Rena MACH X User Manual

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MACH X
DIGITAL COLOR
LABEL PRINTER
OPERATOR’s GUIDE
Valid with R13.11 driver and 2015xxxx Firmware
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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
THIS EQUIPMENT PRESENTS NO PROBLEM WHEN USED PROPERLY. HOWEVER, CERTAIN SAFETY RULES SHOULD BE OBSERVED WHEN OPERATING THE MACH X LABEL PRINTER.
BEFORE USING THE PRINTER, YOU SHOULD READ THIS MANUAL CAREFULLY AND FOLLOW THE RECOMMENDED PROCEDURES, SAFETY WARNINGS, AND INSTRUCTIONS:
Keep hands, hair, and clothing clear of rollers and other moving parts. Avoid touching moving parts or materials while the machine is in use. Before clearing a jam, be
sure machine mechanisms come to a stop.
Always turn off the machine before making adjustments, cleaning the machine, or performing
any maintenance covered in this manual.
The power cord and power supply supplied with the machine should be plugged into a properly
grounded, easily accessible wall outlet located near the machine. Failure to properly ground the machine can result in severe personal injury and/or fire.
The power cord and wall plug is the primary means of disconnecting the machine from the
power supply.
DO NOT use an adapter plug on the line cord or wall outlet. DO NOT remove the ground pin from the line cord. DO NOT route the power cord over sharp edges or trap it between furniture. Avoid using wall outlets that are controlled by wall switches or shared with other equipment. Make sure there is no strain on the pow er cord caused by jamming between equipment, walls or
furniture.
DO NOT remove covers. Covers enclose hazardous parts that should only be accessed by a
qualified service representative. Report any cover damage to your service representative.
This machine requires periodic maintenance. Contact your authorized service represent at ive for
required service schedules.
To prevent overheating, do not cover the vent openings. Use this equipment only for its intended purpose.
In addition, follow any specific occupational safety and health standards for your workplace or area.
This manual is intended solely for the use and information of Neopost USA, its designated agents, customers, and their employees. The information in this guide was obtained from several different sources that are deemed reliable by all industry standards. To the best of our knowledge, that information is accurate in all respects. However, neither Neopost USA, Inc. nor any of its agents or employees shall be responsible for any inaccuracies contained herein.
®
Memjet
is a registered trademark. All other tradema rks are the property of their re s pective holders. All rights reserved. No part of this boo k may be reproduce d or transmitted in any form or by any means, electro nic or mechanical,
including photoc opying, reco rdi ng, or any info r mation storage and retrieval system, without permission in writi ng from the publis her.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents
SECTION 1 – GETTING ACQUAINTED ...................................................................................................... 1
FRONT VIEW .................................................................................................................................................. 1
REAR VIEW .................................................................................................................................................... 2
PRINT ENGINE VIEW ........................................................................................................................................ 3
INK TANK VIEW ............................................................................................................................................... 4
UNWINDER .................................................................................................................................................... 5
WINDER ........................................................................................................................................................ 6
DEFAULT PRINTING MODES ............................................................................................................................... 7
CONTROL PANEL BUTTON FUNCTION IN “ROLL TO ROLL MODE: ............................................................................. 8
CONTROL PANEL BUTTON FUNCTION IN “ROLL TO CUT OR “FANFOLD MODE: ......................................................... 9
CONTROL PANEL LED INDICATORS .................................................................................................................... 10
SECTION 2 – INSTALLING THE PRINTER ................................................................................................. 12
TRANSPORT INSPECTION ................................................................................................................................. 12
TOOLS NEEDED ............................................................................................................................................. 12
CHOOSING THE LOCATION ............................................................................................................................... 13
Work-Table Surface Must be Level ....................................................................................................... 13
OPERATING CONDITIONS ................................................................................................................................ 13
UNPACKING .................................................................................................................................................. 14
Printer: .................................................................................................................................................. 14
Unwinder & Winder (optional accessories): ......................................................................................... 14
CONTENTS OF PRINTER PACKAGING .................................................................................................................. 15
CONTENTS OF UNWINDER PACKAGING: ............................................................................................................. 15
CONTENTS OF WINDER PACKAGING: ................................................................................................................. 15
REMOVING THE CARDBOARD SHIPPING INSERT .................................................................................................... 16
INSTALL PRINTER/WINDER SPACER PLATE: ......................................................................................................... 17
CONNECTING THE PRINTER .............................................................................................................................. 18
Plugging in the Printer .......................................................................................................................... 18
Powering the Printer ON and OFF ........................................................................................................ 18
Connecting to the Computer ................................................................................................................. 19
MINIMUM COMPUTER SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS .................................................................................................. 19
INSTALLING THE PRINTER SOFTWARE (DRIVER & TOOLBOX) ................................................................................... 20
CONNECTING THE PRINTER VIA NETWORK (ETHERNET PORT) ................................................................................. 23
INSTALLING THE INK TANKS .............................................................................................................................. 25
Ink Tank Anatomy ................................................................................................................................. 25
INSTALL THE PRINTHEAD CARTRIDGE ................................................................................................................. 28
Printhead Cartridge Protective Packaging ............................................................................................ 28
REMOVING/CLEANING/INSTALLING THE HEAD MEDIA GUIDE ................................................................................ 35
ATTACHING/ALIGNING THE UNWINDER AND WINDER .......................................................................................... 36
Unwinder .............................................................................................................................................. 36
Winder .................................................................................................................................................. 37
CONNECTING THE UNWINDER AND WINDER TO THE PRINTER ................................................................................ 38
UNWINDER/WINDER CONTROLS & FUNCTION .................................................................................................... 39
Unwinder .............................................................................................................................................. 39
Winder .................................................................................................................................................. 40
LOADING LABELS/MEDIA ................................................................................................................................ 41
Roll to Roll Setup ................................................................................................................................... 41
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Roll to Cut Setup ................................................................................................................................... 43
Fanfold Setup ........................................................................................................................................ 43
Planning to do “Full Bleed” (borderless) printing ................................................................................. 44
SECTION 3 – OPERATING THE PRINTER ................................................................................................. 45
PRINTER DRIVER PROPERTIES ........................................................................................................................... 45
General Tab .......................................................................................................................................... 45
Layout Tab ............................................................................................................................................ 48
Image Printing Adjustment Tips ........................................................................................................... 50
Import/Export Tab ................................................................................................................................ 51
Services Tab .......................................................................................................................................... 52
USING THE TOOLBOX UTILITY ........................................................................................................................... 53
To open the Toolbox: ............................................................................................................................ 53
Printer Status ........................................................................................................................................ 53
Menu Options ....................................................................................................................................... 54
User Interface Menu ............................................................................................................................. 54
Diagnostics Menu ................................................................................................................................. 58
Ink Usage Menu .................................................................................................................................... 58
Network Configuration Menu ............................................................................................................... 60
Service Menus ....................................................................................................................................... 61
Stop Refresh/Auto Refresh ................................................................................................................... 61
SECTION 4 – OPERATOR MAINTENANCE .............................................................................................. 62
INK TANKS ................................................................................................................................................... 62
Replacing the Ink Tanks ........................................................................................................................ 62
Cleaning Ink Tank Contacts................................................................................................................... 62
Ink Tank Storage ................................................................................................................................... 64
Ink Tank Service Life (yield) ................................................................................................................... 64
Ink Tank Disposal .................................................................................................................................. 64
PRINTHEAD .................................................................................................................................................. 65
Cleaning the Printhead Cartridge ......................................................................................................... 65
From the MC Series Driver: ................................................................................................................... 65
From the Toolbox: ................................................................................................................................. 65
Manual Printhead Cleaning: ................................................................................................................. 66
REMOVING/REPLACING THE PRINTHEAD CARTRIDGE ............................................................................................ 67
Printhead Storage & Shelf Life .............................................................................................................. 68
Printhead Service Life ........................................................................................................................... 68
Printhead Disposal ................................................................................................................................ 68
INSPECTING & CLEANING THE LIP OF THE CAPPING STATION .................................................................................. 69
INSPECTING THE WIPER ROLLER ....................................................................................................................... 70
CLEANING/REPLACING SERVICE STATION ITEMS .................................................................................................. 71
Removing the Service Station ............................................................................................................... 71
Cleaning the Service Station ................................................................................................................. 74
Installing the Service Station ................................................................................................................ 77
Still Experiencing Print Quality Issues? ................................................................................................. 80
INSPECTING/REPLACING THE WASTE INK TRAY .................................................................................................... 81
CLEARING MEDIA JAMS .................................................................................................................................. 82
Removing Jammed Media .................................................................................................................... 82
Misfeeds ............................................................................................................................................... 83
CLEANING THE PRINTER BODY .......................................................................................................................... 83
CLEANING OTHER ITEMS INSIDE THE PRINT ENGINE .............................................................................................. 84
Grit Rollers (Media Transport Rollers) .................................................................................................. 84
Media (Paperpath) Sensors .................................................................................................................. 84
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Capping Station Lip ............................................................................................................................... 84
Paperpath Surfaces ............................................................................................................................... 84
Printing Platen Surface ......................................................................................................................... 84
Ink Revolver Couplings .......................................................................................................................... 84
Cutter Assembly .................................................................................................................................... 84
PRINTER MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE ......................................................................................................... 87
PREPARING PRINTER FOR TRANSPORT ................................................................................................................ 88
Local relocation .................................................................................................................................... 88
Remote relocation or shipping .............................................................................................................. 88
SECTION 5 – TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE .............................................................................................. 90
PRINT QUALITY ISSUES: .................................................................................................................................. 90
Examples of Print Quality Issues (including possible causes and solutions) ......................................... 91
THE INK TANK(S) ........................................................................................................................................... 97
THE PRINTHEAD CARTRIDGE ............................................................................................................................ 98
THE PRINTER .............................................................................................................................................. 100
Dots Printed on Media ........................................................................................................................ 100
Power Problems .................................................................................................................................. 100
Service Station Problems .................................................................................................................... 101
Interface Communication Problems ................................................................................................... 102
Feeding Problems ............................................................................................................................... 103
ERRORS AND WARNINGS .............................................................................................................................. 104
Printer Alert Window Messages ......................................................................................................... 104
Toolbox System Status Messages ....................................................................................................... 105
APPENDIX A – BORDERLESS PRINTING: OVERSPRAY VS. OVERSIZE ..................................................... 109
APPENDIX B – PRINTER SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................................................ 113
APPENDIX C – SUPPLIES AND ACCESSORIES ........................................................................................ 114
OBTAINING SUPPLIES, SERVICE AND SUPPORT ................................................................................................... 114
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NOTES
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1.
2.
3.
5.

SECTION 1 – Getting Acquainted

SECTION 1
GETTING ACQUAINTED

Front View

Top Cover – Provides access to the Print Engine. Ink Tank Door – Provides access to the Ink Tanks and Service Station. Winder Interface Port – Winder Interconnect Cord plugs in here.
Service Port – Provides advanced diagno stic access for service technicians.
4.
Unwinder Interface Port – Unwinder Interconnect Cord plugs in here. USB Port Connection – (USB 2.0) The USB cable attaches to the printer here.
6.
Network Connection – (Ethernet) The network cable plugs in here.
7.
Main Power Switch, Receptacle and Fuse – Plug in AC power cord here. Switch turns main
power on or off. Fuse provides over-current protection. Fuse rating: 2.5A, 250V, slow blow. CAUTION: Make sure power cord is disconnected from printer before checking/replacing fuse.
8.
WARNING! Power-down the printer, using the ON/OFF button, before powering off the Main Power Switch. If this power-down process is not followed; loss of settings, poor image quality and reduced printhead life may result. Wait until all control panel lights turn off, before you turn off the main power switch.
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SECTION 1
LOAD/FEED (Pause/Resume) LED Button
CUT/EJECT (Cancel) LED Button
4.
GETTING ACQUAINTED

Rear View

ON/OFF LED Button – Press to power-up or power-down the print engine. Note: The Main Power Switch must be ON, to power-up the print engine.
POWERING-UP: About six seconds after pressing this button, it will begin to blink slowly. Then all lights will start to blink simultaneously. It takes approximately 45 seconds for the print engine to fully power-up. When the ON/OFF button changes to a steady illumination condition, the print engine is fully powered-up.
Tip: You can launch (open) the Toolbox utility after the lights come on. POWERING-DOWN: Before turning off the printer, using the Main Power Switch; please be sure to power-
1.
down the print engine using this button. When the print engine has completed its power-down cycle, all lights in the control panel will turn off. It is now safe to turn off the Main Power Switch.
WARNING! Power-down the printer, using the ON/OFF button, before powering off the Main Power Switch. If this power-down process is not followed; loss of settings, poor image quality and reduced printhead life may result.
IMPORTANT: To provide proper printhead and ink system maintenance; the printer should remain powered on (ON/OFF light illuminated) at all times.
loaded, press and hold to Feed media through printer; to create leader for Winder.
2.
When printing; press to Pause printing. Press again to Resume printing.
Press and hold to Cut and Eject the media from the printer.
3.
When printing or when job has been Paused, press this button to Cancel the job. This will also activate the cutter, which will cut the media web before media is ejected.
– Press momentarily to Load Media. After medi a i s
– Press momentarily to Cut the media web.
Label Side Guide – Adjusts to hold the media against the Alignment Guides. Brush Assembly – Keeps media flat as it feeds into the Print Engine. Brush removes debris and
5.
reduces static. Assembly can be unlocked and raised; making it easier to load media.
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5
3.

Print Engine View

Printhead Latch – When closed; connects the Ink Revolver Couplings with the Printhead Cartridge. When opened; retracts the Ink Revolver Couplings from the Printhead Cartridge and provides access to the Printhead Cartridge for cleaning and replacement.
1.
WARNING! Never attempt to open the Printhead Latch manually, severe damage will result. Use
the Release Printhead function in the Toolbox utility on your PC.
SECTION 1
GETTING ACQUAINTED
Ink Revolver Couplings – Connect the ink hoses to the Printhead Cartridge. The Printhead
2.
Latch extends and retracts the couplings from the Printhead.
Printhead Cartridge – Memjet® Printhead produces an 8.5" wide full color print area. Clamshell Latches – Lift both latches at the same time to open the top half of the Print Engine. –
- DO NOT open the clamshell while the Printer is operating.
- Make sure the clamshell is closed and securely latched before operating.
4.
- DO NOT force the clamshell assembly closed.
- When closing the clamshell, hold both latches open, gently shut the clamshell, and then gently release both latches.
Bubble Gauge - If equipped; this gauge may be used to verify that the Printer is level.
5.
NOTICE: See section titled “Work-Table Surface Must be Level” for details on why it is important that the printer be level.
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SECTION 1
1.
3.
GETTING ACQUAINTED

Ink Tank View

Cutting Blade Assembly – Used to cut the media web. Ink Tank Latches – Used to hold the Ink Tanks in the slots.
2.
NOTE: Please be sure that both sides, at the bottom part of the latch, are engaged. Ink Tank Dock – Holds the 5 Ink Tanks. (Ink Tanks shown instal le d) . Waste Ink Tray – The purpose of this tray is to catch any waste ink produced by the system.
This tray is filled with absorbent material. The tabs located at the left and right sides o f the t r ay; secu r e t he tray to the print engine frame.
4.
Please be sure the tabs “click” into the frame to secure the tray’s position. Please inspect tray routinely and replaced when necessary.
Service Station Dock – The Service Station is located here. The Service Station keeps the
5.
Printhead clean and hydrated during operation and maintenance cycles.
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SECTION 1
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Spindle Lock –
6.
Label Roll Spindle
9.
GETTING ACQUAINTED

Unwinder

Speed Control – Turn clockwise to speed up, counterclockwise to slow down. AUTO/Manual Mode Switch – Use to set the Unwinder in Automatic or Manual Mode. Fuse – Unwinder fuse is located here. Hub Assembly – Holds the core. Reversible to fit 1-1/2" and 3" cores.
Label Tension Arm – Position of weighted shaft controls stopping/starting and rotation
7.
direction of Unwinde r; as tension is maintained or released by media web. 24V, 2.5A External Power Connector* – Only needed when using Unwinder with some other
non-interfaced device. External Power is not needed when Unwinder is used with Mach X.
8.
NOTE: External power supply must be a UL Listed power supply. *Requires internal modification to Unwinder.
Unwinder Interconnect Cord – Connects Feeder/Unwinder to Printer.
Holds the label/media roll in place on the Spindle.
– Used to unwind the Media.
10.
5
Alignment Notch – Fits over Alignment Screw on Printer to keep Printer and Unwinder aligned.
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SECTION 1
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
8.
12.
GETTING ACQUAINTED

Winder

Speed Control – Turn clockwise to speed up, counterclockwise to slow down. ON/OFF Mode Switch – Use to turn Winder power ON or OFF. Fuse – Winder fuse is located here. Hub Assembly/Guide – Holds the core. Fits 3" cores. Spindle Lock/Guide – Holds the label/media roll in place on the Spindle. Label Roll Spindle – Used to wind the Printed Media around an empty core. Label Tension Arm – Position of spr ing-loaded shaft controls stopping/starting and rotation
direction of Winder; as tension is maintained or released by media web. Adjust spring tension
7.
using the Tension Control Selector [10]. Media Guide Ring – Slides to fit width of media. Winder Alignment Notch – Aligns with the notch on the Spacer Plate mounted on the Printer.
9.
Plate is then attached to Winder to keep the Printer and Winder properly aligned. Tension Control Selector – Increases or decreases the spring tension on the Label Tension Arm
to accommodate different media widths.
10.
Narrow media requires lower tension (0). Wide media requires higher tension (4). 24V, 2.5A External Power Connector* – For connecting printers or equipment other than the
Mach X.
NOTE: External power supply must be a UL Listed power supply.
11.
*Requires disconnecting wire from Winder circuit board and connecting wire from External Power Connector.
Winder Interconnect Cord – Connects Winder to Printer.
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SECTION 1
CAUTION
GETTING ACQUAINTED

Default Printing Modes

The Printer has three default Printing Modes “Roll to Roll”, “Roll to Cut”, and “Fanfold”. The PRINTING MODE is determined by the current condition/connection of the Unwinder and Winder.
The Winder condition/connection also determines if the automatic function of the Cutter will be disabled or enabled. See chart below.
NOTE: These defaults will override any presets built into the job being run. Before starting to print a job make sure the Printer, Unwinder and Winder are set up correctly for that particular job.
PRINTING MODE UNWINDER WINDER CUTTER
Roll to Roll
Roll to Cut
Fanfold
See Section 2 “Installing the Printer”, “Loading Labels/Media” for how to load Media.
MAKE SURE THAT THE PRINTER IS TURNED OFF BEFORE CONNECTING THE UNWINDER AND WINDER.
Connected to
Printer
Connected to
Printer
Disconnected
from Printer
Powered ON and
Connected to
Printer
Powered OFF or
Disconnected from
Printer
Powered OFF or
Disconnected from
Printer
Disabled. (Still cuts manually by pressing 'CANCEL' button.)
Enabled for automatic cutting
Enabled for automatic cutting
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SECTION 1 GETTING ACQUAINTED

Control Panel Button Function in “Roll to Roll” Mode:

The Control Panel has 3 buttons with LED indicators.
ON/OFF – Powers Print Engine Up or Down. WARNING! Power-down the printer, using
the ON/OFF button before powering off the Main Power Switch. If this power-down process is not followed; loss of settings, poor image quality and reduced printhead life may result.
LOAD/FEED (PAUSE/RESUME)
Press to Load Labels/Media. Press to initially load media into the Printer.
Press and Hold to Feed Media through Printer. Once the media is loaded; press and hold this
button for, about 6 seconds, to create a leader for the Winder.
Tip: If this button is held down, it will continue to feed media until you release the button.
Press to Pause the Job. Printer will finish printing the labels/media in progress, then stop and hold.
Press to Resume Printing. Press to continue printing the job after a Pause or feed error (such as a
media jam or running out of media).
CUT/EJECT (CANCEL)
Press to Cancel a Paused Job and Cut the Media Web. Once the job is finished or paused;
pressing this button cuts the media and retracts the media web to the start position. A paused job
will also be canceled (cleared from prin ter and computer).
Press and Hold to Cancel a Paused Job, Cut and Eject the Media. Once the job is finished or
paused; pressing and holding this button, for about 6 seconds, will cut the media web and eject the
media from the printer. The labels/media will need to be rethreaded. A paused job will also be
canceled (cleared from printer and computer).
NOTE: Cancelled Jobs must be resent from the computer, if you want to resume printing.
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SECTION 1
GETTING ACQUAINTED

Control Panel Button Function in “Roll to Cut” or “Fanfold” Mode:

The Control Panel has 3 buttons with LED indicators.
ON/OFF – Powers Print Engine Up or Down. WARNING! Power-down the printer, using
the ON/OFF button, before powering off the Main Power Switch. If this power-down process is not followed; loss of settings, poor image quality and reduced printhead life may result. Wait until all control panel lights turn off, before you turn off the main power switch.
LOAD/FEED (PAUSE/RESUME)
Press to Load Labels/Media. Press to initially load labels/media into the Printer.
Press to Pause the Job. Printer will finish printing the labels/media in progress, cut the media web
and retract the media web to the start position. The job is now Paused.
Press to Resume Printing. Press t o co ntinue printing the job after a Pause or feed error (such as a
media jam or running out of l abe l s).
CUT/EJECT (CANCEL)
Press to Cancel a Paused Job. Clears the job from the printer and computer. Ejects the media from
the printer. Labels/media will need to be rethreaded.
NOTE: Cancelled Jobs must be resent from the computer, if you want to resume printing.
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SECTION 1 GETTING ACQUAINTED

Control Panel LED Indicators

CONTROL PANEL INDICATORS
LED Sequence Printer Status Possible Options Control Panel Options
Power cord plugged in, Power Switch ON/OFF
Normal operation:
Powering up.
Powering down.
Downloading firmware.
Unit powered up. No job loaded.
Wait for process to finish.
Power down. Load media.
- Power Up
- Inactive
- Inactive
- Inactive
- Inactive
- Inactive
- Power Down
- Load media
- Inactive
10
- Power Down
- 3 sec – Forward
media to Winder
- 3 sec – Retracts media
Media loaded, No job pending
Load job or forward media to attach to Winder reel (when loading Roll to Roll)
Open the Toolbox utility for additional information.
See also Troubleshooting Guide.
Page 17
Wait for process to
capped.)
Replace Ink Tank(s)
in Toolbox.
CONTROL PANEL INDICATORS (continued)
LED Sequence Printer Status Possible Options Control Panel Options
Busy Signal:
Maintenance running
Job loading
Wait for process to finish.
SECTION 1
GETTING ACQUAINTED
- Inactive
- Inactive
- Inactive
Job submitted, printing
Paused, job pending
EOR – End of Roll (Media Out)
Hardware Error:
Door Open Service Station Error Ink Valve Error Lifter Motor Error
finish.
Power down.
Pause: Printer stops & holds. (Printhead not capped.) Cancel: Forwards, cuts last label/page, retracts to start position. (Printhead
Resume: Press to resume printing.
Cancel: Press to cancel job.
Load new media.
Open Toolbox utility to find and fix error(s).
- Power Down
- Pause Printing
- Pause Printing,
Cancel Job
- Power Down
- Resume printing
- Cancel Job
- Power Down
- Reload media
- Cancel Job
- Power Down
- Clear Error,
Resume Job
- Clear Error, Cancel Job
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IDS Error:
Ink Out
Ink Tank missing
Printhead missing
Any other errors
and/or Printhead.
Reseat Ink Tank(s) and/or Printhead.
Press “Refresh Ink Tanks” or “Circulate”
Open Toolbox utility to find and fix error(s).
- Power Down
- Clear Error,
Resume Job
- Clear Error, Cancel Job
- Power Down
- Pause Printing
- Pause Printing
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SECTION 2 INSTALLING THE PRINTER

SECTION 2 – Installing the Printer

Before using the Printer the following must be done:
Choose a location for the Printer (plus the Unwinder and Winder if used)
Unpack the Printer (plus the Unwinder and Winder if used)
Pull the Transport Tab from the Service Station and remove Shipping Tape
Install the Printer/Winder Spacer Plate on Printer (if Winder is used)
Plug in the Printer and connect it to the computer
Install the Printer Driver
Install the Ink Tanks
Install the Printhead
Align the Printer with the Unwinder and Winder (If used)
Connect the Unwinder and Winder to the Printe r (If used)
Load Labels/Media (Roll or Fanfold) and adjust Unwinder/Winder

Transport Inspection

The printer is shipped in appropriate packaging so that, under normal shipping conditions, it reaches its destination without damage.
NOTICE: Report damage to the carrier. The carrier is l i able for any damage during transport. Transport and storage should take place under the following conditions:
- At temperatures between -25°C and +50°C (-13 °F to 122 °F).
- At a relative air humidity between 5% and 95%, non-condensing.
- At an atmospheric pressure between 70 kPa and 105 kPa. Exposure to conditions that are not permissible may lead to damage which is not externally visible.
IMPORTANT Please save the packaging materials fo r f uture use! It will be required if you ever need to ship the printer. Before shipping; please refer to the section titled “Preparing Printer for Transport”.

Tools Needed

Knife and scissors to open packaging
Carpenters Level (recommend using 18” or longer level)
Protective, nitrile powder-free gloves should be worn to avoid getting ink on hands when
removing protective packaging materials from the ink coupling areas, the Ink Tank areas, and when installing/removing Printhead Cartridge and Ink Tanks.
Distilled or de-ionized water
Non-abrasive, lint free cloths
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Page 19
SECTION 2
INSTALLING THE PRINTER

Choosing the Location

The Printer should be placed on a sturdy level worktable or cabinet at least 9 inches from any walls. The surface should be large enough to accommodate the Printer, and Unwinder and Winder if used, in a line together. Protect the Printer and the Unwinder/Winder from excessive heat, dust, and moisture. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight
Work-Table Surface Must be Level
IMPORTANT! The surface that the printer is pl aced upon must be level, front to back and side to
side. Use a carpenter’s level (bubble level) to verify that the surface is level. If the surface is not level the printer will not perform properly; which can lead to damage not covered under warranty.
NOTE: If equipped; you can use the “Bubble Gauge”, mounted on the Print Engine, to verify that the printer is level.
Why is this Important?
The printer’s ink monitor/delivery systems and waste ink drainage system depend on the printer being level to perform properly. If this rule is not followed you will experience print quality issues, premature visible “Ink Out” conditions and waste ink drainage issues that could cause damage to the printer and void the warranty.
- Level the table surface to level the printer.
- Do NOT shim, raise or otherwise modify the printer, or feet of the printer, in any way.
-
If the table surface cannot be leveled then the printer should not be placed on it.
-
If the table is not sturdy then the printer should not be placed on it.
-
Do NOT use the Toolbox utilities “Tilt” readings to level the printer or table.
- Use an accurate level (i.e. bubble level that is at least 18” long ) , to check that the table surface is
level (front to back and left to right). It is not level.
- Do NOT move the printer while the power is on.
acceptable to use your “cell phone app” to check

Operating Conditions

Operation should take place under the following conditions:
- At temperatures between +15°C and +35°C (59 °F to 95 °F).
- At a relative air humidity between 20% and 80%, non-condensing.
- At an atmospheric pressure between 70 kPa and 105 kPa.
- Printer and Print Engine should be protected from excessive environmental debris/dust.
- Printer must be placed on a “Sturdy/Level” surface. Exposure to conditions that are not permissible may lead to damage which is not externally visible.
Allow the printer, printhead and ink tanks to acclimate to ambient temperature before usi ng the printer.
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Page 20
SECTION 2
4
2
1
3
INSTALLING THE PRINTER

Unpacking

Printer:

Remove the Printer from the packaging as shown below. Two people will be required to safely lift the printer and place it onto a sturdy, level work table.
IMPORTANT: WORK TABLE SURFACE MUST BE LEVEL!
Save all packaging materials.

Unwinder & Winder (optional accessories):

If purchased; the optional Unwinder or Winder will be packaged separately. Carefully remove the Unwinder and Winder from the packaging.
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Page 21
Accessories Box
Ink Tank Packaging

Contents of Printer Packaging

The following items are included with your printer:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mach X Printer Ink Tanks – Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, Black Printhead AC Power Cord USB Cable CD containing Operations Manual and Printer Drivers
SECTION 2
INSTALLING THE PRINTER

Contents of Unwinder Packaging:

Note: If purchased; the optional Unwinder will be packaged separately.
No extra items or parts are included within the Unwinder packaging.

Contents of Winder Packaging:

Note: If purchased; the optional Winder will be packaged separately.
Winder: Includes “Printer/Winder Spacer Plate” and two shims/washers.
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CAUTION
DO NOT ALLOW THE CLAMSHELL TO DROP BY ITSELF WHEN CLOSING.
INSTALLING THE PRINTER

Removing the cardboard Shipping Inse rt

WARNING! To avoid possible damage to the printer; do NOT plug-in, or power-up, the printer until all shipping materials have been removed; as described below.
1. Open the Top Cover.
2. Release the two lat ches (one on either side of the
Print Engine). Open the top half of the Clamshell by
lifting both levers at the same time.
OPERATE AND HOLD ONTO BOTH LATCHES WHEN OPENING AND CLOSING THE CLAMSHELL COVER TO PREVENT DAMAGE.
3. Pull up on the two red tabs to remove the
cardboard Transport Tab [A] from the Service Station.
4. Carefully close and latch the Upper
Clamshell. Then close the Top Cover.
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SECTION 2
INSTALLING THE PRINTER

Install Printer/Winder Spacer Plate:

WARNING: Do NOT tilt the printer or place it on its side to install/remove rubber feet and spacer plate/spacers. Intead, move printer to edge of bench or table to remove feet and install spacer plate/spacers.
1. Position the printer so the two Rubber Feet, at the Exit End of the
printer, are overhanging the table sur f ace. NOTE: Two people should lift the printer to move it. If you slide it across the table surface, the Rubber Feet may be torn off.
2. Remove the two Rubber Feeet, from Exit End of printer.
Rubber Feet are removed by turning them counter-clockwise.
3. Position the long edge of Spacer Plate under the Exit End of the printer; aligning the slotted holes
in the plate with the holes for the Rubber Feet (just removed).
4. Reinstall the two rubber feet, through the slotted holes of the Winder Spacer Plate; to secure
Winder Spacer Plate to printer as shown below.
5. Position the printer so the two Rubber Feet, at the Entrance End of the printer, are overhanging the
table surface.
6. Remove the two Rubber Feeet, from Entrance End of printer.
7. Install 1 washer (included with Winder Spacer Plate) on both of the Rubber Feet and then reinstall
the feet to the printer. This will insure that all four Rubber Feet are equal in height.
WARNING: Threaded feet should not be used to change the level of the printer. Be sure all four Rubber Feet are fuly installed (snug).
8. Position the printer so all four Rubber Feet are o n the table surface.
9. See “Position the Winder” in the section titled “Aligning the Unwinder and Winder”.
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SECTION 2
CAUTION
CAUTION
INSTALLING THE PRINTER

Connecting the Printer

Plugging in the Printer

Check to make sure the Main Power Swi t ch [1] is in the OFF position.
Plug the Power Cord into the receptacle [1] at the rear of the Printer.
Connect the other end of the Power Cord to a compatible AC Outlet that supplies
100-240 volts AC, 50/60 Hz and provides earth ground
DO NOT USE AN ADAPTER PLUG OR EXTENSION CORD TO CONNECT THE PRINTER TO THE WALL RECEPTACLE.
DO NOT USE OUTLETS CONTROLLED BY WALL SWITCHES. DO NOT USE AN OUTLET THAT SHARES THE SAME CIRCUIT WITH
LARGE ELECTRICAL MACHINES OR APPLIANCES

Powering the Printer ON and OFF

.
Powering-Up the Printer:
1. Turn ON the Main Power Switch [1].
2. Press the Control Panel’s ON/OFF Button.
After about 6 seconds the ON/OFF button, it will begin to blink slowly. Then all lights will start to blink simultaneously. It takes approximately 45 seconds for the print engine to fully power-up. When the ON/OFF button changes to a steady illumination condition, the print engine is fully powered-up.
Powering-Down the Printer:
1. Press the Control Panel’s ON/OFF Button.
Wait for the print engine to power-down (all Control Panel Buttons will turn OFF).
2. Turn OFF the Main Power Switch [1].
BEFORE POWERING OFF THE MAIN POWER SWITCH, ALWAYS POWER DOWN THE PRINT ENGINE, USING THE ON/OFF BUTTON.
IF THIS RULE IS NOT FOLLOWED DAMAGE TO THE PRINTHEAD AND OR INK SYSTEM CAN RESULT.
FOR BEST SYSTEM PERFORMANCE; IT IS RECOMMENDED TO KEEP THE PRINT ENGINE POWERED-UP (ON/OFF LIGHT ILLUMINATED) AT ALL TIMES.
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SECTION 2
INSTALLING THE PRINTER

Connecting to the Computer

The Printer connects to the computer through the USB port [3]. A Network port [2] is provided when operating in a network environment. The Unwinder Interface Port [4] is located just below the USB port.
IMPORTANT: Do NOT connect the printer to the computer, until prompted to do so, during the printer driver installation process. See “Installing the Printer Software” section. Before installing the printer software (Toolbox and Driver); you should temporarily disable all Antivirus programs and Firewalls. In addition; you must be logged onto the system with full administrative privileges (admin rights).

Minimum Computer System Requirements

Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8/8.1. (Supports 32 and 64
bit systems)
NOTE: Win8 and 8.1 will only work in desktop mode. No Win8 metro apps will be supported (applications that work in a Win8 only environment).
You must have administrative privileges on the system.
Pentium II, 2 GHz minimum (Pentium Dual Core, 2.5 GHz or better, is optimal)
System memory: 2 GB minimum; or as recommended for your operating system.
At least 10 GB free hard-disk space.
USB 2.0 or 3.0 port (ports will be identified as “USB2” or “Enhanced” or “USB 3.0 eXtensible
Host Controller”, in the Device Manager)
CD/DVD drive
Web Browser: Microsoft Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome or Safari
Microsoft .Net Framework version 3. 5 (for 32 bit systems) or Microsoft .Net Framework
version 4 (for 64 bit systems) must be installed. NOTE: Even if you have a higher .NET Framework version installed; version 3.5 or 4 must also be installed, or the Toolbox will not open.
How to check your system for the minimum system requirements, shown above: Right click on "My Computer" and select Properties. The system information, including Operating System, Processor Info and Memory info will be displayed under the "General" tab.
How to check your system for the versions of "Microsoft .NET Framework” installed.
From the Control Panel; open "Add or Remove Programs" and look for "Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5..." or "Microsoft .NET Framework 4..."in the list. You can obtain "Microsoft .Net Framew or k 3. 5 or 4" via the Microsoft website.
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http://www.microsoft.com
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SECTION 2 INSTALLING THE PRINTER

Installing the Printer Software (Driver & Toolbox)

For the Printer software to operate properly check that the computer system meets the minimum computer system requirements; provided on the previous page.
NOTE: If you are updating the Digital Color Printer (MC Series) printer software (printer driver and
toolbox utility); please be sure to Uninstall the old software before installing the new software. Use the “Uninstall” feature found on your computer system under All Programs, “Memjet”, “MC Series Driver”.
IMPORTANT: Before installing the Print er soft war e (Toolbox and Driver), you should temporarily disable all antivirus programs and firewalls. In addition, you must be logged onto the system with full administrative privileges (admin rights). Do NOT connect the USB cable until prompted to do so.
Network Install Note: Even if you plan to use the printer via the Network connection, you must first
install the driver via USB (select “Configure to Print using USB” during install process). This is necessary in order to gain access to and configure the printer’s Network setting s. After this process is completed you can install the driver again and select “Configure to Print over the Network” during the install process. See “Connecting the Printer via Network (Ethernet Port)” for details.
PROCEDURE:
1. Disconnect the USB cable connection from the printer; if you plugged it in already.
2. Power-up the Printer. Turn ON the Main Power Switch, then press the Control Panel’s ON/OFF
button. After a
blink simultaneously. It takes approximately 45 seconds for the print engine to fully power-up. When the ON/OFF button changes to a steady illumination condition, the print engine is fully powered-up.
3. Insert the CD, supplied with the printer, into your CD drive. If the “Launch Menu” window does
not automatically open in your browser. Locate and run the “MENU_LAUNCH.htm” file, located on the root directory of the CD.
10. When the Operation CD “Launch Menu” window opens on the computer screen;
Click “Install Printer Software”.
NOTE: If you receive a Windows security or authorization warning, click on “YES” or “Continue Anyway”.
Tip: If you are unable to start the software installation using the button in the “Launch Menu”: Browse to the CD. Locate and open the Printer Drivers folder. Located and run “WinSetup.exe” to start the install.
11. The “MC Series Driver” window
opens on the computer screen. Click “Install Printer Software”.
bout 6 seconds the ON/OFF button, it will begin to blink slowly. Then all lights will start to
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4. The “License Agreement” window
opens. Carefully read the “Software License Agreement”. If you agree to th e terms, check “I accept…” then click
Next>.
5. After a few moments the “Printer
Connections” window opens. Click “Configure to print using USB”. Then click Next>.
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INSTALLING THE PRINTER
6. The Printer Software will start installing.
7. The “Connect Device Now” window
opens. Connect the USB cable, from the computer to the printer, at this time.
Don’t click on either button (Back or Cancel). The software will automatically
continue once it recognizes the printer (printer powered on and USB cable connected).
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SECTION 2 INSTALLING THE PRINTER
8. The “Finished software installation”
window opens. Do not check the Print Test Page as the Printer is not set up yet. You can also set the printer to be the default printer. To complete the process you must reboot the computer. Click Reboot.
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INSTALLING THE PRINTER

Connecting the Printer via Network (Ethernet Port)

