GRAPHTEC FC5100-75 User Manual
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GRAPHTEC FC5100-75 User Manual

GRAPHTEC FC5100-75 User Manual

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FC5100
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Graphtec Part No. 53801-084T Rev. A
4
The specifications, etc., in this manual are subject to change without notice.
Printed in USA

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Summary of Contents for GRAPHTEC FC5100-75

  • Page 1 FC5100 user manual Graphtec Part No. 53801-084T Rev. A The specifications, etc., in this manual are subject to change without notice. Printed in USA...
  • Page 2 The FC5100 is a high-performance grit-rolling cutting plotter that incorporates a 16-bit CPU and digital servo drive system for highly precise cutting of color adhesive film at high speed. For more information about Graphtec and Graphtec products, visit Graphtec’s home pages at: www.graphtecusa.com (USA, Canada, South America) www.graphteccorp.com...
  • Page 4 Table of Contents Chapter 1: Special Precautions ......10 Handling the Cutting Blades ........10 Handling the Cutters .
  • Page 5 Chapter 4: Preparing to Cut ......33 Control Panel ..........33 Indicator Lamps .
  • Page 6 To Change the Pounce Force ......... 58 To Change the Pounce Speed .
  • Page 7 Setting Overcut ........... . . 95 SPEED - Setting the Pen-Up Speed .
  • Page 8 FC5100-130 without Stand ......... . . 155 FC5100-75 with Stand and Basket Option ....... 156 FC5100-100 with Standard Stand and Basket Option .
  • Page 9 Chapter 10: Options ....... . 157 FC5100 Pounce Tool Manual ....... . . 157 Inserting the Pounce Tool .
  • Page 10 Selecting METHOD 1 ..........187 Selecting METHOD 2 .

  • Page 11: Chapter 1: Special Precautions

    Chapter 1: Special Precautions This section covers special precautions you should take when operating or storing your plotter. NOTE: Information to simplify or correctly complete a task. CAUTION: Will cause damage to the unit. ACHTUNG: Lesen Sie den mit diesem Symbol markierten Absatz besonders aufmerksam. Es besteht die Gefahr eines irreparablen Schadens, sofern nicht genau nach den Anweisungen vorgegangen wird und diese korrekt durchgefürhrt werden.

  • Page 12: Handling The Cutters

    Handling the Cutters • The tip consists of a sharp blade. Be sure not to extend it too far. • Instructions on replacing the blade or adjusting the blade length are provided in Cutters and Holders. Sharp Blade Attaching a Cutter Pen WARNING: To avoid bodily injury, do not touch the pen tip after the plotter is turned WARNUNG:Um das Risiko einer Verletzung herabzusetzen, sollten Sie niemals das messer berühren während der Schneidplotter arbeitet.
  • Page 13 Once the pen has been prop- erly mounted, tighten the Flange screw. Bracket to hold pen CAUTION: The pen has two flanges Upper groove and must be fully seated (the pen holder is engaged on the second flange) before tighten the screw. Flange Bracket to hold pen CAUTION: The cutter must be prop-...

  • Page 14: After Turning On The Plotter

    After Turning on the Plotter During the course of turning on the plotter, be sure to observe the following pre- cautions: • The pen carriage and loaded media may suddenly move during the cutting oper- ation, immediately afterward and when setting the plotter’s functions. •...

  • Page 15: Machine Caution Label

    Machine Caution Label The machine’s Caution Label is located on the top cover. Achtung, Fur weitere informat- ionen leses, Sie bille diese handbuch. bevor Sie mil Arbeil beginnen! Sharle Kante! Halten Sie Handem Haare, und Kleidung fere bewigien leiten! Notes on Working Environment Be sure to observe the following regarding the working environment of your plot- ter: •...

  • Page 16: Notes On Use

    CAUTION: Make sure your computer and power sources are adequately grounded (the RS-232 interface cable should meet the CCITT V24, EIA RS-232 standards. Graphtec’s RS-232 serial interface cable conforms to the EIA standard). Inade- quate grounding may result in severe damage to your plotter or computer and constitute misuse of the plotter.

  • Page 17: Daily Maintenance

    • To avoid scratching the cutting mat, ensure that the cutter pen blade is not excessively extended. • Do not touch the moving parts of the plotter while it is operating. • When manually moving the pen carriage to load the media, be sure to move the carriage slowly.

  • Page 18: Storing The Plotter

    Storing the Plotter When your plotter is not in use, be sure to observe the following points: • Remove the pen attached to the penholder. • Cover the plotter with a cloth to protect it from dust and dirt. • Do not store the plotter in direct sunlight or in high temperatures Sp ec ial Pr eca u ti on s : S to ri ng t h e Plo t t er...
  • Page 19 Sp ec ial Pr eca u ti o ns : S to ri ng th e Plo t t er...

  • Page 20: Chapter 2: Out Of The Box

    If any accessory is missing, contact your sales representative or the nearest Graphtec dealer. Accessories The Stand Kit is an option for the FC5100-75 and is standard for both the FC5100-100 and FC5100-130 cutters. Power cord. The configuration pictured may differ from the actual cord supplied.

  • Page 21: Nomenclature

    User’s manual Accuload™ System components. Nomenclature AC Line Inlet: Inlet where the power cord is connected. Control Panel: Used to access various plotter functions. Cutting Channel: A channel running along the cutting mat area. Used to reduce pouncing tool wear. Cutting Mat: A black strip placed under the cutting area.
  • Page 22 14 Roller Location Guide: Yellow markings on the rail and rear side of the top cover that show the position of each grit roller. Use these guides as an aid in locating the push rollers and in locating the media roll on the stock roller. 15 Serial Interface Connector: Used to connect the plotter to the computer with a RS-232 serial interface cable.

  • Page 23: Installing The Accuload System

    Installing the Accuload System The Accuload™ system consists of two media brackets, two stock rollers and one media alignment bar. Installation procedure: Place the right media bracket against the inside surface of the plotter’s side box (right). Front M4 Screw Media Bracket Left Media Bracket Right Insert an M4 screw in the second hole from the front side of the plotter.
  • Page 24 Be sure to place the plotter on an acceptable work surface. Refer to dimen- sions below: FC5100-75: 45 inches (114cm) wide by 19 inches (48cm) deep. FC5100-100: 57 inches (144cm) wide by 19 inches (48cm) deep. FC5100-130: 67 inches (170cm) wide by 19 inches (48cm) deep.

  • Page 25: Connecting The Plotter

    Connecting the Plotter Connecting to The FC5100 Plotter is equipped with an RS-232 Serial Interface Cable in the the Computer accessory kit. 1 Connect the 25-pin connector to the RS232-C connector on the plotter and tighten the screws. If you are using a Centronics-compatible parallel interface cable, connect the 36-pin connector to the Parallel connector on the plotter and...

  • Page 26: Connecting To The Power

    Connecting to The FC5100 Plotter is equipped with a Power Cord in the accessory kit. the Power 1 Connect the provided power cord to the AC inlet of the plotter. 2 Connect the other end of the power cord to an electrical socket of the rated supply voltage.
  • Page 27 O u t of th e Bo x : C o nn ec t i n g t he P l o tt er...

  • Page 28: Chapter 3: Cutters And Holders

    Chapter 3: Cutters and Holders This chapter describes the different cutters and their uses. Blade Application and Features Blade part Diameter no. and and blade Plunger part type offset value Applications and features CB09UA 0.9 mm PHP32-CB09N Standard blade for cutting color adhesive media. Suitable (supersteel) 0.45 for cutting media up to 0.25 mm think.

  • Page 29: Cutter Pen Nomenclature

    Cutter Pen Nomenclature WARNING: To avoid bodily injury, handle cutter blades with care. PHP32-CB09N (For cutter blades of 0.9 mm diameter) Cutter Pen Plunger Spring Cutter Blade Plunger Blade length adjustment knob (blue) PHP32-CB15N (For supersteel cutter blades of 1.5 mm diameter) Cutter Pen Plunger Cutter Blade...

