Summa S 75, S120, S160 User Manual

User’s Manual

Rev 05/05

FCC Notice

The S CLASS™ cutters have been tested and found to comply with the limits for
Class A digital devices, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the
equipment is operated in a commercial environment. The cutters generate, use and
can emit radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with
the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
Operation of the cutters in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference,
in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own
expense.

Caution!

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Summa, which is responsible
for FCC compliance, could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

DOC Notice

The S CLASS™ cutters do not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise for digital
apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian
Department of Communications.

Notice

Summa reserves the right to modify the information contained in this User Manual
at any time without prior notice. Unauthorized copying, modification, distribution or
display is prohibited. All rights reserved.

Copyright © 2005 Summa bvba

Registering Your Cutter

Please register your cutter on the following link:

http://www.summa.be/registration.html

Failure to register may result in delayed responses to your warranty and service
inquiries.

Contact Information

All inquiries, comments or suggestions concerning this and other Summa manuals
should be directed to:

North America and Asia

Pacific

Eastern United States

and Latin America

Europe, Africa and

Middle East

Summa, Inc

10001 Lake City Way NE
Seattle, WA 98125
USA

Main Office

+1 206.527.1050
+1 800.527.7788

Fax

+1 206.527.1046

Support

[e-mail]

Sales

[e-mail]

Web Site

www.summausa.com

Summa East, Inc

222 Jubilee Drive
Peabody, MA 01960
USA

Main Office

+1 781.233.7494
+1 800.527.1050

Fax

+1 781.233.7495

Support

[e-mail]

Sales

[e-mail]

Web Site

www.summausa.com

Summa, bvba

Rochesterlaan 6
B-8470 GISTEL
Belgium

Main Office

[phone]

Fax

[phone]

Support

[e-mail]

Sales

[e-mail]

Web Site

www.summa.be

Welcome

Congratulations on your purchase of the new S CLASS™ cutter!

The S CLASS™ cutters are made for sign-makers who demand the very best in cut
quality.

Four versatile modes let you switch between Cutting, Cutting in Flexmode, Plotting or
Pouncing. So even if your workspace is limited, your output options aren't.

Unrivalled tracking delivers guaranteed accuracy on cuts up to 12 meters (40 feet)
long. So you won't have to monitor your cuts, even when you're sending the long jobs
through.

The S CLASS™ T cutters with genuine tangential operation, and not simply
"tangential emulation," handle a wider range of materials and cut with unparalleled
precision.

In short, the S CLASS™ cutters take cutting signs to a new level.
This manual is a reference guide for installing and operating the S CLASS™ cutter

models.

Table of contents I

Table of Contents

1 Setup ......................................................................................................1-1

1.1 Unpacking the Cutter..................................................................................1-1

1.1.1 Removing the packaging from the cutter ..................................................1-1

1.1.2 Setting up the stand ...................................................................................1-2

1.1.3 Mounting the cutter on the stand...............................................................1-4

1.2 S CLASS™ Cutter Components.................................................................1-5

1.2.1 The Cutter as viewed from the front..........................................................1-5

1.2.2 The Cutter as viewed from the back..........................................................1-7

1.3 Connecting the Cutter to the Mains...........................................................1-9

1.3.1 Grounding (“Earthing”)...............................................................................1-9

1.3.2 Operating voltage.......................................................................................1-9

1.3.3 Powering-on the cutter.............................................................................1-10

1.4 Connecting the Cutter to a Computer .....................................................1-11

1.4.1 USB connection........................................................................................1-11

1.4.1.1 Connecting the S CLASS™ cutter to a PC using a USB cable......1-11

1.4.1.2 Connecting the S CLASS™ cutter to a Mac using a USB cable....1-12

1.4.2 RS-232 Connection..................................................................................1-13

1.5 Loading Media ...........................................................................................1-14

1.5.1 Pinch roller positioning.............................................................................1-14

1.5.2 Pinch roller pressure setting....................................................................1-15

1.5.3 Loading media..........................................................................................1-16

1.5.4 Media load procedure ..............................................................................1-19

1.6 Tool Installation.........................................................................................1-23

1.6.1 Cutters with drag head.............................................................................1-23

1.6.1.1 Knife installation................................................................................1-23

1.6.1.2 Pen installation..................................................................................1-27

1.6.1.3 Pouncing pin installation...................................................................1-27

1.6.2 Cutters with tangential head....................................................................1-28

1.6.2.1 Tangential knife installation ..............................................................1-28

1.6.2.2 Pen installation..................................................................................1-32

1.6.2.3 Pouncing pin installation...................................................................1-32

1.6.2.4 Drag knife installation........................................................................1-33

1.6.3 Replacement of the separation knife blade.............................................1-33

S CLASS™ cutter User’s Manual

Table of contents II

2 Basic Operation.....................................................................................1-1

2.1 Touch Screen...............................................................................................2-1

2.1.1 Touch screen..............................................................................................2-2

2.1.2 Configuration ..............................................................................................2-3

2.1.3 Online/offline...............................................................................................2-4

2.1.4 Actions ........................................................................................................2-4

2.2 How to Set Tool Parameters.......................................................................2-5

2.2.1 Setting tool type..........................................................................................2-5

2.2.2 Changing tool pressure..............................................................................2-6

2.2.3 Changing drag knife offset.........................................................................2-6

2.2.4 Calibrating a tangential knife .....................................................................2-7

2.3 How to Set Cutting Speed.........................................................................2-11

2.4 How to Change the User (Quick Parameter Change).............................2-13

2.5 How to Make Sure the Sign Has the Correct Size ..................................2-14

2.6 Touch screen shortcuts............................................................................2-16

2.6.1 Changing origin ........................................................................................2-16

2.6.2 Changing velocity.....................................................................................2-16

2.6.3 Changing tool pressure............................................................................2-17

2.6.4 Changing user ..........................................................................................2-17

3 OPOS

(Optical POSitioning)..............................................................3-1

3.1 Introduction..................................................................................................3-1

3.2 Basic OPOS operation................................................................................3-1

3.2.1 OPOS calibration........................................................................................3-2

3.2.2 Media calibration ........................................................................................3-3

3.3 Detailed OPOS Operation ...........................................................................3-5

3.3.1 Creating the graphic with the markers ......................................................3-5

3.3.2 Printing the graphic ....................................................................................3-8

3.3.3 Loading the graphic into the cutter............................................................3-9

3.3.4 Setting the parameters for the OPOS sensor...........................................3-9

3.3.5 Registering the markers...........................................................................3-10

3.3.6 Cutting the contour...................................................................................3-11

3.4 Automating Tasks with OPOS..................................................................3-12

3.4.1 Cutting multiple copies of a graphic on the same roll........................... 3-12

3.4.2 Cutting the same graphic on multiple media sheets............................. 3-13

S CLASS™ cutter User’s Manual

Table of contents III

4 Detailed Operation ................................................................................4-1

4.1 Introduction..................................................................................................4-1

4.2 Action Menu.................................................................................................4-1

4.3 Configuration Menu.....................................................................................4-2

4.3.1 Settings.......................................................................................................4-3

4.3.1.1 Tool selection ......................................................................................4-3

4.3.1.2 Advanced cutting.................................................................................4-3

Overcut:.......................................................................................................4-3

OptiCut:.......................................................................................................4-3

FlexCut:.......................................................................................................4-4

Smoothing:..................................................................................................4-5

Concatenation: ...........................................................................................4-5

4.3.1.3 General................................................................................................4-5

Media sensor:.............................................................................................4-5

Language:...................................................................................................4-6

Panel units:.................................................................................................4-6

Recut Offset:...............................................................................................4-6

Autoload:.....................................................................................................4-6

4.3.1.4 OPOS...................................................................................................4-7

4.3.1.5 Communication ...................................................................................4-7

Baud rate (RS232): ....................................................................................4-8

Parity (RS232):...........................................................................................4-8

RTS/DTR (RS232): ....................................................................................4-8

Emulation settings:.....................................................................................4-9

HP-GL origin:..............................................................................................4-9

DM-PL addressing:.....................................................................................4-9

USB class: ..................................................................................................4-9

4.3.1.6 Speed settings...................................................................................4-10

TurboCut:..................................................................................................4-10

4.3.2 Tests and setup........................................................................................4-11

4.3.2.1 OPOS settings...................................................................................4-11

4.3.2.2 Length calibration..............................................................................4-11

4.3.2.3 Coil setup...........................................................................................4-11

4.3.2.4 Calibrate knife ...................................................................................4-11

4.3.2.5 Factory defaults.................................................................................4-12

4.3.2.6 Confidence test .................................................................................4-12

4.3.2.7 Media sensor setup...........................................................................4-12

4.3.2.8 DIN A4 Test.......................................................................................4-13

4.3.2.9 RS232 Test........................................................................................4-13

4.3.2.10 Calibrate touch screen......................................................................4-13

4.3.3 User ...........................................................................................................4-14

S CLASS™ cutter User’s Manual

Table of contents IV

5 Maintenance and Cleaning...................................................................5-1

5.1 Introduction..................................................................................................5-1

5.1.1 Cleaning the drive system..........................................................................5-1

5.1.2 Cleaning the media sensors......................................................................5-2

5.1.3 Cleaning the Y-Guide Rail .........................................................................5-3

5.1.4 Cleaning the nose piece (tangential machine only)..................................5-3

5.1.5 Cleaning the OPOS system.......................................................................5-4

5.1.6 Changing the fuse......................................................................................5-5

6 Specs and general information............................................................6-1

6.1 Introduction..................................................................................................6-1

6.1.1 Product features.........................................................................................6-1

6.2 Specifications..............................................................................................6-3

6.2.1 Cutter ..........................................................................................................6-3

6.2.2 Media ..........................................................................................................6-3

6.2.3 Knife, pen and pouncing tool.....................................................................6-4

6.2.4 Interface......................................................................................................6-5

6.2.5 Firmware.....................................................................................................6-5

6.2.6 Performance...............................................................................................6-6

6.2.7 Certifications...............................................................................................6-6

6.2.8 Environmental.............................................................................................6-7

6.2.9 Electrical .....................................................................................................6-7

S CLASS™ cutter User’s Manual

Table of contents V

List of Figures

1-1 S CLASS™ cutter fully boxed..............................................................................1-1

1-2 Contents OF box stand........................................................................................1-2

1-3 Mounting horizontal panel....................................................................................1-2

1-4 Mounting feet and casters....................................................................................1-2

1-5 Mounting basket tubes.........................................................................................1-3

1-6 Preparing to install the linen basket.....................................................................1-3

1-7 Orientation of the holes in the c-shaped tubes ....................................................1-3

1-8 Stand fOR the S CLASS™ cutter completely assembled....................................1-4

1-9 Position of the screws..........................................................................................1-4

1-10 S CLASS™ cutter, front view.............................................................................1-5

1-11 S CLASS™ cutter, rear view..............................................................................1-7

1-12 Properly grounded connection...........................................................................1-9

1-13 Cutter is loaded and ready...............................................................................1-10

1-14 Cutter is ready no media loaded......................................................................1-10

1-15 POsition pinch rollers.......................................................................................1-14

1-16 Standard pressure ...........................................................................................1-15

1-17 Reduced pressure............................................................................................1-15

1-18 Pinch roller lever..............................................................................................1-16

1-19 Media flanges...................................................................................................1-16

1-20 Position media flange on cutter........................................................................1-16

1-21 Feeding roll media without using media flanges..............................................1-17

1-24 Removing the drag knife holder from the clamp..............................................1-23

1-25 Removing the knife from the standard drag knife holder.................................1-23

1-27 Dual clamp drag head......................................................................................1-24

1-28 Knife pressure test pattern ...............................................................................1-25

1-29 Removing the tangential knife holder...............................................................1-28

1-30 Removing knife from the tangential knife holder..............................................1-28

1-32 Inserting the tangential knife holder.................................................................1-29

1-33 Knife depth adjustment....................................................................................1-29

1-34 Knife pressure test pattern ...............................................................................1-30

1-35 Razor blade for automatic SEPARATION OF MEDIA.....................................1-33

2-1 Touch screen.......................................................................................................2-1

2-2 Online status screen............................................................................................2-4

2-3 Correct knife offset pattern...................................................................................2-7

2-4 Possible knife calibrations....................................................................................2-8

2-6 Length calibration pattern ..................................................................................2-14

2-7 Shortcut areas in start-up screen .......................................................................2-16

3-1 Position media fro multiple sheet.......................................................................3-14

4-1 Action Menu.........................................................................................................4-1

4-2 Configuration Menu..............................................................................................4-2

4-3 Overcut ................................................................................................................4-3

4-4 S Sensor setup ..................................................................................................4-12

5-1 Lifting the pinch roller...........................................................................................5-2

5-2 Placement of vinyl strip........................................................................................5-2

5-3 Media sensors S CLASS™ cutters......................................................................5-2

5-4 Sliding surfaces on Y-guide rail ...........................................................................5-3

5-5 Cleaning OPOS sensor........................................................................................5-4

5-6 Power entry module.............................................................................................5-5

S CLASS™ cutter User’s Manual

Table of contents VI

List of Tables

1-1 Default RS-232 settings of the S CLASS™ cutter.............................................1-13

6-1 S CLASS™ Cutter specifications.........................................................................6-3

6-2 S CLASS™ media specifications.........................................................................6-3

6-3 S CLASS™ tools..................................................................................................6-4

6-4 S CLASS™ interface specifications.....................................................................6-5

6-5 S CLASS™ firmware ...........................................................................................6-5

6-6 S CLASS™ performances...................................................................................6-6

6-7 S CLASS™ environmental specifications............................................................6-7

6-8 S CLASS™ accessories....................................................................................6-10

Setup 1-1

1 Setup

1.1 Unpacking the Cutter

NOTE: Save the shipping box and any other packaging items in case the cutter needs

to be shipped. Do not ship the cutter without first completely repacking it in its original
packaging.

Before unpacking the cutter, make sure that there is enough space to assemble the
stand and to set the cutter aside to insert the stand screws.

CAUTION: For safety reasons, no fewer than two people should be involved in
unpacking the cutter.

1.1.1 Removing the packaging from the cutter

1. Remove the straps and the staples and open the lid of the box.

2. The cutter is packed in foil and sits in front of the box. Behind the cutter is the box

containing the stand. The accessories are located at the bottom in a separate box.
Check first whether everything is present.

