Figure 8-5: The Substrate Roll Assembly........................................................................................................ 8-4

Figure 8-6: Substrate Roll................................................................................................................................8-5

Figure 8-7: The Substrate and Ribbon Path..................................................................................................... 8-5

Figure 8-8: Joining the New substrate to the Existing Piece............................................................................8-7

Figure 8-9: Cleaning the take-up Roller from the used Ribbon.......................................................................8-8

Figure 8-10: Placing the Ribbons into the system...........................................................................................8-9

Figure 8-11: Feeding the Ribbon under the Print Head...................................................................................8-9

Figure 8-12: The Substrate Collecting System..............................................................................................8-11

Figure 8-13: The Substrate Collecting Mechanism.......................................................................................8-11

Figure 8-14: The Warm Up Dialog Box........................................................................................................8-13

Figure 8-15: The Cool Down Dialog Box .....................................................................................................8-14

Figure 8-16: The Configuration Dialog Box..................................................................................................8-14

Figure 8-17: The Add Config Dialog Box.....................................................................................................8-15

Figure 8-18: The Delete Config Window......................................................................................................8-16

Figure 8-19: The Edit Dialog Box.................................................................................................................8-20

Figure 8-20: The Control Dialog Box............................................................................................................8-24

Figure 8-21: The Preferences dialog box.......................................................................................................8-28

Figure 8-22: The Import File Dialog Box......................................................................................................8-31

Figure 8-23: The Rename Image dialog box.................................................................................................8-32

Figure 8-24: The Delete Prompt....................................................................................................................8-32

Figure 8-25: The Delete 'Done' Prompt.........................................................................................................8-33

Figure 8-26: The Enqueue Dialog Box.......................................................................................................... 8-33

Figure 8-28: The Printing Dialog Box...........................................................................................................8-34

Figure 9-1: Wiring between the Head Card and the Print Head......................................................................9-1

Figure 9-2: Wiring Between the Head Card and the Print Head (Universal)...................................................9-2

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The SprinterB User's Manual vii

Figure 9-3: Wiring Between the Universal Head Card and the 40" Print Head..............................................9-2

Figure 9-4: The Print Head Stops....................................................................................................................9-4

Figure 9-5: The Print Head Assembly (with Head Card remove d).................................................................9-5

Figure 9-: The Print Head Locking Plate.........................................................................................................9-6

Figure 9-7: The Configuration Dialog Box .....................................................................................................9-7

Figure 9-8: Set of four Power Supply Units....................................................................................................9-9

Figure 9-9: Set of eight Power Supply Units...................................................................................................9-9

Figure 9-10: Power Supply Voltage Screw...................................................................................................9-10

Figure 10-1: Power Supply Voltage Screw...................................................................................................10-1

Figure 10-2: The Scraper...............................................................................................................................10-3

Figure 10-3: The Leveling Castor .................................................................................................................10-5

Figure 10-4: The Leveling Points..................................................................................................................10-6

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viii The SprinterB User's

Table of Figures

Figure 3-1: General View of the Front & Left Side of the Printer...................................................... 3-2

Figure 3-2: General View of the Rear & Right Side of the Printer..................................................... 3-2

Figure 3-3: The Main Power Connector...........................................................................................3-3

Figure 3-4: The Liquid Cooling Control Box.................................................................................... 3-4

Figure 3-5: Liquid Coolant pumped to the Aluminum Profiles......................................................... 3-5

Figure 3-6: The Ribbon and Substrate flow..................................................................................... 3-5

Figure 3-7: The Ribbon flow on a single Print Head ........................................................................ 3-6

Figure 3-8: The four Ribbon Brakes................................................................................................ 3-6

Figure 3-9: Adjusting the Ribbon Brake.......................................................................................... 3-7

Figure 3-10: The Anti-static Brush and Strip.................................................................................. 3-8

Figure 3-11: The Substrate flow ..................................................................................................... 3-9

Figure 3-12: The Substrate Roll Holder ........................................................................................ 3-10

Figure 3-13: The Substrate Collecting System .............................................................................. 3-11

Figure 3-14: The Optic Sensor...................................................................................................... 3-12

Figure 3-15: The Substrate Absent Window.................................................................................. 3-12

Figure 3-16: The Scraper and Ionizer ...........................................................................................3-13

Figure 3-17: The Open Cover Warning Window............................................................................. 3-14

Figure 3-18: Location of the five Safety Micro Switches................................................................. 3-15

Figure 5-1: The SprinterB Main Screen ..........................................................................................5-2

Figure 5-2: The Import File Dialog Box........................................................................................... 5-6

Figure 5-3: The Edit Dialog Box...................................................................................................... 5-7

Figure 5-4: The Gray Level Dialog Box............................................................................................ 5-9

Figure 0-5: The Printing Window.................................................................................................... 5-9

Figure 5-6: The Enqueue Dialog Box ............................................................................................ 5-10

Figure 5-7: The Serial Number Font Dialog Box............................................................................ 5-11

Figure 5-8: The Configuration Dialog Box..................................................................................... 5-12

Figure 5-9: The Control Dialog Box............................................................................................... 5-15

Figure 5-10: The Preferences dialog box ....................................................................................... 5-18

Figure 6-1: The Update User Service dialog box.............................................................................. 6-2

Figure 6-2: A typical User Log File.................................................................................................. 6-4

Figure 7-1: The Power Socket and Air Inlet.....................................................................................7-1

Figure 7-2: The Main Screen .......................................................................................................... 7-2

Figure 7-3: The Control Panel Dialog Box.......................................................................................7-3

Figure 7-4: The Substrate Roll Assembly........................................................................................7-4

Figure 7-5: Substrate Roll.............................................................................................................. 7-5

Figure 7-6: The Substrate and Ribbon Path.................................................................................... 7-5

Figure 7-7: Joining the New substrate to the Existing Piece............................................................ 7-7

Figure 7-8: Cleaning the take-up Roller from the used Ribbon........................................................ 7-8

Figure 7-9: Placing the Ribbons into the system............................................................................. 7-9

Figure 7-10: Feeding the Ribbon under the Print Head................................................................. 7-10

Figure 7-11: The Substrate Collecting System .............................................................................. 7-11

Figure 7-12: The Substrate Collecting Mechanism......................................................................... 7-11

Figure 7-13: The Warm Up Dialog Box ......................................................................................... 7-13

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The SprinterB User's Manual ix

Figure 7-14: The Cool Down Dialog Box........................................................................................ 7-14

Figure 7-15: The Configuration Dialog Box................................................................................... 7-14

Figure 7-16: The Add Config Dialog Box ....................................................................................... 7-15

Figure 7-17: The Delete Config Window........................................................................................ 7-16

Figure 7-18: The Edit Dialog Box.................................................................................................. 7-21

Figure 7-19: The Control Dialog Box............................................................................................. 7-25

Figure 7-20: The Preferences dialog box........................................................................................7-29

Figure 7-21: The Import File Dialog Box ....................................................................................... 7-31

Figure 7-22: The Rename Image dialog box................................................................................... 7-32

Figure 7-23: The Delete Prompt.................................................................................................... 7-33

Figure 7-24: The Delete 'Done' Prompt..........................................................................................7-33

Figure 7-25: The Enqueue Dialog Box .......................................................................................... 7-34

Figure 7-26: The Printing Dialog Box............................................................................................ 7-35

Figure 8-1; Wiring between the Head Card and the Print Head ....................................................... 8-1

Figure 8-2: Wiring Between the Head Card and the Print Head (Universal)...................................... 8-2

Figure 8-3: Wiring Between the Universal Head Card and the 40" Print Head ................................. 8-2

Figure 8-4: The Print Head Stops.................................................................................................... 8-4

Figure 8-5: The Print Head Assembly (with Head Card removed)..................................................... 8-5

Figure 8-6: The Print Head Locking Plate........................................................................................ 8-6

Figure 8-7: The Configuration Dialog Box.......................................................................................8-7

Figure 8-8: Set of four Power Supply Units.....................................................................................8-9

Figure 8-9: Set of eight Power Supply Units....................................................................................8-9

Figure 8-10: Power Supply Resistance Screws .............................................................................. 8-10

Figure 9-1: The Air Filter on the Printer.......................................................................................... 9-1

Figure 9-2: The Scraper.................................................................................................................. 9-3

Figure 9-3: The Leveling Castor......................................................................................................9-5

Figure 9-4: The Leveling Points....................................................................................................... 9-6

Figure 12-1: The PhotoPRINT Add Setup Window ......................................................................... 12-2

Figure 12-2: The Add Setup Dialog Box........................................................................................ 12-2

Figure 12-3: The PhotoPRINT Server Matan Special Edition Main Screen...................................... 12-3

Figure 12-4: Setup Properties Window – General Tab.................................................................... 12-4

Figure 12-5: Setup Properties Window – Print Tab........................................................................ 12-4

Figure 12-6: Setup Properties Window – Layout Tab..................................................................... 12-5

Figure 12-7: Setup Properties Window – Communication Tab....................................................... 12-6

Figure 12-8: Setup Properties Window – Color Tab ....................................................................... 12-6

Figure 12-9: The Add Setup Window ............................................................................................ 12-7

Figure 12-10: The Add Setup Dialog Box ...................................................................................... 12-7

Figure 12-11: The PhotoPRINT Server Matan Special Edition Main Screen.................................... 12-8

Figure 12-12: Setup Properties Window – General Tab.................................................................. 12-8

Figure 12-13: Setup Properties Window – Print Tab...................................................................... 12-9

Figure 12-14: The Angled Screen Dialog Boxes............................................................................. 12-9

Figure 12-15: Setup Properties Window – Layout Tab................................................................. 12-10

Figure 12-16: Setup Properties Window – Communication Tab................................................... 12-10

Figure 12-17: Setup Properties Window – Color Tab ................................................................... 12-11

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x The SprinterB User's

Figure 12-18: The PhotoPRINT Server Properties Window............................................................12-12

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Sprinter User's Manual 1-1

1 Getting Started

This manual comprises the following sections: Chapter 1…

Introduces the manual.

Chapter 2… Gives an overview of the technology. Chapter 3… Gives details about the SprinterB printer and a general

description of the system.

Chapter 4… Gives all the technical specifications. Chapter 5… Gives instructions on how to download the Matan software. Chapter 6… Presents a guide to all the main windows of the Graphic

User Interface (GUI), as well as the main dialog boxes. It can also be used as a Quick Reference Guide.

Chapter 7… Details the softwar e upg rade installation procedure and the

procedures for updating t he User Service Code.

Chapter 8… Details the preparation for printing. Chapter 9… Sets out the procedure for replacing and calibrating the Print

Heads.

Chapter 10 Details the maintena nce and scratch preven tion procedures.

In addition, it details the printer relocating and leveling procedures.

Chapter 11… Details the procedures for creating f iles for the Sprin terB

printer.

Chapter 12... Sets out the ten commandments for printing files. Chapter 13… Details the procedures for installing & configuring

PhotoPRINT Server.

Appendix A… Contains the t r oubleshooting section. Appendix B… Explains the Service Plug System Error Messages. Appendix C… Contains the packing and transportation instructions. Appendix D… Gives details of the recommended substrates. Appendix E… Gives details the Damaged Print Head Report Procedure. Appendix F… Is the Thermal Print Head Damage Report Form

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Conventions Used in this Manual Getting Started

1-2 Sprinter User's Manual

Conventions Used in this Manual

This text style…

Identfies… Example

Text

Normal descriptive text.

Text

Emphasized text.

Text/Text

Words or figures that appear on the screen or that should be typed, or a key to be pressed < >. The name of a file or directory.

400

EXT

The name of a software screen component or of apart of the Printer.

SUBSTRATE

The description of a procedure.

! To configure…

Notations in this Manual

This information is important and should be noted.

Information given in this message warns of a hazard.

Information given in this message refers to the only safe method of installation or operation and must be adhered to.

Page 17

Important Notes Getting Started

Sprinter User's Manual 1-3

Important Notes

The following notes should be read carefully.

It is recommended that the operator be fully familiar with the specification and all sections of this manual. Failure to do so may compromise the warranty and the accuracy that Matan has engineered into your printer.

After relocating he SprinterB printer to a new location, you must ensure that it is completely level before commencing work.

When any reference is made to the right or left side of the printer, it refers to the sides when looking from the front of the printer. That is, when you are facing the Substrate Collector Cover, with the Controls Cover on your right.

Any machine parts or components located on the right side of the printer, are accessible only after removing the Controls Cover.

You should use the Around the Windows chapter as your Quick Reference Guide. This chapter contains an explanation of all the application's main windows and

dialog boxes.

The Operating Procedures described in this manual should be carried out in the order that they are presented.

The photographs appearing in this manual were taken under factory conditions. Any objects that may appear, other than those refered to in the accompanying caption, should be ignored.

In some photographs, for clarity, the printer's outer covers were removed.

You are advised that when changing any worn parts or used materials, care should be taken to dispose of those parts or materials in the correct manner and, where applicable, they should be recycled according to local regulations.

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Important Notes Getting Started

1-4 Sprinter User's Manual

This page has been intentionally left blank.