  • Page 30: Cutter Offset Value Settings

    Cutter Offset Value Settings Color Compatible Blade Cutter offset Cutter pen classification blade types Material values PHP32-CB09N Blue CB09UA Supersteel 18 + 2 PHP32-CB15N CB15U Supersteel 28 + 2 CB15U-K30 Supersteel 28 + 2 CB15UB Supersteel 5 + 5 PHP31-CB15 CB15-10C Ceramic 18 + 2...
  • Page 31 CAUTION: The cutter must be properly seated (the pen holder is Flange engaged on the flange) before tighten the screw. Bracket to hold pen Replacing For the PHP31-CB15: Ceramic & Sap- Turn the blade length adjustment knob phire Blades counterclockwise. Remove Holder B.

  • Page 32: Blade Length

    Blade Length CAUTION: Make sure to correctly adjust the blade length. If the blade length is too long for the thickness of the media being used, you may cut through the cutting mat and damage your plotter. Adjusting the Retract the blade by turning the blade adjustment knob in a counterclockwise Blade Length direction (Direction B) until the blade tip is aligned with the tip of the cutter pen, then extend the blade by turning the blade adjustment knob in a clockwise...
  • Page 33 Cu t t ers an d H o ld ers : B la d e L e ng t h...

  • Page 34: Chapter 4: Preparing To Cut

    Chapter 4: Preparing to Cut This chapter describes how to use the control panel, load the media, select and install the appro- priate cutting tools, and to achieve the best cutting results. Control Panel Indicator Lamps The POWER lamp remains lit (green) while the plotter is on. The PROCESSING INDICATOR lamp lights green when the cutting data goes beyond the effective cutting area.

  • Page 35: Menu Keys

    Menu Keys Press MENU CONTROL to access the MENU mode to set functions on the con- trol panels (green lamp lights). Press MENU CONTROL again to cancel MENU mode. The plotter continues to store data from the computer in the plotter’s receive buffer although the cutting or plotting operation is temporarily suspended.

  • Page 36: Selecting A Function Menu

    Selecting a Function Menu When the plotter is in MENU mode (the MENU lamp is lit), each of the functions listed below in the “Function Selection” column can be accessed by pressing the NEXT key until the desired menu appears and then pressing the select key indi- cated by a box.

  • Page 37: Initial Menu

    Initial Menu When the paper set lever is lowered, the INITIAL menu appears on the LCD. Menu Function Selection Sub Menus INITIAL MENU F4 KEY AUTO PRE FEED INITIAL FEED SPEED INTERFACE STEP SIZE RS-232C COMMAND Setting the Multilanguage Display Your plotter’s display can be set to one of 12 different languages.

  • Page 38: Turn On The Plotter

    Turn on the Plotter • Check to make sure that the pen carriage is not located near the pinch rollers so that it does not interfere with the pinch roller settings. • After checking that both ends of the plotter’s power cord are securely con- nected, turn on the plotter by pressing the “|”...

  • Page 39: Loading Media

    Loading Media This section describes the steps for loading media in the plotter. Note that the media can be loaded either before or after turning on the plotter. CAUTION: Be sure to move the pen carriage slowly. Moving the pen carriage quickly may damage the plotter.
  • Page 40 To adjust the pinch roller positions: • Position the left and right pinch rollers to correspond with the width of the media. • When moving the media to the left or right be sure to move the pinch rollers as required to hold down the media within the appropriate range.

  • Page 41: Roll Media

    To load sheet media: • Lower the media set lever to raise the pinch rollers. • Move the left pinch roller next to the middle pinch roller. • Move both the left and middle pinch rollers together until they reach the right stop. •...
  • Page 42 • Lower the media set lever to raise the pinch rollers. Pinch Roller • Load the media in the plotter as shown. Media Alignment Bar Media Sensor Grit Roller • Wrap media behind and around the media alignment shaft. While keeping ten- sion on the vinyl, adjust the edges of the vinyl so that both edges match accu- rately.
  • Page 43 To adjust the pinch roller positions: • Position the left and right pinch rollers to correspond with the width of the media. • When moving the media to the left or right be sure to move the roll as required to ensure that no slack develops in the media.
  • Page 44 • Move the left pinch roller next to the middle pinch roller. • Move both the left and middle pinch rollers together until they reach the right stop. • Load the media so that the left side of the narrow media is under the left pinch roller.
  • Page 45 sit for 30 minutes to become acclimated to the environment before starting the cutting operation. Next, use the plotter’s feed function to feed out the specified amount of media needed for your cutting operation. • Turn on the power if it is off. •...

  • Page 46: Select The Media Type

    Select the Media Type CAUTION: To avoid damaging the cutting mat, be sure to set the media type to SHEET when using sheet media. Whenever possible, use sheet media of rectangular shape. If you have already loaded the media, the MEDIA TYPE menu appears. Select the media type.

  • Page 47: Sheet

    CUT AREA shows the effective cut area that is determined by the position of the pinch roller and the page length setting. CUT AREA X=2000mm Y=730mm NOTE: After initializing the plotter by choosing ROLL-1 or ROLL-2, use the FEED function to pre-feed the length of media needed for the job. This embosses the grit roller pattern onto the media to help prevent media skewing or excessive system torque which triggers the position alarm.

  • Page 48: Initializing Routine

    Press the F4 key to select CONTINUE ROLL-1> ROLL-2> SHEET> CONTINUE> No sensing operations are performed. Set the various functions of the plotter as desired. NOTE: Make sure to set the correct cutting conditions to suit the cutter blade and media being used.

  • Page 49: Roll-2

    ROLL-2 During initialization, the pen carriage moves right until it detects the mechani- cal home position. The pen carriage then moves left until it detects the left-hand side of the media edge. It then returns to the right edge of the media. SHEET During initialization, the pen carriage moves right until it detects the mechani- cal home position.

  • Page 50: Setting Conditions

    Setting Conditions This function allows you to register eight different groups of conditions in the plotter’s memory. These conditions greatly affect the finished quality of the cutting operation. The desired group can be quickly loaded by simply pressing the corre- sponding function key [F1] through [F4] on the control panel.

  • Page 51: Select The Tool From The Menu

    The following is a list of all eight conditions and their respective settings. Condition Comments Tool Force Speed Quality Offset Cutter CB09Ux Cutter Immediate CB09Ux Cutter Reflective CB015Ux Cutter High Intensity Reflective CB015Ux Cutter Sandblast with Tangential CB015U-K30x Emulation turned off Other OTHER Pounce...

  • Page 52: Tangential Mode

    • Select OTHER when above preset values and their deviation ranges cannot cover the range needed for satisfactory results. • Select PEN to use a plotter pen. • Select POUNCE to use the pouncing pen. • Select LIGHT POINT to use the light pointer to check the cutter pass. NOTE: These tool names are actually the names of preset offset values, and each value can be changed within a range from -5 to +5.
  • Page 53 • Press the UP or DOWN ARROW key to raise or lower the numeric value 1 to 40. • If you wish to change another parameter then: • Press the F2 key to change SPEED. • Press the F3 key to change QUALITY. •...

  • Page 54: Cutter Conditions

    • If all of the parameters are set press the ENTER key to register your setting. HANGE THE UTTER FFSET • Press the F4 key to change OFFSET. The blinking cursor indicates that you can change its setting. SET....14 CONDITION 1..30 CB09Ux...0 •...

  • Page 55: Test

    Peel off the outside triangle first to view the shape of the corners. The corner’s shape represents the cutter offset setting. If the cor- ners are rounded, the cutter offset value should be decreased; if the corners are too sharp, the cutter offset value should be increased.

  • Page 56: Test

    Test 2 When you believe that you are nearing the most desirable condition setting, use the TEST 2 pattern. This test cuts three triangle patterns using three different cut- ting forces. The center triangle is cut using the force which you selected. The left triangle is cut using a force that is one step lower than your selection.