The following procedure is written for network systems that do not provide an automatic IP Address. In this case a static IP Address must be en t er ed into the printer's "network status and configuration" window.
Important: Initially, a USB connection to the printer is needed; in order to configure the printer’s network settings. If you haven’t installed the printer driver and configured it for USB; please do so before proceeding. See “Installing the Printer Driver” for details.
1. Connect the printer via USB.
2. Open the MC Series “Toolbox” utility.
The Toolbox will open in a Web Browser (Example: Internet Explorer) window.
3. From the User Interface window of the Toolbox;
click on “Network Config”. Note: Your Toolbox layout may look different then shown.
4. When the “Network Configuration” window appears;
configure the printer's network settings as needed. See example. Check with your IT support person for help with these settings. Be sure to click on “Submit” after entering new information.
Network Setting Tips: The information shown on this page is just an example. You must use settings that are compatible with your network and settings that are not in direct conflict with other devices on the network. Running "ipconfig" from a Command Prompt may help you determine some of these settings. In general you can use the same "Su bnet Mask" and "Default Gateway" that are shown in th e "Win dows IP Configuration", but you need to provide a unique "IP Address" for the printer. For example if the "Windows IP Configuration", IP Address for your computer's connection is shown as 192.168.100.222 you may be able to use 192.168.100.223 for the printer; if this IP Address is not in use by some other device. If you want to check for an open IP Address you can ping the address before you save the settings and connect the printer. Type "ping your-ip­address" (Example: ping 192.168.100.223) at the command prompt. An open IP Address will show "Request timed out".
An IP address that is working and in-use will show replies (Reply from 192.168.100.223:....)
Check with your IT support person for help with these settings.
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5. Using a Cat5 network cable; connect the printer to your network via the Ethernet port.
6. Click on “Diagnostics”.
The “Diagnostics” window will open; displaying a lot of information about the printer. This information will include the Network Status and configuration settings.
7. If the “Network Status:” is shown as “disconnected”;
click on the refresh button in the browser window. If you have entered compatible network settings for your network and the printer; the "Network Status:" line in the Diagnostics window should change from "disconnected" to "connected". If t he status doesn’t change to “connected” please contact your IT support person for help with the network settings.
8. Run the Printer Software (MC Series Driver) installation again; but this time choose "Ad d a not he r
printer".
9. When prompted to choose the Printer Connection; select "Configure to print over the Network".
Then click Next.
The install program will search the network for printers. It should automatically locate the "MC Series" printer at the IP address provided by the network or that you configured in step 4. In this example the MC Series printer has the IP Address 192.168.100.251.
Note: If the driver install program cannot locate the printer automatically, then you will be presented with a window to enter the Host name and IP Address for the printer. Enter the IP Address for the printer and click Next (You do NOT need to enter a Host name). If the printer is found at the IP Address provided; the driver install will continue automatically (skip to 10). If the printer is not configuration for the printer. In this case CANCEL the driver install and repeat from Step 1. Please obtain help from your IT support people.
10. Select the "MC Series" printer that is displayed. Then click Next
11. When the “Finished software installation” window appears; displaying “Network Connection
Successful”; select if you want to “Print Test Page” or “Set this printer as the default printer”. Then click Finish. If selected, a test page will be sent to the printer t o be printed.
found then, in general, you have not provided a valid IP Address or network
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INSTALLING THE PRINTER
The ink used in this system may be harmful if swallowed.
Power-down the printer, using the ON/OFF button, before attempting to install or remove Ink Tanks. If this rule is not followed the chip on the Ink Tank may
WARNING!

Installing the Ink Tanks

The Printer uses five Ink Tanks (two Black, one Cyan, one Magenta, and one Yellow). The Ink Tank is a delicate, precision device. Handle with extreme care to avoid damage.

Ink Tank Anatomy

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Keep new and used printhead cartridges and ink tanks out of reach of children.
Discard unwanted printhead cartridges and empty ink tanks immediately.
be damaged, which will render the Ink Tank useless.
The ink in the Ink Tanks may be harmful if swallowed. Keep new and used Ink Tanks out of reach of children. Discard empty Ink Tanks immediately.
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SECTION 2 INSTALLING THE PRINTER
Procedure (Installing the Ink Tanks):
This procedure assumes that you are installing Ink Tanks into a printer that doesn’t have any Ink Tanks installed. If you are replacing an empty Ink Tan k, please refer to the “Replacing the Ink Tanks” section.
1. Power the Printer ON. Plug in the printer. Turn the printer’s Main Power Switch ON; then press
the control panel’s ON/OFF button. After a
slowly. Then all lights will start to blink simultaneously. It takes approximately 45 seconds for the print engine to fully power-up. When the ON/OFF button changes to a steady illumination condition, the print engine is fully powered-up.
2. Open the MC Series Toolbox.
Go to the Start Menu, All Programs, select the “Memjet” folder, select the “MC Series Driver” fold er and Open the “Toolbox”. Tip: If you receive warning that Windows Firewall has blocked some features of this program. Please select P r ivate Networks and then click on Allow Access.
A web browser will open and display the “User Interface” screen. On the left side of the screen you will see info r mat i on about the System Status and Ink levels. With no Ink Tanks installed all Ink status levels for “CKYMK”, will be displayed with a question mark (?) below each color position and the colors are not filled-in.
bout 6 seconds the ON/OFF button, it will begin to blink
3. Click the button labeled “Replace Ink Tanks”.
This disconnects Printer communication with the Ink Tanks and allows safe installation and replacement. WARNING: If this process is not performed
properly, the QA Chip on the Tank can be corrupted; rendering the Tank unusable (stranding the remaining ink in the Tank).
Once the “Confirm” screen displays, it is safe to install the Ink Tanks.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT until after
you have installed the Ink Tank(s)
press “Continue”
and closed the Ink Tank Latches.
4. Open the Ink Tank Door (hinged at
bottom).
Unlock and Open the three Ink Tank Latches [A].
5. Remove the new Tank(s) from packaging.
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6. Slide the new Ink Tanks (label up) into
their appropriate col or s lots [B].
INSTALLATION TIP: Make sure the Ink Tanks seat properly. Insert the Tank into the appropriate Ink Station, then pull the Ink Tank back about an inch and push forward firmly to insure that the Ink Nozzles penetrate the sea ls on the Tanks.
7. Close the three Ink Tank Latches.
IMPORTANT: Make sure both sides of the Latch are engaged at the bottom.
8. Click on the button labeled “Continue” in
the Confirm screen of the Toolbox.
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INSTALLING THE PRINTER
9. Watch the Toolbox screen on your computer. You should see all
the ink colors fill-in; if all the Ink Tanks are properly installed and recognized. If an Ink Tank color does NOT fill-in and a question (?) mark or “out” condition is displayed below the ink color; this indicates that the printer does not recognize the Ink Tank (Unable to communicate with QA Chip) or the ink level senso r doesn’t see any ink in the Tank. Verify that the Ink Tank Securing Latches are fully closed and locked. Then click on the button labeled “Refresh Ink Levels”. If the ink color still does not fill in; the QA Chip contacts or Ink Level Prism may need to be cleaned. Please refer t o the “Operator Maintenance” section for information on “Cleaning Ink Tank Contacts & Prism”.
Tip: Even new Ink Tanks can have dirty QA Chip con t act s. This is not always visible to the eye.
10. Close the Ink Tank Door.
NOTE: If a Printhead Cartridge is not installed the Systems Status line in the Toolbox will display the
“PRINTHEAD_MISSINGQA…” message. To in st al l the Printhead Cartridge; please proceed to the section titled “Installing the Printhead Cartridge”.
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SECTION 2
The ink used in this system may be harmful if swallowed.
1 & 10
Handles
5 Foil vacuum bag
2
Nozzles protective tape
6 Cardboard packing box
3 & 8
Protective cover flaps
7 Cover retaining clip
4
Protective cover
9 Electrical contacts tape
ATTENTION
If you experienced fuzzy print quality or an abrupt failure in a particular area of nozzles on
perform this process for you.
INSTALLING THE PRINTER

Install the Printhead Cartridge

The Digital Color Printer uses a single Memjet® printhead cartridge. The Printhead Cartridge is a delicate, pr ecision device. Handle with extreme care to avoid damage and issues that could degrade print quality.
the previous printhead, we recommend that you have the service station inspected/cleaned and the wiper roller replaced before installing the new printhead. Failure to do so will increase the chance of damage to the new printhead. Service station maintenance and wiper roller replacement should only be performed by a qualified/trained person. Please contact your service representative to obtain training or to have them

Printhead Cartridge Protective Packaging

NOTE: Discard protective tape once it is removed . Do NOT reuse protective tape.
Keep all other packaging to store/dispose of old printhead cartridge.
Keep new and used printhead cartridges and ink tanks out of reach of children.
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Discard unwanted printhead cartridges and empty ink tanks immediately.
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SECTION 2
CAUTION!
CAUTION
WARNING!
INSTALLING THE PRINTER
Use electrostatic discharge (ESD) handling precautions.
Hold the Printhead Cartridge by the handles ONLY.
DO NOT touch the ink couplings, nozzle surface or electrical contacts.
DO NOT unpack the Printhead Cartridge until the Printer is ready for
installation. Once unwrapped, delay in installing the Printhead can compromise print quality due to dehydration.
DO NOT place an unwrapped Printhead on any surface before installing.
Protect the Printhead at all times from dust, fibers, dirt and other contaminants.
DO NOT PRY OR MANUALLY LIFT THE PRINTHEAD COVER OR THE COVER MAY BR EAK. ONLY OPEN THE C OVER USING THE RELEASE BUTTONS ON THE PRINTER OR THE RELEASE PRINTHEAD COMMANDS IN THE SERVICES TAB OR MC SERIES TOOLBOX.
NOTICE! Read this procedure, in its entirety, before proceeding!
Before you begin this process, you will need to obtain some deionized or distilled water and some li nt free cloths. These items will be used to wet the printhead nozzles. NOTE: Do NOT use tap water or paper towels to w et or clean the printhead nozzles. Doing so may cause damage to the printhead cartridge and possible contamination to the ink system.
The printhead cartridge and ink supply must be within the operating temperature range ((+15°C to +35°C (59 °F to 95 °F)), before attempting to prime the cartridge with ink and starting to print. When stored at temperatures below the operating range it may take up to 3 hours for a cartridge in its packaging to reach operating temperature. NOTE: Additional packaging will increase the time needed to reach operating temperature.
Why is it necessary to wet the printhead nozzles? During the priming process a vacuum is created by the pump, to pull ink from the Tanks into the printhead and ink delivery system. If the printhead nozzles are dry (open); air is pulled in through the printhead nozzles causing the priming process to fail (pump is unable to create a vacuum). By wetting the printhead nozzles this creates a temporary “water seal”, which prevents air from getting pulled into the printhead during the priming process.
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TO AVOID ELECTRICAL SHOCK OR SHORTING:
Before installing Printhead, make sure electrical contacts are DRY!
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2
1
CAUTION
INSTALLING THE PRINTER
Procedure (Installing the Printhead Cartridge):
This procedure assumes that you are installing a Printhead Cartridge into a printer that does NOT have a Printhead Cartridge installed. If your printer already has a Printhead Cartridge installed, and you wish to replace the Printhead Cartridge; please refer to the section titled “Replacing the Printhead C a r tr id ge”.
1. Plug in the printer. Turn the printer’s Main Power Switch ON; then press the control panel’s
ON/OFF button. After about 6 seconds the ON/OFF button, it will begin to blink slowly. Then all lights will start to blink simultaneously. It takes approximately 45 seconds for the print engine to fully power-up. When the ON/OFF button changes to a steady illumination condition, the print engine is fully powered-up
2. If the Printhead Latch [2] is closed; press the “Printhead
Latch Release” button [1]; as shown. Use a non-metallic item (example: plastic p en) to reach through the hole and lightly press the button.
The printer will run a routine and then the Printhead Latch [2] will release so it can be opened.
Note: The Printhead Latch [2] color may be blue or black.
WARNING! If the printhead latch fails to release do not
force the latch open. Severe damage will res ult.
Tip: You can perform this same function from your computer by clicking the “Release Printhead” button; found on the “User Interface” screen of the MC Series “Toolbox” utility.
.
3. Open the Printhead Latch fully.
4. If present; Remove the Cap Protectors from the Ink Revolver
Couplings [3]. Save these items. They should be used to seal and protect the open ink system when a Printhead Cartridge is not installed.
NOTE: Before replacing or re-installing a Printhead Cartridge, please clean the Ink Revolver Couplings. See section titled “Cleaning the Ink Revolver Couplings”.
DO NOT PRY OR MANUALLY LIFT THE PRINTHEAD LATCH OR THE LATCH WILL BREAK. ONLY OPEN THE LATCH USING THE RELEASE PRINTHEAD BUTTON ON THE PRINTER OR IN THE TOOLBOX.
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5. Carefully remove the Printhead Cartridge from the
foil vacuum packaging. Tear at notch or cut end with
scissors.
CAUTION: DO NOT touch the ink couplings, printhead nozzle surface or electrical contacts.
[A] Remove the protective plastic cover. Hold the Printhead cartridge by the handle. Unclip the ink port covers [1, 2], then unclip the cover from the center point of the cartridge [3]. Grasp the protective cover firmly, then rotate the top of the cartridge away from the ink port side of the cover and lift at the same time. Save this protective cover for future u se.
CAUTION: DO NOT touch the ink couplings, printhead nozzle surface or electrical contacts.
[B] Remove protective strip from the Print head Electrical Contacts.
Dispose of the removed strip immediatel y.
CAUTION: DO NOT allow removed strip to touch the electrical contacts. DO NOT try to re-apply the removed strip.
[C] Remove protective strip from the Printhead Nozzles. Hold the Printhead by the handle with one
hand. With the other hand; grasp the strip tab and slowly peel the strip, at an angle (90° to 45°), from the printhead nozzles. DO NOT pull the strip off at an angle less than 45° with the printhead surface. Dispose of the removed strip immediately.
CAUTION: DO NOT allow removed strip to touch the electrical contacts or printhead nozzl es. D O N OT try to re-apply the removed strip.
NOTE: Keep packaging to store/dispose of printhead cartridge.
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INSTALLING THE PRINTER
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SECTION 2
Printhead Nozzle Area
WARNING: Be careful not to damage
media.
INSTALLING THE PRINTER
6. Carefully insert the Cartridge into the compartment at an angle [4], with the Printhead surface
facing down and the Ink Couplings facing the Ink Revolver Couplings (ink hoses). Once it is seated, gently tilt the Cartridge forward until it snaps into an upright position [5].
DO NOT FORCE the Cartridge into position. DO NOT close the Printhead Latch at this time.
7. Open the Print Engine Clamshell; using with both hands.
8. Using a lint-free cloth soaked with deionized or distilled water,
wet the entire Printhead Nozzle area .
Be liberal with the amount of water you leave behind on the nozzles (the thin dark line on bottom of printhead cartridge). See images below.
the “star rollers” when wiping the printhead. These rollers are designed so they can roll across a wet image, without damaging the image. If the rollers are bent, they will not turn free; causing media feed issues (jamming) and possible damage to the image or
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SECTION 2
CAUTION
DO NOT OPEN THE CLAMSHELL DURING THE PRIMING PROCESS.
CAUTION
INSTALLING THE PRINTER
9. Immediately after wetting the nozzles. Carefully close and latch the Print Engine Clamshell.
HOLD ONTO BOTH LATCHES WHEN OPENING AND CLOSING THE PRI NT ENGINE CLAMSHELL TO PREVENT DAMAGE.
DO NOT FORCE THE CLAMSHELL CLOSED.
10. Now close the Printhead Latch [6]. After a few seconds the Printer
will start the “priming routine” that fills the ink system and Printhead with ink.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
a. After closing the Printhead Latch there will be a ~10 second
pause (no noise or motion).
b. Then you will hear the Service Station move to the capping
position.
c. Then you will hear the ink pump start to run. d. At this time, ink should start flowing through all the tubes, in
and out of the printhead. If you see this occurring, then the priming process is working.
e. This priming and head cleaning process will continue, off
and on, for about 5-6 minutes.
f. Two times during the priming process you will hear a high-pitched screech, from the
pump, lasting ~1 second. This is the “pressure prime” process. This process is used to help force air bubbles and blockages from the nozzles. WARNING! To avoid the possibility of causing an “ink mess”; it is important that you do NOT open the clamshell during this process.
If you reach the end of the priming proc ess and the printhead failed to prime (one or more of the ink tubes have not filled):
i. Release the printhead (using the Release Printhead feature from the Toolbox),
ii. Once the latch opens, carefully retract the latch fully.
iii. Release the printhead from the electrical contacts by tilting it back; but don’t remove
the printhead.
iv. Tilt the printhead forward to reconnect it to the elect r i cal contacts.
v. Repeat the process from Step 7; but this time try to leave more water behind on the
nozzle surface. Also see Caution below.
DO NOT REPEAT THIS PRIMING PROCEDURE MORE THAN TWICE IN A ROW.
DAMAGE TO THE INK SYSTEM MAY RESULT.
AFTER TWO ATTEMPTS, LET THE PRINTER SIT FOR AT LEAST 1 - 2 HOURS BEFORE
YOU ATTEMPT TO PRIME THE PRINTER AGAIN. CONTACT TECHNICAL SUPPORT
FOR ASSISTANCE IF PROBLEMS PERSIST.
11. Once the printhead priming process is succes sf ul (all ink tubes are filled, in and out of the
printhead); it will take an additional 5 - 6 minutes for the printer to complete the process. During this time the printer will emit a number of chirps, whirrs and other noises.
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12. Watch the Toolbox screen on your computer. Notice that some of the information is in red. As the
printer circulates ink and primes the system th ese fields should all turn black. This may take a few minutes.
NOTE: If any Ink Tank is less than 30% ful l, the P r i nthead Cartridge priming process may fail (not enough ink to completely fill the system). In this case you will need to replace the tank(s) cont ai ning low ink and repeat the printhead priming process. After the Printhead is primed, you can re-install the original Ink Tank(s) to use up any remaining ink. Please refer to the section titled “Replacing the Ink Tanks”.
13. When the printer stops processing, and all the fields in System Status are
black, the printer is ready for use. When the printer is ready for use you will also observe the following printer Control Panel condition: ON/OFF button light ON, LOAD/FEED light OFF, CUT/EJECT light OFF.
14. Close the top cover.
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CAUTION
DO NOT FORCE THE CLAMSHELL CLOSED.
INSTALLING THE PRINTER

Removing/Cleaning/Installing the Head Media Guide

This device is used to reduce the chance fo r con t act between the label stock (media) and printhead surface; thereby reducing the chance of getting scuff marks on the media and image smudging. Before operating the printer, please b e sure this guide is securely installed. If needed; you can remove the Head Media Guide to clean behind this area. Note: The Head Media Guide may be made of two different materials (metal or plastic). The white plastic version is now common for the Mach X Label Printer.
1. Open the Top Cover
2. Open the Printhead Clamshell.
OPERATE AND HOLD ONTO BOTH LATCHES WHEN OPENING AND CLOSING THE PRINTHEAD CLAMSHELL TO PREVENT DAMAGE.
3. [A] & [B] Slide the Head Media
Guide to the left to unlock it, then pull down on the Guide to remove it from the metal support and from the printer.
4. Clean the guide and printhead
surfaces using distilled water and a lint free cloth.
5. Re-install in reverse order
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SECTION 2 INSTALLING THE PRINTER

Attaching/Aligning the Unwinder and Winder

Unwinder

The Unwinder is used for “Roll to Cut” and “Roll to Roll” applications. Proper alignment of the Unwinder and Printer is critical to operation of the Printer. Position the Printer on a
sturdy, stable level work surface with enough room to place the Unwinder at the entry end of the Printer.
Position the Unwinder:
1. Fit square notch cut into the base of the Unwinder
[A] over the pin located along the base of the feed end of the Printer [B].
2. Make sure base of Unwinder and base of Print er
are flush [C] against each-other.
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SECTION 2
INSTALLING THE PRINTER