Page 19

Sprinter User's Manual 2-1

2 Overview

Thermal Transfer Printing Technology

The SprinterB Printer uses Thermal Transfer Printing Technology. It has a solid-state print head with no moving parts. Similar to fax machines, the print head has 400 "micro hot spots" per inch arrayed horizontally across the print head. As the substrate passes under the print head, the "micro hot spots" are turned on and off to create the image on the substrate.

Direct Thermal Printing

The substrate can be thermally sensitive (like fax paper), in which case no Ribbons are needed. The " micro hot spots" develop a high-resolution image right on the substrate directly. This is called direct thermal printing.

Thermal Transfer Printing

Alternatively, the four Ribbons of the basic YMCK colors can be loaded in the printer, between the print head and the substrate. The ribbon is thin film mylar, with an ink surface. As the substrate and ribbon pass under the print head, the "micro hot spots" on the print head melt the ink off the mylar ribbon and transfer it to the substrate. This is called thermal transfer printing.

Figure 2-1: Thermal Transfer Printing

This technology is employed where high resolution, detailed printing is required and high durability is needed.

YMCK

The combination of Yellow Magenta, Cyan & Black forms ‘color print’. YMC is a subtractive mixture, in other words, YMC is the three primary colors of paints. The Black is a supplemental color, because for printing, YMC is unable to produce a pure Black. This is called the ‘Four Color Process’.

Page 20

Overview

2-2 Sprinter User's Manual

This page has been intentionally been left blank.

Page 21

Sprinter User's Manual 3-1

3 General Description

About the SprinterB Printer

The SprinterB Pr inter integrates the most advanced features of highdefinition quality and high-speed billboard printers. Providing high throughput and easy integration at low operational cost, the SprinterB Printer enables you to provide immediate solutions, increase flexibility and volume of your large format printing output.

The SprinterB Pr inter is one of the fastest large-format printers on the market today—printing up to 120 running meters per hour (108

/hour or

1163 ft

/hour).

Hundreds of prints with over 16 million shades can be printed in a single shift.

Page 22

Technical Description General Description

3-2 Sprinter User's Manual

Technical Description

Figure 3-1 is the view from the front left side of the SprinterB Printer.

Figure 3-1: General View of the Front and Left Side of the Printer

Figure 3-2 is the view from the rear right side of the SprinterB Printer.

Figure 3-2: General View of the Rear & Right Side of the Printer

Top Cover

Substrate Pass Door

Service Doors

Emergency Stop Button

Electric Power Switch Pneumatic Quick Connector

Rear Cove

PC Door

Emergency Stop Button

Collector Roller

Front Cover

Page 23

General Description Technical Description

Sprinter User's Manual 3-3

The Power Inlet Connection

The printer is supplied with a MALE POWER CONNECTOR and should be connected to the F

EMALE POWER CONNECTOR (also supplied,) that has been

connected to the power box by an authorized technician.

Figure 3-3: The Main Power Connector

Power Supply Units

The printer has four or eight POWER SUPPLY UNITS. They are located on the right side of the printer, behind the S

ERVICE DOORS FOR TECHNICIAN

(Figure 3-2, page 3-2),as illustrated below.

Figure 3-4: Power Supply Units

(

4 or 8) Power Supply Units

Page 24

Technical Description General Description

3-4 Sprinter User's Manual

The Thermal Print Head (TPH)

The Print Head Subsystem

The PRINT HEAD SUBSYSTEM is located between the SUBSTRATE ROLL and the S

UBSTRATE ROLL PULLING CYLINDER and lays parallel to them (Error!

Reference source not found.).

The Print Head

The PRINT HEAD comprises micro hot spots, which melt the ink onto the S

UBSTRATE.

Temperature Control System (LCS)

The TEMPERATURE CONTROL SYSTEM (LCS) maintains the temperature of the P

RINT HEADS within a preset range, during the printi ng process.

The liquid is cooled by the cooler and is pumped via the L

IQUID COOLING

CONTROL BOX (Figure 3-5) to each of the four aluminum profiles that support the T

HERMAL PRINT HEADS (Figure 3-6, page 3-5). The LIQUID

COOLING CONTROL BOX is located on the left side of the printer, behind the PC Door (Figure 3-1, page 3-2), as illustrated below

Figure 3-5: The Liquid Cooling Control Box

Liquid Cooling Control Box

Page 25

General Description Technical Description

Sprinter User's Manual 3-5

Figure 3-6: Liquid Coolant pumped to the Aluminum Profiles

The Ribbon System

The RIBBON SYSTEM, as illustrated in Figure 3-7and Figure 3-8, page 3-6, comprises the R

IBBON and the RIBBON TAKE-UP ROLL.

Figure 3-7: The Ribbon and Substrate flow

Four Aluminum Profiles

Page 26

Technical Description General Description

3-6 Sprinter User's Manual

Figure 3-8: The Ribbon flow on a single Print Head

The Ribbon

The RIBBON is a thin mylar film, coated with ink which is transferred to the S

UBSTRATE.

The Ribbon Motors and Take-up Rolls

The RIBBON MOTORS drive the RIBBON TAKE-UP ROLLS, which collect the used R

IBBON.

The Ribbon Brake

The RIBBON BRAKE keeps the corresponding unused RIBBON taut. Each R

IBBON BRAKE is located to the right of its corresponding RIBBON MOTOR

(Figure 3-9).

Figure 3-9: The four Ribbon Brakes

Ribbon Brakes

Page 27

General Description Technical Description

Sprinter User's Manual 3-7

Please contact our Support Team for instructions before attempting to adjust the Ribbon Brake.

If you have to make an adjustment to the R

IBBON BRAKE, you must use a

torque-meter. The adjustment is made by turning the K

NURLED THUMB NUT

on the brake to between 80 and 90cN-m (Figur e ).

Figure 3-10: Adjusting the Ribbon Brake

The Anti-static Brush and Strip

An ANTI-STATIC BRUSH and an ANTI-STATIC STRIP are installed close to each of the four Ribbons.

The brush is located next to the unused R

IBBON, and the strip next to the

used R

IBBON (Figure 3-11, page 3-8).

Figure 3-11: The Anti-static Brush and Strip

Anti-static Strip

Anti-static Brush

Knurled Thumb Nut

Page 28

Technical Description General Description

3-8 Sprinter User's Manual

The Substrate System

The following figure illustrates the SUBSTRATE path, from the SUBSTRATE ROLLER to the COLLECTOR ROLLER.

Figure 3-12: The Substrate flow

Page 29

General Description Technical Description

Sprinter User's Manual 3-9

The Substrate Roller

The SUBSTRATE ROLLER is designed to hold 3" (internal) diameter cores. The L

OCKING PIN secures the SUBSTRATE ROLLER. You must ensure it secures

the S

UBSTRATE ROLLER during printing.

The tension adjusting screw should be turned so that the substrate will not slide but will have tension while turning (Figure 3-13).

Figure 3-13: The Substrate Roll Holder

The Pulling System

The PULLING SYSTEM comprises the SUBSTRATE PULLING CYLINDER and the P

RESSING ARM.

The Substrate Pulling Cylinder and Pressing Arm

The SUBSTRATE PULLING CYLINDER is driven by a motor and pulls the Substrate between the various rollers and under the P

RINTER HEADS. The

RESSING ARM applies pressure to the SUBSTRATE and facilitates its moving

over the S

UBSTRATE PULLING CYLINDER.

Page 30

Technical Description General Description

3-10 Sprinter User's Manual

The Substrate Collecting System

The SUBSTRATE COLLECTING SYSTEM receives the printed material from the SprinterB Printer and collects it into a roll (see Figure 3-14).

Figure 3-14: The Substrate Collecting System

The Pressure Rollers Pistons

The PRESSURE ROLLER PISTONS raise and lower the PRESSURE ROLLERS.

The Pressure Rollers System

The PRESSURE ROLLERS press the SUBSTRATE and the RIBBONS against the P

RINT HEAD.

Substrate Collector Roller

Page 31

General Description Technical Description

Sprinter User's Manual 3-11

The Optic Sensor

The OPTIC SENSOR monitors the presence of the SUBSTRATE. It does not monitor transparent S

UBSTRATES.

Figure 3-15: The Optic Sensor

When the end of the S UBSTRATE is detected, the SUBSTRATE ABSENT window appears (Figure 3-16).

Figure 3-16: The Substrate Absent Window

The printers stops an d c arries out the unload procedure. Any unprinted file will be saved and will remain on the P

RINT MENU. The file

that was being printed when the printer stopped will be saved.

Optic Senso

Page 32

Technical Description General Description

3-12 Sprinter User's Manual

The Scraper and Ionizor

The SCRAPER is constantly applied to the SUBSTRATE to ensure that the S

UBSTRATE is kept free of dirt and dust particles.

The I

ONIZOR is located between the SCRAPER and the STICKY ROLLER. Its

Power Unit is located underneath it, on the inside base of the printer. It neutralizes electro-static charge from the S

UBSTRATE.

The I

ONIZOR works when a voltage of 24v is present. When possible, the

24v voltage should be turned off. If the voltage is left on unnecessarily, the Ionizor will leave a mark on the Substrate.

Figure 3-17: The Scraper and Ionizer

The SprinterB PC Control Station

The SPRINTERB PC CONTROL STATION controls all the operation and printing operations. It is located behind the PC D

OOR (Figure 3-1, page 3-2).

Network

The SPRINTER PC CONTROL STATION controls all the printer's operations. The computer includes a network card. It is ready to become a station on a

LAN in any environment. It has also an address that is already set so it will not conflict with any other device on the system.

There are many dif fer en t n etw or ks sy st em s on t h e ma r ket a nd t h er ef or e w e do not configure the computer to any specific system. If the system in the target customer's pl a ce is known when ordering the printer, we can set and configure the c o mputer to these needs.

If not, than a network technician will have to set the configuration on-site according to the system used.

Your Systems Administrator who knows the environment well, is responsible for connecting the printer to the LAN, and not our technician.

Page 33

General Description Technical Description

Sprinter User's Manual 3-13

The Emergency Stop Buttons

The printer is equipped with two EMERGENCY STOP BUTTONS. One of which is located at the front of the printer and the other, at the rear. (See Figure 3-1, page 3-2 and Figure 3-2, page 3-2).

These buttons operate manually, and when pressed, all power SHUT S OFF.

MERGENCY STOP BUTTONS should be activated in any emergency situation.

To release the E

MERGENCY STOP BUTTONS, turn the button to the left and

push the button next to the C

IRCUIT BREAKERS at the MAIN SWITCH BOX.

Any unprinted file will be saved and will remain on the P

RINT MENU. The file

that was being printed when the printer stopped will be saved in its entirety.

The Safety Micro Switches

The printer is equipped with five SAFETY MICRO SWITCHES. Each switch is located adjacent to a cover. When a cover is open, the printer will not operate. Its S

AFETY MICRO SWITCH is activated, and a warning appears on

the screen, as illustrated below..

Figure 3-18 The Open Cover Warning Window

Page 34

Technical Description General Description

3-14 Sprinter User's Manual

Figure 3-19 illustrates the location of the five SAFETY MICRO SWITCHES, indicated by white arrows.

Behind the Rear Cover Behind the Substrate Pass Door

Under the Top Cover Under the Front Cover

Under the Substrate Collector Mechanism Cover

Figure 3-19: Location of the five Safety Micro Switches

Page 35

Sprinter User's Manual 4-1

4 Specifications

General

Remarks

Printer dimensions 36" 40"

Unpacked:

1660 x 1340 x 1150 (mm) (65.35" x 52.76" x 45.28") (L x W x H)

Unpacked: 1660 x 1450 x 1150 (mm) (65.35" x 57.09" x 45.28") (L x W x H)

Packed:

2055 x 1555 x 1400 (80.91" x 61.22" x 55.12") (L x W x H)

Packed: 2055 x 1665 x 1400 (80.91" x 52.76" x 65.55") (L x W x H)

Gross weight

500kg (1102.6lbs) 550kg (1213lbs)

Substrate size

90.5cm (width) x 24cm (Ø)

35.6” (width) x 9.4” (Ø)

1020mm (width) x 24cm (Ø)

40.16” (width) x 9.4” (Ø)

Effective print width

902mm (35.5") 1016mm (40")

Max. Print speed

60m/hr (196.86 feet/hr)

54.12m

/hr

(582.5ft

/hr)

60m/hr (196.86 feet/hr)

60.96m

/hr

(656.2ft

/hr)

Printing Method

4 color process (YMCK) 3 color process (YMC) Spot Colors

Ink Ribbon length

Resin/Wax Ribbon: 36"/40" x 500m Spot Colors: 36"/40" x 150m Dye-Sublimation: 36"/40" x 150m

Shades

18 million

Substrate Handling

Roll-to-roll printing

Image data Format

TIFF Bitmap: 200/400 DPI

TIFF: 50 DPI

Work Flow

TIFF (50 DPI) No RIPing time (RIPs

on the fly). TIFF Bitmap files (200/400dpi) EPS or Postscript files can be RIPed on an external standard supported RIP.