3. Do not throw away the packaging. Shipping it without the original box voids any
warranty.

FIG 1-1

1-1 S CLASS™ CUTTER FULLY BOXED

S CLASS™ cutter User’s Manual

Setup 1-2

1.1.2 Setting up the stand

1. Verify that the stand is complete. The box containing the stand should contain

following:

a. 2 legs
b. 2 feet, left and right
c. Horizontal panel
d. Media flanges
e. Total of 7 tubes for [media] basket
f. Linen media basket
g. Bag of 4 casters, screws and other accessories to mount the stand

FIG 1-2

1-2 CONTENTS OF BOX STAND

2. Mount the horizontal panel between the two legs of the stand with 4 screws at
each side. Make sure the horizontal panel is mounted in the rear holes of the legs
of the stand.

FIG 1-3

1-3 MOUNTING HORIZONTAL PANEL

3. Turn the stand upside down and mount the 2 feet at each side with 4 screws. Take
care to position the horizontal panel (1) so that the hole in the foot corresponds to
the hole in the leg as in the picture (2), and the 4 holes in the feet all point towards
the middle. Screw in the 4 casters.

FIG 1-4

1-4 MOUNTING FEET AND CASTERS

S CLASS™ cutter User’s Manual

Setup 1-3

4. Attach on the left and right the 4 tubes for the basket as shown in figure 1-5 below.

On each tube, put the end cap (1) and the two saddle clips (2) to fix the tube in its
place. Position the shorter tube (3) at the rear side (side of the horizontal panel).

FIG 1-5

1-5 MOUNTING BASKET TUBES

5. Turn the stand upright and put the media basket on the horizontal panel as shown
in figure 1-6 below.

FIG 1-6

1-6 PREPARING TO INSTALL THE LINEN BASKET

6. Take one of the large c-shaped tubes and put it through the front hem in the linen
basket. Make sure the holes are oriented right-side up so that the tubes click
securely in place. Then put the tube on the two front tubes that stick out of the
feet. Slide the tubes together, while pressing down on the spring loaded ball
stopper, until the ball locks into place.

FIG 1-7

1-7 ORIENTATION OF THE HOLES IN THE C-SHAPED TUBES

7. Click a saddle clip onto one side of the tube. Insert the other end of the tube
through the middle hem of the linen basket and then into the hole in the leg of the
stand. Then guide the other end of the tube into the hole on the leg and secure
with a saddle clip.

S CLASS™ cutter User’s Manual

Setup 1-4

8. Make sure the linen basket is guided under the horizontal panel. Take the last

large c-shaped tube and feed it through the rear hem in the linen basket. Then put
the tube on the two rear tubes that stick out of the feet. Make sure the holes are
oriented right-side up so that the tube clicks securely on the tubes. The finished
stand should look like the stand in the picture below (Figure 1-8).

FIG 1-8

1-8 STAND FOR THE S CLASS™ CUTTER COMPLETELY ASSEMBLED

9. The right leg has a hole in the foot and a cutout in the leg to guide the power cable
and data cable. If you plan to use these cable guides, then put the cables in place
before mounting the cutter on the stand.

1.1.3 Mounting the cutter on the stand

1. Carefully take the cutter out of the box and lay it on its back (first spread out the

cardboard of the stand box, and then rest the cutter on that cardboard). Then
insert left

and right two screws and turn them 3 turns in. Do not put a screw in the

middle.

FIG 1-9

1-9 POSITION OF THE SCREWS

2. Put the cutter on its stand. Put in the two extra screws in the middle. Then secure
all six screws.

3. Loosen the cutting head. Raise the pinch rollers to remove the protection strip
from underneath the pinch roller assemblies.

S CLASS™ cutter User’s Manual

Setup 1-5

1.2 S CLASS™ Cutter Components

1.2.1 The Cutter as viewed from the front

FIG 1-10

1-10 S CLASS™ CUTTER, FRONT VIEW

1. Pinch rollers: The pinch rollers clamp the media to the drive system to ensure
accurate tracking. The S120(T) has one and the S160(T) has two extra pinch
rollers to ensure that wide media stays flat in the middle. The outer drive pinch
rollers have a selectable pressure; the extra rollers in the middle can be enabled
or disabled.

2. Touch panel: All cutter activity can be initiated from the 320x240 dot touch panel.
The panel displays information about the cutter’s current status and/or actions that
need to be taken.

3. Pinch roller lever: This lever is used to raise and lower the pinch rollers for media
loading.

4. Media drive sleeves: The media drive sleeves move the media only when the
pinch rollers are in the “down” position. The following table lists the number of
sleeves installed on each model of the S CLASS™ cutters.

Number of sleeves

S75 (T) S120 (T) S160 (T)

Short sleeve 4 7 9
Long sleeve 1 1 1

S CLASS™ cutter User’s Manual

Setup 1-6

5. Tool carriage: The tool carriage is the mount for the knife holder, pen or pouncing

tool. It has also holds the Optical POSitioning sensor (OPOS) and a cut-off knife to
cut a sheet from the roll when a job is finished.

6. Cutting strip: A self-healing orange strip helps avoid any damage to the knife tip
when no media has been loaded. Since cutting is done on the cutting strip, it is
essential that the strip remains intact.

7. Pouncing strip: An extra black strip to pounce on.

8. Tool holder: The left end cap has a rim so it can be used for tool storage.

9. Screws to secure the cutter base: Make sure all three screws are secured at

each side before the cutter is used.

10. Media basket: The stand and linen media basket come standard with all S
CLASS™ cutters.

S CLASS™ cutter User’s Manual

Setup 1-7

1.2.2 The Cutter as viewed from the back

FIG 1-11

1-11 S CLASS™ CUTTER, REAR VIEW

1. Pinch rollers: The pinch rollers clamp the media to the drive system to ensure
accurate tracking. The S120(T) has one and the S160(T) has two extra pinch
rollers to ensure that wide media stays flat in the middle. The outer drive pinch
rollers have a selectable pressure; the extra rollers in the middle can be enabled
or disabled. Do not move the pinch roller assemblies while holding them from this
side only.

2. Pinch roller lever: This lever is used to raise and lower the pinch rollers for media
loading.

3. The fuse box: The fuse is located at the right side of the power entry module.
Check the specification section to see which fuse is used in the S CLASS™ cutter.

CAUTION: For continued protection against risk of fire, replace only with the same type
and rating of fuse.

4. Power On/Off switch: This rocker switch, in the middle of the power entry
module, sets the cutter’s power to ON or OFF. To switch on the power, press the
“I” side of the rocker switch. To switch off the power, press the “O” side of the
rocker switch.

S CLASS™ cutter User’s Manual

Setup 1-8

5. AC power cord receptacle: It is located at the left-hand side of the power entry

module. The power-up procedure is explained in detail in Section 1.3. Always use
a power cord that was delivered with your cutter.

6. USB port: This interface is based on the standards specified in Universal Serial
Bus Specifications Revision 1.1. It allows a high-speed bi-directional
communication between the host computer and the cutter.

7. RS-232 port: This DB-9P connector provides serial bi-directional communication
between the cutter and a host computer.

8. Screws to secure the cutter base: Screws (3 left and 3 right) hold the cutter
base to its stand. All the screws must be properly tightened before using the
cutter.

9. Tubes for media basket: Tubes in the back and front hold the media basket.
They can easily pulled outwards to put the basket in its place.

10. Casters: The casters on the stand are equipped with locking brakes. Once the
cutter has been moved to its new location, press the brakes with your foot to lock
the casters.

11. Media basket: The stand and linen media basket come as standard equipment
with all S CLASS™ cutters.

12. Roll media guide bushes: The two flange guides serve to keep the media roll in
place when media is pulled from the roll.

13. Media support rollers: Rotating support rollers for the media roll.

S CLASS™ cutter User’s Manual

Setup 1-9

1.3 Connecting the Cutter to the Mains

1.3.1 Grounding (“Earthing”)

CAUTION: An insulated ground conductor must be installed as part of the branch
circuit that supplies power to the wall outlet to which the cutter is connected. The
ground conductor must have the same size, insulation material and thickness as the
grounded and ungrounded branch circuit supply conductors, but the insulating seat
should be green or green with yellow striping.

The ground conductor described above must be grounded at the electrical distribution
board or, if power is supplied by a separate system, at the power supply
transformer/motor generator set.

The wall sockets into which the cutter is plugged must be of the grounded type. The
grounded conductors serving the wall socket must be properly connected to the
ground.

For emergency access, the cutter should be installed near the socket-outlet for easy
access.

MAKE SURE THIS
IS CONNECTED TO A

MAKE SURE THIS IS
CONNECTED TO A

THREE-PIN
PLUG

EUROPE:

USA

OUTLET

:

THREE-PIN

KNOWN GROUND

KNOWN EARTH

FIG 1-12

1-12 PROPERLY GROUNDED CONNECTION

1.3.2 Operating voltage

CAUTION: Before changing the fuse, make sure that the cutter is completely
disconnected from its power source.

CAUTION: For continued protection against risk of fire, replace only with the same type
and rating of fuse.

Fuse Rate: T2.0A, 250V SCHURTER SPT OR EQUIVALENT.
The power supply detects the line voltage and switches automatically between 110V

and 230V.

S CLASS™ cutter User’s Manual

Setup 1-10

1.3.3 Powering-on the cutter

CAUTION: Be sure the power switch is turned off before connecting the power cord

(the “0” side of the ON/OFF rocker switch should be pressed).

WARNING

KEEP FINGERS AND OTHER BODY PARTS AWAY FROM THE CUTTING

AREA. THERE ARE HAZARDOUS MOVING PARTS.

1. Plug the female end of the AC power cord into the receptacle located in the power

entry module on the cutter’s rear panel.

2. Plug male end of the AC power cord into a properly grounded wall socket.

3. Power on the cutter by pressing the “I” side of the ON/OFF rocker switch located

on the power entry module on the rear panel.

4. The touch screen will activate and the initialization process will begin. If media is
loaded, then the cutter will check size and load the media.

FIG 1-13

1-13 CUTTER IS LOADED AND READY

FIG 1-14

1-14 CUTTER IS READY NO MEDIA LOADED

S CLASS™ cutter User’s Manual

Setup 1-11

1.4 Connecting the Cutter to a Computer

The S CLASS™ cutters support bi-directional USB and RS-232 connectivity. When
both ports are connected at the same time, the port that receives data first will remain
active and the other port will be deactivated.

1.4.1 USB connection

The USB cable should be 5 meters (16 feet) or less in length. The connector on the
cutter side of the cable should be USB series B 4-pin. The connector on the computer
side of the cable should be USB A 4-pin.
.

1.4.1.1 Connecting the S CLASS™ cutter to a PC using a USB cable

1. Power off the cutter.

2. Insert the S CLASS™ CD into the computer’s CD-ROM drive.

3. Connect one end of the USB cable to a USB port on the computer.

4. Connect the other end of the USB cable to the USB port on the back of the

cutter.

5. Power on the cutter (see section 1.3.3) and return to the computer.

The Found New Hardware Wizard should appear on the computer screen and
ask for the USB driver.

6. Click “OK” and follow the instructions provided by the Wizard.

Windows will find and install the driver.

7. Remove the CD from the CD-ROM drive.

8. Restart the computer.

NOTE: When the cutter is connected to a computer for the first time using the USB

cable, the computer will detect the cutter and ask for the USB driver. The driver is
included on the CD containing this user’s manual. Failure to install the USB driver the
first time the cutter is connected may result in the computer listing it as an “unknown
device.” Then the only way to install the driver properly is to uninstall the device or to
update the driver using the Windows device manager.

S CLASS™ cutter User’s Manual

Setup 1-12

1.4.1.2 Connecting the S CLASS™ cutter to a Mac using a USB cable

¾ Mac OS 8.5 to OS 9.2

1. Power off the cutter.

2. Connect one end of the USB cable to a USB port on the computer.

3. Connect the other end of the USB cable to the USB port on the back of the

cutter.

4. Power on the cutter (see section 1.3.3) and return to the computer.

5. Insert the S CLASS™ CD into the computer’s CD-ROM drive.

6. Click on the “USB install driver” icon on the CD-ROM.

This will automatically install the driver and the Summa Port Mapper utility.

7. Remove the CD from the CD-ROM drive.

8. Restart the computer.

NOTE: If the cutter is connected to the computer before device installation, then the

computer will regard the cutter as an unknown device. The driver can be installed at
any time with or without the cutter connected.

¾ Mac OSX
Most recent cutting software does not need a driver installation when a computer is

connected to the cutter. The software that controls the driver is built into the cutting
software.

S CLASS™ cutter User’s Manual

Setup 1-13

1.4.2 RS-232 Connection

The RS-232 cable should be 5 meters (16 feet) or less in length. The connectors on
both sides are DB-9S type connectors. There is no need to install a device driver
when connecting a cutter with an RS-232 connection.
The parameters of the RS-232 connection must be set in either the properties of the
COM port in the device manager or in the cutting software program itself. Please refer
to the manual for the cutting software on how to set the parameters for the RS-232
connection with the cutter.

Default settings of the RS-232 connection are listed in the table below.

Baud rate

9600

Data Bits

8

Parity

none

Stop Bits

2

Flow Control

Hardware or XON / XOFF

TABLE 1-1

1-1 DEFAULT RS-232 SETTINGS OF THE S CLASS™ CUTTER

S CLASS™ cutter User’s Manual

Setup 1-14

1.5 Loading Media

The following procedures apply mainly to the use of roll media. If you are using
sheets, there are two options:
For long sheets, roll up the sheet so that the alignment is identical to that of a roll.
For short sheets, the alignment is not so important. If the sheet is cut off
perpendicularly, it can be aligned to the front border.

1.5.1 Pinch roller positioning

Proper movement of the media will only occur if the media is driven by the two outer
pinch rollers that are correctly located over two drive sleeves.

The pinch rollers are lowered or raised simultaneously by means of the pinch roller
lever arm located on the right-hand side of the cutter. The pinch rollers must be lifted
to allow vinyl loading, during which the media is fed from the rear of the cutter to the
front. When raised, the pinch rollers can be moved manually to the left or the right
along the pinch roller shaft.

CAUTION: Always make sure that the pinch rollers are fully raised before sliding
them to the left or right.
Always hold the assembly at the side of the pinch roller to move it from left to right; do
not reposition pinch roller by holding the assembly at the rear of the machine.