Winder

The Winder is used, in conjunction with the Unwinder, for “Roll to Roll” applications. Proper alignment of the Unwinder, Printer and Winder is critical to operation of the Printer. Position the
Printer on a sturdy, stable level work surface with enough room to place the Unwinder and Winder at the entry and exit ends of the printer.
Position the Unwinder: See “Position the Unwinder” on previous pa ge .
Position the Winder:
1. Align the notch on the Printer Spacer Plate with the corresponding notch on the Winder Base as
shown. When aligned, attach Spacer Plate to Winder Base with two screws included.
2. Test Alignment. Once you have completed Roll to Roll Setup; run a job. If web drifting is
observed (web runs to one side), readjust Winder alignment. Loosen the two Spacer Plate mounting screws. Slide the Winder forward or backward as n eeded, then tighten the screws.
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SECTION 2
2
WARNING!
CAUTION
INSTALLING THE PRINTER

Connecting the Unwinder and Winder to the Printer

Connecting the Unwinder to the Printer:
1. Turn off the printer.
2. Connect the Unwinder’s Interconnect Cord into the 7-pin connector
MAKE SURE THAT THE PRINTER IS TURNED OFF BEFORE CONNECTING/DISCONNECTING THE UNWINDER AND WINDER.
port [1], located on the non-operator side of the Printer, just be lo w t he USB port.
KEEP FINGERS AND OTHER BODY PARTS AWAY!
HAZARDOUS MOVING PARTS!
Connecting the Winder to the Printer:
1. Turn off the Printer.
2. Connect the Winder’s Interconnect Cord into the 7-pin connector
port [2], located on the non-operator side of the Printer, near exit end.
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INSTALLING THE PRINTER

Unwinder/Winder Controls & Function

Unwinder

Mode Switch
The Unwinder has a Mode Switch for “Auto” or “Manual” operation. .
Auto – Use this setting when the Unwinder is interf aced to the Mach X. Unwinder is controlled (disabled/enabled) by the Printer thru the interface cable. This control allows easy roll loading since the Unwinder will not start turning when the Label Tension Arm is lifted to load labels/media.
Manual – This mode is useful if using the Unwinder as a stand-alone device (not interfaced to the Mach X).
Speed Control
For proper media feeding and printing, you need to adjust the speed on the Unwinder depending on the size of roll and print quality/speed you are running. To speed up the Unwinder, turn the Speed Control Knob clockwise. To slow the speed, turn the Speed Control Knob counterclockwise.
The Unwinder speed should be set so it matches the printers transport speed. Set the speed so the roll is moving smoothly (not hesitating as it turns). As the label/media roll size changes (gets smaller); you may need to re-adjust the speed.
SECTION 2
Tip: When the Unwinder speed is set properly; you should notice that the Label Tension Arm position stays fairly consistent (doesn’t move up/down a great distance).
NOTE: If the speed is set too slow or too f ast th i s can affect how the media is transported through the printer; effecting print positioning (image registration) and printing (causing distortion).
Description of Function
Unwinder turns the hub clockwise (unwinding media) if the Label Tension Arm is lifted above the
midpoint of its arc. The higher the Arm is lifted the faster the hub turns clockwise.
Unwinder turns the hub counter-clockwise (rewinding media) if the Label Tension Arm drops
below the midpoint of its arc. The lower the Arm drops the faster the hub turns counter-clockwise.
Unwinder will STOP if:
The Label Tension Arm is positioned near the midpoint of its arc. The Label Tension Arm drops so it makes continuous contact with the bottom limit and there is no media separating the metal arm from the metal stop. The Label Tension Arm makes continuous co ntact with the top limit of its arc. NOTE: During a print job; if either of these last two conditions occur, even momentarily, the Mach X will also STOP and the Toolbox will display “PAPERPATH_END_OF_ROLL”. To resume printing
o Manually release end of media web fro m core; if it did not release automatically.
Tip: If trailing edge of media web has tape attached or is damaged/deformed; it is a good idea to trim off tape/damaged/deformed medi a, with scissors. This will reduce chance of a media jam or printhead damage.
o Press LOAD/FEED button to forward remaining media out of the printer. o Remove empty core from Unwinder. o Follow procedures for "Loading Labels/Media" into printer. o Once media has been loaded into printer; press RESUME button to Resume Printing. or
press CANCEL button to cancel current job and start a new job.
:
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SECTION 2 INSTALLING THE PRINTER

Winder

Mode Switch
The Winder has a Mode Switch for turning it “Off” or “On”.
Off – Winder is disabled. Use this setting for Fanfold or Roll to Cut operation. On – Winder is enabled. Use this setting for Roll to Roll operation.
Speed Control
For proper media feeding and printing, you need to adjust the speed on the Winder depending on the size of roll and print quality/speed you are running. To speed up the Winder, turn the Speed Control Knob clockwise. To slow the speed, turn the Speed Control Knob counterclockwise.
In general, the Winder speed can be set to maximum (fully clockwise); when it is being used with the Mach X. The Winder speed control adjustment is more important when the Winder is used with a device other than the Mach X (non­interfaced device).
NOTE: If the speed is set too slow, the r oll may not be re-wound properly; producing a loose roll.
Tension Control Selector
Use the “Tension Control Selector” [A] to adjust the spring tension on the “Label Tension Arm” for different media widths. Use the "0" setting (less tension) for narrow media and the "4" setting (highest tension) for the widest media. NOTE: Setting the tension improperly can cause print misregistration and image distortion; due to media being pulled with too much force. If this occurs, try decreasing the tension (set for lo wer nu mber). If tension is set too low, the roll may not be re-wound properly; producing a loose roll.
Description of Function
Winder turns the hub clockwise (winding media) if the Label
Tension Arm drops below the midpoint of its arc. The lower the Arm falls the faster the unit turns cl ockwise.
Winder turns the hub counter-clockwise (un-winding media) if the Label Tension Arm lifts
above the midpoint of its arc. The higher the Arm is lifted the faster the unit turns counter-clockwise.
Winder will STOP if:
The Label Tension Arm is positioned near the midpoint of its arc. The Label Tension Arm drops so it makes continuous contact with the bottom limit and there is no media separating the metal section of the arm from the metal stop. The Label Tension Arm makes continuous co ntact with the top limit of its arc.
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SECTION 2
INSTALLING THE PRINTER

Loading Labels/Media

Roll to Roll Setup

IMPORTANT! Make sure the Unwinder and Winder are connected to the Printer and the Winder is
powered ON. This will ensure that the automatic cut function of the Cutter is disabled. (Cutter can still be engaged manually by pressing the CUT/EJECT (Cancel) Button.
Be sure to power-off the printer before connecting/disconnecting Winder. Tip: It is recommended to purchase supplies that were manufactured using soft-release tape, to attach
media to roll core. If not media may not release from core; which will stop/st al l the media when it reaches the end of the roll.
1. Make sure the Unwinder’s Mode swi t ch is set to “Auto” and the Winder is “ON”.
2. Adjust Core Size (Unwinder):
The Unwinder can fit 1-1/2" or 3" cores using the reversible Hub Assembly. To change core sizes, proceed as follows.
[A] Carefully remove the retaining-clip holding the Hub Assembly in place.
[B] Slide the Hub Assembly off the Shaft. NOTE: Do not lose the key in the slot in the Shaft. Each side of the Hub fits a different size core. (Larger side fits 3" cores; smaller side fits 1­1/2" cores.)
[C] Turn the Hub so the desired core size is facing out. Slide the Hub Assembly back into place over the key in the Shaft.
[D] Reinstall the retaining-clip into the groove cut in the Shaft.
3. Load Label/Media Roll:
[A] Slide Roll [A] onto Unwinder
Shaft, labels facing up with the Roll End facing the Printer.
[B] Slide the Spindle Lock [B] onto the Shaft until the 4 pins fit into the roll core. Manually unwind about 24” of media to create a leader. Loosen and reposition the Label Side Guide [E] to the operator side of the printer.
[C] Thread the media leader under the Label Tension A rm [C], and then up into the printer. Make sure the leader passes under the Label Side Guide shaft. NOTE: Position Drive Press Rollers evenly on label or labels, NOT on label backing. (See illu s tr at ion below.)
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SECTION 2 INSTALLING THE PRINTER
[D] Feed the media under the Brush Assembly and into the printer. Be sure to align the non­operator side of the media leader with the two alignment pins [D] on the Printer Then gently push the media into the Printer until it hits resistance (leader touching Print Engine feed roller).
[E] Slide the Label Side Guide [E] until it just touches the operator side of the media. Tighten the locking knob on the Label Side Guide.
4. Make sure the media leader is still making contact with the Print Engine feed roller. Hold the
media at this position while you press the LOAD/FEED Button momentarily. Release your hold when the printer starts to pull-in the media. The Printer will pull in a nd align the media. The LOAD/FEED Button will show a steady illumination, when this process has completed successfully.
Tip: If you don’t hold the media against the print engines feed roller, during this loading process, the winder may pull the media back and you will need to re-thread again.
5. Make sure your print job is ready to be sent to the printer; but don’t send yet.
IMPORTANT: In Roll to Roll mode; if you leave the unprinted media leader threaded through
the printer, or you pause the print job, for more than 5 minutes, the printer will automatically cut and retract the media so it can clean and cap the p r inthead. Therefore, you must finish this entire setup process and begin to send the job before the timer reaches zero. A count-down timer is
provided in the Toolbox.
6. To feed the media through the Printer and create a leader; hold the LOAD/FEED button down for
about 6 seconds (ON/OFF button will flash once to acknowledge). If the system doesn’t respond;
check to be sure your Winder is Powered ON. If it was off, turn it ON, wait a few seconds and try again. Please Be Patient! If the printhead hasn't been cleaned in awhile, it may take a minute or two for the printer to clean the printhead before it begins to feed the media through the printer.
Tips: If you press and hold the LOAD/FEED button longer, it will keep feeding media until you release the key. If you don’t want to waste media (blank labels), to create a leader; you can send your job and allow the printer to print about 20 inches of media before pressing the PAUSE/RESUME button to pause the job. Then attach the printed leader to the Winder. Then press the PAUSE/RESUME (Load/Feed) button to resume printing.
7. Turn the Winder’s Mode Switch OFF.
To keep the Winder from running (turning), while lifting the Label Tension Arm and attaching the leader to the core, be sure to turn OFF the power switch on the Winder.
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INSTALLING THE PRINTER
8. Load an empty 3" core onto the Winder
Spindle.
9. Slide the Spindle Lock/Guide [A] onto
the shaft until the 4 pins fit into the roll core. Tip: Do not push the Spindle Lock/Guide up against the side of the media. Leave a small amount of space to allow the media to wind freely onto the core.
10. Take the leader end of the media and pull
it under the Label Tension Arm [B] on the Winder.
11. Tape or glue the roll end (label side up)
to the top side of the empty core. NOTE: Make sure the edge is secured straight on the core for proper winding.
12. Slide Adjustable Media Ring Guide, on the Label Tension Arm [B] shaft to the edge of the media.
13. Turn the Winder’s Mode Switch ON.
14. Adjust Speed of Unwinder/Winder and Adjust the Winder’s Tension Control Selector.
See section titled “Unwinder/Winder Controls & Function”.
NOTE: In "Roll to Roll" mode: "Mid Job Servicing" is disabled. Therefore printing will not be interrupted to perform head maintenance; unless the job has been paused for more than 5 minutes. If you see image degradation during the run; you can manually PAUSE the job (press PAUSE/RESUME button). Then from the Toolbox press “Cut Media” then press “Retract Media”. With the media retracted, you can now press “Normal Clean Printhead”. Once head mai ntenance is completed you can continue printing using the PAUSE/RESUME button. Once you have printed about 20 inches of media; PAUSE the job again, splice the stock onto the Winder, and press PAUSE/RESUME to continue.

Roll to Cut Setup

IMPORTANT! Winder must be turned OFF or disconnected from the Printer and moved out of the way.
This will ensure that the automatic cut fun ct ion of the Cutter is enabled and the Winder doesn’t interfere with media output. Be sure to power-off the printer before connecting/disconnecting Winder.
1. Make sure Winder is OFF, or disconnected from the Printer and moved out of the way.
CAUTION! Power-off printer before connecting/disconnecting Winder.
2. Load the Label/Media Roll onto the Unwinder and into the Printer.
Complete Steps 1-4 in section titled “Roll to Roll Setup”. Then return here.
3. Adjust Speed of Unwinder. See section titled “Unwinder/Winder Controls & Function”.

Fanfold Setup

IMPORTANT! Make sure both the Unwinder and Winder are disconnected from the Printer and moved
out of the way. This will ensure that the automatic cut functi on of the Cutter is enabled and the Unwinder/Winder doesn’t interfere with label input/output.
Be sure to power-off the printer before connecting/disconnecting Unwinder/Winder. Loading Fanfold Labels:
1. Make sure Unwinder and Winder are disconnected from the Printer and moved out of the
way. CAUTION! Power-off printer before connecting/d is c onnecting Unwinder/Winder.
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SECTION 2
C
A
B
INSTALLING THE PRINTER
2. Place Fanfold Labels [A], label-side up, next to the feed end of the Printer.
3. Feed the Labels under the Brush Assembly [B]
and into the printer.
Be sure to align the non-operator side of the media leader with the two alignment pins [C] on the Printer Then gently push the media into the Printer until it hits resistance (leader touching Print Engine feed roller).
4. Adjust the Label Side Guide [D]. Slide the Label
Side Guide until it just touches the operator side of the media. Tighten the locking knob on the Label Side Guide.
5. Make sure the media leader is still making con t act with the Print Engine feed roller, then press the
LOAD/FEED Button momentarily. The Printer will pull in and align the media. The LOAD/FEED Button will show a steady illumination, when this process has completed successfully.
D

Planning to do “Full Bleed” (borderless) printing

See “Appendix A – Borderless Printing: Overspray vs. Oversize”.
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SECTION 3
OPERATING THE PRINTER

SECTION 3 – Operating the Printer

Once the Printer Driver is installed on your computer and the Printhead is primed, you are ready to start printing. Set up your job and send it to the Printer. The Printer will start and print.
The Printer Driver should be set as the default driver. It wil l then be accessible through your applications such as Microsoft Word. Other types of applications and database management software will work in a similar manner when using this Driver. This Section further assumes that you have set up the feed and the Printer is connected to your computer.

Printer Driver Properti es

The Printer Driver for the Printer works the same as any other Printer Driver for Windows. It does have some enhancements to help you maximize the ab ility of the Printer to print varia bl e addr essed pieces quickly and efficiently.
Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8/8.1: Once the job is set up, click Print. The window on the right will open. Make sure the MC Series Driver is the selected Printer. Clicking on P opens the “Properties” window.
roperties

General Tab

The General tab lets you select:
Orientation – Select from Portrait (default),
Landscape, Rotate 180° and Mirrored.
Page Management
Stitch –Select “stitch” to remove t he space between printed pages. Works in conjunction with the “continuous” Media Feed selectio n in the Toolbox. If Buffer is checked be spooled before it is sent to the printer. This may increase the time it takes for the jo b to start printing, but it may also reduce the chance of the printer pausing to wait for data and or displaying DATA_PATH_UNDERRUN in the Toolbox. Mask Optimization - Some applications may display image boundaries when printed. If this occurs try the opposite selection (checked/unchecked) Adobe = checked
; the entire print job will
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SECTION 3 OPERATING THE PRINTER
Copies – Lets you choose the number of copies to be printed.
NOTE: Driver has a limit of 32,767 copies. However, in some cases, copies are limited by the
software program. For example; Adobe Acrobat® limits copies to 999. Reverse Order – If un-checked first page loads. If checked being sent to the printer, it may take awhile for the job to start printing.
Media – Select Type and Size. Add Custom Size.
o Type: Selecting the appropriate Media Type ( media profile) may help you achieve better
o Size: Select the media/label size you are using, from the pull-down list. If the size is not
o Custom SizesUse to create and save “custom” media/label sizes.
(default); the job will start printing with the first page. Printing starts as soon as the
, job will start printing from the last page. Since the entire job must be spooled, before
color accuracy results.
present use the “Custom Sizes” feature.
Range: Width: 2” min to 8.5” max. Height: 1” min to 30” max.
NOTE: The security rights on some computer systems may prevent you from accessing or saving “Custom Sizes”. You may need “admin” rights to use this feature.
After defining a “custom media size”; enter your desired “Media Name” and press “Save”.
Tip: When defining the width of a “custom media size” that measures between 8.5 and 9 inches wide; please set the width value to 8.5” (max print width of pr in te r ) . Media Orientation Tip: When defining a “custom media size”; be sure to set the dimensions to match the actual orientation of the media/label; as it is fed through the printer. Example: 4” x 3” labels, fed long edge fist 4” x 3” labels, f ed short edge first
Oversize
edges of media/label). When “oversize” is selected the “custom media size” you define is increased by 0.08” in width and height; without affecting the values shown in the “Custom Media Size” screen. IMPORTANT! In order to take advantage of this feature; the image you send must be slightly larger than the “custom media size” you defined. For labels with a 5 mm gap, the image should not exceed 0.08” (2 mm) larger in height than the actual label size. See “Appendix A – Borderless Printing: Overspray vs. Oversi ze” for important information.
Full Bleed Example: “Custom media size” defined as 4” W x 3” H and “oversize” selected. Label being fed measures 4” W x 3” H. Image being sent measures 4.08” W x 3.08” H.
– Select this box to enable “full bleed” (borderless) printing (printing off all
, would have the custom dimensions 4” W x 3” H.
, would have the custom dimensions 3” W x 4” H.
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Full Bleed Tips: Labels with a 5 mm gap between them are required to do “full-bleed”; without machine skipping labels or resetting position of each label (media feeding back and forth). To avoid image expansion/distortion, please be sure to set/check the following:
- Layout Tab. “Resizing” should be set to “Original Size”.
- Adobe Acrobat. Select “Actual size” under “Page Sizing and Handling” in the Print box. You may also need to make changes to the “left adjustment” and “top adjustment” features, located in the “Layout Tab”; to align the image with the media, so it bleeds equally off all edges of the media.
o OversprayWhen using an image th at i s the exact same size as the media, this option
can be selected to slightly expand the image (21 dots in height and width); to help achieve “full-bleed” printing (printing off all edges of the media). See “Appendix A –
Borderless Printing: Overspray vs. Oversize” for important information. NOTE: If you want to do “full bleed” but you don’t want the image expanded/distorted;
please use the “Oversize” feature; as defined u nd er “Custom Sizes” above.
Color Selection – Select from Color, Compo si te Black or Black Only.
o Color: Selection provides full color printing using all five ink channels (CMYKK). o Composite Black: Selection uses all five ink channels (CMYKK), to generate the darkest
black print possible; for the selected print quality. Color images are printed in “grayscale”.
SECTION 3
OPERATING THE PRINTER
o Black Only: Selection uses only the native “K” (black) ink channels to print.
Images printed with this selection will be “gray” in color. This is the “native” “K” (black) ink color. If you want a darker black, please select “Composite Black”. Color images are printed in “grayscale” using only the “K” (black) ink channels. NOTE: Even if you select “Black Only” the system will still use a small amount of color ink (CMY) when performing head purge and head maintenance sequences. All Ink Tanks (CMYKK) must be installed and recognized as having ink available, or the printer will NOT function.
Print Quality – Select Normal or Best.
o Normal provides 1600 x 800 dpi at 12 ips (inches per second). o Best provides 1600 x 1600 dpi, at 6 ips. Use when high quality images are required.
My Print Settings – Allows you to save or recall your custom Driver settings for various jobs.
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SECTION 3 OPERATING THE PRINTER