Hardware Image Processing

On-the-fly

Printed material

High resistance to Water and UV light

Direct printing

Variety of substrates such as paper, vinyl and polyester

Coating or lamination

None required

Resolutions

400, 200, 50 dpi

RIP Softwarer

PPS RIP software

Page 36

Electrical System Specifications

4-2 Sprinter User's Manual

Electrical System

Electrical Input 200-230VAC, 50/60Hz, single phase

Power Consumption

25A (Max)

Display

Monitor 12.1” Viewable image size.

Electronic System

RIP card

The rip card processes the file before printing and controls the angles of screens, the color LUT, the characters as well as the resolution (400 dpi, 200 dpi and 50 dpi) for each print head.

I/O card

This controls the Pistons and the sensors’ indicators and is located in the Electronic Box, behind the front cover of the printer. It also controls all the motors of the printer (Ribbons and Substrate) as well as on the power input (24V)

Print head card

Controls the operation of the Print Head and is located above the print Head.

Filter

30A, 120/250VAC 50-60 Hz -10°c - 40°c

Driver

Phasing

Circuit Breaker

C25/230V

PC Station

Operating System

Windows NT (minimum SP6)

CPU

Pentium 4 1.7GB

Hard Disk

30GB

Memory

256MB

Network card

10/100

Page 37

Air Compressor Specifications

Sprinter User's Manual 4-3

Air Compressor

5.5 Bar

Air supply flow rate

50 ltr/min

We recommend you to install an air dryer in addition to the air compressor and locate it between the compressor and the printer.

We also recommend you to connect the air compressor and the air dryer to separate phases from the printer.

Temperature Control System (TCS)

Cooling Capacity

16,000 BTU/Hr minimum for SprinterB 36” 20,000 BTU/Hr minimum for SprinterB 40”

Liquid Outlet Temp

15°C

Liquid

Motor cooling liquid (anti-freeze) – recommended, or water.

Flow Rate

5–10 GPM

LCS location

Indoor, 3–5m from the printer

Connection Requirements

Inlet: flexible tube – 8mm outside dia, 6mm inside dia. Outlet flexible tube – 8mm outside dia, 6mm inside dia.

We recommend that you consult with your local chiller provider for the above requirements. Further information is available for example, at http://www.liquidchillers.com.

Pneumatics

Air supply pressure

4 Bar (36”) 4.5 Bar (40”)

Air supply flow rate

50 ltr/min

Operating Conditions

Temperature

20°c-28°c (Room temperature)

Humidity

40% to 70% (Room humidity)

Page 38

Substrate Specifications and Storage Specifications

4-4 Sprinter User's Manual

Substrate Specifications and Storage

As per manufacturers’ specifications & instructions.

Make sure you keep the substrates in a clean area, wrapped in nylon bags.

Ink Roller (Ribbon) Specifications and Storage

Shelf life

The Ribbons' shelf life is determined by the storage conditions and is summarized in the following table.

Conditions Resin Ribbon Wax Ribbon

Storage Conditions Short term

Long term

50°C 85%RH 24HR

* - 20°C 24HR

0 ~ 40°C 1 year

50°C 85%RH 24RH

* - 20°C 24HR

0 ~ 35°C 1 year

Operating Conditions

5 ~ 35°C 10~85%RH

5~ 35°C 10~85%RH

* If the Ribbons were kept at a low temperature, ensure that there is no condensation on the film before commencing printing.

New as well as used Ribbons should be stored in their original packing.

Page 39

Sprinter User's Manual 5-1

5 Installing the Software

This chapter details the software installation procedure.

Installing the Software

You download the Matan software from out Web site.

 To download and Install the SprinterB Software:

1. Open our Web site www.matan.co.il

2. Click T

ECHNICAL SUPPORT.

The T

ECHNICAL SUPPORT Page opens.

3. Click L

OG IN TO THE MEMBERS’ AREA.

The L

OG IN window appears.

4. Enter your username (not case sensitive) and password you received from your Matan distributor.

5. Click L

OGIN.

The D

OWNLOADS AREA page opens.

6. Click S

OFTWARE DOWNLOADS.

The S

OFTWARE DOWNLOADS page opens.

7. Click S

PRINTER & SPARK SOFTWARE.

The D

OWNLOADS AREA page opens.

8. Enter your personal information as requested and click C

ONTINUE

DOWNLOAD.

The F

ILE DOWNLOAD window opens.

Page 40

Installing the Software Installing the Software

Sprinter User's Manual 5-2

9. Click SAVE.

10. Save the zip file to the temp directory.

The download procedure starts.

11. When the download has been completed, extract the zipped file to a convenient directory.

12. Double click the expanded .exe file.

The W

INZIP SELF-EXTRACTOR window opens.

13. Click S

ETUP.

The S

ETUP WIZARD is activated.

14. Follow the on-screen instructions.

15. Select the type of printer for which you are installing the software and click OK.

If you have a previous NT setup version already installed on your printer, you can move all your preset parameters (delay, shift, etc.,) from the existing software to the new version, by click Yes in the SELMODEL window as illustrated below.

The I

NSTALLATION window closes and the new software icon (Sprinter or

Spark) appears on your Desktop.

16. To activate the program, double-click the icon.

The Encoder Division and Main Motor Coefficient parameters must be checked immediately after the software installation. This is done through the Preferences dialog box (see the Setting the Preferences section).

Page 41

Sprinter User's Manual 6-1

6 Around the Windows

This chapter describes all the main functions of the software and illustrates most of the windows and dialog boxes that you see while working in the application.

About the SprinterB Main Screen

Figure 6-1: The SprinterB Main Screen

The Menu Bar

The MENU BAR gives you access to different tools and functions.

Use this Menu To.... Shortcut

Image Import

Edit

Rotate 90°

Rename

Delete

Delete Done

Exit

Ctrl+I

Ctrl+E

Ctrl+9

Ctrl+R

Ctrl+D

Ctrl+P

Alt+F4

Page 42

The Tool Bar Around the Windows

6-2 Sprinter User's Manual

Use this Menu To.... Shortcut

Queue Add First

Add Last

Add Manual

Remove

Remove All

Ctrl+Home

Ctrl+End

Ctrl+Ins

Ctrl+Del

View View Toolbar

View Status Bar

Utilities Access:

The Configuration Dialog Box

The Control Dialog Box

The Preferences Dialog Box

The Warm Up Dialog Box

The Cool Down Dialog Box

Advance the Substrate

Unload

Update the Service Code

F10

F11

F12

Help Get help

About Application Version Number

The Tool Bar

The TOOL BAR gives you quick access to the most used commands.

Click this Icon To....

Access the Import File Dialog Box.

Access the Edit Dialog Box.

Access the Enqueue Dialog Box.

Automatcially load the system and print the selected file(s).

Unload the system.

Advance the Substrate.

Page 43

Around the Windows The Main Screen Information Center

Sprinter User's Manual 6-3

Click this Icon To....

Access the Cool Down Dialog Box.

Access the Warm Up Dialog Box.

Access the Configuration Dialog Box.

Access the Control Dialog Box.

Access the Preferences Dialog Box.

Access the On-Line Help facility.

Close the Application.

The Main Screen Information Center

The lower right-hand section of the MAIN SCREEN provides you with current information about the Printer. There follows an explanation of each of the two parts of this section.

Print Information

Information item Description

Energy The energy level at which the Print Heads are currently

printing the color on the Substrate.

Speed Is the speed in running meters per hour,(m/h) that the

SprinterB Printer will print the current Images.

Active Heads Indiction of which Printing Heads are active.

Temperature Indiction of the Printing Heads’ temperature.

Page 44

The Printing Information Center Around the Windows

6-4 Sprinter User's Manual

Queue Statistics

Information item Description

Total Images The total number of Images that you have placed in

the printing queue.

Total Copies The total number of copies that you have ordered for

printing.

Rest Print Time The remaining time it will take for the Images that have

been queued, to be printed.

Print Area The area that will be printed of the current file.

The Printing Information Center

The lower left-hand section of the MAIN SCREEN provides you with current information regarding the Images that have been imported or selected for printing. There follows an explanation of this section.

The Printer Queue Window

The column header buttons can be used to sort the entire table in ascending or descending order, based on the column selected.

Column Header Description

Image The file name of the selected Image.

Queue The number in the Printing Queue in which the

selected Image stands.

Size The file size of the selected Image (in MBs).

Resolution Displays the Image's resolution.

Copies Is the number of copies of the selected file, to be

printed.

Width Is the width of the Image.

Height Is the height of the Image.

Tiling Indicates if the Image has been set to be tiled, and if

so, how many tiles.

GL Indicates if the Image has been set with a Gray Level.

This feature is only for use with 50n dpi TIFF files.

Colors Indicates which colors are to be used. (If there is no

information regarding a particular color, for example, black then the combination ‘CMY’ will be displayed.)

Date The date on which the Image was imported into the

Image Print Menu.

Page 45

Around the Windows The Image Menu

Sprinter User's Manual 6-5

The Image Menu

You access the IMPORT FILE dialog box, by choosing IMPORT from the IMAGE menu or by clicking I

MPORT in the MAIN SCREEN.

The Import File Dialog Box

Figure 6-2: The Import File Dialog Box

You use the IMPORT FILE dialog box for importing a file and adding it to the list of files in the P

RINTER QUEUE window. The selected file can also be

viewed in this dialog box. Selecting the 90° option, after choosing the required file, will rotate the image clockwise through 90°.

This dialog box also displays the amount of free and used space on the current drive, after the files required for printing have been imported onto it.

The following table describes the components contained in the I

MPORT FILE

dialog box.

Screen Component Description

Look in The directory containing the required files.

Upper Window Displays a list of files available in the selected directory.

File Name Name of the file you wish to import to the print list.

File Type The file type you wish to import to the print list.

Add to List Adds the selected file to the import list.

Close Closes this dialog box.

90° Rotates the selected file through 90° (clockwise).

Files to import Displays a list of files selected for importing.

Show preview Displays a preview of the selected file in the upper right section of

the dialog box.

Delete source Deletes the selected file form its source location and processes it

for printing.

Import Imports all the files listed in the Files to import window.

Delete Deletes the selcted file from the Files to import list.

Help Displays the online Help.

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The Image Menu Around the Windows

6-6 Sprinter User's Manual

Screen Component Description

Used/Free Status of used/free memory on the PC's currently used disk, (path

shown in the Configuration dialog box,)

after the files required

for printing have been imported onto it.

The Edit Dialog Box

You access the EDIT dialog box, by choosing EDIT from the IMAGE menu or by clicking E

DIT in the MAIN SCREEN.

Figure 6-3: The Edit Dialog Box

You use the EDIT FILE dialog box for editing the file’s properties.

Group Box Screen

Component

Description

General Copies Selects the number of copies to be printed.

Horizontal gap Specifies the gap between duplicate images, across the width

of the substrate.

Resolution The current resolution of the selected file is displayed by

default. The resolution of the image can be increased and the physical size can be decreased by a factor of 2, as follows: 50 – 25 dpi 200 – 100 dpi 400 – 200 dpi.

Rotate 180º Check this option to rotate the image through 180°.

Mirror Check this option to mirror the print. Used when the image is

to be adhered to a transparent surface.

Tiling Manual Check this option to manually define the slice size. Each slice

except the last one, must be of equal measurement.

Define which slices are to be printed by seklected the required number from the From X/Y and To X/Y fields.

Page 47

Around the Windows The Image Menu

Sprinter User's Manual 6-7

Group Box Screen

Component

Description

Collate Check this option to ensure that when printing two or more

copies off a file that is tiled, successive tiles of each copy are printed (starting from Tile #1). The printer then prints the next copy (starting from Tile #1), etc., etc.

Flip Click this button to activate the flipping feature.

When printing a very large image, in order to maintain color consistency between the slices, the printer will flip each alternate (even) slice through 180°.

Width The printed width of each slice. Print width can be set to one

decimal point for better accuracy. The unit if measure can be specified in the Preferences dialog box.

Overlap X To set the Slice Overlap. This overlap can be set to one

decimal point for better accuracy

From X To select the first slice to be printed, from the X axis.

To X To select the last slice to be printed from the X axis.

Height The printed height of each slice. Print height can be set to one

decimal point for better accuracy. The unit if measure can be specified in the Preferences dialog box.

Overlap Y To set the Slice Overlap. This overlap can be set to one

decimal point for better accuracy

From Y To select the first slice to be printed, from the Y axis.

To Y To select the last slice to be printed from the Y axis.

Grey level adjustment

Enable Check this option to enable the grey level adjustment feature

for the selected Image. For 50 dpi TIFF files only.

Edit Click this button to access the Grey Level dialog box.

Browse Click this button to browse for an existing Grey Level file.

Noise To disguise any repetitive errors that appear in the printing,

such as those resulting from bending, in 50dpi files only.

Serial Number Enable Optional feature. Enables you to print a serial number on the

image at a specified location, on top of whatever might be printed.

Transparent Choosing this option will ‘clean’ the specified location in the

shape of the serial number, which will then be printed on the Substrate.

C, M, Y, K To select the color in which the Serial Number will be printed.

From # To select the first number that is printed.