  • Page 57: Plotter Pen Conditions

    Press the F4 key to select CUTTING PRO. Press the F3 key to select YES and start. PATTERN CUTTING PRO YES>. NO>. Press the F4 key to select NO and cancel. • Adjust the cutting conditions and re-run the cutting test. •...
  • Page 58 NOTE: Press the NEXT key to cancel the condition that you are currently setting and return to the main menu. HANGE THE ORCE • Press the F1 key to change FORCE. A blinking cursor indicates that you can change its setting. SET....14 CONDITION 2..60 PEN..

  • Page 59: Pounce Conditions

    HANGE THE UALITY • Press the F3 key to change QUALITY. A blinking cursor indicates that you can change its setting. SET....14 CONDITION 2..60 PEN..• Press the UP or DOWN ARROW key to raise or lower the numeric value from 1 to 8.
  • Page 60 • Press the F3 key to change QUALITY. • Press the F4 key to change OFFSET. • If all of the parameters are set press the ENTER key to register your setting. HANGE THE OUNCE PEED • Press the F2 key to change SPEED. The blinking cursor indicates that you can change its setting.

  • Page 61: Light Pointer Conditions

    HANGE THE OUNCE FFSET • Press the F4 key to change OFFSET. The blinking cursor indicates that you can change its setting. SET...12 CONDITION 8..30 ..4 POUNCE...1 • Press the UP or DOWN ARROW key to raise or lower the numeric value from 1 to 99.

  • Page 62: Checking The Cutter Path

    Checking the Use the light pointer to verify the contour cut before actually cutting the job. Cutter Path Select the light pointer as the tool and reduce the pen speed as low as possible so that its path is visible on the media. Send the cut data to the plotter.
  • Page 63 • Press the F4 key to set parameters such as STEP SIZE, RS232C CONDITIONS AND COMMANDS. For details see Setting the Interface Conditions. AUTO PRE FEED>. INITIAL FEED SPEED>. INTERFACE>. • Raise the media set lever to engage the media. The media type menu appears on the display;...

  • Page 64: Withdrawal Of The Pen Carriage

    Withdrawal of the Pen Carriage This function moves the pen carriage from its current position to a position that is +100 mm away along both the X and Y axis. This also helps to confirm the job is completed. While holding down the ENTER key, press the UP ARROW key, and then release it.
  • Page 65 Pre pa rin g t o C ut : Re tu rn i ng t h e Pen Ca rria ge t o O ri gi n...

  • Page 66: Chapter 5: Advanced Functions And Settings

    Chapter 5: Advanced Functions and Settings This chapter describes the advanced functions and settings for your cutter. You can access these functions through the menu, however, some functions have quick keys on the control panel to pro- vide faster access to these menus. Control Panel Quick Keys Origin –...

  • Page 67: Origin - Setting The Cutting Origin

    Function 2: Data Sorting – Groups the line segments. Axis Alignment – Aligns pre-printed material for cutting. Auto Pre Feed – Prevents slippage on large media jobs. Tangent Emulation – Enables special blade control under specific circum- stances. Background Settings - For details see Background Settings. Option 1: Pen Up Speed –...

  • Page 68: Origin Point With Rotate Function

    Origin Point with ROTATE function NOTE: The coordinates being displayed represent displacements along the X and Y- axes from the original origin. NOTE: If you intend to use the ORIGIN function in combination with the ROTATE or MIRROR function, be sure to set the ORIGIN function first. COPY - Copying the Data in Plotter Buffer Memory This function allows you to automatically cut duplicates of the data sent from the computer.
  • Page 69 If the receive buffer is empty the following message will appear. You will need to re-send the data to the plotter by returning to the previous menu. NO DATA FOR COPY IN BUFFER ! If one block of the data sent from the computer has exceeded the plotter’s receive buffer size (2Mbyte), the following message will appear.

  • Page 70: Copying Sequence

    • Press the ENTER key, the following menu will appear: CONDITION 2..14. COPY.....4. CB09Ux...0. The plotter will start cutting/plotting as soon as the ENTER key is pressed. If you wish to continue cutting additional copies, reload the media and begin again by pressing the COPY key.

  • Page 71: Pen Up/Down - Raising/Lowering The Pen

    PEN UP/DOWN - Raising/Lowering the Pen The PEN UP/DOWN function allows you to raise or lower the pen from the con- trol panel. When the light pointer is selected as the tool, this function controls the light pointer’s light. The light turns on when PEN DOWN is selected. The light turns off when PEN UP is selected.

  • Page 72: Feed - Advancing The Media

    • This menu appears 3 seconds after you select BUFFER CLEAR. NOTE: CONFIRM DATA FROM. HOST STOPPED. • Press the F3 key to clear the buffer or press the F4 key to resume the cutting/ plotting job. BUFFER CLEAR OK? CLEAR>.

  • Page 73: Origin - Setting The Origin In Hp-Gl Mode

    • Press the F4 key to select FEED. UP/DOWN>. BUFFER CLEAR>. FEED>. • Press the UP and DOWN ARROW keys to obtain the desired FEED LENGTH. FEED LENGTH • Press the ENTER key to register your settings. The plotter will start feeding as soon as the ENTER key is pressed.

  • Page 74: Area - Setting The Cutting Area

    • Press the F1 key to select ORIGIN. If there is no ORIGIN in the menu, the plot- ter is in GP-GL mode. Change the mode if necessary. ORIGIN>. AREA>. EXPAND>. PAGE LENGTH>. • Press the F3 key to select LOWER LEFT or press the F4 key to select CENTER. ORIGIN POINT LOWER LEFT.
  • Page 75 • Press the F2 key to select AREA. (ORIGIN in the 1 row appears in HP-GP mode only). The following menu appears: ORIGIN>. AREA>. EXPAND>. PAGE LENGTH>. Use the POSITION Keys to specify a new LL position. The X- and Y- coordinate values will represent the current pen position as X- and Y-axis offsets from the original origin.
  • Page 76 both UR and LL positions), the message below appears for several seconds. In this case, reset the effective cutting area. ILLEGAL PLOT AREA NOTE: When the ROTATE and MIRROR mode is selected or canceled after specifying new LL and UR positions, your LL and UR settings are initialized to their default positions.

  • Page 77: Expand - Expanding The Cut Area

    EXPAND - Expanding the Cut Area EXPAND mode allows you to both widen and narrow the cutting area. The cut- ting area is automatically determined by the position of the pinch rollers when the plotter is initialized. Select EXPAND when cutting a pattern that is nearly as wide as the media, and you do not mind the footprint caused by the grit rollers along the edges of the pat- tern.
  • Page 78 • Press the F3 key to select EXPAND. (ORIGIN in the 1 row appears in HP-GP mode only.) ORIGIN>. AREA>. EXPAND>. PAGE LENGTH>. • Press the UP or DOWN ARROW key to select the value. SET EXPAND LIMIT 0 mm DEFAULT>.

  • Page 79: Page Length - Setting The Length Of The Page With Roll Media

    Setting a negative expansion limit. Setting a positive expansion limit. PAGE LENGTH - Setting the Length of the Page with Roll Media This function is used to specify the length of individual pages when using roll media. CAUTION: For optimum precision, specify the PAGE LENGTH to 2m or less. CAUTION: When PAGE LENGTH is set to over 2m, be especially careful to load the media properly to prevent the it from coming loose from the rollers during cutting or plotting.

  • Page 80: Rotate - Rotating The Coordinate Axes

    • Press the F2 key to select AREA PARAMETERS. INTERFACE>. AREA PARAMETERS>. FUNCTION 1>. FUNCTION 2>. • Press the F4 key to select PAGE LENGTH. (ORIGIN in the 1 row appears in HP-GL™ mode only.) ORIGIN>. AREA>. EXPAND>. PAGE LENGTH>. •...

  • Page 81: Mirror – Reversing The Image

    • Press the F2 key to select ROTATE. ROTATE>. MIRROR>. SCALE>. • Press the F3 key to turn ON the function or press the F4 key to turn OFF the function. ROTATE • Press the ENTER key to register your settings or press the MENU key to cancel MENU mode.