The pinch rollers MUST be positioned correctly and lowered onto the media before an
automatic load sequence is initiated. Make sure that all the pinch rollers are positioned
above a drive sleeve. The outer left pinch roller should be positioned in one of the
detents (click position), just under a white triangular label. The outer right pinch roller
should be positioned somewhere over the long drive sleeve, click positions are
located at the edges of the sleeve (area marked with a white triangular label).

FIG 1-15

1-15 POSITION PINCH ROLLERS

ATTENTION: Always leave the pinch rollers in the “up” position when the cutter is not
in use. Leaving the pinch rollers in the “down” position for a long time will result in a
flat spot in the pinch rollers, which will seriously [negatively] affect tracking
performance and cutting quality.

S CLASS™ cutter User’s Manual

Setup 1-15

1.5.2 Pinch roller pressure setting

The S CLASS™ cutters are equipped with selectable pinch wheel pressure. The
pressure can be set to “standard” or “low.” The pressure can be changed with the
pinch rollers in the “up” position or in the “down” position.

CAUTION: Always make sure the outer left pinch roller pressure is set the same as the
outer right pinch roller pressure.
There is a label on the assembly that makes it easy for the user to check the selected
pinch roller pressure.
It is best to change pressure when the pinch rollers are in the “up” position.

FIG 1-16

1-16 STANDARD PRESSURE

FIG 1-17

1-17 REDUCED PRESSURE

Standard pressure: the two colors
on the label are clearly visible. The
pressure can be reduced by
pushing on the plastic part as
shown in the picture. If pressed hard
enough, the pinch roller assembly
should click in its new position.

Reduced pressure: only one color
is distinctly visible. The pressure
can be set to “standard” by pulling
the bottom part of the pinch roller
assembly upwards. If pulled far
enough, the pinch roller assembly
should click in its new position.

The S120 and the S160 are equipped with extra pinch rollers to guide wide media.
These pinch rollers can be enabled or disabled by following the same steps used to
change the pressure on the outer pinch rollers.

S CLASS™ cutter User’s Manual

Setup 1-16

1.5.3 Loading media

1. Raise the pinch rollers by means of the pinch roller lever arm, which is located on

the right-hand side of the cutter, next to the touch panel.

FIG 1-18

1-18 PINCH ROLLER LEVER

2. Loosen the knobs on the two media flanges. The following illustration shows a
loosened flange (1) and a tightened flange (2).

FIG 1-19

1-19 MEDIA FLANGES

3. Insert a loosened flange into one end of the media roll and tighten the knob. Verify
that the flange is secure. Then do the same on the other side of the roll.

4. Place the flange-equipped roll on the media supply rollers. Set the flanges inside
the groove of the flange guide. The flange guides can be moved laterally on the
roller.

FIG 1-20

1-20 POSITION MEDIA FLANGE ON CUTTER

S CLASS™ cutter User’s Manual

Setup 1-17

NOTE: If the flanges are not used (not recommended – tracking is not guaranteed),

then make sure that the roll is caught between the two flange guides.

FIG 1-21

1-21 FEEDING ROLL MEDIA WITHOUT USING MEDIA FLANGES

5. Start feeding the media from the rear of the machine. Pass the media underneath
the pinch rollers towards the front of the machine.

6. Position the left media edge

on the left-most drive sleeve and check whether the

right media edge

is positioned over the long drive sleeve. Then position the left

and right pinch rollers.
The pinch rollers should be positioned over the drive sleeves about 3 to 15 mm

(0.1” to 0.6”) away from the media’s outer edges (1). Then pull on the media while
holding the flange at the back so the media is tight. Make sure the front media
sensor is covered (2).

FIG 1-22

1-22 MEDIA POSITION

In circumstances where the above procedure does not work, because the media is
too narrow to reach the long drive sleeve, try positioning the left media edge over
the second left drive sleeve and position the right media edge somewhere over the
long drive sleeve. Continue moving the left pinch roller toward the long drive
sleeve until both pinch rollers are in their designated position and directly over the
edges of the vinly.

In all cases, both edges of the media must cover a drive sleeve. If this is not the
case, reposition the roll of material to cover the drive sleeve.

S CLASS™ cutter User’s Manual

Setup 1-18

7. Make sure that the media follows a straight path from the roll of material. To

accomplish this, slide the media roll and flange guides from the left to the right
along the media support rollers.

WARNING

KEEP FINGERS AND OTHER BODY PARTS AWAY FROM THE CUTTING

AREA. THERE ARE HAZARDOUS MOVING PARTS.

8. Lower the pinch roller lever to press the media firmly against the drive sleeves.

After one second the tool carriage automatically moves from the right to the left to
sense the usable media width.

FIG 1-23

1-23 PINCH ROLLER LEVER

NOTE: It is not recommended to unroll the media manually from the roll. The cutter will
unroll the media automatically during the load sequence.

9. The positioning and routing of sheet material is identical to that of roll media.

10. The cutter is now ready.

S CLASS™ cutter User’s Manual

Setup 1-19

1.5.4 Media load procedure

CAUTION: Do not place any objects in front of, or behind, the cutter that could interfere

with cutter operation. Make sure the media is free to move forward and back. Keep
hands, hair, clothing and jewelry away from moving parts.

While the cutter is on, it will automatically start executing a minimal loading procedure
as soon as the pinch rollers are lowered. The load procedure will also start when the
cutter is switched on while media is already in the machine and the pinch rollers are in
the “down” position (this is not recommended). Always keep the pinch rollers in the up
position while the cutter is not being used.

The minimal loading procedure consists of:

 A media width measurement.
 Media is unwound over a length equal to the width measured between the

outer two pinch rollers.

 A simultaneous 45° axial move of the drive drum (sleeves) and cutting head.

After that, the cutter is ready to receive files from the computer.
When receiving a job from the computer, the cutter will automatically pull the required
media from the roll. It does this in steps and the length of the vinyl used is equal to a
number of times the measured width of the media.

IMPORTANT: Tracking of longer signs is only guaranteed when the full load procedure
is performed!

Full media load procedure:

WARNING
Each keystroke can initiate an internal test or movement of head or media.
Keep fingers and other body parts away from the cutting area.
There are hazardous moving parts.

S CLASS™ cutter User’s Manual

Setup 1-20

¾ Loading a sheet.

1. Press

.

The actions menu will appear on screen..

2. Press

.

A message will appear letting the user choose between roll and sheet.

3. Press

.

The cutter will immediately start to load the sheet. It measures the width and loads
a certain length of media, or until the end of the media is encountered. The user
will then be prompted to accept the length or not.

4. Press

to accept the length or go to step 5.

The cutter will now complete the loading sequence and then come online and will
be ready to receive data. The loading sequence conditions the edges of the vinyl
for a given length. After this length is cut, the cutter will condition another given
length to be cut. The conditioning and cutting, conditioning and cutting process will
continue until the job is complete.

5. Press

.

Two arrows will appear on the touch screen.

6. Press

or until the required media length appears, then press

.

The cutter will now complete the loading sequence. After that, the cutter will come
online and will be ready. The length of the job it can cut is limited to the loaded
length.

NOTE: If the rear media sensor detects the end of the media, then the cutter will
complete the loading sequence without any input from the user.

S CLASS™ cutter User’s Manual

Setup 1-21

¾ Loading a roll.

1. Press

.

The actions menu will appear on screen.

2. Press

.

A message will appear letting the user choose between roll and sheet.

3. Press

.

Four arrows will appear, together with an “apply” button. The status is visible in the
middle of the right-hand side of the screen.

4. Use

, , or to reposition the origin, if necessary.

Then press

.

Two arrows will stay on the screen with which the necessary length can be loaded.

5. The media length needed for the task can be entered by pressing

or

and thus then loading the needed length. Or the needed length for the job

can be entered by pressing

and then by pressing or to

change the value of the default length to load.

Depending on the manner chosen for entering the needed length of the job, the
cutter will either load the length or display the chosen length on screen.

6. Press

The cutter will now complete the loading sequence. Then the cutter will come
online and will be ready. The length of the job it can cut is limited to the actual
length of the media that is left on the roll. The cutter will always assume a full roll,
thus it will use 50000mm (1982 inches) on the status screen.

When the built-in media sensors detect the end of the roll, the cutter will complete the
loading sequence and display the media size on the status window.

S CLASS™ cutter User’s Manual

Setup 1-22

¾ Extended load.

The function extended load makes it possible to define the limits of the Y axis so that
the cutter can cut outside the pinch rollers. Media has to loaded before this function
can be used.

1. Press

.

The actions menu will appear on screen.

2. Press

.

A message will appear letting the user choose between roll and sheet.

3. Press

.

Two arrows will appear, together with an “apply” button.

4. Use

or to reposition the right Y-axis limit. Then press .

Two arrows will stay on the screen, the tool carriage will move to the left Y-axis
limit.

5. Use

or to reposition the left Y-axis limit. Then press .

The cutting area in the Y-axis has now been redefined.

Note: Tracking is not guaranteed when using this mode.

S CLASS™ cutter User’s Manual

Setup 1-23

1.6 Tool Installation

SAFETY WARNING: The S CLASS™ cutters use razor-sharp knives. To avoid serious

injury, use caution when installing, removing or otherwise handling the knife!

1.6.1 Cutters with drag head

1.6.1.1 Knife installation

A knife has been pre-installed in the cutter.
For safety reasons, the knife depth has been set to zero. Simply turn out the knife
(see FIG 1-22 yellow arrow clockwise) to start cutting. Below is the complete
description of the knife removal and knife installation.

¾ Removing the drag knife

1. Loosen the head clamp screw (1), swing the clamp arm back and remove the knife
holder from the clamp (2).

FIG 1-24

1-24 REMOVING THE DRAG KNIFE HOLDER FROM THE CLAMP

2. Turn the knurled adjustment knob (3) clockwise to push the knife (4) out of the
holder (5).

FIG 1-25

1-25 REMOVING THE KNIFE FROM THE STANDARD DRAG KNIFE HOLDER

3. Carefully pull the knife from the holder.

S CLASS™ cutter User’s Manual

Setup 1-24

¾ Installing the drag knife

4. Remove the aluminum plunger from the plastic knife holder (5) by turning the
knurled adjustment knob (3) counterclockwise until the plunger comes out of the
holder.

5. Insert the conical, non-cutting end of the knife into the opening in the narrow end
of the holder; gently push the knife all the way in.

6. Turn the holder upside down and tap it lightly on a solid surface to ensure that the
knife is completely inserted.

7. Slowly turn the knurled knob clockwise until the tip of the blade extends the
distance required for the desired cutting media (t) as shown in figure below.

FIG 1-26

1-26 KNIFE LENGTH ADJUSTMENT

8. Insert the knife holder into the rear (1) of the dual head clamp, seating it firmly.

FIG 1-27

1-27 DUAL CLAMP DRAG HEAD

9. Close the clamp and tighten the clamp screw.

1 is the position for knife and pen.
2 is the position for a pouncing tool (see section 1.6.1.3).

S CLASS™ cutter User’s Manual

Setup 1-25

¾ Setting knife depth and pressure:

(media must be loaded in the cutter before knife pressure can be tested).

WARNING
Each keystroke can initiate an internal test or movement of head or media.
Keep fingers and other body parts away from the cutting area.
There are hazardous moving parts.

1. Press

.

A new screen will appear showing the most common menu items (see section

2.1).

2. Press

.

Current knife pressure will appear on screen.

3. Press

or to change the knife pressure.

The new value (in bold) will change

1. Press

to perform the internal knife pressure test.

2. Press

to confirm the chosen knife pressure and exit the menu.

3. Press

to leave the pressure unchanged.

Once

is pressed, the current knife pressure value will be set automatically

to the new value and the cutter will cut the knife pressure test pattern.

FIG 1-28

1-28 KNIFE PRESSURE TEST PATTERN

Peel out the rectangle and inspect the media backing.
The knife depth is set correctly when the test pattern cuts through the vinyl

completely, the vinyl is removed, and the blade tip visibly scratched the front side of
the media backing. The blade should never cut through the backing; just slightly
scratch the silicon coating and first few fibers of the backing material.

Because the knife pressure setting depends on the thickness and type of media to be
cut, adjusting knife pressure will require some practice. In general, the knife depth
must be increased when using thicker types of vinyl and decreased when using
thinner types of vinyl.

S CLASS™ cutter User’s Manual

Setup 1-26

CAUTION: After setting the cutting depth and/or the knife pressure, perform a

thorough visual check of the knife blade, which can be seen protruding from the knife
holder, and test cutting results on a scrap of vinyl media.

WARNING: Do not operate the cutter if the knife blade cuts through the media
backing, as this will seriously damage the cutter's rubber cutting strip and the knife.

CAUTION: For most vinyl cutting operations, the knife blade tip will be barely visible
at the bottom of the knife tool. If the knife blade tip is clearly visible, then the cutting
depth must be readjusted.

To prevent damage to the cutter, check the depth of the knife blade tip and the quality
of the cut each time you load a different type of vinyl into the cutter.

S CLASS™ cutter User’s Manual

Setup 1-27

1.6.1.2 Pen installation

The S CLASS™ drag cutters can also be operated with a plotter-type pen. After
replacing the knife with a pen, the cutter can be used as a plotter to draw draft plots of
new or existing designs on paper.

1. Loosen the head clamp screw and swing the clamp arm back, then remove the
tool from the clamp.

2. Install the pen in the rear slot, close clamp arm, and tighten the clamp screw.

3. The change of tool can either be input on the touch panel with Summa Cutter

Control (PC only), or with the cutting software.

Selecting pen operation disables the knife offset correction, and changes the pressure
to “pen pressure.”

NOTE: The information on the touch panel shows the tool currently selected by the
cutter. Make sure the cutter’s tool setting matches the actual tool in use.

1.6.1.3 Pouncing pin installation

The S CLASS™ drag cutters can also be operated with a pouncing tool. After
replacing the knife with a pouncing tool, the cutter can be used as a paper pouncer.

1. Loosen the head clamp screw and swing the clamp arm back, then remove the
tool from the clamp.

2. Install the pouncing tool in the front slot, close clamp arm, and tighten the clamp
screw.

3. The change of tool can either be input on the touch panel with Summa Cutter
Control, or with the cutting software.

Selecting pouncing tool operation disables the knife offset correction, changes the
pressure to “pouncing pressure” and will add “pouncing gap” to the tool properties.

NOTE: The information on the touch panel shows the tool currently selected by the
cutter. Make sure the cutter’s tool setting matches the actual tool in use.