Layout Tab

Layout allows you change how the document
prints without changing the original document.
Resizing – Lets you specify the
Original Size or Custom Resize: lets
you resize the original as a % of normal size. The Printer will print the document in the size you selected regardless of the size of the paper selected. Print on: lets you specify the particular size of paper that you want to print on regardless of the size of the original document. Checking “Scale to Fit” automatically resizes the document to fit on the new page size.
Printing Adjustments – Allows you to
make minor changes to the print position and print area; in relation ship to the media feed direction. Units (measurements) can be set to Inches, Millimeters or Pixels. Tip: You will need to use these features to positoin th e i mage on the label; particularly when doing “full-bleed” printing. When you switch between unit selections; numbers are rounded to the nearest pixel.
NOTE: The values entered, in the following adjustments, do NOT override the values set in the Toolbox (User Interface and Service Menus - Printer Control Config). Instead, the values entered are added to or subtracted from the values set in the Toolbox. The range values (min and max), provided below, assume that the Toolbox values for “tof_adjustment” and “left_adjustment” are set to zero (0). Exceeding these min or max values may cause th e printer to print nothing (feed the media blank).
48
o Left Adjustment
Range: -3mm left to +200mm right. Default = Zero (0) negative value = shift left (towards non-operator side) positive value = shift right (towards operator side) Zero (0) = left edge of media; if Media Registraion Side Guid is set to “inner position”.
o Max Page Width – Lets you limit how wide the actual print area will be. This feature can
be used to “cut-off” the right-side (operator side) of an image; at a set position. It also shuts off the keep wet spitting (KWS) function, in the “cut-off” area, saving ink. Range: 0.5mm to 220.8mm. Default = 220.82 mm (full print width)
o Top Adjustment - Moves the image up or down on the media/label.
Range: -5mm up, to 200mm down. Default = Zero (0) negative value = shift up (towards leading edge) positive value = shift down (towards trailing edge) Zero (0) = leading edge of media.
– Lets you shift the printed image left or right.
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SECTION 3
OPERATING THE PRINTER
Bottom Adjustment – ((Bottom of Form (BOF)). Lets you extend or reduce the ability to print into the gap between media/labels; to account for the extra length needed to print past edge of label (full bleed printing). Range: -53.8mm up, to +200mm down. Default = 0 negative value = reduce BOF positive value = increase BOF NOTE: Make sure the set value does not cause the image to exceed the physical gap between labels; minus at least 3 mm. Setting this value too large may cause blank (unprinted) labels to be fed and or “leading edge (TOF) hunting to occur. TOF – TOF PAUSE” may be intermittently displayed in toolbox.
Full Bleed Adjustment Example (using labels with 5 mm gap): Left Adjustment = + 0.5 mm (used to center image horizontally on label) Top Adjustment = - 1 mm (so image starts early) Bottom Adjustment = + 1 mm (to allow image to exceed visible label length)
See “Image Printing Adjustment Tips” on next page. See Appendix A for additional details about full bleed (borderless printing).
o Cutter Offset – This feature allows you to fine tune the cut line position after making
image positioning adjustments.
Watermark – Prints background text onto the media along with the original image.
A few selections (SAMPLE, Draft, COPY, and Confidential) are provided.
o First page only – When a watermark is selected; the “First page only” option is available.
Selecting this option prints the watermark on the first page, but not subsequent pages. Un-checking this option prints the watermark on all pages.
o Custom – This button lets you create a new watermark or edit an existing watermark,
including font selection, color, size and printing angle.
My Print Settings – Allows you to save or recall (select) your custom Driver settings for various
jobs.
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SECTION 3
Label Feed Direction
Top Adjust
Left Adjust
+
-
+
-
Label Feed Direction
Bottom Adjustment
(BOF)
Max Page Width
+
-
OPERATING THE PRINTER

Image Printing Adjustment Tips

Tip: Adjustments are in relationship to the orientation of the print engine, not the image orientation.
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Import/Export Tab

Import/Export is used to preserve any custom
Watermarks, Media Sizes or Print Settings you may have developed for various jobs before unistalling/updating the Printer Driver.
Export – Use to send the custom setting s to
an “export file” before uninstalling the printer driver.
Import – Use to add the custom settings,
using a previously exported file, after the driver installation is complete.
SECTION 3
OPERATING THE PRINTER
IMPORTANT!
BEFORE UNINSTALLING THE PRINTER DRIVER; REMEMBER TO FIRST EXPORT ANY WATERMARKS, CUSTOM MEDIA SIZES AND PRINT SETTINGS YOU MAY HAVE ADDED. AFTER LOADING NEW DRIVER, YOU CAN IMPO RT THE SAVED FILE USING THE IMPORT/EXPORT TAB OF THE NEW DRIVER. THIS WILL PREVENT THE LOSS OF YOUR CUSTOM SETTINGS.
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SECTION 3 OPERATING THE PRINTER

Services Tab

Services allows you to:
Print Configuration Page – Prints out
the current configuration of the Printer including current Firmware Version, Network Connection, Printer Serial Number and more.
Print Colorbar Page – Prints type and
color bands to check print quality.
Print Diagnostic Page – Shows basic
Printer information, memory, Network Settings, Event Log and RAM partitions.
Clean Printheads – Clicking this
button opens another screen that gives you three cleaning levels to choose from:
Quick Clean Printhead – Circulates ink, wipes and cleans the Printhead Cartridge. Normal Clean Printhead – Runs cleaning and wiping routine twice for better flushing and cleaning. Full Clean Printhead – Runs the cleaning routine multiple times for the most thorough flushing and cleaning of the Printhead.
Wipe Printhead – Activates the Service Station to Wipe the Printhead. No ink is sprayed.
A trained operator or technician can also use thi s f eature to inspect the condition of the wiper roller. See the Section titled “Inspecting the Wiper Roller” for more details.
NOTE: You can perform these same functions from the Toolbox User Interface screen.
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Printer
Status
OPERATING THE PRINTER

Using the Toolbox Utility

Once the Printer Driver is installed you have access to the Toolbox Utility. The Toolbox lets you monitor ink usage, perform diagnostic checks, print reports and run maintenance tasks on the Printer from your computer.

To open the Toolbox:

Open the Start Menu, then click on Toolbox. When the User Interface window opens you will find a series of Menu Options
you can click on at the lower left of the screen. You can check the Printer Status in the upper left part of the screen.

Printer Status

This section displays the current status of the printer.
System Status:
Mech State:
Mech Status:
Print Job State:
Firmware: (version)
Serial Number: (print engine serial
number)
Printhead: (serial number and status)
Tilt: (FB and LR readings)
Important! If values are shown in purple, please verify that the printer is level before continuing operation.
Valve: (position)
Paperpath: (Entry and Exit sensor
conditions)
Service Station: (position)
Ink Tank Levels: (estimated)
Job # and Page #
Total Pages:
Print Mode: (Roll to Roll, Roll to Cut, Fanfold)
Cap Timer (s): Count-down Timer. Will only show when printer is idle or
paused and label/media web is covering Entry and Exit sensors. When the timer reaches zero, the label/media web will be cut and retracted so printhead can be cleaned/capped. Roll to Roll = Count-down starts at 300 seconds (5 minutes). Roll to Cut = Count-down starts at 30 seconds. Fanfold = Count-down starts at 300 seconds (5 minutes).
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SECTION 3 OPERATING THE PRINTER
Menu Options User Interface Menu
[A] Screen Buttons: Let you perform
maintenance and operating tasks. PRINT buttons:
Pause/Resume, Cancel a Job, Clear Errors, Reset the Job Counter, and Reset the Page Counter.
MEDIA buttons:
Forward Media – Moves media forward into the printer when loading media.
Retract Media – Retracts media from the
printer. Cut Media – Cuts the media any time button is
pressed without retracting or resetting media.
MAINTENANCE buttons:
Circulate Ink – Purges air from the lines and primes the system after replacing the Ink Tanks or
Printhead Cartridge.
Caution! Don’t run the “Circulate Ink” feature more than two times in a row. Doing so can build-up too much pressure in the system which may cause excessive ink waste and ink sp ills to occur.
Quick Clean Printhead – Circulates ink, wipes and cleans the Printhead Cartridge. Normal Clean Printhead – Runs cleaning and wiping routine twice for better flushing and cleaning. Full Clean Printhead – Runs the cleaning routine multiple times for the most thorough flushing and
cleaning of the Printhead. Wiper Preemptive Maintenance – Re-saturates the Wiper Roller with ink to re-hydrate dried residue.
This feature should be activated if the printer has sat idle (powered off or on), for more than two days, or if you notice that the printer is taking longer to perform “printhead maintenance”. NOTE: If ink is allowed to dry (coagulate) on the wiper roller and c om po ne nt s of the wiper motor assembly, the system gets harder to turn. This puts more load on the wiper motor, which can cause the wiper motor temperature to rise above no r mal. If this occurs the system will stop the wiper motor to allow it to cool-down. This in-turn extends the time it takes for the printer to perform printhead maintenance.
If maintenance times don’t return to normal, after activating this feature; the Service Station may require service. Please contact your service representative to schedule service.
Wipe Printhead – Activates the Service Station to wipe the Printhead. No ink is sprayed. A trained operator or technician can also use thi s f eature to inspect the condition of the wiper roller. See the Section titled “Inspecting the Wiper Roller” for more details.
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Mark Sensor
OPERATING THE PRINTER
[B] Basic Printer Settings – Lets you adjust automated service and cleaning intervals, adjust the feeder speed for a job and adjust the Printer for pre-printed media.
Media Feed – Set for the type of “next page” detection you want the printer t o use. Continuous – No gaps or tick marks present on media. Next page starts after previous page ends. Can be used in conjunction with the “Stitch” selection; found in the MC Series Driver under Page Management. Diecut – Label stock with 3 mm or larger gap between labels. Gap (density difference betw een label and backing) triggers printer to print next page. Blackmark – Mark on underside of media, or notch (hole), that travels over th e Mark Sensor. Mark/notch triggers printer to print next page.
Notch or Mark must be located at non-operator side of media and measure 3/8” (9.5 mm) to 1/2” (12.7 mm) wide by 1/8” (3 mm) high. See example.
In addition the reflectivity between the Mark and underside of media must be significant enough for the sensor to distinguish the Mark from the rest of the media. Example: Flat-black Mark (light absorbing) on white surface.
Thick Media – Check this box to allow the sensors to read gaps in heavier Diecut media (for example, when using labels with 50lb liner; the normal setting may not be able to differentiate between the label and the backing/gap). This setting can also be used to improve Blackmark sensing.
Print Mode – Set to Automatic when used with “interfaced” Unwinder and or Winder. In this case the “Printing Mode” selection is grayed out (automatically selected by printer). Set to Manual when using with an “non-interfaced” Unwinder and/or Winder or if you want to manually control the “Printing Mode”, “Pages per Cut” and “Mid-Job Servicing”. When Manual is selected, you will be able to manually select the desired Printing Mode Roll to Roll, Roll to Cut or Fanfold.
NOTE: Depending on selection, certain other settings may be disabled (Start of Jo b C ut , End of Job Cut, Pages per Cut, Mid-Job Servicing).
Start of Job Cut – Cuts the leading edge of the media at the start of the job to provide a clean edge for TOF reference.
End of Job Cut – Cuts the end of the media after the job finishes printing. If running in Roll to Roll mode, you may or may not want the web cut before starting a new job.
Pages per Cut – Set the number of labels (pages) between cuts. Example: 1 = cut after every label. 5 = cut after ev ery fifth
label.
NOTE: Since End of Job Cut will also be active, the last cut may have fewer labels t han the set Pages per Cut number depending on the total number of labels you are printing (ie, you print a total of 23 labels
set to cut after every fifth label, you will have 4 sets of 5 labels, 1 set of 3.)
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Mid Job Servicing – Sets the frequency of automatic maintenance that will be done during a Roll to Cut job. Settings are: Default (14m), Level 4 (100m), Level 3 (250m), Level 2 (375m), Level 1 (500m) and Off
(
∞). Once the printer has transported the corresponding media length; the printer will pause to perform
printhead maintenance after the next “cut” is performed.
WARNING: Changing the setting from “Defau lt” may cause print quality issues and reduce Printhead life.
NOTE: In "Roll to Roll" mode: "Mid Job Servicing" is disabled. Therefore printing will not be interrupted
to perform head maintenance; unless the job has been paused for more than 5 minutes. If you see image degradation during the run; you can manually PAUSE the job (press PAUSE/RESUME button). Then from the Toolbox press “Cut Media” then press “Retract Media”. With the media retracted, you can now press “Normal Clean Printhead”. Once head mai ntenance is completed you can continue printing using the PAUSE/RESUME button. Once you have printed about 20 inches of labels/media; PAUSE the job again, splice the stock onto the Winder, and press PAUSE/RESUME to continue.
KWS Setting – (Keep Wet Spitting) Incorporates an algorithm to periodically fire all printhead nozzles in order to keep all nozzles wet; thereby reducing nozzle clogging and print quality issues. In general the dots produced on the media by this nozzle firing algorithm are hardly noticeable. However in some cases the dots produced are not acceptable for the application and the user may wish to turn this feature off.
None = Intrapage spitting is turned off. KWS dots are not sprayed onto media.
WARNING: Selecting “None” will increase the chance for nozzle clogging and print quality
issues.
Light (Default) = Intrapage spitting frequency is set to the "default" level. KWS dots are sprayed
onto media to help reduce nozzle clogging and print quality issues.
Heavy = Intrapage spitting frequency is increased. An increased number of KWS dots sprayed
onto media to further reduced nozzle clogging and print quality issues.
Click Submit” to apply settings.
[C] SERVICE buttons control functions that require the machine to be out of service for extended periods of ti me while they are being performed.
Replace Ink Tanks – Disconnects Printer communication with QA chip on Ink Tanks. Allows safe install/removal of Ink Tanks.
WARNING: If this process is not
performed properly, the QA Chip on the Tank can be corrupted; rendering the Tank unusable (stranding the remaining ink in the Tank).
Refresh Ink Levels – Updates or con f i r ms the ink levels shown at the left of the screen.
Eject Service Station – Releases the Service Station for removal for cleaning, repair or replacement.
WARNING! Please be sure to open the Clamshel l before you eject the service station. If not, damage to the service station drive system may occur.
Install Service Station – Pulls the Service Station back into place after cleaning, repair or replacement. System Deprime – Pumps the ink back into the Ink Tanks prior to replacing the
Printhead Cartridge or transporting the Printer.
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OPERATING THE PRINTER
Release the Printhead – Pumps ink back into the Ink Tanks and opens the Printhead Latch to remove or install the Printhead Cartridge.
Shutdown – Turns the Printer OFF. For best system performance, it is recommended to keep the Print Engine powered-up (ON/OFF light illuminated) at all times. If you do turn the Printer off, first power- down the Print Engine using the “Shutdown” button in the Toolbox or the ON/OFF button on the Control Panel. Wait until all of the Control Panel buttons go out before turning off the Main Power Switch.
[D] Display Language – Selects the language the Toolbox will display. Click “Submit” after selecting language.
[E] Firmware Download – This feature is used to load firmware into the printer. Please contact your Support Representative.
WARNING: This procedure should only be performed by qualified service personnel. In some cases firmware must be loaded using the “Firmware Migration Tool”. If this process is not performed properly, Printer is rendered inoperable.
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SECTION 3 OPERATING THE PRINTER

Diagnostics Menu

From this screen you can see the current status of your Printer. You can also:
Print Sample Page – Prints type and color bands to check print quality.
Print Configuration Page – Shows current Printer configuration including Firmware Version, Network Connection, Printer Serial Number and more.
Print Diagnostic Page – Shows basic printer information, memory, Network Settings, Event Log and RAM partitions.
Print Demo Page – Prints a 4-color sheet. Print Ink Channels – Prints 5 bars (1 bar from each ink tank) to show how well the Printhead nozzles
are working. Print Color Bars Page – Prints a series of 7 color bars to indicate how well the Printhead is mixing
colors and printing.
Tip: Set “Media Feed” to “Continuous” and “Pages per C ut” to “1” before performing the above tests.

Ink Usage Menu

This tool is provided for the purpose of estimating approximate costs for a particular print job. “Printed Ink” values are displayed in microliters (µl). 1000 µl = 1 mL
Job Cost Settings – To obtain “estimated costs”; please enter your Tank Cost (cost of single tank) and Printhead Cost. You can also select if the Media Size is displayed in inches or millimeters.
NOTICE: Estimated Page Costs and Estimated Job Cost s ar e for provided for “estimation” purposes only. This is NOT a performance guarantee. Please send at least 100 pages to increase estimation accuracy. Then Click “Submit” to display the “Estimated Page Cost” and “Estimated Job Cost”.
the amount of ink usage and
The system uses the following ite ms to estimate page and job costs.
Print job info (Pages Printed, Print Quality, Media Type, Media Size).
Number of nozzle ejections (Printed Ink) and the printhead area being used.
Note: An image printed within a smaller printhead area (example: 1” hori zontal x 2” vertical block) will use the same nozzles more frequently; as compared to printing the same image with a wider printhead area (2” horizontal x 1” vertical block). The more frequent a particular nozzle is fired, the quicker it will begin to fail. Memjet’s estimated printhead rating: ~125,000* linear inches of continuous printing. *This is NOT an expression of Warranty. Individual results will vary.
User provided information about printhead and ink costs.
Note: Enter the cost of a single Ink Tank only.
NOTICE: This is only an estimate. No guarantee of accuracy is expressed or implied. These estimates
do NOT include other factors such as Printer maintenance routines, (printhead wiping and cleaning, power up/down, etc.) that may affect the overall result.
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OPERATING THE PRINTER
Ink Estimation Mode This feature lets you predetermine approximately how much ink a
given job may use prior to printing a job. This can be useful for determining approximate per piece costs without wasting any materials/supplies.
Make your selection and then Click “Submit” to activate or deactivate this feature. When this feature is selected the Toolbox will display: “Ink Estimation Mode”
Tip: Send a minimum of at least 100 pieces to ensure a large enough sample size. NOTICE!
The printer will not feed or print while the “Ink Estimation Mode” is enabled. Once the job has completed; refresh this screen t o view the estimates. Please be sure to un-check the “Ink Estimation Mode” when you are ready to print the job. The estimating process takes as long as the job would take to print (i.e., if the job would take 1 hour to print, the estimate will take 1 hour to dis pl ay.)
WARNING! Enabling the “Ink Estimation Mode” disables all printhead and ink system maintenance routines; while in this mode. Once you are finished using th is feature, please be sure to uncheck (disable) the “Ink Estimation Mode”; so the printer can perform maintenance.
The Ink Usage information can also be used to estimate how many pages/labels can be printed, for a particular print job; before a particular Ink Tank is emptied (assuming Ink Tank is full). NOTE: The numbers provided in the Printed Ink section of the Ink Usage menu are in micro-liters (µL). A new/full Ink Tank contains 250 ml (250,000 µL) of ink.
Calculation Example: Using the info from the bottom row (Job 3) of this Ink Usage chart; each page used an average of 0.311 µL of Cyan ink. (311 µL /1000 pages = 0.311 µL/page) Therefore a full Cyan Ink Tank should be emptied after approximately 803,859 pages/labels have been printed. (250,000 µL /0.311 µL per page = 803,858.52 pages)
NOTICE: This is only an estimate. No guarantee of accuracy is expressed or implied. T hese estimates do NOT include other factor s suc h as Prin te r m a i nt e na nc e rout ines, (printhead wiping and cleaning, pow e r up/down, etc.) that may affect the overall result.
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Network Configuration Menu

Permits you to view, enter or change settings to connect the Printer to your network.
See “Connecting the printer via Netwo r k (Ethernet Port)” for more details.
Network Connection Set Up:
1. The Printer is still connected to the comp uter via the USB cable.
To connect the Printer to a network, open the Toolbox. On the User Interface page, click “Netwo rk Config.”
2. The “Network Configuration” page opens. You r IT pe r s on ca n
choose the Network Settings to enter the correct settings for your network.
3. Connect Ethernet cable to Network Port on Rear Panel of Printer.
See “Connecting the printer via Netwo r k (Ethernet Port)” for more details.
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Service Menus

For authorized personnel only. Provides access to more advanced Printer control and maintenance menus.