  • Page 82: Scale - Enlarging/Reducing An Image Size

    • Press the F3 key to select FUNCTION 1. INTERFACE>. AREA PARAMETERS>. FUNCTION 1>. FUNCTION 2>. • Press the F3 key to select MIRROR. ROTATE>. MIRROR>. SCALE>. • Press the F3 key to turn ON the function or press the F4 key to turn OFF the function MIRROR.

  • Page 83: Data Sorting - Sorting The Cut Data

    • Press the F3 key to select FUNCTION 1. INTERFACE>. AREA PARAMETERS>. FUNCTION 1>. FUNCTION 2>. • Press the F4 key to select SCALE. ROTATE>. MIRROR>. SCALE>. • Press the UP or DOWN ARROW keys to select the desired SCALE factor within the magnification range of 1/8, ¼, ½, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8.
  • Page 84 • Press the F4 key to select FUNCTION 2. INTERFACE>. AREA PARAMETERS>. FUNCTION 1>. FUNCTION 2>. • Press the F1 key to select DATA SORTING. DATA SORTING>. AXIS ALIGNMENT>. AUTO PRE FEED>. TANGENT EMULATION>. • Press the F3 key to turn AREA sorting ON or OFF. Press the F4 key to turn PEN sorting ON or OFF DATA SORTING AREA ON...

  • Page 85: Axis Alignment - Axis Alignment Parameter Setting

    • Press the F1 key to select ROLL-1, press the F2 key to select ROLL-2, press the F3 key to select SHEET. The following menu appears: CONDITION 1..14..30. SORTING...4. CB09Ux...0. The plotter immediately begins sorting when it receives the cut data from the If CANCEL is selected, return to the previous menu.
  • Page 86 TOOL: There are two choices for the digitizing tool, LIGHT POINTER and LOUPE. • LIGHT POINTER: Comes with the plotter’s pen carriage and is the primary axis alignment tool. • LOUPE: A pen shaped magnifier associated with a cross cursor (optional) referred to as “Bombsight”.

  • Page 87: Two-Point Method

    • Press the F2 key to select AXIS ALIGNMENT. DATA SORTING>. AXIS ALIGNMENT>. AUTO PRE FEED>. TANGENT EMULATION>. • Press the F4 key to select TOOL. AXIS ALIGNMENT METHOD>. TOOL>. • Press the F3 key to select the LIGHT POINTER or press the F4 key to select the LOUPE.
  • Page 88 individually, as with the 2-point method, and you may match the plotter’s distance scale to that of the printed image. To match the plotter’s distance scale to that of the printed image, the distance between points 1 and 2, and points 1 and 3 must be known. This function helps when the dimensions of the printed image change during printing, laminating or storage.

  • Page 89: Axis Alignment Adjustment

    • Press the F2 key to select AXIS ALIGNMENT. DATA SORTING>. AXIS ALIGNMENT>. AUTO PRE FEED>. TANGENT EMULATION>. • Press the F3 key to select METHOD. AXIS ALIGNMENT METHOD>. TOOL>. • Press the F3 key to select 2-Point Method or press the F4 key to select 3-Point Method.
  • Page 90 The Axis Alignment menu appears: AXIS POINT 1 X= ...0 mm Y= ...0 mm • Press the POSITION key to move the light pointer or the loupe to Axis Point 1. AXIS POINT 1 X= +...0 mm Y= +...0 mm •...
  • Page 91 between point 1 and point 2. The measured distance is shown on the 3 row. Set the actual distance on the 4 row. • Press the RIGHT or LEFT ARROW key to move the cursor. • Press the UP or DOWN key to increase or decrease the number for the distance value.

  • Page 92: Auto Pre-Feed - Advancing The Media Automatically

    AUTO PRE-FEED - Advancing the Media Automatically The auto pre-feed function is used to prevent the loaded media from slipping caused by pulling the media out from the stock roll during cutting/plotting. If this function is enabled, the plotter begins feeding as soon as initialization is complete.
  • Page 93 The FEED LENGTH can be set in a range of 1 to 50 meters. If the feed length is set too high (too long), the media will unwind. Unwound media will not cut as eas- ily as wound media. • Press the ENTER key to register your settings or press the MENU key to cancel MENU mode.

  • Page 94: Tangential Emulation - Cutting Thick & Thin Material

    • Press the ENTER key to store the setting. The following menu appears: AUTO PRE FEED>. INITIAL FEED SPEED>. INTERFACE>. • Press the NEXT key. The LOAD MEDIA message then appears again. Mount the media and raise the media set lever. LOAD MEDIA! INITIAL MENU>.

  • Page 95: Enabling Tangential Emulation

    slow due to the excessive up/down pen movements of MODE 1, select MODE 2 to shorten the cut/plot time. Remember that the cutting quality with MODE 2 is infe- rior to that of MODE1. • Press the MENU key to select MENU mode. •...

  • Page 96: Setting Overcut

    • Press the F4 key to select FUNCTION 2. INTERFACE>. AREA PARAMETERS>. FUNCTION 1>. FUNCTION 2>. • Press the F4 key to select TANGENT EMULATION. DATA SORTING>. AXIS ALIGNMENT>. AUTO PRE FEED>. TANGENT EMULATION>. • Press the F4 key to toggle between ENABLE/DISABLE. TANGENT EMULATION.

  • Page 97: Speed - Setting The Pen-Up Speed

    Press the function key [F1] thru [F4] corresponding to the condition that enables the tangential emulation mode and requires an overcut setting. CONDITION 6..38. TANGENTIAL RREADY ..60. READY TANGENTIAL ..2. CB15U-K30x...0. • Press the condition key. SET.....38. CONDITION 6..60..2. CB15U-K30x...0.

  • Page 98: Offset Angle - Adjusting The Blade Offset Angle

    • Press the F1 key to select PEN-UP SPEED. PEN UP SPEED>. OFFSET ANGLE>. OFFSET FORCE>. STEP PASS>. • Press the UP or DOWN ARROW key to sequence through the available choices. The PEN-UP SPEED can be set to AUTO or to 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 or 60 cm/s. When AUTO is selected the PEN UP-SPEED is set to match the current cutting SPEED setting.

  • Page 99: Offset Force - Setting The Offset Cut Pressure

    • Press the F2 key to select OFFSET ANGLE. PEN UP SPEED>. OFFSET ANGLE>. OFFSET FORCE>. STEP PASS>. • Press the UP or DOWN ARROW key to sequence through the available choices. The OFFSET ANGLE can be set in a 61-step range from 0 to 60. OFFSET ANGLE ANGLE = 30 •...

  • Page 100: Step Pass - Setting The Step Pass

    • Press the F3 key to select OFFSET FORCE. PEN UP SPEED>. OFFSET ANGLE>. OFFSET FORCE>. STEP PASS>. • Press the UP ARROW or DOWN AROW key to sequence through the available choices. The OFFSET PRESSURE can be set in a 40-step range from 1 to 40. OFFSET FORCE FORCE = 4 •...

  • Page 101: Initial Down Force- Adjusting The Initial Media Cut Force

    • Press the F4 key to select STEP PASS. PEN UP SPEED>. OFFSET ANGLE>. OFFSET FORCE>. STEP PASS>. • Press the UP or DOWN ARROW key to sequence through the available choices. The STEP PASS can be set in a 21-step range from 0 to 20. The higher the number, the more steps of data will be passed between each data point.

  • Page 102: Distance Adjust - Adjusting The Length Of Line Segments

    • Press the F4 key to select OPTION 2. BACKGROUND SETTINGS>. OPTION 1>. OPTION 2>. • Press the F2 key to select INITIAL DOWN FORCE. INITIAL DOWN FORCE>. DISTANCE ADJUST>. TEST>. • Press the UP or DOWN ARROW key to sequence through the availabe choices. The INITAL DOWN FORCE can be set from 0 to 40.