CAUTION: Before starting to pounce, check whether the pouncing tool is positioned
above the black pouncing strip. If the pouncing tool is mounted in the rear slot of the
clamp, the cutting strip will be irreversibly damaged.

S CLASS™ cutter User’s Manual

Setup 1-28

1.6.2 Cutters with tangential head

1.6.2.1 Tangential knife installation

A knife has been pre-installed in your cutter. For safety reasons, the knife depth has
been set to zero. Simply turn out the knife (see fig FIG 1-29) to start cutting. Below is
the complete description of how to remove or install a knife.

NOTE: To benefit fully from the advantages of the tangential knife, the amount the
knife extends is very important. The knife pressure may not control the knife depth;
the two rollers of the nosepiece should always touch the media, thus controlling the
knife depth.

¾ Removing the tangential knife

1. Turn the knife holder counterclockwise. The holder will rise up, eventually making
it possible to lift the knife holder out of the tangential head. Underneath is the
nosepiece. Remove this part if another tool will be used in the cutter.

FIG 1-29

1-29 REMOVING THE TANGENTIAL KNIFE HOLDER

2. The knife can be removed from the knife holder by using something like a flat
screwdriver to pry between the knife and the knife holder in the groove.

FIG 1-30

1-30 REMOVING KNIFE FROM THE TANGENTIAL KNIFE HOLDER

S CLASS™ cutter User’s Manual

Setup 1-29

¾ Installing the tangential knife and setting knife depth

1. Insert the standard knife blade into the knife holder. Make sure the knife blade is
firmly fixed in the holder. The knife is inserted correctly if it cannot be removed
manually from the knife holder. The installation tool can be used to apply enough
pressure on the knife to secure it.

FIG 1-31

1-31 BLADE ASSEMBLY

2. Insert the nosepiece from the side until it snaps into place. Gently insert the knife
into the tool shaft. Hold the nosepiece in place with one hand and, with the other
hand, turn the knife holder counterclockwise until the alignment pin fits into the
small notch of the tool shaft. Now turn the knife holder clockwise until its thread
takes hold inside the tool shaft.

FIG 1-32

1-32 INSERTING THE TANGENTIAL KNIFE HOLDER

3. Holding the nosepiece in place with one hand, adjust the knife depth with the other
hand by turning the knife holder clockwise until the knife tip is just visible from
under the nosepiece.

Film

Backing

FIG 1-33

1-33 KNIFE DEPTH ADJUSTMENT

S CLASS™ cutter User’s Manual

Setup 1-30

¾ Setting pressure and checking knife depth:

(media must be loaded in the cutter before knife pressure can be tested).

WARNING
Each keystroke can initiate an internal test or movement of head or media.
Keep fingers and other body parts away from the cutting area.
There are hazardous moving parts.

1. Press

.

A new screen will appear showing the most common menu items (see section

2.1).

2. Press

.

Current knife pressure will appear on screen

3. Press

or to change the knife pressure.

The new value (in bold) will change

1. Press

to perform the internal knife pressure test.

2. Press

to confirm and exit the knife pressure menu.

3. Press

to leave the pressure unchanged.

Once is pressed, the current knife pressure value will be set automatically
to the new value and the cutter will cut the knife pressure test pattern.

FIG 1-34

1-34 KNIFE PRESSURE TEST PATTERN

Peel out the rectangle and inspect the backing.
The knife depth is set correctly when the test pattern cuts through the vinyl

completely, the vinyl is removed, and the blade tip visibly scratched the front side of
the media backing. The blade should never cut through the backing; just slightly
scratch the silicon coating and first few fibers of the backing material.

S CLASS™ cutter User’s Manual

Setup 1-31

NOTE: The knife pressure can also be used to check the knife depth (which is

controlled by the amount the knife extends outs of the nosepiece). If the correct knife
pressure is raised by 150 gr, then the knife may not cut through the backing of the
vinyl. If it does, then the knife depth needs to be reduced.

CAUTION: After setting the cutting depth and/or the knife pressure, perform a
thorough visual check of the knife blade, which can be seen protruding from the knife
holder, and test cutting results on a scrap of vinyl media.

WARNING: Do not operate the cutter if the knife blade cuts through the media
backing, as this will seriously damage the cutter's rubber cutting strip and the knife.

CAUTION: For most vinyl cutting operations, the knife blade tip will be barely visible
at the bottom of the knife tool. If the knife blade tip is clearly visible, then the knife
depth must be readjusted.

To prevent damage to the cutter, check the depth of the knife blade tip and the quality
of the cut each time you load a different type of vinyl into the cutter.

S CLASS™ cutter User’s Manual

Setup 1-32

1.6.2.2 Pen installation

The S CLASS™ tangential cutters can also be operated with a ballpoint pen. After
replacing the knife with a pen, the cutter can be used as a plotter to draw draft plots of
new or existing designs on paper.

1. Turn the installed tool counterclockwise. The holder will raise up, making it
possible to lift the knife holder out of the tangential head. Underneath is the place
for a nosepiece. Remove this part also if it is mounted.

2. Insert the ballpoint pen holder into the tool shaft.

3. Gently insert the ballpoint pen into the tool shaft. Turn the ballpoint pen clockwise

all the way down.

4. The change of tool can either be input on the touch screen with Summa Cutter
Control, or with the cutting software.

Selecting pen operation changes the pressure to “pen pressure.”
NOTE: The information on the touch panel shows the tool currently selected by the

cutter. Make sure the cutter’s tool setting matches the actual tool in use.

1.6.2.3 Pouncing pin installation

The S CLASS™ tangential cutters can also be operated with a pouncing tool. After
replacing the knife with a pouncing tool, the cutter can be used as a pouncer.

1. Turn the installed tool counterclockwise. The holder will rise up, making it possible
to lift the tool out of the tangential head. Underneath is the place for a nosepiece.
Remove this part also if it is mounted.

2. Remove the black plug from the front tool shaft.

3. Gently insert the pouncer into the front tool shaft. Turn the pouncer clockwise all

the way down.

4. The change of tool can either be input on the touch screen with Summa Cutter
Control, or with the cutting software.

Selecting pouncer operation changes the pressure to “pouncer pressure” and adds
“pouncing gap” to tool properties.

NOTE: The information on the touch panel shows the tool currently selected by the
cutter. Make sure the cutter’s tool setting matches the actual tool in use.

CAUTION: Before starting to pounce, check whether the pouncing tool is above the
black pouncing strip. If the pouncer is mounted in the rear slot of the clamp, the
cutting strip will be irreversibly damaged.

S CLASS™ cutter User’s Manual

Setup 1-33

1.6.2.4 Drag knife installation

The S CLASS™ tangential cutters can also be operated with a drag knife. To set the
properties for the drag knife, see section 1.6.1.1. Follow steps 1 through 4, and then
continue with step 5 as follows:

1. Turn the installed tool counterclockwise. The holder will rise up, making it possible
to lift the knife holder out of the tangential head. Underneath is the place for a
nosepiece. Remove this part also if it is mounted.

2. Mount the nosepiece for the drag knife.

3. Gently insert the drag knife into the rear tool shaft. Turn the drag knife clockwise

all the way down.

4. The change of tool can either be input on the touch screen with Summa Cutter
Control, or with the cutting software.

Selecting drag knife operation will add “knife offset” to tool properties.
NOTE: The information on the touch panel shows the tool currently selected by the

cutter. Make sure the cutter’s tool setting matches the actual tool in use.

1.6.3 Replacement of the separation knife blade

The tool carriage also holds the separation knife. With this knife (razor blade), the job
can be automatically cut off after it is finished.

NOTE: This separation knife may only be used with standard vinyl (max 0.25mm
thick).

1. Remove the razor blade holder by turning on the knurled screw at the bottom of
the tool carriage.

2. The razor blade is kept in its place by a small magnet. Turn it around or replace it
when it is worn down, figure 1-b.

FIG 1-35

1-35 RAZOR BLADE FOR AUTOMATIC SEPARATION OF MEDIA

NOTE: The assembly is tilted under an angle of +/- 30° when it is put back on the
machine. Mind the position of the assembly before replacing the razor blade.

Basic Operation 2-1

2 Basic Operation

2.1 Touch Screen

The 320x240-dot touch screen provides a unique interface system that provides
detailed cutter status information and offers a more flexible and powerful control of the
cutter’s configuration.
All screen and optional panel controls on the touch screen are easily formatted to
allow quick access to the most common cutter settings.
Next to the status messages and/or menu options displayed on the touch screen, you
will see button symbols that can be pressed to change menu items or to change the
value for a given submenu/parameter.

FIG 2-1

2-1 TOUCH SCREEN

WARNING
Each keystroke can initiate an internal test or movement of head or media.
Keep fingers and other body parts away from the cutting area.
There are hazardous moving parts.

S CLASS™ cutter User’s Manual

Basic Operation 2-2

2.1.1 Touch screen

The touch screen provides information and also lets the user change the cutter’s
parameters.

¾ Most common buttons on touch screen:
Normally, the status or current value is visible on the left side of the screen, while the

control buttons appear on the right side.

There are three main control buttons:

,

and .

Once you reach a menu, there are three navigation buttons:

, and

.

Press

to return to the status screen. If media is loaded in the cutter, then the

cutter will come online and be ready to cut a job sent from the computer.

Press

for more menu options. If there are more than 6 options for the chosen

menu, then pressing this button will reveal the rest of the options onscreen.

Press

to return one step in the menu structure.

¾ Other buttons that will appear on the screen are:

, , and arrow buttons to mo ve tool carriage or media

or

and to change the values of parameters.

to cancel an instruction or change in parameter.

to apply a change in parameter.

to initiate an internal test.

S CLASS™ cutter User’s Manual

Basic Operation 2-3

2.1.2 Configuration

The Configuration button gives access to the main menu. Pressing this button will
cause the cutter to go offline and suspend all operations in progress. The main menu
contains all submenus and access to tests and calibration routines.
The chosen tool will influence the configuration displayed.

Settings: This menu offers access to different submenus that allow configuration of
the cutter’s operating parameters. Access to some of the submenus will be
determined by plotting language or tool type.

Tests & Setup: This menu offers access to the different internal tests and calibration
routines. The calibration routines are used to adjust and fine-tune the cutter for the
chosen application. The internal tests are used for diagnostics.

Knife (pen or pounce) pressure: This menu allows users to set or modify the
cutting pressure of the current tool.

Knife offset: This menu allows users to set or modify the distance between the tip of
the knife and the axis. The default knife offset value is .45 mm. Knife offset is only
displayed when the chosen tool is a drag knife.

Pouncing gap: The pouncing gap parameter is used to set or modify the distance
between the pounced holes. Pouncing gap only applies when the machine is in
“pounce” mode.

Velocity: The velocity is used to set or modify the velocity of the tool.
User Selection: The S CLASS™ cutters include 8 user configurations, all of which

consist of the same parameters. Each configuration can have unique parameter
settings. This allows the cutter to be quickly and easily reconfigured for different types
of jobs or media. The touch screen can be used to change the user. However, user
configuration names can only be modified through Summa Cutter Control.

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Basic Operation 2-4

2.1.3 Online/Pause

Online and pause are two important concepts when using the S CLASS™ cutters. The
cutter is online only when the status of the touch screen is similar to figure 2-2.

FIG 2-2

2-2 ONLINE STATUS SCREEN

When online, the cutter can be addressed by the host computer, which means that the
cutter will execute cutting or plotting instructions issued by the host computer's
application software. As soon as any other button on the cutter is pressed, the cutter
pauses and can no longer be addressed by the host computer. However if the
computer was busy sending cutting data to the cutter it will be able to do so until the
buffer of the cutter is full.

If the pause button is pressed, then the tool can be moved around the working area
with arrow buttons.

Press

to raise or lower the tool (once push toggles the status each time).

Press

to set the cutter online again.

2.1.4 Actions

The “Actions” button is used to move the origin (start point for cutting), initiate a load
sequence, abort the cut in progress, or recut the last file.

¾ The “Set origin” instruction is used to move the knife origin.
¾ The “Load” instruction is used to initiate a load sequence.
¾ The “Reset” instruction performs a complete reset of the cutter.
¾ The “Special Load” instruction is used to initiate registration of the OPOS markers

just before a contour cut is begun.

¾ The Recut instruction recuts the last file sent to the cutter (provided that it fits in the

cutter’s memory (buffer).

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2.2 How to Set Tool Parameters

The S CLASS™ cutters can work with a knife, pen or pouncer. With the T version
there is the choice between drag knife and tangential knife.
Once a tool has been changed, then the tool parameters (menu settings) must be
reset or checked.
All the different tools have one parameter name in common: the pressure.
Each tool has also its specific parameters.
Tool parameters can be changed by either changing them in the current user, or
simply by changing user (see section 2.4).

NOTE: The S CLASS™ cutters will only perform according to specifications if a
genuine Summa knife, pen or pouncing tool is installed. Do not replace the standard
knife, pen or pouncing tool with products from other manufacturers.

Each keystroke can initiate an internal test or movement of head or media.

WARNING

KEEP FINGERS AND OTHER BODY PARTS AWAY FROM THE CUTTING

AREA. THERE ARE HAZARDOUS MOVING PARTS.

2.2.1 Setting tool type

1. Power on the cutter.

2. Press

.

The main menu will appear on the screen.

3. Press

.

The different configuration menus will appear on screen.

4. Press

.

A list of possible tools will be shown.

5. Use

or to change the tool.

6. Press

to select the tool that is highlighted on screen.

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2.2.2 Changing tool pressure

1. Power on the cutter, load media, and mount tool (see section 1).

2. Press

.

The main menu will appear on the screen. Buttons may vary according to the
chosen tool type. However, there will always be a button labeled with the word
‘pressure.’

3. Press

button.

The current tool pressure will appear on screen.

4. Use or to change the pressure.

The new value (in bold) will change.

1. Press to perform the internal tool pressure test (see 1.6.1.1).

2. Press

to confirm and exit the tool pressure menu.

3. Press

to leave the pressure unchanged.

2.2.3 Changing drag knife offset

A very important parameter for a drag knife is the offset. The offset is the distance
between the knife center and the knife tip.

NOTE: Knife offset should be set each time the knife is changed and should be
checked if the knife shows signs of wear.

Typical knife offset for Summa knives is between 0.41 and 0.45 for standard knives,
and between 0.9 and 0.97 for sandblast knives.

NOTE: Sandblast knives should be used when the material that needs to be cut is
thicker than 0.25mm.