Stop Refresh/Auto Refresh

SECTION 3
OPERATING THE PRINTER
Use this button to stop and start the auto refresh feature of the Toolbox (web page). Stopping refresh may be helpful when trying to capture a screen shot of the Toolbox.
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SECTION 4 OPERATOR MAINTENANCE

SECTION 4 – Operator Ma intenance

This section covers how to care for the Printer, Ink Tanks, Printhead Cartridge, Service Station, etc…

Ink Tanks

Replacing the Ink Tanks

Replace the Ink Tanks when the ink runs out.
This procedure is almost identical to the procedure for installing new Ink Tanks into a new printer. The only difference ar e:
- The Toolbox will display an “Ink_Out..” condition; once the ink in a particular Tank is depleted.
- The empty Ink Tank(s) must be removed before installing the new Tank(s).
With these differences in mind; pl ease refer to the section titled “Installing the Ink Tanks”.

Cleaning Ink Tank Contacts

When reinstalling or replacing Ink Tanks, the Ink Level indicators in the Toolbox may show “?” or “out”, for one or more Tank positions.
- The “out” condition may be due to a dirty Ink Tank Level Prism.
- The “?” condition may be due to dirty QA Chip contacts.
You can clean the prism and Tank contacts as follows:
1. Open the Toolbox Utility.
2. Click “Replace Ink Tanks”. Once the
“Confirm” window opens, it is safe to remove the Ink Tanks. IMPORTANT: Do NOT press “Continue” until after you hav e i nstalled the Ink Tank(s) and verified that the Ink Tank Latches are securely closed.
3. Open the Ink Tank Door.
4. Release the corresponding Ink Tank Latch(es) [A] and remove the Ink Tank(s) [B] that had show n
the Ink status as “?” or “Out”.
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C
D
5. Lightly clean the QA Chip contacts [C] with a pencil eraser.
6. Clean the Ink Level Prism [D] and QA Chip
contacts [C] with a clean, dry, lint-free cloth. NOTE: You can dampen the cloth with distilled
water to wipe the Prism, but DO NOT get the QA Chip contacts wet.
7. Reinstall the Ink Tank(s) (label up) and securely
latch the Ink Tank Latch(es). INSTALLATION TIP: Make sure the Ink Tanks seat properly. Insert the Tank in to the appropriate Ink Station, then pull the Tank back about an inch and push forward firmly to insure that the Ink Nozzles penetrate the seals on the Ink Tanks.
8. Close and lock all three Ink Tank Securing
Latches.
IMPORTANT: Make sure both sides of the Latch are engaged at the bottom.
SECTION 4
OPERATOR MAINTENANCE
9. Click on the button labeled “Continue”, in the
Confirm screen of the Toolbox.
10. Watch the Toolbox screen on your computer. You should see all the ink
colors fill-in; if all the Ink Tanks are properly installed and recognized.
Tip: If an Ink Tank color still does not fill-in. Press the “Refresh Ink Level” button. If the problem continues you may need to replace the Tank with a new/known good Tank. Even new Ink Tanks can have dirty/corroded QA Chip contacts. This is not always visible to the eye. If problem persists after replacing with a “new/known good” Tank; please call for service.
11. Close the Ink Tank Door.
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Ink Tank Storage

Properly stored unopened Ink Tanks have a shelf life of up to 1 year.
Opened Ink Tanks should remain in the printer.
New Ink Tanks should be stored in their original packaging.
Do not expose ink to temperatures below 1 ºC (34 ºF) or above 60 ºC (140 ºF).
Allow Ink Tanks to acclimate to ambient temperature before using in your printer.
Do not drop Ink Tanks. They are fragile.

Ink Tank Service Life (yield)

Ink Tank yield will vary greatly; based on the job being printed. Please see “Ink Usage Menu”, in the section titled “Using the Toolbox Utility”, for details on calculating the approximate Ink Tank yield for a particular print job.

Ink Tank Disposal

The Ink Tank should be placed in a sealed plastic bag and disposed of responsibly. Please dispose of waste and residues in accordance with local authority requirements. Clean up spills with soap and water. Wear protective gloves. Abrasive soap is effective in cleaning ink off your hands.
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OPERATOR MAINTENANCE

Printhead

Cleaning the Printhead Cartridge

The Printhead Cartridge is cleaned automatically; each time the print engine is powered ON/OFF, at the beginning and end of a print job, periodically during the print job, whenever there is an interruption in printing and when a “Clean Printhead” routine is performed by the operator.

From the MC Series Driver:

Three “Clean Printhead” levels can be found under the Service Tab, in the MC Series Driver properties. Each step in the “clean printhead” levels activates a more thorough cleaning or clearing of the printhead; which also takes additional time to perfor m. See “Printer Driver Properties” for more details.

From the Toolbox:

MAINTENANCE buttons [A]:
Circulate Ink – Purges air from the lines and
primes the system after replacing the Ink Tanks or Printhead Cartridge.
Caution! Don’t run the “Circulate Ink” feature more than two times in a row. Doing so can build-up too much pressure in the system which may cause excessive ink waste and ink spills to occur.
Quick Clean Printhead – Circulates ink, wipes and cleans the Printhead Cartridge.
Normal Clean Printhead – Runs cleaning and wiping routine twice for better flushing and cleaning.
Full Clean Printhead – Runs the cleaning routine multiple times for the most thorough flushing and cleaning of the Printhead.
Wiper Preemptive Maintenance – If the printer has been sitting for a long period of time and you are experiencing poor head cleaning results; this feature can be used to re-saturate the Wiper Roller with ink to remove dried residue and improve performance. NOTE: By default the printer will automatically perform “Wiper Preemptive Maintenance” after 72 hours of idle-time. Your support representative can set this value, in the Service Menus under Printer Control Config, from zero (off) to 255 hours.
Wipe Printhead – Activates the Service Station to wipe the Printhead. No ink is sprayed. A trained operator or technician can also use thi s f eature to inspect the condition of the wiper roller. See the Section titled “Inspecting the Wiper Roller” for more details.
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Printhead Nozzle Area
WARNING: Be careful not to damage the
image or media.
CAUTION
Use electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection when handling.
contaminants at all times.
OPERATOR MAINTENANCE

Manual Printhead Cleaning:

NOTE: We recommend the use of powder-free, nitrile gloves for this process.
As a last resort, if running the built-in “Clean Printhead” Levels doesn’t help improve print quality; the printhead cartridge can be cleaned manually.
1. Wait for the printer to finish performing any maintenance
operations.
2. Open the Top Cover
3. Carefully open the Clamshell.
4. Clean the printhead nozzles. Dampen a lint-free cloth, with
deionized or distilled wate r. Gently wipe the printhead nozzle area, from end to end, in one direction and in one fluid motion. You can repeat this process a few times, but on ly wipe in one direction.
CAUTION: Do NOT the printhead nozzles. Doing so may cause damage t o the printhead cartridge and possible contamination to the ink system.
use tap water or paper towels to clean
“star rollers” when wiping the printhead. These rollers are designed so they can roll across a wet image, without damaging the image. If the rollers are bent, they will not turn free; causing media feed issues (jamming) and possible damage to the
5. Carefully Close the Clamshell.
6. Close the Top Cover.
Generally, when the ink supply is adequate and the print quality remains poor, or when the automated cleaning processes or manually cleaning the Printhead has not helped the image quality, the Printhead should be replaced.
Hold the Printhead Cartridge by the handles ONLY.
DO NOT touch the ink couplings, nozzle surface or electrical contacts.
DO NOT unpack the Printhead Cartridge until the Printer is ready for
installation. Once unwrapped, delay in installing the Printhead can compromise print quality due to dehydration.
DO NOT place an unwrapped Printhead on any surface before installing.
Protect the Printhead from scratches, dust, fibers, dirt and other
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OPERATOR MAINTENANCE
CAUTION
COMMAND IN THE TOOLBOX UTIL ITY.
IMPORTANT!
BEFORE INSTALLING NEW PRINTHEAD, PLEASE CHECK INK TANK LEVELS. PRINTER MAY NOT FULLY REPRIME IF TANKS ARE LESS THAN 30% FULL.

Removing/Replacing the Printhead Cartridge

NOTE: We recommend the use of powder-free, nitrile gloves for this process.
Replacing the Printhead Cartridge
1. Open the Toolbox Utility. Go to the Start Menu, then open the Toolbox.
2. Open the Top Cover.
3. To release the Printhead Cartridge; press
the “Release Printhead” button, located in the Toolbox User Interface menu u nder the “SERVICE” [C] heading. When this button is pressed, the Printer will run a “partial de-prime” routine, to pump the ink from the printhead back into the Ink Tanks. Then the Printhead Latch will be release (pop o pen).
SECTION 4
DO NOT PRY OR MANUALLY LIFT THE PRINTHEAD LATCH OR THE LATCH MAY BREAK. ONLY OPEN THE LATCH USING THE RELEASE PRINTHEAD
4. Make sure the Printhead Latch [1] is fully opened to retract
the ink revolvers and lines.
5. Remove the used Printhead Cart r idge by tilting it toward the
ink lines [2], then carefully lifting it out of the Printhead Compartment.
To help reduce ink spills; place the printhead into the old protective packaging and discard.
6.
7. Once the old Printhead Cartridge has been r emoved; please refer to the section titled “Installing
the Printhead Cartridge” to install the new Printhead Cartridge.
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must not exceed 72 hours .
OPERATOR MAINTENANCE

Printhead Storage & Shelf Life

Properly stored, unopened, Printhead Cartridges have a shelf life o f up to 1 year.
Long Term: 14° F to 86° F (-10° C to 30° C)
Storage Temperature Range:
Short Term: -11° F to 140° F (-25° C to 60° C) NOTE: Cumulative storage duration above 86° F (30° C)
Humidity Range: Atmospheric Pressure Range:
Electrostatic Discharge:
If you find it necessary to remove the printhead from the printer, for a few hours/days, it must be properly protected and sealed; to help reduce damage, nozzle dehydration and clogging.
Follow the “Replacing the Printhead Car t r idge” procedure to remove the Printhead Cartridge.
Install the protective cover on the printhead. Be careful to avoid ink spills (drips) and stains
during this process.
Store Printhead Cartridge in a sealed plastic bag , along with a cloth that has been dampened
with distilled water.
Re-install the “Cap Protectors” onto the Ink Revolver Couplings.
The Printhead should be re-installed as soon as possible. Please see the section titled
“Installing the Printhead Cartridge”. CAUTION: Make sure the cartridges electrical contacts are dry before re-installing printhead.
5% to 95% Relative Humidity, non-condensing 70 kPa to 106 kPa 8 kV air discharges or 4 kV contact discharg es*
*When tested in accordance with IEC 61000-4-2

Printhead Service Life

Manufacturer’s estimated rating: ~125,000 linear inches of continuous printing.
For example; if printing an image measuring 4.13”H, at best print quality, with 100% ink coverage (each nozzle firing at 1600 dpi dow n length of media); the printer is depositing 4.13 liner inches of print per page/label. At this rate, you can expect a yield of approximately 30,000 pages/labels before head replacement may be needed. If printing an image measuring 1” high; you can expect a yield of approximately 125,000 pages/labels before head replacement may be needed. NOTICE: Individual results will vary. The estimations, provided above, are NOT an expression of Warranty. This information is being provided for informational purposes only. The decision on when a printhead is no longer producing acceptable output varies greatly from customer to customer; since this decision is based upon the customer’s expectations (what they consider is or is not acceptable output). Printhead degradation will depend on the make-up of the images printed, the operating environment, servicing, media characteristics (including cleanliness) and other factors. The Printhead has a total of 70,400 nozzles (14,080 per color channel, 5 color channels). Since every print job is different, most do not use the entire width of the Printhead nor do they require that every nozzle be fired. Ther efore some nozzles do not fire as often as others. The most often used nozzles will degrade more quickly. Noticing the effects of failing nozzles depends partly on the relative position of those nozzles to each other.

Printhead Disposal

To help avoid ink spills; place the Printhead Cartridge back into its original packaging, before disposal. Please dispose of waste and residu es i n accor dance with local authority requirements. Clean up spills with soap and water. Abrasive soap is effective in cleaning ink off your hands.
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Lip of Capping Station
OPERATOR MAINTENANCE

Inspecting & Cleaning the Lip of the Capping Station

The Capping Station (Cap) is part of the Service Station. When the printer is idle, the Service Station automatically caps the printhead to keep the nozzles hydrated. Excess ink can accumulate on the L ip of the Cap. This commonly occurs after a printhead cartridge is installed and the system is primed. During the printhead priming process the system performs multiple purges of ink into the Cap. This can cause excess ink to build on the lip of the Cap. This excess ink will then be transferred to the printhead surface, when the printhead is capped; creating a greater chance for “scuff marks” to occur on the media.
Procedure: NOTE: We recommend the use of powder-free, nitrile gloves for this process.
1. Power-down the printer using the ON/OFF button.
2. After the Control Panel Lights have all turn OFF; Open the Top Cover.
3. Carefully release the Latches and Open the
Clamshell.
4. Using a lint free cloth; carefully wipe the excess ink from the Lip of the Capping Station.
5. Inspect the lip of the cap for signs of wear or damage. I f t he lip is uneven or cracked, it should be
replaced. Please contact your service sup po r t rep r esentative to have this item replace.
6. Carefully close and latch the Clamshell.
Important! Make sure to hold the latches open (unlocked position) until the clamshell is closed.
Then slowly release the latches. If this rule is not followed damage to the latch posts and or door switch may result.
7. Close the Top Cover.
8. Power-On the printer.
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Wiper Roller
OPERATOR MAINTENANCE

Inspecting the Wiper Roller

The Wiper Roller should be routinely inspected for signs of wear and debris. NOTICE! If you have not been trained or are uncomfortable performing this task, please contact your
service support representative.
Directions:
1. Power ON the printer and power-up the print engine.
2. After the printer has finished performing
maintenance, carefully release the Latch es and Open the Clamshell.
3. Open the Toolbox and press the “Wipe Printhead” button.
4. The Wiper Roller will be presented
through the opening in the lower section of the print engine. The Service Station will cycle through its normal wiping and capping routine; providing you with the opportunity to inspect the condition of the Wiper Roller. CAUTION: Keep all loose items and hands away from the moving parts within the print engine. Do NOT try to touch or clean the moving components. Injury or damage may result.
5. Inspect the Wiper Roller for signs of damage/wear (fabric is fuzzy, torn, uneven) and debris
(fibers, hair, particle accumulation, etc…). Contact your service support represen t at ive if you see signs of wear or debris on the roller. The wiper roller may need to be cleaned or replaced. NOTE: A new (unused) Wiper Roller will be white. Once the roller has been used, for a short period of time, it will turn black with ink. This is normal. WARNING: Without training and experience it can be difficult to identify a worn or dirty wiper roller. When in doubt, the Wiper Roller should be replaced. Operating the printer with a worn or dirty wiper roller can cause damage to the p r int head. If the printhead is replaced it is also recommended that the Wiper Roller be replaced at the same time.
6. As soon as you are finished inspecting the Wiper Roller; carefully close and latch the Clamshell.
WARNING: If you leave the Clamshell open too long this may cause nozzle dehydration. Important! Make sure to hold the latches open (unlo cked position) until the clamshell is closed.
Then slowly release the latches. If this rule is not followed damage to the latch posts and or door switch may result.
7. Close the Top Cover.
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SECTION 4
WARNING
If the Printhead Cartridge is still installed; when you remove the Service Station, the Printhead will
before you begin this process.
OPERATOR MAINTENANCE

Cleaning/Replacing Service Station Items

The Service Station contains separate areas/d evices that are used to perform the following tasks.
Cleaning. The Wiper Roller cleans the Printhead nozzles of excess in k and debris.
Printing/Purging. The Printing Platen acts as a base to support media during printing . It al so co ntains a
purging area; which captures and absorbs ink that is purged, to hel p keep nozzles clear.
Capping. The Capping Station seals and protects the printhead nozzles when not in use.
Evacuating Waste Ink. In addition to the function of supporting the above items; the Service Station
Tray is lined with wicking material that absorbs the waste ink and transfers it out of the Tray and into the “waste ink trough”. This waste ink then flows from the “trough” to the “Waste Ink Tray”, which is located behind the Ink Tank Door.
As the above components become worn/dirty, from use, they can lose their ability to perform as intended. If you experience print quality issues that are not Troubleshootin g Sec t ion under “Print Quality Issues”; it may be time to have the Service Station, or components within the Service Station, cl eaned or replaced.
THESE PROCEDURES SHOULD ONLY BE PERFORMED BY A
QUALIFIED/TRAINED PERSON.
resolved by performing the steps found in the
CAUTION
NOTICE:
technical support person or someone that has been properly trained on these procedures. Please contact your technical support representative. Please use nitrile powder-free gloves and have plenty of paper t owels on-hand for these procedures.
remain un-capped. This can cause dehydration of nozzles and printing issues. If you want to reduce the chance for printhead nozzle dehydration; it is highly recommended that you eject the Printhead and follow the procedures described under “Printhead Cartridge Storage and Handling”,
NOTE: We recommend the use of powder-free, nitrile gloves for this process.
Due to the technical nature of these procedu r es; t hey should only be performed by a qualified