  • Page 103: Setting Distance Adjust Parameter

    • Press the F4 key to select OPTION 2. BACKGROUND SETTINGS>. OPTION 1>. OPTION 2>. • Press the F3 key to select DISTANCE ADJUST. INITIAL DOWN FORCE>. DISTANCE ADJUST>. TEST>. • Press the RIGHT or LEFT ARROW key to move the cursor to the number of the condition group you wish to use under DISTANCE ADJUST.

  • Page 104: Rs-232C Serial Interface

    • Press the F2 key or the F3 key to select the X or Y Axis. Press the UP or DOWN ARROW key to set the DISTANCE ADJUST parameter. DISTANCE ADJUST can be set from -2.00% to +2.00% in 0.05% increments. •...

  • Page 105: Pin Assignment Of The Serial Connector

    Table 2: RS232-C Electrical Characteristics RD, SD RS, CD, DR, ER (Negative Logic) (Positive Logic) Input voltage level +5V to +12V Logical “0” “ON” -5V to -12V Logical “1” “OFF” Output voltage level +5V to +8V Logical “0” “ON” -5V to -8V Logical “1”...

  • Page 106: Cable Connection

    Cable Connec- The cable pin assignment of the serial interface connector from the 25-pin plot- tion ter connector to the 9-pin computer connector or the 25-pin computer connector is described below: A dv an ce d F u nc ti o ns a nd Set t in gs : RS- 23 2C Se ria l In t erf ac e...
  • Page 107 Ad v an ce d Fu n ct i on s an d S e t ti ng s : R S - 23 2C S e r ia l I nt e r fa ce...

  • Page 108: Chapter 6: Background Settings

    Chapter 6: Background Settings This chapter discusses your plotter’s background settings. NOTE: Your settings are registered in the plotter’s internal memory and retained even when the plotter is turned off. This menu can be accessed by two methods. Method 1: •...
  • Page 109 The MENU Tree of Background Setting GP-GL HP-GL Background Settings Background Settings LANGUAGE SELECTION LANGUAGE SELECTION [ ENGLISH ] [ ENGLISH ] COMMAND ; AND : MODEL EMULATED ENABLED| 7550| DISABLEDb 7586| “W” COMMAND CONDITION PRIORITY PEN UP| MANUAL| DOWN. PROGRAM.

  • Page 110: Background Settings For Gp-Gl

    Background Settings for GP-GL LANGUAGE You may select one of the following 12 languages for the operation menu: Dan- SELECTION ish, Dutch, English, French, German, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish and Swedish. • Press the UP and DOWN ARROW keys to select the desired language. LANGUAGE SELECTION [ ENGLISH ] •...

  • Page 111: Condition Priority

    not wish to make any changes. If you used METHOD 2 to select BACKGROUND SETTINGS, turn off the plotter if you do not wish to make any changes “W” COMMAND PEN UP PEN DOWN Pen UP/DOWN When a command specifying the plotting of an arc is sent from the computer, for the “W”...

  • Page 112: Pen Select

    is turned off, the registered conditions by command input from the computer are not retained. The registered conditions by the plotter’s control are retained. • Press the F3 key to select MANUAL or press the F4 key to select PROGRAM. A blinking cursor appears beside your choice.

  • Page 113: Length Unit

    • Press the ENTER key to register your setting and to proceed to the next menu. Press the NEXT key if you wish to bypass this setting with no changes. INITIAL BLADE CONTROL POSITION 2mm BELOW OUTSIDE If you used METHOD 1 to select BACKGROUND SETTINGS, press the MENU key if you do not wish to make any changes.
  • Page 114 • Press the F3 key to select METRIC or press the F4 key to select INCH. A blink- ing cursor appears beside your choice. LENGTH UNIT METRIC INCH • Press the ENTER key to register your setting and to proceed to the next menu. Press the NEXT key if you wish to bypass this setting with no changes.

  • Page 115: Media Sensor Control

    BACKGROUND SETTINGS, turn off the plotter if you do not wish to make any changes. Media Sensor This function allows you to disable the media length sensor function which is Control performed after selecting the media type during the plotter’s initialization. When ENABLED is selected, the media length sensor will perform.

  • Page 116: Check Pen

    CAUTION: Always set the AREA function to limit the cutting area and protect the machine. • Press the F3 key to select ENABLED or press the F4 key to select DISABLED. A blinking cursor appears beside your choice. PINCH ROLLER SENSOR ENABLED DISABLED •...

  • Page 117: Background Settings For Hp-Gl

    • Press the ENTER key to register your setting and to proceed to the next menu. Press the NEXT key if you wish to bypass this setting with no changes. LANGUAGE SELECTION [ ENGLISH ] If you used METHOD 1 to select BACKGROUND SETTINGS, press the MENU key if you do not wish to make any changes.

  • Page 118: Condition Priority

    • Press the F3 key to select 7550 or press the F4 key to select 7586. A blinking cursor appears beside your choice. MODEL EMULATED 7550 7586 • Press the ENTER key to register your setting and to proceed to the next menu. Press the NEXT key if you wish to bypass this setting with no changes.

  • Page 119: Pen Select

    If you used METHOD 1 to select BACKGROUND SETTINGS, press the MENU key if you do not wish to make any changes. If you used METHOD 2 to select BACKGROUND SETTINGS, turn off the plotter if you do not wish to make any changes.

  • Page 120: Length Unit

    • Press the F3 key to select 2mm BELOW or press the F4 key to select OUTSIDE. A blinking cursor appears beside your choice. INITIAL BLADE CONTROL POSITION 2mm BELOW OUTSIDE • Press the ENTER key to register your setting and to proceed to the next menu. Press the NEXT key if you wish to bypass this setting with no changes.

  • Page 121: Media Sensor Control

    UP Movement When the Plotter receives commands that specify consecutive pen movements Control (PEN UP in raised status, the PEN UP MOVE function determines whether to move the pen MOVE) to each coordinate point or to move the pen directly to the final coordinate point. When ENABLED is selected, the pen moves to each coordinate point in sequence.
  • Page 122 • Press the ENTER key to register your setting and to proceed to the next menu. Press the NEXT key if you wish to bypass this setting with no changes. PINCH ROLLER SENSOR ENABLED DISABLED If you used METHOD 1 to select BACKGROUND SETTINGS, press the MENU key if you do not wish to make any changes.

  • Page 123: Circle Resolution

    Circle Resolution Use this selection to achieve smoother cut/plot quality on large circles or arcs when drawing with the circle or arc commands. When AUTO is selected, the resolution of circles and arcs will be automatically optimized. When DEFAULT is selected, the resolution of circles and arcs is always 5 degrees.
  • Page 124 • Press the F3 key to select ENABLED or press the F4 key to select DISABLED. A blinking cursor appears beside your choice. CHECK PEN ENABLED DISABLED • Press the ENTER key to register your setting and to proceed to the next menu. Press the NEXT key if you wish to bypass this setting with no changes.
  • Page 125 Ba ck gr ou n d S e tt in g s: B ack g r o un d S e t ti ng s f or H P - G L...

  • Page 126: Chapter 7: Test Modes And Troubleshooting

    Chapter 7: Test Modes and Trouble- shooting This chapter describes the check points and possible solutions to use for troubleshooting if the plotter does not operate or operates abnormally. CONDITION LIST - Listing the Cutting Conditions The CONDITON LIST function allows you to print a list of the settings of the four groups of cutting conditions, so you can check all of your current settings at a glance.

  • Page 127: Sample Printout Of The Condition Function

    The following message appears: MOUNT THE PEN! ..DONEDONE>. CANCEL CONDITIONS>. Confirm that the pen is mounted on the carriage. • Press the F3 key to select DONE and start plotting or press the F4 key to select CANCEL CONDITIONS. You have to turn off the plotter to cancel CONDITION if the plotter is in CONDI- TION mode.

  • Page 128: Data Dump - Using The Character Dump Mode

    DATA DUMP - Using the Character Dump Mode This mode enables experienced users to detect the exact cause of communica- tion problems between the plotter and the computer. In character dump mode, the plotter produces an exact print-out of the codes reaching the plotter. NOTE: When the plotter receives READ commands that instruct it to output data, it will output dummy data (except in the case of READ commands that request the...