Changing knife offset:

1. Power on the cutter, load media, and mount drag knife (see section 1).

2. Press

.

The main menu will appear on the screen.

3. Press

.

The current knife offset will appear on screen.

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Basic Operation 2-7

4. Use or to change the knife offset.

The new value (in bold) will change.

1. Press

to perform the internal knife offset test.

2. Press

to confirm and exit the knife offset menu.

3. Press

to leave the knife offset unchanged.

When the knife offset is set correctly, the test pattern looks like this:

FIG 2-3

2-3 CORRECT KNIFE OFFSET PATTERN

When the knife offset is too low, the test pattern looks like this:

When the knife offset is too high, the test pattern looks like this:

2.2.4 Calibrating a tangential knife

The purpose of the knife calibration routine is to detect and, if necessary, to correct
problems related to the concentricity of the tangential knife blade.

NOTE: Knife calibration should be done each time the knife is changed and should be
checked if the knife shows signs of wear.

Knife calibration errors may be due to any of the following causes:

• Origin deviation

. The knife tip is slightly rotated in relation to its theoretical 0°

angle. This error can be corrected by adjusting the origin.

• Lateral deviation

. The knife tip deviates from its theoretical center in the lateral

direction. This error can be corrected by adjusting the lateral parameter.

• Longitudinal misalignment. The knife tip deviates from its theoretical center in
the longitudinal direction. This error can be corrected by adjusting the
longitudinal parameter.

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Basic Operation 2-8

LONGITUDINAL deviation

LA TERAL deviation

Theoret ic al center
of the knife

ORIGIN deviation

Real center
of the knife

FIG 2-4

2-4 POSSIBLE KNIFE CALIBRATIONS

During the knife calibration routine, the cutter will cut a series of test patterns that
allow the user to identify errors in knife rotation and concentricity. Use the touch
screen to make corrections.

Setting tangential knife parameters:

1. Power on the cutter, load media, and mount tangential knife (see section 1).

2. Press

.

The main menu will appear on the screen.

3. Press

.

The main test will appear on screen.

4. Press

.

The three knife parameters will appear on screen.

5. Use

or to select the parameter to be changed.

The selected parameter will be highlighted on the touch screen.

6. Use

or to change the parameter.

The value (inverse) will change.

1. Press

to perform the internal knife calibration test.

2. Press

to confirm and exit the knife calibration menu.

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When the knife offset is set correctly, the test pattern looks like this:

1

2

3

4

5

FIG 2-5

2-5 CORRECT TANGENTIAL KNIFE CALIBRATION TEST

Rectangle 1 and 2 should weed out (remove) smoothly without sticking to the rest
of the vinyl.
The fan shaped pattern 3 should have a clear cut line in the middle; the ones at the
sides show burs.
The squares in 4 should be aligned and equal in size.
The 4 vertical cuts in 5 should be clear without any burs and straight all the way
from top to bottom (not rounded near the horizontal lines).

NOTE: It is possible that not all test patterns come out perfect (depends on the type
of vinyl). Test pattern 1 and 4 are the most important test patterns. They should be as
close to perfect as possible.
Start with the setting of the origin, then set the other parameters

Origin correction

If the clear cut line in test pattern 3 is to the right, then increase the value of the
origin, begin in steps of 20, and lower the steps when nearing the correct origin
setting.
It helps sometimes to gently feel the pattern to find out which side has the clear-cut
line.
If the clear cut line in test pattern 3 is to the left, then decrease the value of the
origin, begin in steps of 20, and lower the steps when nearing the correct origin
setting.

Lateral correction

Weedout (remove) the rectangle in pattern 1 and in pattern 4, if the test pattern is
like the one below, decrease the value of the lateral parameter to correct the
closing lines cut.

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Basic Operation 2-10

However, if the test cut resembles the pattern below, increase the value of the lateral
parameter to correct the closing lines cut.

Longitudinal correction

Weed (remove) out the rectangle and, if you obtained a pattern like the one below,
decrease the value of the longitudinal parameter to correct the closing lines cut.

However, if the test cut resembles the pattern below, increase the value of the
longitudinal parameter to correct the closing lines cut.

Each time a parameter is changed, press

to perform the internal knife

calibration test.

NOTE: Failing to set the knife parameters correctly will result in poor cut quality.

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2.3 How to Set Cutting Speed

The actual speed at which the tool moves is determined by 4 different parameters.
Speed (and acceleration) while the tool is down; speed (and acceleration) while tool is
up.
These 4 parameters have been bundled in one parameter to make changing speed
fast and easy.
This overall parameter is called “velocity” and is the speed the cutter uses when the
tool is down. If velocity is raised or lowered, then the other parameters are also raised
or lowered accordingly.

There is one fixed speed: the speed at which the cutter pulls the media from the roll.
This speed is fixed at 200mm/s (8ips).

Setting the cutting speed:

1. Power on the cutter.

2. Press

.

The main menu will appear on the screen.

3. Press

.

The velocity will appear on screen.

4. Use

or to change the velocity.

The value (inverse) will change.

5. Press

to confirm the new velocity.

6. Press

to exit the menu without changing the velocity.

Setting the speed parameters separately:

7. Power on the cutter.

8. Press

.

The main menu will appear on the screen.

9. Press

.

The c

onfiguration menu will appear on screen.

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Basic Operation 2-12

10. Press .

The 4 separate speed parameters will now appear on the screen.

NOTE: Velocity is the main speed parameter. The default value for the three other
parameters is AUTO. This means that they are linked to velocity (which is the speed
when the tool is down). These parameters can be set individually, but will then lose
the link with the velocity parameter.

11. Press

, , or to select the parameter

that needs to be changed.

The chosen parameter will appear on screen.

12. Use

or to change the value.

The value (inverse) will change.

13. Press

to confirm the new value. Or Press to exit the menu without

changing the value.

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2.4 How to Change the User (Quick Parameter Change)

The S CLASS™ cutters include 8 user configurations, all of which consist of the same
parameters. Each configuration can have unique parameter settings. This allows the
cutter to be quickly and easily reconfigured for different types of jobs or media.

NOTE: Factory default values for the different users are all set the same.

Changing the User Configuration:

1. Power on the cutter.

2. Press

.

The main menu will appear on the screen.

3. Press

.

The different users will appear on screen.

4. Use

or to change user.

The user (inverse) will change.

5. Press

to confirm the new user.

6. Press

to exit the menu without changing the user.

TIP: Use easy names to quickly recognize what each user is configured to do.
Commonly used names are: Normal, Pen, Slow, Sandblast, Pouncer, Red
intermediate vinyl, etc.

NOTE: The touch screen can be used to change user configurations. User
configuration names can only be modified through Summa Cutter Control (PC only).

NOTE: There is a text file on the manual CD for the Mac users. The name of the file
is “name.enc”.
Edit the second line to change user name.
The second line in that file is: “SET USER01NAME Type_text_here.”.
First change in that line the number of the user’s name that needs to be changed.
Then change “Type_text_here” to the new name. Do not use spaces. Underscores
will be translated to spaces on the touch screen. Maximum length of a user name is
16 characters.
Do not change any other lines in this text file, then save it as text.
Finally send the file to the cutter.

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2.5 How to Make Sure the Sign Has the Correct Size
(Length Calibration)

The S CLASS™ cutters are friction-feed machines. This means that the cutting length
is dependent on the thickness of the material.

The cutters have been calibrated in the factory for standard 2-mil cast or 3-mil
calendared vinyl. Each user (the S CLASS™ has a total of 8) can hold a different
calibration factor.
This is very helpful for multi-colored signs; it ensures that the parts in different colors
match up, even if different types of vinyl media are used.

NOTE: For standard use, it is not necessary to calibrate the machine. With standard
vinyl the accuracy is within 0.2%. However if high accuracy between different vinyl or
colors is needed, then calibration is necessary.

Calibrating the media (Length calibration):

1. Power on the cutter, load media, and mount knife (see section 1).

NOTE: The wider and longer the loaded media, the more accurate the calibration will

be. Use a piece of vinyl of maximum width and a length that is approximately 1.5
times the width.

2. Press .

The main menu will appear on the screen.

3. Press

.

The different tests and calibration routines will appear on screen.

4. Press

.

The cutter will reload the media and perform the length calibration test. Take out
the media and measure the length of the cut line with a ruler (measuring device).
The length that has to be entered is the distance between line 1 and line 2 as
shown in the figure.

12

FIG 2-6

2-6 LENGTH CALIBRATION PATTERN

NOTE: The cutter will only be as accurate as the accuracy of the calibration. If the
ruler (measuring device) is inaccurate, then re-calibrating may make the cutter’s
accuracy worse. The accuracy of calibration will be directly reflected in the cuts. Set
the cutter to Metric to do the calibration. It is more accurate than the English unit
system (see Panel Units:).

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Basic Operation 2-15

5. Press to proceed with the calibration, press to stop.

6. Use or to change to the value of the measured length between

the two cut lines down the length of the vinyl roll.

7. Press

to confirm the value of the measured length.

TIP: Once this user is calibrated, change the user name. This makes it easy for future
reference.

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Basic Operation 2-16

2.6 Touch screen shortcuts

There exist a couple of handy shortcuts when the cutter is online and waiting for the
computer to send a file. These shortcuts are not explicitly marked on the touch screen
by a button, but using the shortcuts have proved to be very helpful for quick actions.
Below is a picture showing the 4 areas for the shortcuts.

FIG 2-7

2-7 SHORTCUT AREAS IN START-UP SCREEN

Pressing these highlighted areas will guide the user directly to the parameter.

2.6.1 Changing origin

Press area 1

The origin menu will appear on screen

1. Use

, , or to reposition the origin; press

to confirm or press

to leave without changing the origin.

2. Press

to cut off a previous job if necessary; the cutter will then

automatically search the front of the media and set the new origin.

2.6.2 Changing velocity

Press area 2
The velocity menu will appear on screen, the current velocity is highlighted.

1. Use

or to change the velocity.

2. Press

to confirm the new velocity or press to leave the menu

without changing the velocity.

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2.6.3 Changing tool pressure

Press area 3
The pressure menu will appear on screen, the current pressure is highlighted.

1. Use

or to change the pressure.

The new value (highlighted) will change.

2. Press

to perform the internal tool pressure test (see 1.6.1.1).

3. Press to confirm and leave the tool pressure menu.

4. Press

to leave the pressure unchanged.

2.6.4 Changing user

Press area 4

The different users will appear on screen.

1. Use

or to change user.

2. Press

to confirm the new user.

3. Press

to leave the menu without changing the user.

Basic Operation 3-1

3 OPOS (Optical POSitioning)

3.1 Introduction

Contour cutting is made possible by the S CLASS™’s highly accurate Optical
Positioning System (OPOS).

The OPOS sensor, which is mounted on the right-hand side of the tool carriage,
registers printed squares that are placed around the graphic. Because of this
registration process, OPOS can determine the exact position of the printed graphic.

The sensor drops automatically while registering the markers and rises again after
completing this task. The improved sensor can read virtually any kind of media-marker
combination.

3.2 Basic OPOS operation

Many versions of cutting software have the built-in capability to make contour cutting
user-friendly and automatic. Please refer to the user’s manual that came with your
software or contact your software dealer for specifics.

In general, contour cutting includes the following steps:

¾ Create a graphic.
¾ Print the graphic (laminate if necessary).
¾ Load the graphic into the cutter.
¾ Set the necessary parameters for the OPOS sensor.
¾ Load the media and register the markers.
¾ Cut the graphic.

To ensure that OPOS is working accurately, two calibrations are necessary: the
OPOS calibration and the media calibration. The OPOS calibration is the calibration of
the distance between the knife tip and the sensor. The media calibration “teaches” the
cutter the reflection levels of the marker color and the media color.

NOTE: Although the OPOS sensor has been calibrated in the factory, Summa
recommends doing a test to determine how well the factory-set parameters work with
the materials you are using. If the accuracy is not what is expected, then do the OPOS
calibration. Also refer to the section about detailed OPOS operation (3.3) for extra tips
on defining and cutting contours.

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Contour Cutting 3-2

3.2.1 OPOS calibration

1. Switch the cutter on and load black vinyl with white backing.

NOTE: Black vinyl with white backing MUST be used when calibrating OPOS.

2. Set the head’s origin above a clean, blank part of the vinyl.

3. Press

.

The main menu will appear on screen.

4. Press

.

The configuration menus will appear on screen.

5. Press

.

The different OPOS configuration menus will appear on screen.

6. Press

.

The cutter will cut out a square measuring approximately 9.5x9.5mm and move
the square forward. “Weed out Rectangle” will appear on the display.

7. Carefully weed the square, making sure the edges stay intact. Press

.

OPOS will read the edges of the square and calibrate itself accordingly.

NOTE: In order to keep the accuracy of the OPOS sensor as high as possible, do this
calibration each time the knife is been replaced.

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3.2.2 Media calibration

Media calibration ensures that the sensor is able to recognize the markers. OPOS is
calibrated at the factory to work on a wide range of media. However, certain media -­such as those with a high gloss -- may not work with the default settings. Before
working with such materials, perform a media calibration test. This test will alter
OPOS’s sensitivity so that it will read the markers with greater reliability.

Print a square measuring at least 4x4cm on the media that will be used. Be sure to
use the same ink that will be used when creating the registration markers.

Doing media calibration:

1. Turn on the cutter and load the vinyl with the printed square.

2. Press

.

The main menu will appear on screen.

3. Press

.

The configuration menus will appear on screen.

4. Press

.

The different OPOS configuration menus will appear on screen.

5. Press

.

The cutter allows the user to choose to either measure the media or to fill in a
previously recorded value.

NOTE: If a combination of media color – marker color has already been calibrated

and recorded, then can be used to enter this value directly, without having
to remeasure it.

6. Press

.

The cutter will lower the sensor. On the display, the message ”put knife on white
area” will appear.

7. Use

, , or to maneuver the knife on top of a white

area (the area should be at least 3 by 3 cm or 1” by 1”).

8. Press

to confirm.

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Contour Cutting 3-4

The cutter will make a circular movement while it measures the reflection of the
media. It will briefly display the measured values and display the message “put
knife on black area.”

9. Use

, , or to maneuver the knife on top of a black

area (approximately in the middle and slightly to the bottom right).

10. Press to confirm.

The cutter will make a circular movement while it measures the reflection of the
marker color. It will briefly display the measured values, then it will show a value
that is characteristic for this media color – marker color combination. Store this
value for future reference.