Offset X:

Offset Y:

The coefficient location.

General OK Click this button to acccept your settings and close the dialog

box.

Cancel Click this button to close the diaslog box without saving your

settings.

Help Click this button to access the online Help.

Page 48

The Image Menu Around the Windows

6-8 Sprinter User's Manual

The Gray Level Dialog Box

You access the GRAY LEVEL dialog box from the EDIT dialog box.

The G

RAY LEVEL feature gives you basic color management within the

image.

Figure 6-4: The Gray Level Dialog Box

The Printing Window

Figure 6-5: The Printing Window

Page 49

Around the Windows The Image Menu

Sprinter User's Manual 6-9

Group Box Screen

Component

Description

Printing Status Current file The name of the file that is currently being printed.

Current copy The number of the file’s image that is currently being printed.

Current tile The tile of the file that is currently being printed.

Current line The line of the image that is currently being printed.

Fine adjust delay (dots)

Although the HEAD DELAY feature is accessible from the

CONFIGURATION dialog box for setting before a print session, you can also adjust the H

EAD DELAYS while printing, through

the PRINT command. This is called ONLINE HEAD DELAY adjustment.

Remaining Ribbons and Substrate

Graphically and numerically displays the amount of Ribbon

and Substrate that currently remains on the printer.

A warning appears in red, when the quantity of any Ribbon has reached 10m, and 5m of the Substrate.

There is a tolerance of ± 5% for the above quantities.

Remaining Service Code

Wax

Resin/Spot

Other

Disaplays the amount of each Ribbon type you have left on your Service Code.

The Queue Dialog Box

Figure 6-6: The Enqueue Dialog Box

You use the ENQUEUE dialog box for setting the position in the printing queue of the selected file.

This dialog box can also be accessed by clicking the right mouse button, with the cursor over the required file.

Page 50

The Image Menu Around the Windows

6-10 Sprinter User's Manual

Serial Number Font Dialog Box

Figure 6-7: The Serial Number Font Dialog Box

You use the SERIAL NUMBER FONT dialog box to specify the font format of the S

ERIAL NUMBER, but not its color.

You cannot specify the Serial Number’s color from this dialog box.

You access this dialog box by clicking the S

ERIAL NUMBER button (12345…)

in the E

DIT dialog box.

Page 51

Around the Windows The Utilities Menu

Sprinter User's Manual 6-11

The Utilities Menu

The Configuration Dialog Box

You access the CONFIGURATION dialog box from the UTILITIES menu or by clicking the C

ONFIG icon in the tool bar.

You can carry out a comprehensive configuration of your SprinterB Printer from the C

ONFIGURATION dialog box.

The various settings for the P

RINT HEADS are made in this box, as well as

those for specifying the S

UBSTRATE type, and INK type.

Various print measurement settings are made in this dialog box as well.

Figure 6-8: The Configuration Dialog Box

You make the following selections from the CONFIGURATION dialog box:

Group Box Screen

Component

Description

General Configuration When you select one of the approved substrates from this

drop-down list, all the relative default settings are automatically displayed.

Add Click this button to add a substrate to the Configuration list.

Delete Click this button to delete a substrate from the Configuration

list.

An approved manufacturer’s substrate cannot be deleted.

Heads Active Click a color for one of the following settings:

Piston Up and printing Piston Up and not printing Piston Down and not printing

Color name in Black

Color name in Grey

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The Utilities Menu Around the Windows

6-12 Sprinter User's Manual

Group Box Screen

Component

Description

Delay Y (dots) To set the Print Head Delays. The reference is of the distance

in dots from each Print Head to the first one. The first Print Head is therefore always referenced as zero. For initial reference, the distance between each Print Head is about 4,000 dots. Other units of measure can be selected through the Preference dialog box.

Shift X (dots) To set the first dot position from the right end of the printing

area.

Temperature Control

Cooling System Click this option to activate the TCS.

You must then set the Open and Close Temperatures.

The Open setting refers to the temperature at which the valves are opened and the Close setting refers to the temperature at which the solenoids are closed. (The recommended settings are: 32° Open and 30° Closed.)

Specific units of measure (ºC or ºF) can be selected through the Preference dialog box.

See also Cooling Doors in the Control dialog box.

Auto adjust

before printing to:

Clicking this option will cause the Print Heads to be automatically heated to the specified temerature before printing.

General Image Database

path

Specify the directory path where the files are situated, after importing the Image.

Browse Click this button to browse for the required path.

Distance

between images

To set the length of white space between each printed slice and Image.

Specific units of measure can be selected through the Preference dialog box.

Print 4 color

lines

Check this option to print four color lines 0.5cm high, at 75% strength, one from each color, across the width of the Print Head after a specified number of images. This helps the operator detect scratches on the Print Head.

Maximum print

width

Specify the maximum print width for the file (up to 902mm/35.51” for the 36” printer and 1016mm/40” for the 40” printer).

Specific units of measure can be selected through the Preference dialog box.

Advance

substrate before print

With the system running, advance the substrate before printing.

Advance

substrate after print

With the system still running, advance the substrate after printing stops.

Fine adjust

length

Fine tunes the length of the printed image, from –16 to +16 units.

Normally, this might change due to the varying properties of different substrates. (E.g., if you print an image that is 100cm long and the actual printing size is only 99.5cm, you have to choose a higher number in the Fine adjust length drop-down combo box.)

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Around the Windows The Utilities Menu

Sprinter User's Manual 6-13

Group Box Screen

Component

Description

Substrate

sensor

Check this option to activate the Substrate Sensor. This option should not be checked if you are using a transparent Substrate.

Run collector Check this option to run the Collector motor during printing.

Printing Energy The energy with which the Print Head prints the color on the

Substrate.

Select the Energy Level from the Drop-down list. Factory recommended energy levels are: 4 – 8 for paper (dye sublimation), 18 – 24 for vinyl (resin), and 25 – 30 for banners (resin).

Ribbon type The type of Ribbon used – determined by the printing energy

level selected from the Printing energy drop-down list.

The Printing Head settings need only be set once for each substrate.

Once they are set, they will automatically be used when that particular substrate is specified.

The Control Dialog Box

You access CONTROL DIALOG BOX by clicking CONTROL PANEL MENU from the U

TILITIES menu or by clicking CONTROL in the MAIN SCREEN. You control

most of printing operations from this dialog box.

Figure 6-9: The Control Dialog Box

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The Utilities Menu Around the Windows

6-14 Sprinter User's Manual

The list below sets out all the settings you can make and describes the various parts’ status you can read through the C

ONTROL PANEL dialog box.

Setting/Status Description

Substrate Sensor Indicates the status of the Substrate Sensor, as set in the

Configuration dialog box. When there is no substrate present, an appropriate message appears.

Pressure Sensor Indicates the status of the Pressure Sensor, as set in the

Preference dialog box. When there is no pressure, an appropriate message appears.

Yellow/Magenta/Cyan/Black Piston DOWN

To Raise and lower the relative color’s Piston.

…indicates that the head piston is up.

…indicates that the head piston is down.

All (1-4)

Click Press to raise all the Print Head Pistons.

Click Release to lower all the Print Head Pistons.

Substrate

…indicates that the Substrate Piston is up.

…indicates that the Substrate Piston is down.

Yellow/Magenta/Cyan/Black Motor Run

Operate and stop the relative Ribbon Take-up Motor.

…indicates that the motor is idle.

…indicates that the motor is running.

Select the motor torque from the appropriate drop-down combo box.

All (1-4)

Click Run to activate all the motors together.

Click Stop to stop all the motors.

Substrate Run

Run or stop the Substrate Motor. Select the motor speed from the appropriate drop-down combo box.

Collector Run

Run or stop the Collector Motor. Select the motor torque from the appropriate drop-down combo box.

The more Substrate on the Collector Roller, the higher the required torque.

Cooling Door These option boxes appear only when you have checked the

Cooling System option in the Temperature Control group box of the Configuration dialog box.

Check the required option box for continuous operation of the TCS – without limits. Checking the fifth option box, will cause the TCS to operate for all the Heads.

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Around the Windows The Utilities Menu

Sprinter User's Manual 6-15

Setting/Status Description

Remain Ribbon – Substrate Enter the amount of Ribbon (per color) and/or Substrate you

have installed. The displayed amounts will reduce during the printing process and will be reflected in the Printing Window, during the printing process.

Power On Indicates the power supply status.

With power ON, there is a voltage of 24V.

Load Click to prepare the system for printing.

Unload Click to return the system to rest.

The head piston will be down, the substrate piston will be up. The 24V voltage is also closed.

Test Speed After selecting the Substrate roller speed, click this button and

the actual roller speed will be displayed as: SPEED IS XX/M.H. The maximum speed is 60 running meters per hour.

OK Click this button to acccept your settings and close the dialog

box.

Help Click this button to access the online Help.

The Preferences Dialog Box

You access the PREFERENCES dialog box from the UTILITIES menu or by clicking P

REFS in the MAIN SCREEN. You set the printing preferences from

this dialog box.

Figure 6-10: The Preferences dialog box

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The Utilities Menu Around the Windows

6-16 Sprinter User's Manual

Group Box Screen

Component

Description

Units M/mm

feet/inch Shift and Delay in dots

Units of measure

Color Order Choice of the printing color order, according to the order in

which the Ribbons are installed on the printer.

Temparature °C

°F

Units of measure – temperature

TIFF LUT coeff: Enables you to adjust the density percentage of each color

station.

For example, entering 0.9 on the 1

color station, will decrease

that color’s density by 10%. Conversely, entering 1.1 on the 1

color station, will increase that color’s density by 10%.

Head Resistance

Not yet implemented.

Grey level adjustment

Enable Check this option to enable the grey level adjustment feature.

For all 50 dpi TIFF files that are to be printed.

Edit Click this button to access the Grey Level dialog box.

Browse Click this button to browse for an existing Grey Level file.

General Pressure sensor When activated, if there is a change of air pressure greater

than ± 0.5Bar, an error message appears, informing you of the status.

We recommend you to keep this feature activated. If however, the fault will take time to correct, and you can safely continue working until then, you can deactivate this option on a temporary basis.

Y resolution 400 x 200 dpi resolution only, implemented.

Encoder

Division

Related to the main pulling system. See the Note at the end of this table.

Main motor

coefficient

Related to the main pulling system. See the Note at the end of this table.

OK Click this button to acccept your settings and close the dialog

box.

Cancel Click this button to close the dialog box without saving your

settings.

Help Click this button to access the online Help.

Page 57

Sprinter User's Manual 7-1

7 Updating the Software and User Service Code

This chapter descr ibes the procedure for updati ng your User Service Code

The User Plug

The USER PLUG is connected to the parallel port of the PC. It contains the following information about your printer and R

IBBONS:

• The printer type

• The User Plug ID

• Amount of R

IBBONS (adjusted when you update the USER

SERVICE CODE and when you print).

• Overlays option

• Serial Number option

The User Service Code

Each time you purchase additional RIBBONS from the dealer or directly from Matan, you will receive a new U

SER SERVICE CODE (in text format -

*.txt,) that has to be copied (or selected after browsing and copied,) into the printer's PC through the U

PDATE USER SERVICE CODE dialog box (in the

Sprinter’s software)(Figure 7-1). (You will then have usage permission for the total length of each type of

ribbon that you purchased (including any unused length already recorded on the PC).

Each printer has its own U

SER PLUG ID. This number appears in the

PDATE USER SERVICE CODE dialog box.

The E

NABLE OVERLAYS and ENABLE SERIAL NUMBERS OPTION features will be

automatically checked after the S

ERVICE CODE is updated, if you have

purchased this optional feature.

Figure 7-1: The Update User Service dialog box

Page 58

Creating Log Files Updating the Software and User Service Code

7-2 Sprinter User's Manual

! To update the User Service Code:

1. From the U

TILITIES drop-down menu, select UPDATE SERVICE CODE. The

PDATE USER SERVICE CODE dialog box appears (Figure 7-1, page 7-1).

2. In the P

LEASE ENTER YOUR NEW SERVICE CODE field, paste or browse and

select, the user's code (provided by the dealer or Matan,) and click U

PDATE.

The users' ribbon usage permission is updated with the total length of each type of R

IBBON that they purchased with this code. The total

length of ribbon usage permission that you now have (including the amount that might have remained from before the current update), appears in the M

ETERS/FEET field of the dialog box. The relative totals

will decrease according to the quantity used during the printing process.

If you are printing by the YMCK process, the remaining available amount of Ribbon is the amount appearing in the Meters/Feet field of the Update User Service dialog box, divided by 4.

Creating Log Files

The LOG file displays the data relating to all RIBBON transactions. E.g., Updating inventory.

Log files can be created and viewed from the Sprinter applicatio n. They may be used by Matan for references purposes.

! To create a Log File:

1. In the U

PDATE USER SERVICE CODE dialog box, click MAKE LOG FILE.

The following window opens and displays the location of the U

SER LOG

FILE.

2. Click OK.

Page 59

Updating the Software and User Service Code Viewing Log Files

Sprinter User's Manual 7-3

Viewing Log Files

! To view a Log File:

• In the U

PDATE USER SERVICE CODE dialog box, click VIEW LOG FILE.