Removing the Service Station

1. Power-up the printer.
2. Open the Top Cover
3. Open the Ink Tank Door (hinged at bott om)
to expose the “Service Station Slot”.
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SECTION 4 OPERATOR MAINTENANCE
4. Open the Clamshell.
Release the two latches and open the Clamshell.
WARNING! Please be sure to open the Clamshel l before you eject the service station. I f not, the service station cannot fully eject and damage to the service station drive system may occur.
5. Open the Toolbox Utility.
In the User Interface window, under the “SERVICE” heading [C], press the “Eject Service Station” button.
6. Once the Service Station has ejected; power
OFF the printer. Press the ON/OFF button. Wait about 45 seconds for the print engine to fully power-down (all lights out). Then turn the Main Power Switch OFF.
7. Slide the Service Station out of the Service
Station slot. CAUTION: Do not pull Station all the way out until you disconnect the Ribbon Cable.
NOTE: It is a good idea to place an absorbent towel under the Service Station as you remove it to prevent any drips or leaks.
4. Disconnect the Ribbon Cable. Slide the Latch open on the
Service Station Circuit Board to release the Ribbon Cable. CAUTION! This latch can be broken if you pull it out too far. Be careful!
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OPERATOR MAINTENANCE
CAUTION
5. Remove the Service Station completely from the print engine and place it on a non-absorbent
surface (plastic bag) to protect the surface you ar e placing it on.
6. If you are replacing or re-installing the Service Station, please see the section titled
“Installing the Service Station”.
7. If you are cleaning or replacing items in the serv i ce st at i on; please see the next section titled
“Cleaning the Service Station”.
WHENEVER POWERING DOWN UNIT, ALWAYS:
1. PRESS THE ON/OFF ON THE CONTROL PANEL.
2. WAIT FOR THE PRINTER TO STOP PROCESSING.
3. THEN PRESS THE MAIN POWER SWITCH ON THE REAR PANEL.
SECTION 4
8. Slide the Service Station out of the Service Station
Dock. NOTE: Do not pull Station all the way out
until you disconnect the Ribbon Cable. NOTE: It is a good idea to place an absorbent towel
under the Service Station as you remove it to prevent any drips or leaks.
9. Disconnect the Ribbon Cable. Slide the Latch
open on the Service Station Circuit Board to release the Ribbon Cable. Remove the Service Station.
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SECTION 4
Wiper Motor Assy
OPERATOR MAINTENANCE

Cleaning the Service Station

NOTE: We recommend the use of powder-free, nitrile gloves for this process. Caution: Please be sure that you are using proper cleaning techniques to clean items that come in contact
with the printhead. Use only distilled or deionized water and lint free cloths. If you don’t follow this rule, you will introduce contamination into the printhead; which can damage the printhead and ink system.
Wiper Roller Removal and Cleaning or Replacement
Tip: Although the wiper roller can be cleaned; this process is time-consuming. When you factor in labor costs; you may find it more cost-effective to replace the wiper roller instead. We also recommend that the wiper roller be replaced whenever a n ew printhead is installed.
Removal:
1. Lift up, about one inch, on the Wiper Motor Assembly; to expose the
latch retaining screws [C] (one at each en d).
NOTE: Early versions of this assembly did no t have retaining screws.
2. Carefully loosen the two small screws retaining the wiper roller latches.
Tip: To avoid loosing these screws; don’t remove the screws. You only need to back-out the screws far enough so the latches can be opened.
3. Release the two latches that secure the wiper roll er .
4. Remove the Wiper Roller from the Wiper Motor Assembly.
Cleaning/Replacement:
1. Using distilled water; immerse for 10 minutes, then remove and pat dry with absorbent lint free
towel. WARNING! Do NOT rub the roller, when cleaning or drying it. This will cause damage to the roller fabric. Do NOT use tap/mineral/spring water to clean the wiper roller; doing so will introduce contaminants into the roller. A contaminated roller will cause damage to the printhead and ink system. Allow the roller to dry completely, before re-installing it.
2. If the Wiper Roller shows signs of wear (fabric surface torn, un-even or fuzzy), it should be
replaced. Be sure to remove the plastic cover from the new Wiper Roller before installing it.
Install:
1. Re-install the Wiper Roller into the Wiper Motor Assembly. Make sure the gear on the Wiper
Roller engages the gear in the Wiper Motor Assembly. TIP: If you are planning to clean the Wiper Motor Assembly; don’t re-install the wiper roller until you have completed the Wiper Motor Assembly cleaning process.
2. Carefully close the latches. Make sure the latches are fully locked and then tighten the latch
retaining screws [C] (don’t over-tighten).
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WARNING
Wiper Motor Assembly Removal and Cleaning
Removal:
1. Disconnect (unplug) the wiper motor cable from the
Service Station Printed Circuit Board [A].
2. Remove the Printed Circuit Board [A] from the
Service Station Tray. Carefully release clip s to remove board.
3. Lift out the Wiper Motor Assembly [B].
4. Remove the Wiper Roller from the Wiper Motor
Assembly [C] [D]. See procedure on previous page.
Cleaning:
1. Pour distilled water into a flat-bottom container to the
depth of about 17mm.
2. Carefully immerse the Wiper Motor Assembly, motor
side up, into the water.
SECTION 4
OPERATOR MAINTENANCE
DO NOT IMMERSE MOTOR OR GET
MOTOR WET; TO AVOID DAMAGE.
3. If vents are showing, carefully add more water until
they are covered. Allow the Wiper Motor Assembly to soak for 10 minutes.
4. Carefully remove the Wiper Motor Assembl y. In spect
the vents and remove any debris with tweezers. P at dry with an absorbent lint-free towel. NOTE: If this assembly shows signs of wear or damage it should be replaced. If the Service Station is more than one year old, depending on monthly volume, it may be worthwhile to replace the entire Service Station instead of replacing comp on ents.
5. Lightly lubricate the Wiper Motor Gears (3) with
synthetic PTFE grease (Super Lube 21030 or equivalent).
Install:
1. Allow the Wiper Motor Assembly to dry.
2. Re-install in reverse order.
NOTE: Make sure the wiper roller is re-installed,
wiper roller latches are fully closed/lock ed and the wiper roller retaining screws are fully tight ened (do not over-tighten). TIP: If you are planning to clean the Service Station Tray; don’t re-install this component until you have completed the Service Station Tray cleaning process.
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SECTION 4 OPERATOR MAINTENANCE
Printing Platen and Capping Station Removal and Cleaning
Removal:
Both of these items simply lift out for removal from the Service Station.
Cleaning:
3. Rinse off ink using tap water.
Tip: Make sure the valve, located on the bottom of the Capping Station, is clear of debris and working.
4. Pat dry with an absorbent lint-free cloth.
5. After cleaning the Capping Station; wipe the capping lip with a lint free cloth, dampened with
distilled water. This will help insu r e that t he contaminants on the cap are removed, before the cap makes contact with the printhead. NOTE: If either of these items show signs of wear or damage they should be replaced. If the Service Station is more than one year old, depending on monthly volume, it may be worthwhile to replace the entire Service Station instead of replacing components.
Install:
1. Allow the Printing Platen and Capping Station to dry.
2. Reinstall Printing Platen and Capping Station into Service Station Tray.
TIP: If you are planning to clean the Service Station Tray; don’t re-install this component until you have completed the Service Station Tray cleaning process.
Cleaning the Service Station Tray
1. If present; remove the Service Station Printed Circuit Board, Wiper Motor Assembly, Printing
Platen and Capping Station from the Tray; as described on the previous pages.
2. Wipe the Tray with a damp, lint-free cloth to remove the major ink buildup. Be careful not to
damage/peel-off the wicking material; from the surface of the Tray.
3. Then rinse the Tray using tap water.
4. Allow the tray to dry.
NOTE: If the Tray shows signs of wear or damage (wicking material torn or coming loose from
surface of tray) the Tray should be replaced. If the Service Station is more than one year old, depending on monthly volume, it may be worthwhile to replace the entire Service Station instead of replacing components.
5. Reinstall the Service Station Printed Circuit Board, Wiper Motor Assembly, Printing Platen and
Capping Station, into the Tray; as described on the previous pages.
Suggestion for High Volume Users:
For printers that are being used at high volumes (over 200,000 pages/labels per month), we recommend purchasing a second service station to reduce down-time for Service Station Maintenance. The new/clean service station can be swapped with the dirty one. Then the dirty Service Station can be cleaned according to the above instructions and made ready for the next time Service Station Maintenance is required.
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SECTION 4
Tighten
CAUTION!
Make sure the latches for the Wiper Roller are fully latched and secured
Check the latch at each end of
OPERATOR MAINTENANCE

Installing the Service Station

CAUTION
THIS PROCESS MUST BE PERFORMED BY A QUALIFIED/TRAINED PERSON.
NOTICE: Due to the technical nature of this procedure; it should only be performed by a qualified
technical support person or someone that has been properly trained on this procedure. Please contact your technical support representative. Pl ease u se nitrile powder-free gloves and have plenty of paper t owels on­hand for these procedures.
The Service Station fits in the slot immediately above the Ink Tank slots.
PROCEDURE:
1. Make sure the printer is powered OFF.
If the printer is not ON/OFF button once and wait about 45 seconds for the print engine to power off (all control panel light’s off). Then turn the Main Power Switch OFF.
2. Open the Top Cover.
3. Open the Ink Tank Door (hinged at bottom) to
expose the “Service Station Slot”.
4. Open the Clamshell.
5. If you are installing a New Service Station;
carefully remove the Service Station f rom its packaging.
NOTE: Loose parts may fall out. Keep wiper roller si de facing up, when removing the packaging.
6. Check to be sure that the wiper roller latches are secure.
powered off, press the
the wiper roller.
before installing the Service Station. Current versions of this assembly also have latch retaining screws that secure the latches from opening in transit or use. Make sure theses screws have been tighten (do NOT over-tighten). NOTE: Early versions of this assembly did not have latch retaining screws.
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SECTION 4
Wiper Roller end of
Ribbon Cable
Connected to Service
Closed
Opened
Open
Close
1
2
Ribbon
Service
OPERATOR MAINTENANCE
7. Slide the Cable Securing Latch open on the Service Station Circuit Board; as shown below.
8. Locate the Ribbon Cable (from within the Service Station
Slot). Insert the Ribbon Cable (blue side up) into the space under the Cable Securing Latch [1]. Make sure the ribbon cable is pushed in all the way and is NOT crooked. Then close the Cable Securi ng Latch [2].
Station Slot
Cable
9. Once the Ribbon Cable is properly connected to the Service Station Circuit Board; gently slide the
Service Station, wiper roller end first, into the Service Station Slot until it stops. The Service Station fits into the slot immediately above the Ink Tank slots. NOTE: The Ink Tank Door must be open
Station Circuit Board
to perform this procedure.
Service Station
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You don’t need to open the Print Engine.
10. Look down through open area, in the Print Engine, to
make sure the Service Station is aligned with the “Bar”; (Service Station Drive Shaft) as shown.
If the Printhead Cartridge is not installed (has been removed), you can look down through the top of the Print-Engine, through the Printhead Cartridge opening.
If the Printhead Cartridge is still installed, you must open the Clamshell to see into this area; as shown.
SECTION 4
OPERATOR MAINTENANCE
IMPORTANT!
The Service Station must perfectly aligned with the “Bar” to prevent misalignment and jamming of the service station.
11. GENTLY push in on the Service Station with one hand, while slowly turning the “Large Gear”
clockwise with the other hand. It should b e easy to turn this gear and the service station should start to drive into the print engine squarely. Once the Service Station moves about ¼ inch past the “Bar” (shown in previous step), stop turning the gear. Do NOT manually drive the Service Station into the print engine beyond this point.
NOTE: The “Large Gear” is located on the non-operator side of Print Engine; as shown below. You don’t
need to open the Print Engine to access this gear.
Shown for clarification purpose only.
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SECTION 4
WARNING
Waste-ink from the Service Station flows through wicking
the printer; causing damage to the system.
OPERATOR MAINTENANCE
12. Turn the printer’s Main Power Switch ON; then press the control panel’s ON/OFF button.
After printer initialization (~45 seconds) the Print Engine will automatically pull the Service Station the rest of the way in. NOTICE: If the Service Station should get jammed during this process (you hear motor stall noise or gear slipping noise); immediately turn OFF the printer’s Main Power Switch. This is one of the only exceptions for turning off the printer using the main power switch, before properly powering-down the print engine. Remove the Service station by turning the Large Gear counter-clockwise. Re-check that the Wiper Roller is properly installed and l atched at each end. Then re-install the Service Station starting from step 8 above.
Tip: The “Eject Service Station” button, located in the MC Series Toolbox, should be used if the service station needs to be removed in the futu r e. WARNING! Please be sure to open the Clamshel l before you eject the service station. If not, the service station cannot fully eject and damage to the service station drive system may occur.
13. Verify that the wick, located on the bottom of the Service Station, is hanging
into the waste ink trough; as shown (as viewed looking into the Service Station Slot, from the exit end of the printer).
material and out the hole, located on the bottom of the service station. If this wicking material is not directed into the trough; waste-ink will build up on the base of the Service Station Slot. This misdirected waste-ink will eventually find its way onto the Ink Tanks, inside the body of the printer and even under
14. Close the Ink Tank Door.
15. Close the Top Cover
16. Power the printer on and Test for proper operation.

Still Experiencing Print Quality Issues?

If you still experience print quality issues, after performing all the cleaning processes, outlined in this section, please refer to the “Troubleshooting Guide” for additional help. If you have exhausted all cleaning and troubleshooting options, and you have replaced the Printhead Cartridge and Wiper Roller; then this may indicate that the printer requires technical service. Please contact your support representative to schedule a service call.
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OPERATOR MAINTENANCE

Inspecting/Replacing the Waste Ink Tray

The Waste Ink Tray (123-2487) is filled with an absorbent material, used to capture the waste ink that drains from the Service Station.
1. If the printer is on; press the ON/OFF button to power-down the print engine. Wait about 45
seconds until the system shuts down (all control panel lights will go off). Turn off the Main Power Switch and unplug the printer from the power receptacle.
WARNING! If this power-down process is not followed; loss of settings, poor image quality and reduced printhead life may result.
2. Unplug the power cable from the printer.
3. Open the Ink Tank door
4. The Waste Ink Tray is secured to the print engine frame by two tabs.
One tab is located at the left side of the tray and one at the right side. Simultaneously push the two tabs in towards the tray, while pulling the tabs out towards you. The Waste Ink Tray should release from the frame and begin sliding towards you.
5. Slide the Waste Ink Tray out from under the print engine.
6. If the absorbent material is saturated with ink (entire white absorbent pad is now colored); the
Waste Ink Tray (123-2487) should be replaced. WARNING: Do NOT remove the Waste Ink Tray for more than a minute or two. With the tray removed; waste ink will drip onto the base of the printer. This ink will eventually end up in areas that are undesirable; causing damage to the system or other items/properly.
7. When re-installing the Waste Ink Tray, push the tray in evenly and slide it all the way back until it
stops. Make sure the tray securing tabs snap into the print engine frame.
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SECTION 4
A
CAUTION
OPERATOR MAINTENANCE

Clearing Media Jams

When the printer detects a media feed problem, it will stop automatically. Depending on where the media stops; the message “PAPERPATH_PAPERJAM” or “PAPERPATH_FEED_TIMEOUT” will be displayed in the Toolbox. Once the jam has been removed from the system and the Clamshell is closed; reload media into printer then press the PAUSE/RESUME button, on the control panel or the Toolbox, to conti nue pr i nting.
Some possible causes for jamming are:
1. Damaged media, such as dog-eared (turned down corners), curled/bowed media or label releasing
from liner.
2. Media that is too thick for the printer.
3. Media that is too wide for the printer or media that skews as i t travels through the printer.
4. Trying to retract a long length of media. Although the printer is normally capable of retracting
media without issues; depending on the type of media, it may have problems retracting a long length of media. If the media skews as it retracts this may cause binding/slipping of stock.
5. Dusty/dirty Paperpath Entry or Exit sensors.

Removing Jammed Media

Clearing a jam depends on where the jam o ccurred. Under the Brush Assembly: Unlock and swing open the
Brush Assembly [A] to access jammed material. C lear the jam, and then carefully lower and latch the Brush Assembly.
From the Print Engine Area: Open the Top Cover. Lift up on the two latches (one on each side of the print engine assembly) and raise (swing open) the Clamshell [C]. Clear the jam, then carefully lower and re­latch the Clamshell. Then close the Top Cover.
HOLD ONTO BOTH LATCHES WHEN OPENING AND CLOSING THE PRINT ENGINE CLAMSHELL TO PREVENT DAMAGE.
DO NOT ALLOW THE CLAMSHELL DROP OR SLAM CLOSED.
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OPERATOR MAINTENANCE

Misfeeds

When media tracking/positioning i s aff ect ed; this is considered a Misfeed. If the media misfeeds, this will affect the clarity and location/registration of the image being printed on the media.
Examples: Unwinder speed set too slow occurs the image will be distorted (condensed) and or print early (image moves towards or off leading edge of label). Winder set too fast. Engine transport). When this occurs the image will be distorted (elongated or horizontal gaps in image) and or print late (image moves towards or off trailing edge of label).
To Correct Misfeeds:
Roll Feed (Roll to Cut or Roll to Roll) – Check to be sure Unwinder/Winder is properly setup/positioned/threaded. Verify that media is feeding under the “Label T ension Arm”. Readjust the Speed Controls on the Unwinder and Winder. Check/adjust the Label Side Guide. Clean the Grit Rollers within the Print Engine.
Fanfold – Straighten stack. Check/adjust the Label Side Guide. Clean the Grit Rollers within the Print Engine.
Winder may pull the media causing the media to over-feed (feed faster than Print
. Unwinder may hold-back on the media causing it to hesitate/slip. When this

Cleaning the Printer Body

WARNING
THE PRINTER IS A PRECISION MACHINE THAT SHOULD BE CLEANED REGULARLY TO INSURE MANY YEARS OF SERVICE. BEFORE PERFORMING ANY MAINTENANCE, DISCONNECT THE MACHINE FROM ITS POWER SOURCE! DO NOT REMOVE SIDE COVERS! HIGH VOLTAGES PRESENT.
Clean the Printer regularly to remove accumul at ed paper dust and ink. Depending on the types of media that are run, paper dust may accumulate inside the printer and on the transport.
1. If the printer is on; press the ON/OFF button to power-down the print engine. Wait about 45
seconds until the system shuts down (all control panel lights will go off). Turn off the Main Power
Switch and unplug the printer from the power receptacle.
WARNING! If this power-down process is not followed; loss of settings, poor image quality and reduced printhead life may result.
2. Unplug the power cable from the printer.
3. Interior: Use a vacuum with a soft brush att achment to help loosen dust particles. Take care not to
damage the PC Boards or electrical wiring .
4. Exterior: Wipe clean with a lint-free cloth using any standard nonabrasive household cleaner that
does not contain plastic harming solvents.
CAUTION
NEVER SPRAY OR POUR CLEANERS DIRECTLY ON OR INTO THE PRINTER. EXCESS LIQUID COULD HARM ELECTRONIC PARTS. DAMPEN A LINT-FREE CLOTH WITH THE CLEANER AND APPLY IT TO THE PARTS TO BE CLEANED.
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CAUTION
LUBRICANTS OR OTHER CHEMICALS.
OPERATOR MAINTENANCE