NOTE: An error message may appear if the sensor is not able to differentiate
between black and white. Make sure that the test has been performed correctly. If
OPOS is not able to sense the markers, one of the manual alignment methods (see

4.3.1.4.) must be used.

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Contour Cutting 3-5

3.3 Detailed OPOS Operation

3.3.1 Creating the graphic with the markers

1. Create the graphic and contour cut line(s). For easier handling, place the contour

line(s) on a different layer.
NOTE: Do not place contour lines along the edges of graphics or the slightest

movement in the media may result in an unsatisfactory cut. Instead, practice one
of the following techniques:

¾ Place contour lines just inside the graphics (recommended) (1).
¾ Place contour lines outside the graphics (2).
¾ Create thick borders around graphics and place contour lines inside these borders

(3).

(1) contour line

inside graphic

recommended

(2) contour line

outside graphic

(3) contour line

inside a thick

border

Contour line on
edge of graphic

2. If necessary, make additional copies of both the graphic and its associated

contour.

3. Insert a marker to represent the Origin. The marker must be a black square. Each

of the marker’s four sides should measure 2mm but must not be less than 1.5mm
or more than 10mm. (1=X-size 2=Y-size.)

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Contour Cutting 3-6

1

2

4. Set the line style of the marker to None. Line styles of varying thickness can alter

the size of the markers. Make sure there is a white margin of about 3 to 4 times
the marker size around the marker (in the above picture this area is represented
by a gray area). If anything is printed within this margin, the sensor may be unable
to locate the marker.

5. Make sure that the Origin marker is situated below and to the left of all contours to

be cut.

6. Insert horizontally aligned copies of the Origin marker at regular intervals (X-

Distance). Together, these markers indicate the X-Axis.

The X-Distance (1) is the distance from the lower left corner of one marker to the
lower left corner of the next marker and depends on several factors. The X-Distance

must be known when setting the OPOS parameters manually.

1

NOTE: OPOS will operate faster as the X-Distance increases. Conversely, OPOS
will operate more accurately as the X-Distance decreases; however, the impact on
accuracy is minimal. Recommended distance between the markers is 400mm.

7. Make sure there is enough white space around each marker. The X-Distance

should be increased if the margin of white space around the marker is not 3 to 4
times larger than the marker itself.

8. Make sure that the markers are perfectly level with one another.

9. Make a copy of the row of markers created in step 5. Place this new row above the

graphic to indicate the Y-Axis.

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Contour Cutting 3-7

The Y-Distance (2) is the distance from the bottom of one marker to the bottom of the
next marker along the Y-Axis. The Y-Distance must be known when setting the OPOS

parameters manually.

2

10. Make sure the two rows of markers have not shifted along the X or Y Axes.

11. Check to be sure that graphics, markers and contour are each in a separate layer.

Copy the origin marker for origin reference in the layer of the contours.
NOTE: The layer with the graphic and the layer with the markers must be printed

out. The layer with the contour lines and the origin reference must be cut out.

NOTE: The optimum marker size depends on the type of printer and the X and Y
distance of the markers.
Inkjet printers with a lot of bleed require slightly larger markers. Some tests will be
needed with the printer in question to decide on the right marker size.
If the X distance is relatively large (> 800mm), then slightly larger markers could
be used.

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Contour Cutting 3-8

3.3.2 Printing the graphic

1. Print the graphic and its markers with a printer (scale = 100%). When printing on a

roll, make sure that the graphic’s Origin marker coincides with the media’s origin
(1).

1

2. Make sure there is at least a 1cm (0.4in) margin on each side of the graphic (2). A

2cm (0.8in) margin is preferable. There must also be a front margin of 1 cm (3).

2

3

3. Leave a margin of at least 4cm (1.6in) following the print when using sheets or

when cutting the print off a roll (4).

4

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Contour Cutting 3-9

3.3.3 Loading the graphic into the cutter

Load the printout into the cutter as described in section 1.5. Make sure that the marker
indicating the Origin is situated at the bottom right corner of the cutter.

3.3.4 Setting the parameters for the OPOS sensor

The OPOS parameters are variables that define the distance, size, and number of
markers. Most cutting software sets these parameters automatically and even starts
the special load procedure.

Range
X distance 30 mm to 1300 mm
Y distance 30 mm to 1600 mm
X size 1.2 mm to 10 mm
Y size 1.2 mm to 10 mm
Marker Count on one line 2 to 54

Changing OPOS setting:

1. Power on the cutter.

2. Press

.

The main menu will appear on screen.

3. Press

.

The configuration menus will appear on screen.

4. Press

.

The different OPOS configuration menus will appear on screen.

5. Press

.

The different OPOS parameters will appear on screen.

6. Press

or to select the parameter that needs to be changed.

The chosen parameter will be inverse.

7. Use

or to change the value.

8. Press

to confirm the new values. Or Press

to exit the menu

without changing the value.

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Contour Cutting 3-10

3.3.5 Registering the markers

Most cutting software will initiate the special load procedure after the parameters are
sent. If the software does not do this, then initiate the loading sequence from the
cutter’s touch panel.

Registering the markers:

1. Press

.

The main action menu will appear on the screen.

2. Press

.

The cutter will lower the sensor. The display will show the message: ”put knife on
first marker.”

3. Use

, , or to maneuver the knife on top of the first

marker.

4. Press

to confirm.

The cutter will reload the media to check if the loaded length matches with the
OPOS parameters used. Then it will return and read the markers.

NOTE: If a marker cannot be read, then the user will be given the option to re­position the knife (sensor) or to abort.

NOTE: If an error occurs or the cutter cannot read the markers after three
attempts, the following message will be displayed: ”Markers could not be sensed,

press to continue.”

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3.3.6 Cutting the contour

1. Make the layer containing the contour lines visible and printable. Do the opposite

with the print data.

2. Make sure that the origin marker is also defined as a contour. This will be used as

the origin for the cutting.

3. Once you are using the cutting software, it may be necessary to collectively rotate

the contours and markers so that the Origin marker (1) is situated in the bottom left
corner of the cutting area (2) as viewed on the screen. If your cutting software’s
default orientation is not set to “landscape,” the contours and markers will need to
be rotated.

12

1

2

Orientation needed in most cutter software. Orientation when using WinPlot

4. Make sure that the cutter is connected to the computer and that the cutter is

switched on. The cutter’s touch screen should indicate that the cutter is ONLINE.

5. Click Cut from within the cutting software. The cutter should begin cutting the

contour and return to ONLINE status when finished.

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Contour Cutting 3-12

3.4 Automating Tasks with OPOS

OPOS allows the user to automate certain tasks, thus reducing user intervention and
production time. When cutting multiple graphics, the user only needs to maneuver the
OPOS sensor above the Origin marker of the first graphic; cutting subsequent
graphics does not require additional user input.

There are two multiple-job situations in which OPOS can be used:

¾ When cutting multiple (copies of a) graphic(s) on the same media roll.
¾ When cutting the same graphic on multiple media sheets.

Most automated tasks are organized from within the cutting software. However, when
the same graphic contour needs to be cut out, then the automatic tasks also involve
some manual manipulation.

Before using the automating features, note the amount of your cutter’s RAM. If the
cutter’s RAM is greater than the job’s file size, then the automating features may be
used. If the cutter’s RAM is less than the job’s file size, then the automating features
may not be used.

3.4.1 Cutting multiple copies of a graphic on the same roll

If the same graphic design has been printed on a roll with equal distance between the
different graphics, then this feature can be used.

First, load the media and be sure the parameters of the OPOS markers are set
correctly.

Cutting multiple copies of the same graphic on the same media roll:

1. Press

.

The main menu will appear on screen.

2. Press

.

The configuration menus will appear on screen.

3. Press

.

The general settings will appear on the screen.

4. Press

.

The current value of the recut offset will appear on screen.

5. Use

or to change the recut offset (the distance between the last

cut vector and the beginning of the first marker).

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Contour Cutting 3-13

6. Press to confirm the new value, or press

to exit the menu without

changing the value.

7. Press

to get online again.

8. Register the markers and cut the first contour as described in sections 3.3.5 and

3.3.6.

The cutter will stop after the first contour has been cut and come online again.

9. Press

.

The main action menu will appear on the screen.

10. Press

.

11. Use

or to change the number of recuts displayed.

12. Press

to confirm the new value, or press to exit.

OPOS will sense the markers for the second contour and then cut that contour.
This process of sensing and cutting will repeat automatically until all remaining
contours have been cut.

3.4.2 Cutting the same graphic on multiple media sheets

If the same graphic design has been printed on a multiple sheets, then this feature
can be used.

NOTE: The sheets should be more or less the same size, and the graphics on
them should be oriented and positioned the same way.

First, load the media and check that the parameters of the OPOS markers are set
correctly.

Cutting the same graphic on multiple media sheets:

1. Press

.

The main option menu will appear on the screen.

2. Press

.

The different configuration menus will appear on screen.

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Contour Cutting 3-14

3. Press .

The different OPOS configuration menus will appear on screen.

4. Press

.

5. Use or to set OPOS sheet mode “on” or “off.”

6. Press

to confirm, or press to exit.

7. Press

to get online again.

8. Register the markers and cut the first contour as described in sections 3.3.5 and

3.3.6.

The cutter will stop after the first contour has been cut and come online again.

9. Raise the pinch rollers and manually remove the sheet.

10. Insert the next sheet into the cutter. Lower the pinch rollers.

NOTE: The second and any following sheets must be loaded in the cutter at the

same position as and with the same orientation of the first sheet. When in OPOS
sheet mode, the cutter stores the distance between edges of the sheet and the
first OPOS marker.

TIP: Use easy orientation points to be able to quickly position the sheet. In the
figure below, a rim of the base plate and the side of the pinch roller assembly are
used to align the sheets.

FIG 3-1

3-1 POSITION MEDIA FRO MULTIPLE SHEET

Detailed Operation 4-1

4 Detailed Operation

4.1 Introduction

This section is a detailed list of all parameters that can be changed and tests that can
be initiated from the touch screen.
Section 1 and 2 of this manual describe in detail the most commonly used touch
screen manipulation.
This section may be used as a reference for locating a certain parameter setting or
test. The less frequently used parameters are also explained in this section.

4.2 Action Menu

Actions

Load

Roll Sh e et

Set Origin

Reset

Media

Alignm e nt

Replo t

Extended

FIG 4-1

4-1 ACTION MENU

Most of the explanation of this menu is covered in previous sections.
Set Origin: Used to change the origin of the tool carriage on a loaded piece of media.

After this button is pressed, arrow keys will appear to allow the user to go to the new
origin.

Load: The loading procedure is explained in section 1.5.4.
Reset: Used to interrupt an ongoing job.
Special Load: Starts the loading procedure for contour cutting; see section 3.3.5.
Replot: Each job is stored in the cutter’s memory until a new job is sent. Pressing

replot allows the job to be replotted. After this button is pressed, the user may choose
the number of replots. The replot button does not work if there is no job in the
memory, or if the previous job was larger than the cutter’s memory.

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Detailed Operation 4-2

4.3 Configuration Menu

Configuration

Advanced

Cutting

Overcut OptiCut FlexCut SmoothingConcatenation

Settings

Tool

General

Media Sensor Language Panel Units Recut Offset

A

utoload

OPOS X

Calibrate OPOS Calibrate

media (OPOS)

Alignment mode OPOS sheet

mode

OPOS

Parameters

Communication

Baudrate

(RS232)

Parity (Rs232) RTS/DTR

(RS232)

Speed

in detail

Velocity Up velocity Down

acceleration

Up

acceleration

Tur bo Cu t

Tests & Setup

Length

calibration

Calibrate knife

Factory

Default s

Media sensor

setup

Back Sensor Front Sensor

OPOS X

Calibrate OPOS Calibrate

media (OPOS)

Alig

nment mode OPOS sheet

mode

OPOS

parameters

Coil setup

Confidence test

DIN A4 Test

RS232 Test

V

elocity

Tool properties

User

(*) Tool properties will vary according to the chosen tool

Rom Revision

Emulation
Language

HPGL Origin USB Class

(*) Only when tangential tool is the current tool

DMPL

addressin

g

Calibrate touch

screen

(*) Only when drag knife is the current tool

FIG 4-2

4-2 CONFIGURATION MENU

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Detailed Operation 4-3

4.3.1 Settings

This menu bundles all the settings of the S CLASS™ cutters. All settings in this
section, apart from the OPOS parameters, are user-dependent (information is
contained within each of the eight individual user settings, see section 4.3.3.).

4.3.1.1 Tool

The Tool submenu is used to select the default tool at power-up.

Press the button, then use

or to change the tool to another default

tool. Press

to confirm or to cancel. After changing the tool, the cutter

will ask the user to confirm that there was a tool change just before it comes online.

NOTE: Do not forget to check and/or recalibrate the tool settings when a tool has
been changed (see section 2.2.1). Also, OPOS calibration must be redone (see
section 3.2.1).

4.3.1.2 Advanced cutting

The cutting menu groups the different parameters to optimize the cutting quality.

Overcut:

The Overcut submenu enables you to generate an overcut in order to facilitate
weeding the cut. Each time the knife goes up or down, the cutter cuts a bit further.
Figure 4.3 below shows what overcut does with a tangential knife. A sample cut-out
with a drag knife would show fewer overcuts, since there would be fewer up/downs
(usually only one per curve/letter).
The overcut setting can be disabled (=0) or set to any value between 0(=off) and 10.
One unit is about 0.1 mm or 0.004 ".

FIG 4-3

4-3 OVERCUT

Press the button, then use or to change the value. Press to

confirm or

to cancel. The default overcut is set to 1.

OptiCut:

OptiCut increases the cutting quality in case the knife is worn out or not calibrated
correctly.
OptiCut is default-set to OFF.

Press the button, then use

or to set OptiCut to ON or OFF. Press

to confirm or to cancel.

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Detailed Operation 4-4

FlexCut:

FlexCut can be set to OFF, Fast, or Accurate. When the cutter is set to Fast or
Accurate, it will alternately cut a certain length with full pressure, and a certain length
with reduced pressure. The advantage of the FlexCut feature is that it cuts completely
through the material, yet allows the material to stay together by means of the small
media bridges.

Fast is the quickest mode, but it is less precise due to the pressure changes during
the cutting.
Accurate is much slower, but much more precise, as the cutter stops at every change
of pressure.