The L

OG FILE appears (Figure 7-2).

Figure 7-2: A typical User Log File

The LOG FILE contains the following data referred to inFigure 7-2:

• The date and time of the transaction (1).

• Type of transaction

PDATE USER SERVICE CODE (When the user buys from the

dealer, or directly from Matan) (2).

• The S

ERVICE CODE (3).

• The U

SER PLUG ID (4).

• The type and width of the ribbon (5).

• The amount of ribbon to be added to the existing stock (6).

• The new balance of ribbons currently licensed to the user's

printer (7).

After each update session, you must make a backup of the log file either on your network or on a removable medium.

This will avoid the data becoming irretrievably lost if both the plug and the PC crash.

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Viewing Log Files Updating the Software and User Service Code

7-4 Sprinter User's Manual

This page has been intentionally left blank.

Page 61

Sprinter User's Manual 8-1

8 Preparing Your Printer for Printing

Preliminary Preparations for Printing

This chapter sets out all the procedures necessary for preparing your SprinterB Printer for work.

It deals with the setting up of the printer on the mechanical side. It also sets out a detailed operating procedure for the exchangin g or renewing of S

UBSTRATES as well as the RIBBONS.

Once you have completed the following procedures, your SprinterB Printer will be ready to use.

The Operating Procedures as set out in this manual should be followed in the order that they are presented.

Figure 8-1: The Power Socket and Air Inlet

! To start up the printer:

1. Check that the air hose is connected.

2. Check that you have 4 Bar of air pressure on the A

IR PRESSURE GAUGE

for the 36” printer and 4.5 Bar for the 40” model.

3. Check that you have 220 VAC electric supply from the cable connected to your power source.

Page 62

Preliminary Preparations for Printing Preparing Your Printer for Printing

8-2 Sprinter User's Manual

4. Ensure that the main electric switch is ON, and CIRCUIT BREAKER’S button is pressed.

5. Ensure that the main electric switch is ON, and C

IRCUIT BREAKER’S

button is pressed.

Figure 8-2: The Main Screen

6. Switch on the Computer and invoke the program by double-clicking the SprinterB icon.

The M

AIN SCREEN appears (Figure 8-2).

Make sure that the green lights on all H

EAD CARDS are lit. The HEAD

CARDS are located on top of the COOLING CHANNEL illustrated in Figure 8-3, page 8-3, under which the P

RINT HEAD is located. If it is not

on, refer to the appendix on Troubleshooting at the end of this manual.

When the 24v power supply is activated, the yellow light on the Print Head Card is lit.

Page 63

Preparing Your Printer for Printing Preliminary Preparations for Printing

Sprinter User's Manual 8-3

Figure 8-3: The Cooling Channel and Thermal Print Head

Loading or Replacing a Substrate Roll

Your Sprinter printer has been supplied with the SUBSTRATE installed, but not loaded onto the T

AKE-UP CORE. Our technician will load it for you.

To install a new S

UBSTRATE ROLL or replace an existi ng one, carry out the

following procedures. You can either replace the S

UBSTRATE ROLL before it is completely used or

when the S

UBSTRATE CORE is empty.

Figure 8-4: The Control Panel Dialog Box

Page 64

Preliminary Preparations for Printing Preparing Your Printer for Printing

8-4 Sprinter User's Manual

! To Load the Substrate Roll:

1. From the M

AIN SCREEN, click CONTROL.

The C

ONTROL PANEL dialog box appears (Figure 8-4, page 8-3).

- or From the U

TILITIES menu, select CONTROL PANEL.

The C

ONTROL PANEL dialog box appears.

2. Click U

NLOAD to lower all pistons and raise the PULLING ROLLER.

If the Ink Pistons are correctly positioned, their corresponding buttons in the Control Panel will indicate ‘Down’ with a dotted frame around the word.

3. Take out the

STICKY CLEANING RUBBER ROLLER (the DUST COLLECTOR) by

pushing it left and pulling it out.

4. Wash it under the water tap, let it dry for a few minutes and relocate it.

5. Remove the L

OCKING PIN from both the SUBSTRATE ROLL SUPPORTS

(Figure 8-5).

Figure 8-5: The Substrate Roll Assembly

6. Lift and remove the SUBSTRATE ROLL from the SUBSTRATE ROLL SUPPORTS and place it on a clean, flat surface.

7. Loosen the two R

ETAINING SCREWS and remove the right hand SUBSTRATE

RETAINER from the roll.

8. Remove the empty core and replace it with a new S

UBSTRATE ROLL.

Ensure that the new S

UBSTRATE ROLL is located in the middle of the BAR

that holds it.

9. Relocate the S

UBSTRATE RETAINER and tighten the two RETAINING

SCREWS.

10. Hold the S

UBSTRATE ROLL with the SUBSTRATE edge towards the printer.

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Preparing Your Printer for Printing Preliminary Preparations for Printing

Sprinter User's Manual 8-5

11. With the split in the BRAKE located at each end of the holders fac ing upward, place the S

UBSTRATE ROLL back into SUBSTRATE ROLL SUPPORTS.

12. Relocate the L

OCKING PINS.

13. Cut off the first meter of the roll to prevent dirt from reaching the P

RINT

HEADS, Then cut a diagonal piece as illustrated in Figure 8-6.

Figure 8-6: Substrate Roll

14. Feed more than a meter of the SUBSTRATE between the SUBSTRATE GUIDING ROLLER and the sprung SCRAPER, under the IONIZOR, and then under the S

TICKY ROLLER.

15. Thread the substrate toward the front of the printer, on top of the rubber rollers and under the G

UIDING ROLLERS, as illustrated in

Figure 8-7. Ensure that the S

UBSTRATE is placed within the limits of the

ribbons’ width and is not protruding over the edges on eit h er s i de, m or e than 915mm.

Figure 8-7: The Substrate and Ribbon Path

Page 66

Preliminary Preparations for Printing Preparing Your Printer for Printing

8-6 Sprinter User's Manual

The Anti-static Brush and Strip that are located next to each Print Head, are not shown in Figure 8-7, page 8-5.

16. When you reach the front en d, pull the S

UBSTRATE until the entire width

has reached the front.

17. Close all the covers. To replace the S

UBSTRATE, see the following procedures:

If possible, you should always try to leave an amount of Substrate under the Print Heads so as to facilitate easy replacement or renewal.

! To replace the Substrate:

1. From the M

AIN SCREEN, click CONTROL.

The C

ONTROL PANEL dialog box appears (Figure 8-2, page 8-2).

- or From the U

TILITIES menu, select CONTROL PANEL.

The C

ONTROL PANEL dialog box appears.

2. Click U

NLOAD to lower all pistons and raise the PULLING ROLLER.

If the Ink Pistons are correctly positioned, their corresponding buttons in the Control Panel will indicate ‘Down’ with a dotted frame around the word.

3. Take out the

STICKY CLEANING RUBBER ROLLER (the DUST COLLECTOR) by

pushing it left and pulling it out.

4. Wash it under the water tap, let it dry for a few minutes and relocate it.

5. Cut the old S

UBSTRATE as near as possible to the roll.

6. Remove the L

OCKING PIN from both the SUBSTRATE ROLL SUPPORTS.

(Figure 8-5, page 8-4).

7. Lift and remove the S

UBSTRATE ROLL from the SUBSTRATE ROLL SUPPORTS

and place it on a clean, flat surface.

8. Loosen the two R

ETAINING SCREWS and remove the right hand SUBSTRATE

RETAINER from the roll.

9. Remove the empty core and replace it with a new S

UBSTRATE ROLL.

Ensure that the new S

UBSTRATE ROLL is located in the middle of the BAR

that holds it.

10. Relocate the S

UBSTRATE RETAINER and tighten the two RETAINING

SCREWS.

11. Hold the S

UBSTRATE ROLL with the SUBSTRATE edge towards the printer.

12. With the split in the B

RAKE located at each end of the holders facing

upward, place the S

UBSTRATE ROLL back into SUBSTRATE ROLL SUPPORTS.

Page 67

Preparing Your Printer for Printing Preliminary Preparations for Printing

Sprinter User's Manual 8-7

13. Relocate the LOCKING PINS.

If you constantly use the same width substrates, you may remove only the right hand cone every time.

14 Cut off the first meter of the roll to prevent dirt from reaching the P

RINT

HEADS.

15. Join the new or replaced S

UBSTRATE to the existing piece under the

RINT HEADS by using adhesive tape (Figure 8-8).

Figure 8-8: Joining the New substrate to the Existing Piece

The preferred method is to ensure that the new Substrate is placed on top of the old Substrate. (See Figure 8-8)

16. Lift the S

CRAPER until the join has passed under it.

17. From the M

AIN SCREEN, click FORWARD.

The S

UBSTRATE advances. When the new or replacement SUBSTRATE has

been passed over all four R

OLLER ASSEMBLIES, and the SUBSTRATE

PULLING ROLLER click STOP, in the window that appears. It should now be resting over the S

UBSTRATE PULLING CYLINDER and

under the P

RESSING ARM.

Leave approximately 50 cms of new or replacement S

UBSTRATE free, or

attach it to the C

OLLECTOR.

18. Close the S

UBSTRATE ROLL COVER.

Page 68

Preliminary Preparations for Printing Preparing Your Printer for Printing

8-8 Sprinter User's Manual

Replacing the Used Ribbons

The following pr oc edure has to be followed when replacing the RIBBON with another one, or renewing a used one.

The take-up core should not be overloaded at any time. If the volume of used Ribbon on the Take-up Core exceeds half the volume of the new Ribbon, you should empty the used Ribbon.

! To replace a Ribbon:

1. From the C

ONTROL PANEL dialog box, click UNLOAD SUBSTRATE.

The printer will come to rest.

2. Open the T

OP COVER.

3. Tear off the R

IBBON on the take-up core side, close to the core.

4. Roll the excess R

IBBON back on to the roll that you are about to change.

5. Take out the R

IBBON that needs to be changed, by pushing it to the

side, and then pulling it out.

6. Remove the T

AKE-UP ROLLER.

Figure 8-9: Cleaning the take-up Roller from the used Ribbon

7. Remove the used RIBBON from the TAKE-UP ROLLER by pulling off the R

IBBON ROLL.

8. Install an empty core on the T

AKE-UP ROLLER and return it to its correct

location (Figure 8-10, page 8-9).

Page 69

Preparing Your Printer for Printing Preliminary Preparations for Printing

Sprinter User's Manual 8-9

Figure 8-10: Placing the Ribbons into the system

9. Take the new RIBBON and put it in place of the RIBBON you have just taken out.

10. Pull the R

IBBON underneath the PRINT HEAD – to the outside of the ANTI-

STATIC BRUSH (Figure 8-11).

11. Using adhesive tape, attach the edge of the new R

IBBON to the empty

cardboard roll, at three points.

12. Close the T

OP COVER and from the CONTROL dialog box, click the RUN

button of the relative R

IBBON. Ensure that the RIBBON is fed between

the A

NTI-STATIC STRIP and the TAKE-UP ROLLER.

Figure 8-11: Feeding the Ribbon under the Print Head

New Ribbon

Anti-static Strip

Anti-static Brush

Feed the new Ribbon down and to the outside of the Anti-static Brush.

Ensure that the New Ribbon is fed between the Anti-static Strip and the Take-up Roller.

Unused

Ribbon Unused Ribbon (removed from its correct location, for clarity)

Page 70

Preliminary Preparations for Printing Preparing Your Printer for Printing

8-10 Sprinter User's Manual

13. From the CONTROL PANEL dialog box, turn the power on and activate the M

OTOR by clicking the RUN button of the relevant color.

Make sure that the R

IBBON is rolling smoothly over the take-up core

through all its width.

14. When the R

IBBON has become taut, stop the MOTOR by clicking the RUN

button.

15. Repeat this procedure with the other three colors as necessary.

16. Close the H

EAD and RIBBON cover.

Page 71

Preparing Your Printer for Printing Operating the Substrate Collecting System

Sprinter User's Manual 8-11

Operating the Substrate Collecting System

The Printer can be operated either with or without the SUBSTRATE C

OLLECTING SYSTEM operating (Figure 8-12). The COLLECTING MECHANISM

can operate separately from the printer (Figure 8-13).

Figure 8-12: The Substrate Collecting System

Figure 8-13: The Substrate Collecting Mechanism

Substrate Collecting Mechanism

Collector Roller

Guiding Roller

Page 72

Operating the Substrate Collecting System Preparing Your Printer for Printing

8-12 Sprinter User's Manual

Loading the Printed Substrate into the Collecting System

If you have a long print run, you should load the printed SUBSTRATE onto the C

OLLECTING SYSTEM.

! To Load the Printed Substrate onto the Collecting System:

1. Engage the C

OLLECTING SYSTEM by checking the RUN COLLECTOR option

in the C

ONFIGURATION dialog box (Figure 8-16, page 8-14).

The C

OLLECTOR ROLLER will rotate during the printing process.