Cleaning Other Items inside the Print Engine

Areas in the Print Engine can become glazed with a buildup of dust, paper lint and accumulated ink and need to be cleaned regularly.
This section covers the procedures for cleani ng the following items.
Grit Rollers (Media Transport Rollers) Media (Paperpath) Sensors Capping Station Lip Paperpath Surfaces Printing Platen Surface Ink Revolver Couplings Cutter Assembly
WARNING
THE PRINTER IS A PRECISION MACHINE THAT SHOULD BE CLEANED REGULARLY TO INSURE MANY YEARS OF SERVICE. BEFORE PERFORMING ANY MAINTENANCE, DISCONNECT THE MACHINE FROM ITS POWER SOURCE! DO NOT REMOVE SIDE COVERS! HIGH VOLTAGES PRESENT.
NOTICE: If you are uncomfortable performing these tasks, or this issue is not resolved by cleaning; please contact your support representative.
Procedure:
1. If the printer is on; press the ON/OFF button to power-down the print engine. Wait about 45
seconds until the system shuts down (all control panel lights will go off).
2. Turn off the Main Power Switch and unplug the printer from the power receptacle.
3. Open the Top Cover and then carefully open the Clamshell Assembly.
4. Use a vacuum to pick up any loose debris.
NOTE: Be careful around ink tray and capping station in the Print Engine area as accumulated ink may splash onto other parts of the printer. Take care not to damage the PC Boards or electrical wiring. The use of compressed air is not recommended. I f you direct the air into an area with wet ink; ink will splash onto other parts of the printer, which could affect operation.
USE ONLY DEIONIZED/DISTILLED WATER TO CLEAN PRINT ENGINE
COMPONENTS. AVOID CONTAMINATING THE PRINTHEAD W ITH CLEANERS,
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Entry
Exit
Mark
E
5. Use the procedures, as outlined below, to clean the following items.
Grit Rollers [A]:
Clean as needed using a small stiff-bristled brush (toothbrush), lightly moistened with distilled water. Do NOT use anything other than distilled water to clean the Rollers. Pat the roller dry using a lint-free cloth. Do NOT rub with cloth or this may produce lint.
Media (Paperpath) Sensors [B]: Paper lint, dust and ink will build­up on the Media Sensors. Be sure to clean the Paperpath Entry and Paperpath Exit and Mark sensors routinely. Use lightly dampened foam, or lint-free, cotton swab to gently wipe the Sensors. Repeat this process u ntil all ink/debris is removed. Take care not to drip water into the circuit boards. Use a clean, dry swab to dab surfaces dry. Remember to wipe the clear panel, on the S enso r R eceiver, which is located in the upper Clamshell Assembly (above the Paperpath Entry Sensor).
SECTION 4
OPERATOR MAINTENANCE
Capping Station Lip [C]:
Clean as needed with distilled water on a damp, l int-free, cloth. Try to avoid contact with the “wicking material” located in the center o f the Capping Station. Be careful not to splash or drip ink onto other parts of the Printer.
Paperpath Surfaces [D]: Wipe with distilled water on a damp, lint-free cloth. Pat dry with a lint-free cloth.
6. Reconnect the power cord to the printer and turn the Main Power switch ON.
7. Make sure your hands/clothes/leaning supplies are clear from the print engine; then Power-up the
print engine using the ON/OFF button. After a short period of time, the Capping Station will drop and the Printing Platen will be presented through the same opening. Carefully clean the Printing Platen as described below.
Printing Platen Surface [E]:
Clean the surface as needed with distilled water on a damp, lint-free, cloth. Try to avoid contact with the “wicking material” located in the center o f the Platen.
8. Carefully close and Latch the “Clamshel l ”; using two
hands.
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WARNING
OPERATOR MAINTENANCE
Cleaning the Ink Revolver Couplings
1. First Deprime the system and remove the
Printhead Cartridge.
2. Moisten a foam swab in distilled water.
3. Insert the swab into one of the ink channels
and rotate the swab to clean the chamber.
4. Use a new swab for each of the remaining
ink channels until all 10 openings are clean. (5 on each side.)
Cleaning the Cutter Assembly
The Cutter (Cutter Assembly) is used to trim and cut the media web. During this process, paper dust, label/media trimmings and debris may accumulate in this area; affecting Cutter performance.
When activated the Cutter Motor drives the Cutter, from one side to the other, with a lot of force and speed.
To avoid personal injury; you must power down the printer before touching the Cutter Assembly. Cutter Assembly maintenance should on ly be performed by a qualified/trained person. Please contact your service representative to obtain training or to have them perform this process for you.
CAUTION
THIS PROCESS MUST BE PERFORMED BY A QUALIFIED/TRAINED PERSON.
ALWAYS POWER DOWN THE PRINTER BEFORE PERFORMING ANY MAINTENANCE; TO AVOID SERIOUS SHOCK OR INJURY.
1. Turn Off the Printer and disconnect power. Power-down the Print Engine using the ON/OFF
button, then Turn Off the Main Power Switch and disconnect the power cord from the printer.
2. Using a vacuum and a pair of tweezers, carefully remove any dust and debris from within and
around the Cutter Assembly [A] area. If needed; the Clamshell can be opened to improve access.
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Grit Rollers (Media P ath)
INSPECT
CLEAN
CLEAN
Inspection/Cleaning
REMOVAL
(Clean)
TANK INSTALL
Waste Ink Tray
INSPECT
INSPECT
REPLACE
PERFORMED BY SERVICE TECHNICIAN
& TEST
Station Home, Index and Lift)
TEST
WARNING
OPERATOR MAINTENANCE

PRINTER MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

General, periodic maintenance is needed to keep the Printer in good working order. Many tasks can be performed by operators with basic supplies, no special tools needed. Other tasks should only be performed by trained service personnel. NOTE: High volume usage may require more frequent maintenance.
COMPONENTS / TASKS
DAILY BI-WEEKLY MONTHLY YEARLY AS NEEDED
MAINTENANCE TYPE
PERFORMED BY OPERATOR
Ink Revolver Couplings and Connections:
Ink Tank Contacts & Prism
Optical Sensors (Media Paperpath)
Printhead (Manual Wiping) WIPE Printhead, Head Media Guide
& Lip of Capping Station (Manual Wiping)
Residue and Debris Re moval CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN Wiper Roller:
Inspection
*Cutter: Inspection/Cleaning
Ink Tank Latches/Ink Bay INSPECT Ink Tubing, Couplings,
Components Lubrication (Service Station
Rails, Lift Arm Cams, etc..) Moving Parts/Motors/Gears
CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN
INSPECT INSPECT INSPECT
INSPECT
APPLY
INSPECT/
CLEAN
INSPECT
EVERY
PRINTHEAD
EVERY INK
AFTER EVERY
PRINTHEAD
INSTALL
Contact Service
to Replace
REPLACE
Optical Sensors (Service
*Pen Driver PCA Contacts: Cleaning
*Service Station & Components
*Wiper Roller: Replace
ALWAYS POWER DOWN THE PRINTER BEFORE PERFORMING ANY MAINTENANCE; TO AVOID SERIOUS SHOCK OR INJURY.
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INSPECT
INSPECT
* Customer may be able to perform these tasks with proper training.
INSPECT &
INSPECT &
CLEAN
CLEAN
INSPECT/
CLEAN AFTER
PRINTHEAD
REMOVAL
CLEAN or REPLACE
EVERY
PRINTHEAD
REPLACEMENT
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SECTION 4 OPERATOR MAINTENANCE

Preparing Printer for Transport

Please use this procedure if you ever need to transport the printer to a new location or ship the printer. Please refer to the appropriate sections in t he manual for details on installing/removing items from the printer.

Local relocation

Transporting the printer from one room to another in the same building is considered a local relocation. Local relocation does not normally require that the printer be repackaged before transportation. To move your printer locally:
1. Switch the printer off using the ON/OFF button and wait until all lights turn off.
2. Turn off the Main Power Switch. Then disconnect the power cable from the printer and wall
outlet. IMPORTANT! Do NOT switch off the power at the power outlet or remove the power cable until all lights are off. Failure to do so may damage your printer.
3. Disconnect the USB or Ethernet cable from your printer.
4. Two people are required to lift the printer; keeping it as level as possible during this process.
IMPORTANT! The printer should remain semi-level at all times during transportation and storage. Failure to do so may cause the printer to leak ink.
5. Take care to avoid sharp bumps and strong vibrations during the relocation process.
6. Be sure to select an appropriate location; as described in the “Choosing the Location” section
.

Remote relocation or shipping

Transporting the printer to another building is considered a remote relocation. When transporting your printer to a remote location, your printer will need to be disassembled and repackaged, as set out below: NOTE: This procedure should be performed by a qualified technician. We suggest the use of protective gloves during this process.
1. Plug in the printer. Turn the printer’s Main Power Switch ON; then press the control panel’s
ON/OFF button. After about 6 seconds the ON/OFF button, it will begin to blink slowly. Then all lights will start to blink simultaneously. It takes approximately 45 seconds for the print engine to fully power-up. When the ON/OFF button changes to a steady illumination condition, the print engine is fully powered-up.
2. Open the Toolbox utility.
3. Deprime system using the “System Deprim e” feature located in Toolbox utility.
4. Remove the Service Station from the printer, using the “Eject Service Station” feature in the
Toolbox utility. Refer to “Removing the Service Station” section for help with this process. WARNING! Please be sure to open the Clamshell before you eject the service station. If not, the service station cannot fully eject and damage to the service station drive system may occur.
5. Wrap the Service Station in paper towels and place into resealable plastic bag.
6. Power-down the system using the ON/OFF button and wait until all lights are off.
7. Turn off the Main Power Switch. Then disconnect the power cable from the printer and wall
outlet. IMPORTANT! Do NOT switch off the power at the power outlet or remove the power cable until all lights are off. Failure to do so may damage your printer.
8. Disconnect the USB or Ethernet cable from your printer
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SECTION 4
OPERATOR MAINTENANCE
9. Remove the Printhead Cartridge and install protective covers on printhead.
Be careful to avoid ink spills (drips) and stains during this process. Store Printhead Cartridge in a sealed plastic bag with a damp cloth. CAUTION: Make sure the cartridges electrical contacts are dry before re-installing printhead.
10. Remove all five Ink Tanks. Be careful to avoid spills or stains during this process. Wrap each ink
tank in a clean, lint-free, absorbent material and place them in a sealed plastic bag as a p r ecaution against any spillages during transport.
11. Place paper towels into each Ink Tank slot, making sure the towels make contact with the back of
the slots. This is done to absorb any ink that may leak from “septum needles”. NOTE: Even though the system is deprimed, some i nk will remain in the lower areas of the tubing. In transit, this residual ink may drain out.
12. Inspect the Waste Ink Tray. If it is saturated with i nk ; the tray should be replaced before the
printer is transported.
13. If re-boxing for transport; remove all accessories from unit before re-boxing.
14. Re-package the printer in the original packaging material, keeping the printer level at all times.
WARNING! To help avoid damage in transit; the printer should only be shipped in approved factory packaging. See “Unpacking” section for help with re-boxing. Follow the sequence in reverse.
15. Ensure transport labels, on the exterior box, clearly indicate that the box is to be kept level at all
times. CAUTION! The printer should remain semi-level at all times during transportation and storage. Failure to do so may cause the printer to leak ink. For environmental requirements during storage and shipping, refer to the details found in the “Transport Inspection” section.
When re-installing the printer at the new location, please refer to Section 2 “Installing the Printer”.
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SECTION 5
WARNING
THERE ARE HIGH VOLTAGES PRESENT BEHIND THE COVERS!
TROUBLESHOOTING

Section 5 – Troubleshooting Guide

The following troubleshooting guides are provided to assist you in solving any problems that might occur with the Digital Color Printer. We have tried to make them as complete as possible. The best advice we can offer is to make sure that the system is set up properly, plugged in, and that it has an adequate supply of ink before attempting to troubleshoot any problem.
DO NOT REMOVE THE SIDE COVERS OF THE PRINTER!

Print Quality Issues:

Many things can contribute to print quality issues. Here is a list of things to check:
To reduce print quality issues, the print engine should remain powered-on. Even in its standby state,
the printer will run routine maintenance cycles to help keep the printhead nozzles hydrated and clean.
Verify that the media you are printing on is an “inkjet suitable” media.
Verify that the “graphic” you are printing is of a high quality. See Graphic Types below.
Check to be sure the printer has an adequate supply of ink (30% or more) in all five Ink Tanks.
Check to be sure all five color tubes, at both sides of the printhead cartridge, have ink filling them.
If not, check for a pinched color tube (finger on Antistatic Brush Assy may be pinching tube), check related Ink Tank, and or the system may need to be re-primed. Please refer to the Troubleshooting section for information on correcting these issues.
Try removing air bubbles from printhead and system using the Toolbox utility feature “Circulate Ink”;
while lightly tapping Note: Do not
Try removing or inserting the “Hea d Media Guide”.
Try “Cleaning the Lip of the Printhead Cap”.
Try “Cleaning/Replacing Service Station Items”.
If you are still experiencing print quality issues; try “Replacing the Printhead Cartridge”.
Compatible Medial Types: (look for inkjet suitable stocks)
Inkjet Label/Media Stock - all types (recommended for best color output).
Compatible Graphic Types:
In general; scalable, vectorized art wi l l produce the best images and color.
Note: Graphic types are not really printer dependent. They are dependent on the software program being used to print the graphic, and what types of graphics that program can handle.
run the Circulate Ink feature more than twice i n a row.
Incompatible Graphic Types:
Low resolution and web images will not produce quality output and should not be used.
on the ink tubes and printhead cartridge.
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SECTION 5
TROUBLESHOOTING

Examples of Print Quality Issues (including possible causes and solutions)

The Memjet printhead cartridge contains 70,400 inkjet nozzles. These nozzles are divided into ten rows; two rows of nozzles for each color channel. Due to the high number of nozzles; it is not uncommon for some nozzles to become contaminated, dehydrated or clogged.
The following examples were produced using a Five Band Color Purge YKCKM. A similar purge pattern can be performed using the “Print Ink Channels” button; located in the Toolbox, Diagnostics Menu.
Tip: Set “Media Feed” to “Continuous” and “Pages per Cut” to “1” before performing the above tests.
Air in Printhead Nozzle Area:
Air in the printhead nozzles will show as jagged, irregular shaped lines of missing color. Lines are normally wider than one nozzle.
Possible Solutions:
Press the “Full Clean Printhead” button, located in the Toolbox, User Interface screen, and lightly
tap on the ink tubes and Printhead Cartridge as the system is circulating ink. This can help dislodge air bubbles within the Printhead and Ink Tubes. Note: It is not a problem if air bubbles accumulate in the ink hoses at the non-operator side of the printhead; since this is the outgoing side.
Deprime and Reprime the system. Release the Pri nthead, using the “Release Printhead” button.
Remove and re-install the Printhead Cartridge. Then close printhead latch to re-prime the system. Lightly tap on the ink tubes and Printhead Cartridge as the system is priming; to help dislodge air bubbles.
Contact Service representative to have them inspect the system for possible air leaks (damage to
ink tubes or ink revolver couplings).
Instead of powering the printer off, when not in use, leave the print engine powered-up; so it can
perform automatic maintenance routines.
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SECTION 5 TROUBLESHOOTING
Clogged/Damaged/Dead Nozzles:
Clogged/damaged/dead/ nozzles will normally show as thin, crisp, vertical lines of missing color. Multiple adjacent nozzles, with same issue, will show as wi der, crisp, vertical lines of missing color. Clogged nozzles are normally due to Printhead nozzle dehydration or partial contamination. Damaged nozzles are normally due to improper cleaning or debris on wiper roller causing damage to head. Dead nozzles are normally due to the nozzle reachin g its “end of life” (~50,000,000 ejections).
Possible Solutions:
Press the “Full Clean Printhead” button, located in the Toolbox, User Interface screen
Manually clean the printhead nozzles using distilled water and a lint free cloth.
Set the following Toolbox features to defaults to improve/increase head maintenance routines:
KWS Setting (Light) and Mid-Job Servicing (Default).
Replace the printhead cartridge and wiper ro ller. C ontact Service representative to have them
inspect/clean the service station and replace the wiper roller.
Instead of powering the printer off, when not in use, leave the print engine powered-up; so it can
perform automatic maintenance routines.
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TROUBLESHOOTING
Color Mixing Issues:
Color mixing will show as muddy, mottled or distorted (grainy) colors. Color mixing occurs when the ink from one color channel crosses over into another color channel. Since the inkjet nozzle rows are located very close to one another (ten rows of 7,040 nozzles, located within a 0.8 mm space), it is easy for partials or fibers t o create bridges across color channels. These bridges allow ink to flow (wick) from one color channel to another; resulting in a “localized” color mixing event; as shown in the examples below.
Color mixing can occur for a number of reasons (here are some common ones)
Printhead Cartridge just installed. It is common to see some color mixing immediately after the
system is primed with ink.
Ink wicking due to fibers bridging (crossing) inkjet nozzles. This can also occur if media is left in
contact with the printhead (after a paper misfeed or jam).
Wiper roller saturation (too much ink on wiper roller). This can occur if the cleaning features
(Quick/Normal/Full Clean Printhead) are run too frequently. The printer needs time between cleanings to desiderate the wiper roller.
Ink flooding on the nozzle plate; due to printer not being level.
Ink flooding on the nozzle plate; due to excessive back-pressure in the ink system.
Wiper Roller is not being cleaned properly by the system. This can also occur if there is a
problem with the squeegee blade in the Wiper Motor Assembly. The squeegee blade and squeegee roller are responsible for removing ink and debris from the wiper roller.
Tip: Muddy, mottled, distorted (grainy) colors can also be caused by the media you are printing onto. Test the printer, using a compatible “inkjet suitable” media, to determine if this could be the cause.
Possible Solutions:
Remove media from under printhead.
Wipe printhead using a lint-free cloth, dampened with distilled water.
Allow the printer to sit, powered on, for 2-3 hours to give it time to clean/desaturate the wiper
roller.
Make sure printer is on a sturdy, level table.
Instead of powering the printer off, when not in use, leave the print engine powered-up; so it can
perform automatic maintenance routines. This also allows the pressures in the system to be routinely equalized.
Contact Service Support representative to have them inspect/clean the service station. If necessary;
they may need to replace the wiper roller, wiper motor assembly or Service Station.
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SECTION 5
Direction of transport
TROUBLESHOOTING
Scuff Marks and Smudging Issues:
Scuff Marks occur when the media makes contact wi th an area of the printhead that has ink on it. Smudging occurs when the wet image, on the media, makes contact with something (most commonly the printhead) before it is dry. This issue will also i ncrease the chance for scuff marks.
Scuff Marks:
Here is an example of “scuff marks” that o ccurred when the high points on this media made contact with the printhead.
Possible Solutions for Reducing Scuff Marks:
Make sure the “Head Media Guide” is properly installed.
Make sure media is as flat as possible.
Manually wipe the printhead surface, using a lint-free cloth dampened with distilled water to
remove excess ink.
Allow the printer to sit, powered on, for 2-3 hours to give it time to remove excess ink from the
wiper roller; or contact your support representative to have the wiper roller replaced.
Use a more suitable media (flat and uniform i n thickness).
NOTICE! It is OK to run the “Quick Clean Printhead” routine once, to see if this has any effect on improving this issue. However, if it doesn’t help, you shouldn’t repeat this process or use a higher level cleaning routine. Over-use of the “…Clean Printhead” routines will normally increase t his issue, because the wiper roller will become more saturated with ink with each cleaning routine; if done too frequently. An over-saturated wiper roller will leave more ink behind on the printhead.
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