There are 3 typical FlexCut parameters:

1. Full pressure cut length: This parameter determines the length that is cut with
full pressure, usually the length that will be cut all the way through.

2. Flex pressure cut length: This parameter determines the length that will be cut
with reduced pressure or without pressure. This is usually a much smaller value
than the full pressure cut length – this is the length of the media bridges.

3. FlexCut pressure: This parameter determines the pressure of the Flex pressure
cut length. This is usually a reduced pressure so that the knife only scratches
the media or cuts it only halfway through.

Procedure to set the correct parameters for FlexCut:

1. Press

then use

or

to choose the FlexCut mode.

2. Press

to confirm or to cancel.

3. Press

, ,

or

to select the parameter

that must be changed.

4. Use or to change to the desired value, press to confirm

or

to cancel.

5. Go back to

and press

to check the result.

6. Repeat steps 3 through 4 until the desired result is achieved.

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Detailed Operation 4-5

Smoothing:

The Smoothing feature helps to cut smoother curves when curve data with many short
vectors is received from the computer.

Press the button, then use

or to set smoothing to ON or OFF.

Press

,

to confirm or to cancel.

The default setting is OFF.

Concatenation:

The Concatenation feature increases the speed and quality with which very high­resolution cut data is cut. However, when changing over to normal characters again,
deactivate concatenation by setting this parameter to 0.

Press the button, then use

or to change the value.

Press

,

to confirm or to cancel.

The default setting is 0.

4.3.1.3 General

Media sensor:

The media sensors detect whether media is loaded and also detect the end of the
media. The sensors prevent damage to the cutting strip and knife tip. The sensors can
be activated or deactivated with this menu.
When the sensors are activated, the cutter searches for the front end of the media
during the loading procedure. If it does not find it after returning the media for 1m (+/­3 feet), it stops returning the media and sets the origin in the x-axis there.
The cutter will also stop, during the loading procedure or while it is cutting, if the rear
sensor detects the end of the media.
The cutter does not search for the front end of the media and assumes that the loaded
media is endless if the sensors are not activated.

Press the button, then use

or to activate (ON) or deactivate (OFF)

both or just front sensor (FRONT OFF) only.

Press

,

to confirm or to cancel.

The default setting for the media sensors is ON.

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Detailed Operation 4-6

Language:

This submenu is used to set or modify the dialogue language on the touch screen.
When the machine is new, it asks the user to choose a language. If this setting was
set to the wrong language, it can be changed with this option.
The information on the touch screen can be displayed in English, French, German,
Spanish, Italian, Polish or Dutch.

Press the button, then use

or to set to the desired language.

Press

,

to confirm or to cancel.

The default language is chosen when the cutter is switched on for the first time.

Panel Units:

The setting of these options determines whether the speed and size values are
displayed in the metric measure system or ENG/US measure system.

Press the button, then use

or to set to the desired measure system.

Press

,

to confirm or to cancel.

The panel units are chosen when the cutter is switched on for the first time.

Recut Offset:

The recut offset submenu is used to set or modify the distances between the jobs
when making multiple recuts. This parameter is also used when using the automated
OPOS options.

Press the button, then use

or to set to the desired value.

Press

,

to confirm or to cancel.

The default value is 5mm.

Autoload:

The Autoload option enables the user to the change the vinyl unroll procedure. When
autoload is on, the cutter will automatically unroll the vinyl when needed. When the
autoload option is set off, the operator should manually unroll enough media before
starting to cut.
The default setting is ON. Tracking is not guaranteed when autoload is set to OFF.

Press the button, then use

or to activate or deactivate the autoload

feature.

Press

,

to confirm or to cancel.

Autoload is default activated.

NOTE: Tracking is not guaranteed when autoload is set to OFF.

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Detailed Operation 4-7

4.3.1.4 OPOS X

The OPOS settings are explained in detail in section 3, except for the Alignment
mode.

There are three additional alignment methods available on all S CLASS™ cutters:
X-Alignment, XY-Alignment and XY-Adjustment. These alignment methods can be
used if the combination of marker color – media color cannot be read by the OPOS
sensor.

These alignment methods require that the user manually register markers using the
cutter’s keypad. Most cutting software can automatically put these markers around the
printed graphic.

X-Alignment compensates for errors in media alignment, and therefore graphic
rotation, by rotating the graphic’s contour. This alignment method requires that the
user specify the Origin and one point along the X-Axis. Distance parameters are not
required. X-Alignment is the simplest alignment method.

XY-Alignment compensates for errors in graphic rotation and skew. Skew errors occur
when the graphic’s X and Y Axes are not perpendicular. This alignment method
requires that the Origin and one point along both the X and Y Axes be specified.

XY-Adjustment compensates for errors in graphic rotation, skew, and scale. Scale
errors occur when the graphic’s printed size is different from the graphic’s original size
as created in the imaging software. X-Distance and Y-Distance parameters are
required. These parameters define the distance between the Origin and X-Axis point,
and between the Origin and Y-Axis point. XY-Adjustment is the most accurate manual
alignment method.

Press the button, then use

or to change the alignment method.

Press

to confirm or to cancel.

Default alignment method is OPOS.

4.3.1.5 Communication

The communication settings menu groups all the parameters that determine the speed
and method of communicating with the computer, as well as the language protocol.

NOTE: The serial parameter settings for RS232 must match the computer RS232 port
settings. Use Summa Cutter Control to check RS232 port settings.
Some software uses the Windows default serial port settings. Summa Cutter Control
uses its own and can be easily accessed. Baud rate setting is selected automatically.

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Detailed Operation 4-8

Baudrate (RS232):

The Baudrate is the speed at which the data is sent from computer to cutter.
Possible settings are: 2400 bps, 4800 bps, 9600 bps, 19200, 38400 and 57600 bps.

NOTE: If the cutter’s Baud rate setting does not match the Baudrate settings of the
computer, then computer and cutter will not communicate.

Press the button, then use

or to change the Baudrate.

Press to confirm or to cancel.
The Baudrate is default set at 9600 (this is the Windows default setting for a serial
port).

Parity (RS232):

The PARITY submenu is used to set or modify the byte format and parity type for
serial communications between the cutter and the host computer.
There is the choice between None, Mark, Even, and Odd.

NOTE: If the cutter’s parity setting does not match the setting of the computer, then
communication between cutter and computer will be erratic or will not work at all,
depending on the commands the cutter receives.

Press the button, then use or to change the value.

Press

to confirm or to cancel.

The parity is default set at None.

RTS/DTR (RS232):

This parameter controls the “handshake” between cutter and computer.
Possible settings are Toggle or Always High.

NOTE: If the RTS/DTR setting of the cutter does not match the setting of the
computer, then communication between cutter and computer will not work when large
packets of data are sent from computer to the cutter. A typical fault in this setting is a
job that begins without any problem and then suddenly stray lines are cut out (or
drawn).

Press the button, then use or to change the value.

Press

to confirm or to cancel.

RTS/DTR is default set to Toggle.

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Detailed Operation 4-9

Emulation language:

The S CLASS™ cutters support DM-PL , HP-GL , HP-GL/2 and Auto.
DM-PL is the recommended plotting language and usually gives the best cutting
quality.
HP-GL emulates an HP 7585B, 7580B, 758X Series HPGL printer.
HP-GL emulates an HP Draftmaster RX / SX / MX 7595B type printer.

Press the button, then use

or to change the plotting language.

Press to confirm or to cancel.
The default setting is Auto.

HP-GL origin:

This option is not visible when the plotting language is set to DM-PL.
The origin can be set to Right Front or Center.
If the cut is found to be incomplete, and is located all the way in the upper left corner
of the media, then modify the HP-GL origin setting to Right Front.
If the cut is found to be incomplete, and is shifted to the lower right corner of the
media, then change the HP-GL origin setting to Center.

Press the button, then use

or to change the plotting origin.

Press

to confirm or to cancel.

The default origin setting is Right Front.

DM-PL addressing:

This option is only visible when the plotting language is set to DM-PL.
The user-addressable curve resolution can be set to 0.025 mm or 0.001" or 0.1 mm or

0.005".

Press the button, then use

or to set the resolution.

Press

to confirm or to cancel.

The default addressing resolution is 0.025 mm (Europe) or 0.001" (US).

USB class:

The USB class can be set to Standard, Printer Uni (unidirectional), or Printer Bidi
(bidirectional).
Standard mode is used for cutter drivers (either built into the design software or from a
bridge program like WinPlot).
Printer Uni and Printer Bidi are for use with printer adaptors with either network or
wireless connection.

Press the button, then use

or to change the USB Class.

Press

to confirm or to cancel.

The default USB class mode is Standard.

S CLASS™ cutter User’s Manual

Detailed Operation 4-10

4.3.1.6 Speed in detail

This menu groups all the parameters that affect the throughput of the cutter. The
velocity and acceleration settings are explained in section 2.3.

TurboCut:

TurboCut increases throughput without raising the overall speed of the plotter by
speeding up the drag movement. The cutting time reduction is significant, especially
when cutting small, detailed designs. However, some thicker materials might not cut
well with this feature turned ON.

Press the button, then use

or to activate or deactivate TurboCut.

Press

to confirm or to cancel.

TurboCut is default activated.

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Detailed Operation 4-11

4.3.2 Tests and setup

4.3.2.1 OPOS settings

The OPOS settings are explained in detail in section 3. The OPOS settings are also
found in the Settings menu.

4.3.2.2 Length calibration

Length calibration allows the length of the lines cut to be adjusted to within the
specifications.
For instance, if a cut line should measure 100 mm exactly, the cutter can be adjusted
for any discrepancy.
Calibration is explained in section 2.5.

4.3.2.3 Coil setup

This test is used to calibrate knife and pen pressure and to set the knife and pen
“landing.”
The cut quality is seriously affected by incorrect landing settings. Before changing
these values, write them down, as there is no default setting for these parameters.
After adjustment, the value is saved in the system’s non-volatile RAM.

Press the button, then use

or to switch between the parameters and

use

or to change the value of the highlighted parameter.

Press

to confirm or to cancel.

Setting 40g pressure and 600g (400g) pressure.

To execute this test, a tension gauge of ± 100 gr and ± 600 gr is required.
Measure the pressure on the knife with the tension gauge (read value from the gauge

when knife just lifts from the media.) Use

or to change the value of the
parameter so that the readout on the tension gauge matches the value on the touch
screen (40g, 400g or 600g depending on the parameter that is calibrated).

Setting the landing

The landing determines, among other things, the force at which the tool hits the
media. When calibrating the landing, the tool holder with the knife must be inserted in
the head. Be sure that the knife does not protrude.

Use

to lower the landing value until the tool is in the “up” position. Then use

to raise the value of the parameter. With each unit of change, continue
checking if the tool is completely down yet. Once the tool is completely down, raise
the value back up three units, and this becomes the proper setting.

4.3.2.4 Calibrate knife

This test will only show when the machine type is set to a tangential machine and if
the current tool is set to a tangential knife. This test is explained in section 2.2.4.

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Detailed Operation 4-12

4.3.2.5 Factory defaults

This option defaults all user parameters to factory default. The parameters that require
calibrating are not reset.

4.3.2.6 Confidence test

The confidence test performs a quick electrical and mechanical test of the cutter to
make sure that the cutter is fully operational. A media sheet of at least A3/B-size
should be used for this plot. This test is always cut at the left side of the loaded media.

4.3.2.7 Media sensor setup

The media sensor setup option is a useful routine for checking whether the front and
rear media sensors are functioning properly and whether the switching levels of these
sensors are correctly set.

11. Press

or to select the sensor that will be tested.

12. Put a piece of media half on the chosen sensor and under the two outer pinch

rollers. Press

.

13. There are five levels of sensitivity to choose from.

14. Use

or to change sensitivity level.

After choosing a sensitivity level, there will be a rectangle next to the sensitivity. When
the sensor is covered then the rectangle will be (completely) filled with black squares.
When the senor is uncovered, there will be (almost) no black squares in the rectangle.

Sensor uncovered Sensor covered

FIG 4-4

4-4 S SENSOR SETUP

The black stripe in the rectangle is the trigger level at which the cutter decides
whether there is media in the machine or not.

15. Use

and to change the trigger level if necessary.

Ideally there would be 2 to 4 black squares when the sensor is uncovered, the
rectangle is completely filled when it is covered, and the trigger level is set in the
middle

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Detailed Operation 4-13

4.3.2.8 DIN A4 Test

The DIN A4 Test also performs an electrical and mechanical test of the cutter, in order
to check the cut quality, but also provides the user with feedback on knife setting,
knife pressure, knife offset, and cutting depth.

This cut is always run as a DIN A4 portrait/A-size image, regardless of the actual size
of the media loaded. If the media loaded is smaller than DIN A4/A-size, part of the
outer box will be clipped (not cut).

4.3.2.9 RS232 test

The RS232 test routine verifies the cutter’s RS-232-C serial communications (transmit
data, receive data, and hardware handshaking) circuits. This test does not require
pen, knife, or media to be loaded.

To run the RS-232-C test, proceed as follows:

16. Unplug the RS-232-C data cable from the rear panel of the cutter.

17. Use a loop back test cable to connect pin 2 of the cutter’s data connector to pin 3

and pin 7 to pin 8.

18. Press button. The cutter will start transmitting and receiving data at all available

baud rates and parity settings. The length of the transmissions will vary because of
the different baud rates used. The unit then checks the hardware handshake lines.
Afterwards it will report on the touch screen whether it passed the test or not.

19. Upon completion of the test, remove the loop back test cable from the cutter’s rear

panel RS-232-C connector.

20. Plug the RS-232-C data cable into the connector.

4.3.2.10 Calibrate touch screen

This option makes it possible to calibrate the touch screen. Perform this calibration if
the illustration of the button on the touch screen does not match the area that needs to
be pressed to activate the button.
Press button to start the calibration and follow guidelines on screen.

4.3.2.11 ROM REVISION

Press the button to view information about the cutter’s ROM revision. This information
is often helpful to technicians when diagnosing problems over the telephone.

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Detailed Operation 4-14

4.3.3 User

The S CLASS™ cutters include 8 user configurations, all of which consist of the same
parameters. Each configuration can have unique parameter settings. This allows the
cutter to be quickly and easily reconfigured for different types of jobs or media. Apart
from the parameters mentioned in section 4.3.1, the X/Y calibration is also user­dependent. (information is contained within each of the eight individual user settings).

Press

, then use or to change the user.