2. Pull out the printed S

UBSTRATE and roll it over the GUIDING ROLLER and

then the C

OLLECTOR ROLLER, as shown in Figure 8-12, page 8-11.

Do not tape the printed Substrate to the Collector Roller as you might wish to remove it from the core when the roll is full.

Unloading the Printed Substrate from the Collecting System

When the printed roll reaches a diameter of approximately 150mm, the roll has to be taken out of the C

OLLECTING SYSTEM.

! To unload the Printed Substrate from the Collecting System:

1. Stop the printing process.

2. Cut the printed S

UBSTRATE from the roll.

3. Remove the S

UBSTRATE COLLECTING MECHANISM COVER by lifting it

slightly and then gently pulling it towards you.

4. Pull out both the L

OCKING PINS of the COLLECTOR ROLLER.

Handle the Collector Shaft with care, to avoid damage to the plastic gears.

5. Pull out the printed S

UBSTRATE roll from the COLLECTOR and lay it on a

clean surface.

6. If you do not need to keep the S

UBSTRATE CORE with the printed

Substrate, go to step 10.

7. If you need to keep the S

UBSTRATE CORE with the printed SUBSTRATE,

loosen the Allen screw at the opposite end from the gear wheel and remove it together with the printed S

UBSTRATE.

8. Replace the S

UBSTRATE CORE with a new one (it must be with a 3"

diameter).

9. Tighten the Allen screw and go to step 13.

10. If you do not wish to remove the S

UBSTRATE CORE, stand the printed

UBSTRATE on the floor, with the end opposite the g ea r wheel

downward.

11. Turn the gear wheel end of the C

OLLECTOR ROLLER anti-clockwise until

all the printed Substrate is loose.

12. Pull out the C

OLLECTOR ROLLER.

13. Relocate the C

OLLECTOR ROLLER together with the SUBSTRATE CORE in

the S

UBSTRATE COLLECTOR with the gear wheel to the right.

Page 73

Preparing Your Printer for Printing Software Preparations for Printing

Sprinter User's Manual 8-13

14. Push back both the LOCKING PINS.

15. Relocate the S

UBSTRATE COLLECTING MECHANISM COVER by inserting it

into the two locating holes and gently pulling it downward.

Software Preparations for Printing

Using the Forward Icon

To advance the SUBSTRATE, click the FORWARD icon . This action brings the printer to the unload status, raises the P

ULLING ARM, runs the

main motor as well as that of the S

UBSTRATE COLLECTOR ROLLER.

When you click the F

ORWARD icon, the following window appears.

To stop the S

UBSTRATE advancing, click OK.

Setting the Print Head Temperatures

During the printing process, the PRINT HEADS’ temperature will naturally increase. This increase will be controlled by the settings made for the A

COOLING unit (if installed). Use W

ARM UP before you start a print run. Use COOL DN to reduce THE PRINT

HEAD temperatures to the required level before starting a new print run. The temperature of the P

RINT HEADS is controlled through the COOL DN and

ARM UP icons.

! To warm up the Print Heads to the required temperature:

1. From the M

AIN SCREEN, click WARMUP.

The W

ARM UP. dialog box appears (Figure 8-14).

Figure 8-14: The Warm Up Dialog Box

2. Select the required temperature from the REQUIRED TEMPERATURE spin box.

3. Activate the C

OOLING SYSTEM.

4. Click S

TART to initiate the process.

Page 74

Software Preparations for Printing Preparing Your Printer for Printing

8-14 Sprinter User's Manual

The recommended temperature is 32°C – 35°C.

! To cool down the Print Heads to the required temperature:

1. From the M

AIN SCREEN, click COOL DN.

The

COOL DOWN. dialog box appears (Figure 8-15).

Figure 8-15: The Cool Down Dialog Box

2. Select the required temperature from the REQUIRED TEMPERATURE spin box.

3. Click S

TART to initiate the process.

Configuring the SprinterB Printer

Figure 8-16: The Configuration Dialog Box

Use the CONFIGURATION dialog box to carry out a comprehensive configuration of your SprinterB printer.

The various settings for the P

RINTING HEADS are made in this box, as well

as those for speci fying the S

UBSTRATE type, INK type, PRINTING ENERGY.

Various print measurement settings are made in this dialog box as well.

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Clicking OK will close the CONFIGURATION dialog box. So you may want to set all the required configurations before clicking OK.

The procedures have been set out in the order that they appear in the C

ONFIGURATION dialog box.

Selecting a Different Substrate Type and a Different Set of Head Delays

! To Select a Different Substrate Type and a Different Set of Head

Delays:

The type of S

UBSTRATE determines the HEAD DELAYS.

If you choose ‘No Delay’ in the Substrate box, all heads will start to print at the same time.

• From the CONFIG drop-down list in the CONFIGURATION dialog box, select the appropriate S

UBSTRATE.

The corresponding H

EAD settings appear in the HEAD DELAY box within

the C

ONFIGURATION dialog box.

Adding a New Substrate Type

! To Add a New Substrate type:

1. From the

CONFIGURATION dialog box, click Add.

The A

DD CONFIG dialog box appears (Figure 8-17).

Figure 8-17: The Add Config Dialog Box

2. In the CONFIG NAME field, enter the name of the new S UBSTRATE and click OK.

3. Set the required delays in the corresponding D

ELAY and SHIFT spin

boxes.

When you add a new substrate name, it takes on the same delays as the previous one.

4. Click OK to exit the dialog box.

If you want to add more than one new Substrate type, save each set of delays between each addition, by choosing OK in the Configuration window. The window will close. Open this window again and repeat the above procedure for each new Substrate.

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Deleting a Substrate Type

! To Delete a Substrate Type:

Figure 8-18: The Delete Config Window

1. From the CONFIGURATION dialog box, click Delete. A window opens and prompts you to either confirm deletion or cancel. (Figure 8-18).

2. Click OK to confirm the delete command.

You cannot delete a factory-set substrate type.

Selecting Active Printing Heads

! To select the Active Printing Heads:

1. From the M

AIN SCREEN, click CONFIG or from the UTILITIES menu, choose

ONFIGURATION. The CONFIGURATION dialog box appears (Error!

Reference source not found.).

2. In the H

EADS group box, check the ACTIVE HEAD boxes according to the

colors you wish to use. Click a color for one of the following settings:

Piston Up and printing Piston Up and not printing Piston Down and not printing

If a particular Active Head is not selected, its motor remains inactive and no data is sent to that head. When loading Substrate, the de-activated station will not load.

Color name in Black

Color name in Gray

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Selecting a Head Delay

! To Select a Head Delay:

• From in the H

EADS group box in the CONFIGURATION dialog box, , set

each color’s delay. The reference is of the distance in dots from each Print Head to the

nearest one. The first Print Head i s therefore always referenced as zero. For initial reference, the distance between each Print Head is about 4,000 dots. Other units of measure can be selected through the Preference dialog box.

The new values that you have entered will be used for the present preset material after closing the screen, by clicking OK.

Setting the Head Shift

! To set the Head Shift:

• From the H

EADS group box in the CONFIGURATION dialog box, set each

color’s Shift. The H

EAD SHIFT determines the point (i.e. the distance

from the first hot dot) where the P

RINT HEAD will start the print.

The first hot dot is the zero point from the right. Each increase in shift will move the printing to the left.

The H

EAD SHIFT unit of measure is dots. Each HEAD SHIFT unit (dot) is

equal to 0.0635mm* of P

RINT WIDTH. For example, setting the HEAD

SHIFT to 1000, means that the HEAD will start printing 1000 x

0.0635mm (=6.35cms) from its first dot. You should note that the maximum print width will now be 90-6.35 = 83.6cms. 'H

EAD SHIFT' is

limited to 15.840 (100 Cm).

* A pixel size in 50DPI Tiff, is 0.508mm (8 x 0.0635) exactly on the X-axis.

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Temperature Control

! To activate the Temperature Control System:

1. In the T

EMPERATURE CONTROL group box of the CONFIGURATION dialog

box, check the C

OOLING SYSTEM option.

2. In the O

PEN and CLOSE drop-down combo boxes, select the required

temperatures. The O

PEN setting refers to the temperature at which the cooling flaps

are opened and the C

LOSE setting refers to the temperature at which

the cooling flaps are closed. Recommended tempera tures: open at 32°C and closed at 30°C.

! To activate warm-up before printing starts:

• In the T

EMPERATURE CONTROL group box of the CONFIGURATION dialog

box, check the A

UTO ADJUST BEFORE PRINTING TO: option and select the

required temperature from the drop-down combo box. Checking this option will cause the Print Heads to be automatically heated to the specified temerature before printing. Recommended temperature, between 32 °C and 35°C.

Specifying the path in which the images to be printed are situated

! To specify the path in which the images to be printed are situated:

•In the I

MAGE DATABASE PATH FIELD, enter the relevant path or select it by

using B

ROWSE.

Setting the distance between each printed Image

! To set the distance between each printed Image:

• In the C

ONFIGURATION dialog box, enter or select the required distance

(in millimeters) between each printed image width, from the D

ISTANCE

BETWEEN IMAGES

box.

Setting the 4 colors lines option

! To set the 4 colors lines option:

• In the C

ONFIGURATION dialog box, check the PRINT 4 COLOR LINES EVERY:

option and enter or select the required number. Checking this option will result in four color lines at 75% strength

being printed, one from each color, across the width of the substrate after a specified number of images. This helps the operator detect scratches on the Print Head.

Setting the Print Width

! To set the Print Width:

1. In the C

ONFIGURATION dialog box, enter or select the required width in

millimeters from the M

AXIMUM PRINT WIDTH box.

The P

RINT WIDTH is affected by the HEAD SHIFT parameters. If you try to

set a P

RINT WIDTH that is wider than the total HEAD LENGTH (effective

printing size is 902 mm for the 36” printer and 1016mm for the 40” printer,) minus the P

RINT SHIFT, the printer will automatically calculate

the maximum available P

RINT WIDTH and following message appears:

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Sprinter User's Manual 8-19

2. Click OK to set the new calculated width.

Advancing the Substrate before printing

Checking this option will cause the substrate to advance a specified distance before printing commences.

! To advance the substrate before printing:

• In the C

ONFIGURATION dialog box, select the required distance from the

DVANCE SUBSTRATE BEFORE PRINT: drop-down combo box.

Advancing the Substrate after printing

Checking this option will cause the substrate to advance a specified distance after printing ceases.

! To advance the substrate after printing:

• In the C

ONFIGURATION dialog box, select the required distance from the

DVANCE SUBSTRATE AFTER PRINT: drop-down combo box.

Adjusting the printed length of the image

There is always the possibility that the printed length of a file might change when using a more elastic substrate. Generally speaking, you only have to calibrate the printed length once. However, if you change to a more elastic substrate such as Banner or Tyvek, you should calibrate the printed length accordingly.

To calibrate the printed length of a file, print a sample. The file should be no less than 1.5m long.

You carry out the calibrating procedure by using the F

INE ADJUST LENGTH

option in the C

ONFIGURATION dialog box.

The units displayed in this option's list are media-specific and will have a different relationship to different media.

Select a positive unit to increase the file length and a negative unit to decrease it. Each unit is approximately equal to 0.5mm or 0.02".

! To adjust the printed length of the image:

• In the C

ONFIGURATION dialog box, from the FINE ADJUST LENGTH drop-

down combo box, select the required unit of length.

Activating the Substrate Sensor

Checking this option will activate the Substrate sensor. When there is no substrate present, you will receive a warning.

! To activate the Substrate sensor:

• In the C

ONFIGURATION dialog box, check the SUBSTRATE SENSOR option.

Activating the Run Collector

Checking this option will activate the COLLECTOR MOTOR during printing.

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8-20 Sprinter User's Manual

! To activate the Collector Motor:

• In the C

ONFIGURATION dialog box, check the COLLECTOR MOTOR option.

Changing the Energy Level

Setting the ENERGY level determines the intensity of the color to be printed.

! To change the Energy level:

• In the A

DVANCE CONFIGURATION dialog box, from the ENERGY box, select

or enter an E

NERGY level.

Factory recommended energy levels are: 18 – 24 for vinyl , 4 – 8 for paper, and 26 – 31 for banners.

Specifying the Print Settings

Figure 8-19: The Edit Dialog Box

Use the EDIT dialog box to specify the print settings. You must select the required image in the M

AIN SCREEN before you begin

the editing process. Clicking OK will close the E

DIT dialog box. So you may want to specify all

the required settings before clicking OK. The procedures have been set out in the order that they appear in the E

DIT

dialog box.

Specifying the number of copies to be printed

! To specify the number of copies to be printed:

• In the

EDIT dialog box, select the required quantity in the COPIES drop-

down combo box.

Specifying the horizontal gap

If an image is narrow enough to fit in the substrate width more than once, you can specify the gap between the images. If you have specified a gap that is wider than the space available, the last image will be printed on the next row.

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! To specify the horizontal gap:

• In the

EDIT dialog box, enter the required gap in the HORIZONTAL GAP

field.

Specifying the printing resolution

! To specify the printing resolution:

• In the

EDIT dialog box, select the required resolution (in dpi) in the

RESOLUTION drop-down combo box.