  • Page 129: Self Test - Running The Self Test

    The following message appears: MOUNT THE PEN! ..DONEDONE>. CANCEL DATA DUMP>. Confirm that the pen is mounted on the carriage. • Press the F3 key to select DONE and start plotting or press the F4 key to select CANCEL DATA DUMP. You have to turn off the plotter to cancel DUMP if the plotter is in DUMP mode.
  • Page 130 • Press the F4 key to select OPTION 2. BACKGROUND SETTINGS>* OPTION 1>* OPTION 2>* • Press the F4 key to select TEST. INITIAL DOWN FORCE>* DISTANCE ADJUST>* TEST>* • Press the F3 key to select SELF TEST. CONDITON LIST>* SELF TEST>* DATA...

  • Page 131: Troubleshooting

    The recovery time can vary from case to case. It the plotter does not reactivate after 30 minutes, contact your sales representative or nearest Graphtec dealer. The plotter is defective. Contact your sales representative or near- est Graphtec dealer.
  • Page 132 Media falls down dur- The media sensors may be Contact your sales representa- Media size sen- ing initialization. deactivated. tive or nearest Graphtec sor settings in dealer. Background Set- tings. You can start your job by tem- poraily disabling the media size sensing function.
  • Page 133 Table 6: Plotter does not operate properly Problem Cause Solution See section As soon as the data is Origin point might be set at Check the origin setting. Origin sent to plotter, pen car- lower left although the plot data riage or media do not was created based on center move at all.
  • Page 134 Table 6: Plotter does not operate properly Problem Cause Solution See section Media is fed at an Media was loaded at an angle. Reload media correctly. Loading Media angle. The total amount of roll media Pull out the required amount of to be cut was not pulled out in media in advance.
  • Page 135 Table 7: Poor cutting results Problem Cause Solution See section The cut corners are too The CUTTER OFFSET is Adjust the CUTTER OFFSET Setting cutting pointed. incompatiable with the blade value. If too high, the corners conditions. type being used. become pointed.
  • Page 136 Table 7: Poor cutting results Problem Cause Solution See section The media curls up at The bladed is extended too far. Adjust the blade length. Blade Length the corners. The CUTTER OFFSET is Adjust CUTTER OFFSET incompatiable with the blade value.
  • Page 137 Table 7: Poor cutting results Problem Cause Solution See section The cutting results dif- The programmable resolution Set both the plotter and the Step Size fer from specified size. (STEP SIZE) has been set dif- software to the same resolu- ferently at the the plotter and tion.

  • Page 138: Error Messages

    The beeper sounds Excessive load is causing the current to If error occurs frequently, contact your the motor to exceed the rated value. sales representative or nearest Graphtec dealer. OVER CURRENT POWER OFF THEN ON Cutting conditions do not suit the media.
  • Page 139 Table 9: Error Messages in GP-GL Command Mode Symptom Cause Solution The plotter received an unrecognizable command. ERROR 1 Noise was input to the plotter upon execu- Press the ENTER key. COMMAND ERROR tion of the software application. The software configuration regarding the Configure the software to drive your plot- output device has been changed.

  • Page 140: Error Messages In Hp-Gl Command Mode

    • Set the plotter’s interface conditions to match the software’s interface condi- tions. Table 10: Error Messages in HP-GL Command Mode Symptom Cause Solution An unrecognizable instruction was exe- Execute a recognizable command. cuted. ERROR 1 NOT RECOGNIZED A command was executed with the wrong Execute the command with the correct number of parameters.
  • Page 141 Table 10: Error Messages in HP-GL Command Mode Symptom Cause Solution The ESC character was followed by an Check the ESC command in your pro- invalid byte. gram. ERROR 11 INVALID BYTE FOLLOWING ESC A device control command containing an Check the device control commands in invalid byte was received.

  • Page 142: Chapter 8: Setting The Interface Functions

    Chapter 8: Setting the Interface Functions This chapter describes how to connect your plotter to your computer using either the Parallel, USB or Serial interface. Setting the Parallel Interface • To use the Centronics-compatible parallel interface, connect the plotter’s paral- lel connector to the computer’s parallel port by cable.

  • Page 143: Setting The Serial Interface

    Setting the Serial Interface • To enable prompt compatibility with multiple software applications, you can reg- ister three different groups of interface settings (RS-1, RS-2, and RS-3) in the plotter’s memory. • The desired group of RS-232C interface settings can be loaded from the control panel.

  • Page 144: Step Size - Setting The Programmable Resolution

    • Press the F3 key to select RS-232C; the INTERFACE menu appears: STEP SIZE>* RS-232C>* COMMAND>* • Press the NEXT key twice to return to the LOAD MEDIA menu. How to access After the media is loaded and initialization is performed, the plotter goes to the INTERFACE READY mode.
  • Page 145 NOTE: Be sure to set the step size to match the step size setting of your software application. NOTE: Your step size setting is retained in the plotter’s internal memory even while the plotter is turned off. • Press the F2 key to select STEP SIZE. STEP SIZE>* RS-232C>*...

  • Page 146: Rs-232C – Setting The Data Transmitting Conditions

    RS-232C – Setting the Data Transmitting Conditions This function selects and sets the data transmitting condition of the serial inter- face. Three preset conditions are available for easy access. NOTE: Be sure to set the transmitting conditions to match the setting of your software applications.

  • Page 147: Command - Selecting The Command Mode

    • Press the ENTER key to register your settings and return to the INTERFACE menu. COMMAND - Selecting the Command Mode This function selects the command mode, either HP-GL™ or GP-GL. NOTE: Be sure to set the command mode to match the command mode setting of your software application.

  • Page 148: Specifications

    cutting or plotting operation. When the specified operation is completed, the plot- ter awaits the input of subsequent DATA signals. CAUTION: The interface cable should be no longer than two meters. Specifications • While the parallel interface is used, data cannot be output from the plotter (that is, READ commands cannot be used with the exception of the “BS”...

  • Page 149: Input/Output Timing Chart

    Input/Output Tim- ing Chart Default setting Contact Graphtec Technical Service for assistance if the default setting or the alternate setting are not appropriate. Pin Assignment The pin assignment of the Centronics-compatible parallel interface connector is of the Parallel described below.

  • Page 150: Pin Assignment

    The RS-232C Serial interface of your plotter conforms to the RS-232C Standard of Electronic Industries Association (EIA). This serial interface performs the serial transfer of digital binary data, control signals and SYNC signals. Standard CCITT V.24, EIA RS-232C, JIS X5101 Synchronization Asynchronous start-stop Transfer Rate...

  • Page 151: Cable Connection

    Signal Name Signal Name GND (Logic) ER (DTR) Not used Not used Not used Not used Not used Not used Not used Not used Not used Not used Not used Cable Connec- The cable pin assignment of the serial interface connector from the 25-pin plot- tion ter connector to the 9-pin computer connector or the 25-pin computer connector is described below.

  • Page 152: Chapter 9: Specifications

    Chapter 9: Specifications This chapter describes the plotter’s main specifications Main Specifications: FC5100-75 16-Bit Configuration Grit-rolling cutting plotter Drive Digital servo Max. Cut Width (expanded mode) 758 mm (29.6 in.) Guaranteed precision cutting area 9m (30 ft.) with approved media Max.

  • Page 153: Main Specifications: Fc5100-100

    Main Specifications: FC5100-100 16-Bit Configuration Grit-rolling cutting plotter Drive Digital servo Max. Cut Width (expanded mode) 1067 mm (41.6 in.) Guaranteed precision cutting area 9m (30 ft.) with approved media Max. Loadable Media Width 1219 mm (48 in.) Max. cutting speed (Axial) 1414 mm/sec (55.7 ips) Diagonal Direction Cutting Pressure 10 to 500 g...