Press

to confirm or to cancel.

The names of the users can only be changed via the computer.

NOTE: Summa Cutter Control for PC can be used to change the name directly
Mac users with OSX can use a small program that is on the CD to send files to the
cutter.

There is a file in the root of the CD called username.dmp.
This file can be used to change the user name. To change user name, follow this next
procedure:

1. Open file with a simple text editor.

2. Change text ‘change_name’ to the desired user name.

3. Use underscore (_) instead of spaces. The length of the new name should be

16 characters or less.

4. Save this file.

5. Send to the cutter.

CAUTION: Misuse of this file can seriously damage the internal cutter parameters.

Maintenance 5-1

5 Maintenance and Cleaning

5.1 Introduction

The S CLASS™ cutter range has a number of sliding surfaces made of smooth metals
and plastics. They are virtually friction-free and require no lubrication. They will,
however, collect dust and lint that may affect the cutter’s performance. Keep the cutter
as clean as possible by using a dust cover. When necessary, clean the unit with a soft
cloth dampened with isopropyl alcohol or mild detergent. Do not use abrasives.

5.1.1 Cleaning the drive system

Over time, the sleeves of the drive drum may become clogged with accumulated
residue from the media liner. This may cause the media to slip between the pinch
rollers and the drive sleeves, decreasing traction.

Cleaning the drive system:

WARNING

KEEP FINGERS AND OTHER BODY PARTS AWAY FROM THE CUTTING

AREA. THERE ARE HAZARDOUS MOVING PARTS.

1. Make sure there is no media loaded in the cutter.

2. Disable the sensors through the cutter’s touch screen (see section on Media

sensor:) or cover them up.

3. Put a pinch roller above the sleeve that needs to be cleaned. Make sure it is the

outer left or the outer right sleeve (otherwise there is not enough pressure).

4. Lower pinch roller and wait until the loading sequence is finished.

5. Pause the cutter (see section on Online/Pause).

6. Press

until the sleeve has turned at least one turn.

7. Remove the backing from a piece of vinyl. Push pinch roller up by lifting part 1 and

pushing on part 2 (as in Figure 5-1). Place the piece of vinyl between a pinch roller
and drive sleeve with the tacky side down (Figure 5-2). Release the pinch roller at
the back.

S CLASS™ cutter User’s Manual

Maintenance 5-2

FIG 5-1

5-1 LIFTING THE PINCH ROLLER

FIG 5-2

5-2 PLACEMENT OF VINYL STRIP

8. Use

and to move the piece of vinyl back and forth several times

until all residue is removed from the drive sleeves.

9. Repeat for the other drive sleeves.

5.1.2 Cleaning the media sensors

Over time, the media sensors may become dirty with accumulated residue from the
media. This may cause the cutter to malfunction.

Clean the media sensors by wiping them out with cotton swabs.

FIG 5-3

5-3 MEDIA SENSORS S CLASS™ CUTTERS

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Maintenance 5-3

5.1.3 Cleaning the Y-Guide Rail

There are 4 areas on the Y-guide rail on which the tools carriage slides from left to
right.
Two areas (1) are visible on the front side of the guide rail. The other 2 surfaces (2)
are on the back of the guide rail, directly behind the areas that are visible at the front.
Figure 5-4 below shows the areas. Even though the shape of the Y-guide rail may
differ from model to model, the areas are located in the same place at the top and
bottom of the guiding.

FIG 5-4

5-4 SLIDING SURFACES ON Y-GUIDE RAIL

Over time, there may be some accumulated residue on these sliding surfaces and on
the rollers of the tool carriage.

Cleaning the sliding surfaces of the Y-Guide rail:

1. Switch machine off.

2. Take a soft cloth dampened with isopropyl alcohol or mild detergent.

3. Clean surfaces; when the tool carriage is in the way, push it gently to the left or

right.

5.1.4 Cleaning the nose piece (tangential machine only)

The nosepiece may accumulate residue from the vinyl that will result in poor cut
quality.
The typical indication of a dirty nosepiece is an interruption of the cut line every 12mm
(0.5”).

Cleaning the nose piece:

1. Gently remove the knife by turning the knife holder counterclockwise.

2. Observe the orientation of the nosepiece and then push it out of its holder.

3. Remove any remaining vinyl residue using a brush or a pair of tweezers.

4. Replace the nosepiece.

5. Install the knife as described in section 1.6.2.1.

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Maintenance 5-4

5.1.5 Cleaning the OPOS system

The optical system will collect dust. Therefore, the small hole in the sensor should be
cleaned regularly with a cotton-tipped swab.

Cleaning the OPOS system:

Pull the knife holder upwards.
Locate the hole in the OPOS sensor holder at the left side of the tool carriage.
Clean by wiping it out with cotton swabs.
Push head all the way to the right to ensure that OPOS is raised again.

FIG 5-5

5-5 CLEANING OPOS SENSOR

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Maintenance 5-5

5.1.6 Changing the fuse

CAUTION: Before changing the fuse, make sure that the cutter is completely
disconnected from its power source.

CAUTION: For continued protection against risk of fire, replace only with the same type
and rating of fuse: T2.0A, 250V SCHURTER SPT OR EQUIVALENT.

1. To remove the fuse (3), lightly pry the fuse holder release clip (2) in the direction

opposite the power switch. The fuse holder will pop free.

FIG 5-6

5-6 POWER ENTRY MODULE

2. Remove the fuse holder.

3. Pull the fuse from the holder.

4. Put new fuse in the holder and clip the holder back into place.

Specifications 6-1

6 Specs and Genaral Information

6.1 Introduction

The S CLASS™ range of cutters has been designed to produce computer-generated
graphic designs on cut sheet or roll vinyl media. Using the integrated optical
positioning system (OPOS) allows contour cutting of printed sheets of material. By
replacing the knife with a pen, these cutters can also be used to produce inexpensive
previews of new graphic designs on paper.

The following cutter models are currently available:

• The S75, which can handle media widths from 60 mm up to 840 mm (2.4” to 33”)

and has a drag knife.

• The S120, which can handle media widths from 115 mm up to 1300 mm (4.5” to

51”) and has a drag knife.

• The S160, which can handle media widths from 170 mm up to 1680 mm (6.7” to

66”) and has a drag knife.

• The S75 T, which can handle media widths from 60 mm up to 840 mm (2.4” to 33”)

and has a tangential knife.

• The S120 T, which can handle media widths from 115 mm up to 1300 mm (4.5” to

51”) and has a tangential knife.

• The S160 T, which can handle media widths from 170 mm up to 1680 mm (6.7” to

66”) and has a tangential knife.

6.1.1 Product features

The following are the main features of the S CLASS™ cutters.

• Variable media widths.

• User-selectable DM/PL,

™

HP-GL,

™

and HP-GL/2™ software languages.

• Interchangeable pouncing tool with its own pouncing strip.

• Integrated OPOS positioning and alignment system.

• Interchangeable pen for producing preview plots of sign designs on paper.

S CLASS™ cutter User’s Manual

Specifications 6-2

• Adjustable knife pressure and offset settings controlled by microprocessor.

• Communication with host computer via standard serial USB 1.1 or RS-232.

• 320 x 240 touch screen panel for convenient operator control.

• Metric or English units.

• User-addressable curve resolution: 0.1 mm, 0.025 mm, 0.001" or 0.005".

• Menu mode for selection of the cutter's power-up operating configuration.

• Wide variety of cutting speeds (in metric or English units).

• Up to eight separate user configurations stored in non-volatile memory.

• Media support system for automatic loading of media with optional “shuffling” to

guarantee tracking of longer signs.

• Automatic media pull from roll.

• Media sensing.

• Concatenation and curve smoothing to obtain better cut quality.

• Multiple recut feature.

• Tool calibration tests.

• Overcut for easy weeding, OptiCut for prolonged drag knife life.

• Stand and basket.

• Automatic cut sheet feature.

S CLASS™ cutter User’s Manual

Specifications 6-3

6.2 Specifications

6.2.1 Cutter

S75(T) S120(T) S160(T)

mm inch mm inch mm inch

Height

1110

43.7 1110 43.7 1110 43.7

Width

1410

55.5 1870 73.6 2250 88.6

Depth

folded basket

680

26.8 680 26.8 680 26.8

Depth

open basket

1080 42.5 1080 42.5 1080 42.5

Kg pounds Kg pounds Kg pounds

Weight 49.5 109 61.5 135.6 71 156.5

TABLE 6-1

6-1 S CLASS™ CUTTER SPECIFICATIONS

6.2.2 Media

S75(T) S120(T) S160(T)

mm inch mm inch mm inch

Width

60 to 840 2.4 to 33 115 to 1300 4.5 to 51 170 to 1680 6.7 to 66

Maximum

cutting width

(*)

742 29.2 1200 47.2 1580 62.2

Min margin

left/right

(**)

25 1 25 1 25 1

Front margin

45 45 45 45 45 45

Rear margin

Sensor on
Sensor off

45
33

1.75

1.3

45
33

1.75

1.3

45
33

1.75

1.3

Tracking

Performance

(***)

± 0.1mm up to 12 m (vinyl < 760mm)
± 0.004” up to 40 feet (vinyl < 30”)

± 0.1mm up to 4 m (vinyl >760mm)
± 0.004” up to 13 feet (vinyl >30”)

Media

Thickness

0.05mm to 0.25mm

0.002” to 0.01”

Up to 0.8mm (0.03” ) with sandblast drag knife
Up to 1.2mm (0.047” ) with sandblast tangential knife

(*)

Maximum cutting width in normal mode,’oversize mode’ allows a wider cutting area

(**)

For positioning of the pinch rollers (see section 1.5.1).

(***)

Media lengths greater than the specified length can be handled, but compliance with specifications is

not guaranteed (will be dependent on media type, media size and other parameters).

TABLE 6-2

6-2 S CLASS™ MEDIA SPECIFICATIONS

S CLASS™ cutter User’s Manual

Specifications 6-4

6.2.3 Knife, pen and pouncing tool

The S CLASS™ cutter comes equipped with all the tools necessary to start working
immediately.
Some tools are pre-installed, while others are packaged in separate boxes.
Below is a table that specifies which tools were delivered with the cutter. Please make
sure that all tools were included with the cutter.

Medium

S75
S120
S160

S75T
S120T
S160T

Standard drag knife

Standard vinyl up to 0.25mm

(0.03”) thick

2 1

Sandblast drag knife (requires
sandblast knife holder)

Sandblast and materials thicker

than 0.25mm (0.03”)

x x

Standard tangential knife

Standard vinyl up to 0.25mm

(0.03”) thick

x

2

Sandblast tangential knife (requires
special sandblast nose piece)

Sandblast and materials thicker

than 0.25mm (0.03”)

x

1

Fiber type plotter type pen

Paper 1

x

Ball point pen (requires ballpoint

penholder)

Paper

x

1

Pouncing pin

Paper

1 1

Razor blade for cut sheet

Standard vinyl up to 0.25mm

(0.03”) thick

2 2

TABLE 6-3

6-3 S CLASS™ TOOLS

To order replacement knives, pens and/or pouncing tools, contact your local Summa
dealer, quoting the part numbers listed in table 6-8.

The S CLASS™ cutters will only perform according to specifications if a genuine
Summa knife, pen or pouncing tool is installed. Do not replace the standard knife, pen
or pouncing tool with products from other manufacturers.

S CLASS™ cutter User’s Manual

Specifications 6-5

6.2.4 Interface

Communication

USB and standard asynchronous RS-232-C interface

USB

I/O Port connector USB series “B” receptacle (female plug)
Mating connector USB series “B” plug (male plug)
Version 1.1

RS-232

I/O Port connector DB-9P

Mating connector DB-9S

Byte format 8 data bits, 2 stop bits, no parity

Baud rate 57600, 38400, 19200, 9600, 4800, 2400 bps

TABLE 6-4

6-4 S CLASS™ INTERFACE SPECIFICATIONS

6.2.5 Firmware

Language

DM/PL, HP-GL (758x emulation), HP-GL/2

Supported character sets

Standard ASCII

Supported fonts

Sans serif (single stroke & medium)

ROM-based plots

Confidence plot, DIN plot

TABLE 6-5

6-5 S CLASS™ FIRMWARE

S CLASS™ cutter User’s Manual

Specifications 6-6

6.2.6 Performance

Cutting specifications on 0.05 mm (0.002") wax-backed vinyl, total media thickness
not greater than 0.25 mm (0.010")

Axial speed

50 to 1000 mm/s 2 to 40 ips

Default speed

800 mm/s 32 ips

Acceleration

Up to 5.5 G

Addressable resolution

0.025 mm, 0.1 mm 0.001", 0.005"

Default resolution

0.025 mm 0.001"

Mechanical resolution

6.3 µm 0.25 mil

Accuracy

0.2% of move or 0.25 mm,
whichever is greater (*)

0.2% of move or 0.010",
whichever is greater (*)

Knife pressure for drag head

0 to 400 gr.

Pen pressure for drag head

0 to 400 gr.

Pouncing pressure for drag head

0 to 250 gr.

Knife pressure in tangential head

0 to 600 gr.

Pen pressure in tangential head

0 to 600 gr.

Pouncing pressure in tangential head

0 to 250 gr.

*

Excludes differences due to media expansion, stretching, etc.

TABLE 6-6

6-6 S CLASS™ PERFORMANCES

6.2.7 Certifications

CE
FCC Class A
Conforms to ANSI/UL Standard 60950-1
Certified to CAN/CSA Standard C22.2 No 60950-1

S CLASS™ cutter User’s Manual

Specifications 6-7

6.2.8 Environmental

(Cutter without media)

Operating Temperature

15 to 35° C 59 to 95° F

Storage temperature

-30 to 70° C -22 to 158° F

Relative humidity

35 - 75 %, non-condensing

TABLE 6-7

6-7 S CLASS™ ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIFICATIONS

IMPORTANT HINT: The use of dimensionally stable media is an essential pre­requisite to obtaining high cut quality. Additionally, media expansion or contraction
may occur as a result of temperature variations. To improve the dimensional
stability of media, let it stabilize to the current environmental conditions before use,
for a minimum period of 24 hours.

6.2.9 Electrical

Frequency range: 47-63 Hz, single phase.
Voltage Range: 90 – 260 V.
Fuse Rate: T2.0A, 250V SCHURTER SPT OR EQUIVALENT.

CAUTION: For continued protection against risk of fire, replace only with the same type
and rating of fuse.