The physical size of the Image will double and its resolution will be reduced by 50%.

Rotating the file to be printed

! To rotate the file:

• In the

EDIT dialog box, check the ROTATE 180° option.

Printing the file as a mirror image

! To print the file as a mirror image:

• In the

EDIT dialog box, check the MIRROR option.

Manually defining the tile size and tile printing order

The Tiling process involves 'cutting a image' (vertically, horizontally or in both directions,) so that its printed dimensions match those of the substrate on which it is to be printed or the area where it is ultimately to be displayed. Tiling would be carried out for either or both of the following typical reasons:

• The width of an image is greater than that of the

PRINT HEAD.

E.g., an image that is 45" wide and is to be printed with a 36"

PRINT HEAD, for example.

• A image that is 36" wide has to be put into two shop windows each 18" wide.

! To manually define the tile size and printing order:

1. In the

TILING group box of the EDIT dialog box, check the MANUAL

option.

2. Enter the required printing dimensions.

3. Set the tile overlap in the required

OVERLAP fields.

4. Select the first tile to be printed from either the

FROM X or FROM Y

drop-down combo boxes.

5. Select the last tile to be printed from either the

TO X or TO Y drop-

down combo boxes.

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8-22 Sprinter User's Manual

The printer will print an Image in the specificed printing order of its tiles. For each tiled Image, you must specify its tile printing order.

Collating the printing of two or more copies of a file

When checked, the Collating feature will ensure that when you are printing two or more copies of the same file, all the tiles in the file are printed in successive order for each copy.

If the feature is not checked, the first tile of the image will be printed for each copy, then the second tile, etc., etc.

! To collate the printing:

• In the

EDIT dialog box, check the COLLATE option.

Activating the Flip feature

Although the COOLING SYSTEM prevents any color mismatch between slices, activating the Flip feature will cause alternate tiles to be rotated 180°. This will further help to prevent color mismatching.

! To activate the Flip feature:

• In the

EDIT dialog box, check the FLIP option.

Adjusting the Gray Level

The gray level can be adjusted for specific TIFF files. You can also use THE GRAY LEVEL settings that have been saved previously.

You can adjust the G

RAY LEVEL on all the TIFF files using the PREFERENCES

dialog box (see Figure 8-21, page 8-28).

! To adjust the Gray level of a TIFF file:

1. In the

GRAY LEVEL ADJUSTMENT group box of the EDIT dialog box,

check the

ENABLE option.

2. Click

EDIT.

The

GRAY LEVEL dialog box appears as illustrated below.

3. Choose the color whose G

RAY LEVEL you wish to adjust.

4. Check the Smooth or linear option as required.

5. Pass the cursor over the grid lines and when it is located over the LUT line, it changes to a cross hair shape.

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Sprinter User's Manual 8-23

6. Click and drag the line to the required s etting and release the m o us e button.

7. Repeat steps 3-6 as required.

8. Click Save to save the setting. The S

AVE AS dialog box appears.

9. Enter a file name and click OK.

10. Close the G

RAY LEVEL dialog box.

11. With the E

DIT dialog box open, click BROWSE and choose the file whose

gray level you wish to adjust. The file name appears in the G

RAY LEVEL ADJUSTMENT field.

12. Click OK. The selected file name appears in the GL column of the Main Screen.

Disguising Noise

The NOISE feature is accessible from the EDIT dialog box. It enables you to disguise any repetitive errors that appear in the printing,

such as those resulting from bending, in 50dpi files only. For example, if bending has occurred in one or more colors, you should

adjust the N

OISE levels of the relative colors.

The maximum unit value of the Noise adjustment is 30. If you set the noise level too high, it will result in the image becoming blurred.

Printing a Serial Number

This optional feature enables you to print a serial number on each whole printed image. The feature works if t he E

NABLE SERIAL NUMBERS OPTION is

checked in the U

PDATE USER SERVICE dialog box.

You cannot print a Serial Number on a sliced image. Nor can you print one on images that are narrow enough to be printed on the same row.

The

SERIAL NUMBER is printed on the actual image. To avoid this, and to

print it on the

SUBSTRATE, check the TRANSPARENT option. When this

option is checked, the printed matter is erased in the shape of the

SERIAL

NUMBER, which in turn, is printed directly onto the SUBSTRATE.

! To print a Serial Number:

1. In the

SERIAL NUMBER group box of the EDIT dialog box, check the

ENABLE option.

2. Click the

SERIAL NUMBER button (12345…).

The

SERIAL NUMBER FONT dialog box appears.

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8-24 Sprinter User's Manual

3. Specify the required font format.

4. Click OK. If required, check t he T

RANSPARENT option (see above).

5. Select the required color(s) of the S

ERIAL NUMBER.

6. From the F

ROM # drop-down combo box, enter or select the number of

the first serial number you want to appear.

7. In the O

FFSET X and OFFSET Y fields, enter the required coeffici ent

location of the S

ERIAL NUMBER.

The S

ERIAL NUMBER’S location is set at the top left-hand corner of the

number.

Setting the Pistons and Motors Parameters

Figure 8-20: The Control Dialog Box

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There are three wa ys of initiatin g the print proceudre:

• Manually

• By clicking L

OAD in the CONTROL PANEL dialog box and then

clicking P

RINT in the MAIN SCREEN.

• By clicking P

RINT in the MAIN SCREEN.

If you initiate the print procedure manaully, use the C

ONTROL dialog box to

specify the printer’s mechanical settings, such as the Piston and Motor status.

In order to print, the H

EAD PISTONS must be in the UP position so that the

RESSING ROLLERS should press the SUBSTRATE and RIBBON against the

RINT HEAD. The SUBSTRATE PISTON must be down.

Clicking OK will close the C

ONTROL dialog box and save the settings.

The following pr ocedures have been set out in th e order that they appear in the C

ONTROL dialog box.

The Substrate and Ribbon parameters as well as the Gray Level Setting, must be defined before you give the Print command.

The S

UBSTRATE SENSOR and PRESSURE SENSOR statuses are displayed at the

top of the C

ONTROL dialog box. They are set i n the CONFIGURATION dialog

box.

Raising and lowering a specific piston

! To raise or lower a Color Piston:

• In the C

ONTROL dialog box, click the DOWN button of the relevant color.

to raise the piston and click it again to lower it. For a specific color status, see the rel ev ant table in the Around the Windows chapter.

! To raise or lower all the Color Pistons simultaneously:

• In the C

ONTROL dialog box, click the ALL (1-4) UP button to raise all the

color pistons and click the Down button to lower them all. For the A

LL (1-4) color piston status, see the relevant table in the

Around the Windows chapter.

! To raise or lower the Substrate Piston:

• In the C

ONTROL dialog box, click the DOWN button of the Substrate. to

raise the piston and click it again to lower it. For a specific color status, see the rel ev ant table in the Around the Windows chapter.

Running or stopping a specific motor

! To run or stop a Color Motor:

• In the C

ONTROL dialog box, click the RUN button of the relevant motor to

run it and click the same button to stop it. For a specific color status, see the rel ev ant table in the Around the Windows chapter.

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8-26 Sprinter User's Manual

! To run or stop all the Color Motors simultaneously:

• In the C

ONTROL dialog box, click the ALL (1-4) RUN button to run all the

color motors and click the S

TOP button to stop them all.

! To run or stop the Substrate Motor:

• In the C

ONTROL dialog box, click the RUN button of the Substrate to run

it and click the same button to stop it.

! To run or stop the Collector Motor:

• In the C

ONTROL dialog box, click the RUN button of the Collector to run

it and click the same button to stop it.

! To display the speed of the Substrate motor:

• In the C

ONTROL dialog box, click TEST SPEED.

The speed of the Substrate motor is displa yed below the T

EST SPEED

button.

Setting a specific motor's torque

The MOTOR’S torque determines the force with which it pulls the used R

IBBON.

Insufficient torque might cause the Ribbon to wrinkle and the print will show white areas. It might also cause the Motor to stop functioning.

Too much torque will cause the Ribbon to be pulled underneath the Print Heads. It will also cause registration problems.

The MOTOR’S torque must be set according to the diameter of the used C

OLOR INK ROLL. When the roll is em pty, the torque requirement is low –

between '4' and '5', and increases as the diameter of the roll increases. In any case the diamet er of the used ink should not exceed one centimeter.

A heavy take-up core might interfere with printing.

! To set a specific Color Motor’s torque:

• In the C

ONTROL dialog box, select the requir ed torque of the specific

motor in the relative T

ORQUE drop-down combo box and click CLOSE

when you have no more settings to specify.

! To set the same moment for all the Color Motors:

• In the C

ONTROL dialog box, select the required torque for all the COLOR

MOTORS in the ALL (1-4) TORQUE drop-down combo box and click CLOSE when you have no more settings to specify.

! To set the Substrate Motor’s speed:

• In the C

ONTROL dialog box, select the required category of speed of the

Substrate Motor drop-down list box, and click C

LOSE when you have no

more settings to specify. The actual speed is indicated to the left of the drop-down list box.

! To set the Collector Motor’s torque:

• In the C

ONTROL dialog box, select the required torque of the COLLECTOR

MOTOR from the COLLECTOR'S torque drop-down combo box and click C

LOSE when you have no more settings to specify.

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The recommended moment for the Ribbon Collecting Roll is 4-5, when the core is empty and 5-6 when it is full.

Loading and unloading the Substrate

! To load the Substrate:

• In the C

ONTROL dialog box, click LOAD.

The SprinterB will run a set of operations and will bring the printer to the print mode, with the setting specified in the C

ONFIGURATION dialog

box. Alternatively, when you click P

RINT, the loading process will

automatically be initiated befoe the printing process.

! To unload the Substrate:

• In the C

ONTROL dialog box, click UNLOAD. Or, click the UNLOAD icon in

the M

AIN SCREEN.

The printer returns from the print mode.

Reactivating the 24v

! To reactivate a 24v voltage:

• As soon as you open the C

ONTROL dialog box, the power is

automatically activated. If no operation is carried out after one minute of opening the C

ONTROL

dialog box, the power will be shut off.

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Setting the Preferences

Figure 8-21: The Preferences dialog box

The Encoder Division and Main Motor Coefficient parameters must be checked immediately after the software installation.

Use the P

REFERENCES dialog box to set your printing preferences.

Use the P

REFERENCES dialog box to specify the unit of measure and the

color order for printing. The H

EAD RESISTANCE feature is not yet

implemented.

Setting the Encoder Division and Main Motor Coefficient

These two parameters are related to the main pulling system.

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Setting the Encoder Division

The ENCODER sends pulses to the MAIN MOTOR. Set the E

NCODER PARAMETER according to the following table:

Printer Type Motor Type Encoder Location Encoder Parameter

Sprinter A On the Rubber Roller 7 SprinterB 36/40 Small Motor On the Motor 202 SprinterB 36/40 Large Motor On the Motor

194

SprinterB 36/40 On the Rubber Roller 7

Main Motor Coefficient

The MAIN MOTOR COEFFICIENT controls the speed of the MAIN MOTOR. Set the M

AIN MOTOR COEFFICIENT PARAMETER according to the following

table:

Printer Type Main Motor Coefficient Parameter

Sprinter A 1 SprinterB 36/40 ~5.4*

*This parameter is subject to change, based on speed tests performed in the C

ONTROL dialog box, in order to obtain 60m/hr at "ultra" speed mode.

As an example, if the print test results show 65m/hr., then

THE MAIN

MOTOR COEFFICIENT PARAMETER must be reduced. This parameter should be adjusted in order to give a maximum speed of 60m/hr.

Selecting the Y Resolution

Select the Y Axis resolution according to the following options:

Printer Type Y Resolution Option

Sprinter A 400 x 400 dpi SprinterB 36/40 400 x 400 dpi, 400 x 200 dpi

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Adjusting the TIFF LUT Coefficient

The TIFF LUT coeffecient feature (which works only with TIFF files,) enables you to adjust the density percentage of each color. An increase of '0.1' will increase the density by 10%, '0.2' will increase it by 20%, and a maximum increase of '0.3', will increase the density by 30%. Similarly, a decrease to '0.9', will decrease the color density by 10%. The minimum decrease is –30%.

You can adjust by single percentage units by entering a second decimal place. E.G., an entry of '1.15', will increase the color density by 15% and an entry of '0.95' will decrease the color density by 5%.

Adjusting the Gray Level on all enqueued TIFF files

The GRAY LEVEL feature is accessible either from the EDIT dialog box (as in previous versions,) or the P

REFERENCES dialog box.

You can either adjust the G

RAY LEVEL on all the TIFF files using the

REFERENCES dialog box, or on specific ones, using the EDIT dialog box

(Error! Reference source not found.) The G

RAY LEVEL can be adjusted for TIFF files only (50 dpi). You can also

use the

GRAY LEVEL settings that have been saved previously.

Once you adjust a file's GRAY LEVEL through the EDIT dialog box it will not be affected if you subsequently carry out a global GRAY LEVEL adjustment through the PREFERENCES dialog box.

! To adjust the Gray Level of all the TIFF files:

1. From the M

AIN SCREEN, click PREFERENCES.