  • Page 154: Main Specifications: Fc5100-130

    Main Specifications: FC5100-130 16-Bit Configuration Grit-rolling cutting plotter Drive Digital servo Max. Cut Width (expanded mode) 1372 mm (54 in.) Guaranteed precision cutting area 9m (30 ft.) with approved media Max. Loadable Media Width 1500 mm (59 in.) Max. cutting speed (Axial) 1414 mm/sec (55.7 ips) Diagonal Direction Cutting Pressure 10 to 500 g...

  • Page 155: Options

    Media Basket FC5100-75 Collapsible media basket Media Basket FC5100-100 Collapsible media basket Media Basket FC5100-130 Collapsible media basket Multi Media Supply Kit FC5100-75 Rollers, Brackets Multi Media Supply Kit FC5100-100 Rollers, Brackets Multi Media Supply Kit FC5100-130 Rollers, Brackets Pounce Tool...

  • Page 156: Fc5100-100 Without Stand

    FC5100-100 with- out Stand 3 5 0 m m 1 4 i n c h e s 1 4 4 0 m m 5 6 .5 i n c h e s 2 5 4 m m 1 0 i n c h e s 4 8 5 m m 1 9 i n c h e s FC5100-130 with-...

  • Page 157: Fc5100-75 With Stand And Basket Option

    FC5100-75 with Stand and Basket Option 1118 m m 44 i n c h es 1041 m m 41 i n c hes 1135 m m 45 i n c h es 680 m m 27 i n c hes...

  • Page 158: Chapter 10: Options

    Chapter 10: Options This chapter contains information regarding the various FC5100 Option User Manuals. FC5100 Pounce Tool Manual Pouncing is a method used to create a punched outline on media. This is done by inserting a special tool in the plotter that produces tiny holes instead of plotting with a pen or cutting with a blade.

  • Page 159: Pounce Conditions

    Select Pounce Tool • Press the function key [F1] through [F4] corresponding to the number of the from the Menu group whose registered tool you wish to change. • Press the CONDITION key to select the tool. • Press the F4 key to select the tool you wish to use. •...
  • Page 160 the quality. When you selec a speed that is faster than 60, you cannot select quality. At that time and “xx” appears. • Press the F1 key to change FORCE. • Press the F2 key to change SPEED. • Press the F4 key to change OFFSET. •...

  • Page 161: Fc5100 Stand Manual

    FC5100 Stand Manual The FC5100 Stand is used to make the unit more portable, free-up counter space and make storing your plotter easier. The Stand is optional for the FC5100- 75. It is a standard accessory for the FC5100-100 and FC5100-130 cutters. WARNING: Use two people to pick up the plotter.

  • Page 162: Stand Assembly

    Stand Assembly The following information will give you step-by-step instructions on how to assemble the Stand for the GRAPHTEC FC5100 Cutting Plotter. For best results, follow all instructions carefully. SSEMBLY Assemble the Stand on a secure, flat surface. You will be using the Hex Key Tools provided with your Stand assembly.
  • Page 163 Lock the casters. Have two people set the plotter (without the conveyor rollers and media installed) onto the stand assembly aligning the index pins with the left and right top mounting brackets of the stand. Secure the unit using four (4) M6 x 16 mm socket button cap screws using the L Wrench hex key.

  • Page 164: Fc5100 Basket Manual

    CAUTION: Remove the plotter from the stand before assembling the basket onto the stand. NOTE: The basket was designed to be used with Graphtec recommended media only. Other media may be stiffer and will not flow into the basket smoothly. NOTE: Always keep the wheels in a locked position when operating your plotter.
  • Page 165 cap screws using the L wrench hex key tool. Repeat this step with the other side. Stand Assembly Basket Assembly Place the middle tube between the stand sides in the slots provided on the tube brackets. Use the center slot when only the stand and basket options are installed.
  • Page 166 Use the most front facing slot when the media roll holder option is installed. Media Roll Middle Holder snaps Media Rear Front Roll Front Holder With the snaps facing down, drape the cloth basket over the basket tubes. Snap the middle section of the cloth basket around the middle tube. Snap the front side of the cloth basket around the front basket tube.

  • Page 167: Fc5100 Media Roll Holder Manual

    Media Roll The following information will give you step-by-step instructions on how to Holder Assembly assemble the Media Roll Holder Assembly for the GRAPHTEC FC5100 Cutting Plotter. For the best results follow all instructions carefully. SSEMBLY Assemble the Media Roll Holder on a secure, flat surface. You will be using the 4mm L wrench hex key tool provided with your Media Roll Holder assembly.
  • Page 168 Attach the left media roll holder bracket to the left side of the stand assembly with two (2) M6 x 16mm socket button head cap screws using the 4mm L wrench hex key tool. Repeat this step with the right media roll holder bracket. Left media roll holder bracket Right media roll holder...
  • Page 169 Remove the roll of media from your Accuload™ system. Load the Media using the outside Accuload™ roller as an idler, making sure to feed the media cor- rectly. Accuload Media roll holder bracket Conveyor roller Media Accuload roller When all three media roll holders are correctly installed, the media should be loaded with the top two media rolls positioned farther inside the brackets than the lowest media roll.

  • Page 170: Fc5100 Auto Registration Mark Sensor

    FC5100 Auto Registration Mark Sensor The FC5100 Auto Registration Mark Sensor is an option for the FC5100 Cutting Plotter family that allows the plotter to automatically locate the Registration Marks used in the AXIS ALIGNMENT function. The AXIS ALIGNMENT function is a very important function that should be used when you intend to cut pre-printed media, such as stickers or decals.

  • Page 171: The Registration Mark Pattern

    EGISTRATION ATTERN You can print two or three registration marks depending on the method of axis alignment. Registration mark 1 is located in the lower left corner of the printed image. Registration mark 2 is located along the X-axis of the pre-printed image on a line that goes through registration mark 1.

  • Page 172: The Registration Mark Reading Area

    Pattern 1 Pattern 2 32mm 32mm (1.26") (1.26") Mark 2 Mark 2 Media feed direction 15mm 15mm (0.59") (0.59") (0.59") (0.59") 15mm 15mm Mark 3 Mark 1 Mark 3 Mark 1 20mm 20mm (0.79") (0.79") EGISTRATION EADING In the default setting, the AUTO REG. MARK sensing function senses the regis- tration mark by moving the media or sensor until the plotter locates the registration mark.
  • Page 173 Caution: If dirt, dust or other foreign matter adheres to the media, the plotter may recog- nize it as a registration mark. Caution: Be sure to use only black ink for plotting registration marks. OSITION OF THE RIGIN OINT After the registration marks are recognized, the origin point for plotting must be positioned.

  • Page 174: Specifying The Registration Mark Mode

    EDIA HICH EGISTRATION ARKS ANNOT ETECTED The plotter cannot detect registration marks on the following types of media: • Transparent media. Due to the media’s transparency, the sensor will detect the surface of the plotter’s writing panel, preventing the accurate recognition of reg- istration marks.

  • Page 175: Scanning Methods

    tance of both X- and Y-axis. Enter the axis origin point individually to adjust the offset between the cutting data and the printed image. CANNING ETHODS There are two types of scanning methods, AUTO and MANUAL. After loading the pre-printed media, the selection menu appears. AUTO: In this mode, the plotter automatically starts scanning for the registra- tion mark until it locates the specified number of registration marks.