The P

REFERENCES dialog box appears (Error! Reference source not

found.).

2. In the Default G

RAY LEVEL ADJUSTMENT group box, click ENABLE.

3. Carry out the same procedures as you would through the E

DIT dialog

box.

4. To close the P

REFERENCES dialog box click OK.

The Printing Procedure

This section sets out all the operating procedures involved in actually producing your printed work.

Importing a file to the Printing Menu

You import files to the Printing Menu using the Import File dialog box. Checking the S

HOW PREVIEW option will enable you to preview the selected

file in the right hand corner of the dialog box. Checking the Delete source option will cause any imported deletable file to

be removed once it is imported. If the file's source is a CD for example, you will not be able to delete it.

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Once selected, the delete source option affects all the displayed deletable imported files.

Figure 8-22: The Import File Dialog Box

! To import a image:

1. From the M

AIN SCREEN, click IMPORT.

The I

MPORT FILE dialog box appears (Error! Reference source not

found.). The name of the current drive and directory appears in the Look in: field.

You can choose the correct path if necessary. If required, check t he S

HOW PREVIEW option to view the selected field.

If you wish to remove the selected deletable files from their source, check the D

ELETE SOURCE option.

2. Select the required file. If the file comprises four separations (C. M. Y, or K), select one of them

and the application will automatically select the others. If you have more than one file to import, click A

DD TO LIST.

The name of the selected file appears in th e F

ILES TO IMPORT section of

the dialog box. The printer will only import files in the following formats:

.tif, _c.tif, _m.tif, _y.tif, _k. tif, or _001_c.tif, _001_m.tif, _001_y.tif, _001_k.tif.

If you attempt to import files of another format, an appropriate message appears.

If you have other files to import, repeat steps 1-4. If you wish to rotate the image 90° clockwise, select the file, and click

DD TO LIST.

3. Check the option box that appears before the selected file name in the F

ILES TO IMPORT window.

4. To add the selected files to the print list of the M

AIN SCREEN, click

MPORT.

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Deleting a Selected File from the Import File Dialog Box

! To delete a file:

1. From the F

ILES TO IMPORT BOX in the IMPORT FILE dialog box, select the

image you wish to delete.

2. Click D

ELETE.

Renaming a File

This procedure can be carried out either from the MAIN SCREEN or from the I

MPORT FILE dialog box.

Figure 8-23: The Rename Image dialog box

! To rename a file from the Main Screen:

1. Select the required file from the P

RINTING MENU of the MAIN SCREEN.

2. From the I

MAGE menu of the MAIN SCREEN, select RENAME.

3. The R

ENAME IMAGE dialog box appears (Figure 8-23).

4. In the N

EW NAME field, enter the new name of the file and click OK.

! To rename a file from the Import File dialog box:

1. Right-click the required file from the upper window of the I

MPORT FILE

dialog box and select R

ENAME from the menu that appears.

2. Rename the file and click outside the file name.

Deleting a File from the Printing Menu

Figure 8-24: The Delete Prompt

! To delete a file:

1. Select the required file from the P

RINTING menu of the MAIN SCREEN.

2. From the I

MAGE menu of the MAIN SCREEN, select DELETE.

The D

ELETE PROMPT appears (Figure 8-24).

3. Click Y

ES to confirm the delete command.

Page 93

Preparing Your Printer for Printing The Printing Procedure

Sprinter User's Manual 8-33

Deleting Printed Files

When a file has been pr inted, the word ‘DONE’ appears in the QUEUE column of the Print menu.

Figure 8-25: The Delete 'Done' Prompt

! To delete printed files:

1. From the I

MAGE menu of the MAIN SCREEN, select DELETE ‘DONE’.

The D

ELETE ‘DONE PROMPT appears (Figure 8-25).

2. Click Y

ES to confirm the delete command.

Queueing the Files for Printing

To determine the order in which the selected files are printed, you should use the Q

UEUE command.

Figure 8-26: The Enqueue Dialog Box

! To queue a file for printing:

1. From the M

AIN SCREEN, click QUEUE, or right click the mouse.

The E

NQUEUE dialog box appears (Error! Reference source not

found.).

2. Carry out the following steps as required: To put the selected file first in the queue, click F

IRST IN QUEUE.

The selected file appears first in th e queue of the P

RINT menu.

To put a selected file next in the queue, click L

AST IN QUEUE.

The selected file appea rs after the first file in the queue of the P

RINT

menu. To place a selected file anywhere in the queue except l a st, click A

CCEPT

QUEUE, specify in the text field the required number in the QUEUE and then click A

CCEPT QUEUE.

To remove a file from the queue, select the file and click O

UT OF QUEUE.

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The Printing Procedure Preparing Your Printer for Printing

8-34 Sprinter User's Manual

Printing the Files Queued on the Print Menu

Before printing the required files, you should read the following information on the Online Delay feature.

Figure 8-27: The Printing Dialog Box

The On-the-fly Fine Adjust Delay

Although the HEAD DELAY feature is accessible from the CONFIGURATION dialog box for setting before a print session, you can also adjust the H

EAD

DELAYS while printing, through the PRINT command. This is called ONLINE HEAD DELAY adjustment.

The adjustment will only take effect from the printing of the next file in the queue. The new delay value(s) will be applied to the remaining files in the queue and the values in the C

ONFIGURATION dialog box are automatically

adjusted. Further adjustments may be made on later enqueued files, and those values will also be automatically adjusted in the C

ONFIGURATION

dialog. The values i n the dialog box are those t hat were adjusted last. The values in the P

RINTING dialog box returns to zero at the beginning of the

next print session. This adjustment can be carried out as many times as required during the

print session.

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Preparing Your Printer for Printing The Printing Procedure

Sprinter User's Manual 8-35

The reference is to the distance in dots from each PRINT HEAD to the first one.

The first P

RINT HEAD (the Yellow,) is therefore always referenced as zero. For

initial reference, the distanc e between each P

RINT HEAD is about 4,000

dots. However, if the Y

ELLOW HEAD has to be adjusted, this can be done in

the P

RINT dialog box, in one of two ways, as shown in the following

example: If the Yellow precedes the other three colors by 10 dots, you can either

adjust each of the CMK H

EADS by '–10', or adjust the Yellow by +10. This

will result in the new H

EAD DELAY value for the CMK HEADS being r educed

by 10 units in the C

ONFIGURATION dialog box and the Yellow's value

remaining at zero.

! To print the enqueued files and carry out the optional O

NLINE HEAD

DELAY adjustment:

1. Run a check of all the settings in the E

DIT, CONFIGURATION and CONTROL

dialog boxes.

2. From the M

AIN SCREEN, click PRINT.

The P

RINTING dialog box appears (Error! Reference source not found.).

The software loads the printer and the printing process commences. If required, during the printing process, adjust the H

EAD DELAY in the

relative drop-down combo box. You can monitor the printing process from the P

RINTING dialog box, in

the P

RINTING STATUS group box.

You can also monitor the remaining quantity of Ribbon and Substrate installed on the printer, from the R

EMAINING RIBBONS AND SUBSTRATE

group box. When the printing process is complete, the P

RINTING dialog box closes

and the word ‘D

ONE’ appears next to the queued fi les, on the MAIN

SCREEN.

3. Click the U

NLOAD icon in the MAIN SCREEN.

When the printing is complete, the 24v power supply shuts down automatically.

When the amount of any Ribbon reaches 10m and that of the Substrate reaches 5m, a red warning is displayed in the Printing dialog box.

Do not leave the Rubber Rollers in the UP position for more than 60 seconds. If more than 60 seconds do pass, the software will automatically bring them

down.

Page 96

Shutting Down the System Preparing Your Printer for Printing

8-36 Sprinter User's Manual

If the printer does not respond to commands given by the computer or if there is any problem that requires a immediate stop, press one of the red Emergency Stop buttons, located at the front and rear of the printer.

Pressing the Emergency Stop button shuts down the power to the printer as well as to the computer. The files displayed in the Print menu of the Main Screen will not be deleted.

You can release the Emergency Stop button by turning it in a clockwise direction.

Return the Circuit Breaker switch to the ON position. Press the button next to the Main Circuit Breaker Switch.

The Safety Switches

To prevent injury during printing, the printer is equipped with five Interlock switches, at the following locations:

• For the F

RONT COVER.

• For the T

OP DOOR COVER.

• For the S

UBSTRATE PASS DOOR.

• For the R

EAR COVER.

• For the S

UBSTRATE COLLECTOR ROLLER COVER.

The switches are engaged whenever any of the above covers or doors are opened during printing. When this occurs, the following warning is displayed:

Shutting Down the System

When the printing run is complete and you don’t intend to work for the remainder of the day or for a longer period of time, you should shut down system down.

! To shut the system down:

1. Click the U

NLOAD icon in the MAIN SCREEN.

2. Make a visual check to confirm that the printer is in the U

NLOAD mode.

The P

ULLING ARM should be up.

The R

UBBER ROLLER should be down.

3. Shut down the PC. If you wish to shut the system down for a long period of time, shut

down the main switch located at the back of the printer.

4. Place a sponge under the P

ULLING ARM.

5. Close all the Printer’s covers.

Page 97

Sprinter User's Manual 9-1

9 Replacing and Adjusting the Print Heads

The PRINT HEADS are already preinstalled on the printer. They have also been calibrated.

To facilitate the correct connection of the cables, they are color coded and labeled. The connector pins on the P

RINT HEADS are also labeled.

Black cables are ground, red and yellow are current, and any other colors carry the data.

The P

RINT HEAD is connected to the PRINT HEAD CARD by a number of

cables. These cables either carry current or data.

If the P

RINT HEAD CARD on your printer has three sets of connector pins,

you should connect the cables according to Figure 9-1. If it has four sets, you should connect the cables according to Figure 9-2, page 9-2.

Figure 9-1: Wiring between the Head Card and the Print Head

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Replacing a Print Head Replacing and Adjusting the Print Heads

9-2 Sprinter User's Manual

Figure 9-2: Wiring Between the Head Card and the Print Head (Universal)

If your printer is the SprinterB 40", you should connect the cables according to Figure 9-3.

Figure 9-3: Wiring Between the Universal Head Card and the 40" Print Head

Wiring Between the Head Card and the Print Head (Universal)

Page 99

Replacing and Adjusting the Print Heads Replacing a Print Head

Sprinter User's Manual 9-3

Replacing a Print Head

Before touching any part of the ceramic surface on the Print Head, you must wear anti-static gloves. Do not touch any part of the ceramic surface with your bare hands.

 To replace a Print Head:

1. Make sure the rubber rollers are down.

2. Turn off the computer.

3. Remove the R

IBBON, using that particular PRINT HEAD.

4. Remove the H

EAD CARD COVER.

5. Ensure that the S

UBSTRATE is loaded, thus preventing any item falling

directly onto the rollers and causing damage.

6. Remove all cables connected to the P

RINT HEAD from both sides.

7. Release the M

OUNTING SCREWS and hold the PRINT HEAD with your hand,

to prevent it from falling.

8. When it is released from the M

OUNTING SCREWS, lower the PRINT HEAD,

gently tilt it perpendicularly and lift it away from the printer.

Alternatively, you can lower the P

RINT HEAD onto the Rubber Rollers,

open the S

UBSTRATE PASS DOOR and pass it out through the opening.

9. Make sure that all four M

OUNTING SCREWS are still in place.

10. Carefully remove the new P

RINT HEAD from its packaging.

11. Check for any damage.

Immediately report any damage to your Matan Distributor.

12. Clean the ceramic surface with the enclosed swab, using alcohol 100%.

13. Hold the P

RINT HEAD at both ends, turn it so it is perpendicular and

lower it onto the R

UBBER ROLLER.

Alternatively, you can pass it through the opening of the S

UBSTRATE

PASS DOOR.

14. Hold the P

RINT HEAD with one hand and with the other, ensure that all

the cables are positioned so that the P

RINT HEAD has free uninterrupted

access to the C

OOLING CHANNEL.

15. Push up the P

RINT HEAD further against the COOLING CHANNEL until the

four mounting screws in the C

OOLING CHANNEL, move in their place.

16. Tighten one M

OUNTING SCREW in each of the two groups so that the

head is held in position against the C

OOLING CHANNEL without your

support.

17. There are at least two P

RINT HEAD STOPS on the PRINT HEAD ASSEMBLY

(Figure 9-4, page 9-4).

Ensure that the P

RINT HEAD is in contact with all the PRINT HEAD STOPS.

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Replacing a Print Head Replacing and Adjusting the Print Heads

9-4 Sprinter User's Manual

Figure 9-4: The Print Head Stops

18. Tighten the two groups of the MOUNTING SCREWS so that the PRINT HEAD is touching the metal surface. Check that at no point along the P

RINT

HEAD'S length is there a gap between it and the COOLING CHANNEL and that no cables are caught in between.

19. Reconnect the cables to the P

RINT HEAD.

20. Cut the S

UBSTRATE next to the SUBSTRATE ROLL, and remove it from the

printer.

21. Reinstall a new S

UBSTRATE on the printer.

Print Head Stops