  • Page 176: Points Method

    • Press the F1 key to select AUTO REG. MARK AUTO REG. MARK>* UP/DOWN>* BUFFER CLEAR>* FEED>* • Press the F1 key to select MARK SCAN MODE MARK SCAN MODE>* MARK TYPE>* OTHER SETUPS>* SENSOR OFFSET ADJ>* • Press the F3 key to select the 2-POINTS Method MARK SCAN MODE DISABLED 2POINTS...
  • Page 177 Press the F1 key to select AUTO REG. MARK • AUTO REG. MARK>* UP/DOWN>* BUFFER CLEAR>* FEED>* • Press the F1 key to select MARK SCAN MODE MARK SCAN MODE>* MARK TYPE>* OTHER SETUPS>* SENSOR OFFSET ADJ>* • Press the F4 key to select the 3-POINTS Method MARK SCAN MODE DISABLED 2POINTS...
  • Page 178 • Press the F1 key to select AUTO REG. MARK. AUTO REG. MARK>* AUTO PRE FEED>* INITIAL FEED SPEED>* INTERFACE>* • Press the F1 key to select MARK SCAN MODE. MARK SCAN MODE>* MARK TYPE>* OTHER SETUPS>* • Press the F3 key to select 2-POINTS Method or press the F4 key to select 3- POINTS Method.
  • Page 179 begin, you must know the distance between registration marks. The plotter can save up to three sets of settings. • Press the MENU key to select MENU mode. • Press the NEXT key. • Press the F1 key to select AUTO REG. MARK. AUTO REG.
  • Page 180 • The value representing the distance between registration mark 1 and mark 2 is stored in the X-axis. The value representing the distance between registration mark 1 and mark 3 is stored in the Y-axis. Note: If you select the 2-POINTS method, the Y-axis information is ignored. Pattern 1 Pattern 2 Mark 2...
  • Page 181 • Press the F1 key to select AUTO REG. MARK. AUTO REG. MARK>* UP/DOWN>* BUFFER CLEAR>* FEED>* • Press the F2 key to select MARK TYPE. MARK SCAN MODE>* MARK TYPE>* OTHER SETUPS>* SENSOR OFFSET ADJ>* • Press the F3 key for pattern type 1 or the F4 key to select pattern type 2 to be used when printing the image and registration mark on the media.
  • Page 182 • Press the F1 key to select AUTO REG. MARK. AUTO REG. MARK>* UP/DOWN>* BUFFER CLEAR>* FEED>* • Press the F3 key to select OTHER SETUPS. MARK SCAN MODE>* MARK TYPE>* OTHER SETUPS>* SENSOR OFFSET ADJ>* • Press the F1 key to select MARK SIZE MARK SIZE>* DISTANCE...
  • Page 183 The following menu appears. • Press the ENTER key to register your setting. If you wish to set another parameter, press the key corresponding to that setting. MARK SIZE>* DISTANCE ADJUST>* AXIS ORIGIN OFFSET>* PAPER-WEIGHT>* • Press the MENU key to cancel the menu mode when all of the parameters are set.

  • Page 184: Setting Of Axis Origin Offset

    Press the F2 key to select DISTANCE ADJUST • MARK SIZE>* DISTANCE ADJUST>* AXIS ORIGIN OFFSET>* PAPER-WEIGHT>* • Press the F2 key to select DISABLED for the automatic distance adjustment function. Press the F3 or F4 key to select the resolution for automatic distance adjustment function.
  • Page 185 • Press the F3 key to select OTHER SETUPS. MARK SCAN MODE>* MARK TYPE>* OTHER SETUPS>* SENSOR OFFSET ADJ>* Press the F3 key to select AXIS ORIGIN OFFSET • MARK SIZE>* DISTANCE ADJUST>* AXIS ORIGIN OFFSET>* PAPER-WEIGHT>* Press the F2 key •...
  • Page 186 The following menu appears. • Press the ENTER key to register your setting. If you wish to set another parameter, press the key corresponding to that setting. MARK SIZE>* DISTANCE ADJUST>* AXIS ORIGIN OFFSET>* PAPER-WEIGHT>* • Press the MENU key to cancel menu mode when all of the parameters are set. Setting of The PAPER-WEIGHT function adds extra weight to hold the media down against PAPER-WEIGHT...
  • Page 187 • Press the F3 key to select OTHER SETUPS. MARK SCAN MODE>* MARK TYPE>* OTHER SETUPS>* SENSOR OFFSET ADJ>* Press the F4 key to select PAPER-WEIGHT • MARK SIZE>* DISTANCE ADJUST>* AXIS ORIGIN OFFSET>* PAPER-WEIGHT>* • Press the F3 key to enable this function. Press the F4 key to disable this func- tion.
  • Page 188 mark sensor. The plotter plots the second cross mark based on the reading of the first cross mark then adjusts for offset. Note: To avoid confusion, plot using different color pens between the first and second cross marks. If you wish to use METHOD 1, •...
  • Page 189 Printed target mark Media feed direction Move the pen into this area. • Press the F4 key to select SCAN SENSOR OFFSET ADJUST PARAMETER SET>. SCAN>. The plotter scans the pre-printed cross mark, then plots the cross mark. You must measure the distance between the pre-printed cross mark and the cross mark plotted by your plotter.
  • Page 190 If the two cross marks match, set 00.0 mm on both the X and Y-axis. The following menu appears. • Press the ENTER key to register your setting. If you wish to set another parameter, press the key corresponding to that setting.
  • Page 191 • Change the pen to a different color. Press the ENTER key to continue the pro- cess. CHANGE PEN PRESS ENTER KEY! You must measure the distance between the first and second cross marks plot- ted by the plotter. If the location of the two cross marks match, press the NEXT key to cancel this mode.
  • Page 192 • Load pre-printed media into the plotter. Make sure that the pinch roller is set outside of the registration mark. If you wish to use the auto-scanning mode, set the pinch roller to just outside of the registration mark. • The following menu appears: AUTO REG.
  • Page 193 After setting the location of the registration mark, press the F3 key or F4 key to select AUTO to automatically read the registration marks, or MANUAL to set the starting point to manually read the registration marks. The plotter starts searching or scanning for the first registration mark.

  • Page 194: Pen Manual

    FC5100 Two-Pen Manual The Two-Pen option for the FC5100 Cutting Plotter family allows the plotter to automatically switch between a pen or blade, and a pen when you are cutting patterns that also require identification marks. The 2-Pen option-installed machine can hold one blade or pen in the pen holder on the pen carriage (which is referred to as PEN 1), and one pen in the pen holder on the right side plate (which is referred to as PEN 2).
  • Page 195 While positioning the pen holder upward, push the cutter pen all the way into the holder until its rim contacts the pen stopper. Once the pen has been prop- erly mounted, tighten the screw. CAUTION: The pen has two flanges and must be fully seated Upper groove (the pen holder is engaged...
  • Page 196 CAUTION: The cutter must be prop- erly seated (the pen holder Flange is engaged on the flange) before tightening the screw. Bracket to hold pen Attaching a Writ- The pen station is mounted on the right side of the cutter. Follow the procedure ing Pen to the below to attach a cutter pen to the pen station: Pen Station...

  • Page 197: Setting Of The Pen Assignment

    Setting of the The plotter can save eight different condition settings. You can asign either PEN Pen Assignment 1 or PEN 2 for each condition setting. • Press the MENU key to select MENU mode. • Press the NEXT key. •...
  • Page 198 • Press the F4 key to select OPTION 2. BACKGROUND SETTINGS>* OPTION 1>* OPTION 2>* • Press the F1 key to select PEN OFFSET ADJ. PEN OFFSET ADJ.>* INITIAL DOWN FORCE>* DISTANCE ADJUST>* TEST>* • Press the POSITION key to move the pen into position to plot the first cross mark.
  • Page 199 • Press the F4 key to select PARAMETER SET. PEN 1-2 OFFSET ADJUST TEST PATTERN>* PARAMETER SET>* • The following menu appears: PEN 1-2 OFFSET ADJUST X = .0.0 Y = .0.0 Set the distance for adjusting the pen 1-2 offset. The entered number is the cur- rently displayed number plus the measured number.

  • Page 200: Chapter 11: Appendix

    Appendix This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, 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.

  • Page 201: Ec Declaration Of Conformity

    EC Declaration of Conformity DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY W e, Manufacturer’s Name : Graphtec Technology, Incorporated Manufacturer’s Address : 14 Chrysler Irvine, California, USA 92618 EU Representative: Tony Hudson Graphtec (GB) Ltd. Suite 31, Redwither Tower Redwither Business Park W rexham LL13 9XT, UK...

This manual is also suitable for:

Fc5100-100Fc5100-130Fc5100

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