GRAPHTEC FC4500 Series User Manual
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GRAPHTEC FC4500 Series User Manual

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FC4500
SERIES
CUTTING PLOTTER
USER'S MANUAL
MANUAL NO.FC4500-UM-153

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  • Page 1 FC4500 SERIES CUTTING PLOTTER USER’S MANUAL MANUAL NO.FC4500-UM-153...
  • Page 2 TO ENSURE SAFE AND CORRECT USE TO ENSURE SAFE AND CORRECT USE • To ensure safe and correct use of your plotter, read ths Manual thoroughly before use. • After havng read ths Manual, keep t n a handy locaton for quck reference as needed. •...
  • Page 3 If the plotter requres repar, contact your sales representatve electrcal shock. • or nearest Graphtec vendor. After confrmng that smoke s no longer beng generated, contact your sales representatve or nearest Graphtec vendor to request repar. • Never try to perform repar yourself. Repar work by nexperenced personnel s extremely dangerous.
  • Page 4 Safety Precautions Safety Precautions Do not allow dust or metallic matter to adhere to the Do not use the power cord if it is damaged. power plug. • Use of a damaged cord may result n electrcal shock or a fre •...
  • Page 5 Use of the plotter n such status may result n electrcal shock algnment. or a fre hazard due to current leakage. • Contact your sales representatve or nearest Graphtec vendor to request repar. Unplug the power No touching cord from the socket...
  • Page 6 Safety Precautions Safety Precautions When using indoor illumination such as a If an edge of the loaded medium comes loose, fluorescent lamp or a floor lamp, make sure that secure it with drafting tape or a similar means. such illumination is positioned at least one meter •...

  • Page 7: Preface

    nqures about unclear nformaton, possble errors, or other comments to your sales representatve or nearest Graphtec vendor. • Notwthstandng the precedng paragraph, Graphtec Corporaton assumes no lablty for damages resultng from the use of the nformaton contaned heren or of the product. Registered Trademarks and Copyrights •...
  • Page 8 PREFACE Precautions on the Handling of Cutter Pens Ths product uses a cuttng blade. To prevent njures (when replacng the cutter blade, nstallng the cutter pen, etc.), take the followng precautons when handlng the cutter blade. Cutter Blade The blades are sharp. Be careful not to cut your fngers or prck yourself when handlng the cutter pen. Blade tip Return used blades to the accessory cutter blade case and throw them all out together when the whole case has been flled.
  • Page 9 PREFACE Precautions After Turning on the Plotter Durng operatons, mmedately after completon of operatons, and when settng cuttng plotter functons, the tool carrage, Y bar, and other parts whch are not fxed, may move suddenly. Do not let your hands, har, or clothng get too close to the movng parts or wthn ther range of movement.
  • Page 10 PREFACE Cling Mat (CM-0004/CM-0005) To set the general materal (markng flm, tack paper, etc.), paste the suppled clng mat on the wrtng panel. The clng mat s a consumable. Before usng the clng mat, please be sure to read the separately attached “How to use clng mat (CM-0004 / CM-0005)”...
  • Page 11 PREFACE Daily Maintenance and Storage Durng daly mantenance, pay partcular attenton to the followng ponts. (1) Do not lubrcate the plotter mechansms. (2) To clean the plotter's metal parts, ether wpe the soled areas wth a dry cloth or wth a cloth that has been dampened wth a neutral detergent dluted wth water.
  • Page 12 PREFACE Selecting a Power Cable Be sure to refer to the followng tables f you wsh to use a cable other than the one suppled as an accessory. Table 1. 100 V to 120 V Power Supply Voltage Range Supply Voltage Reference Plug Configuration Plug Type...

  • Page 13: Table Of Contents

    CONTENTS CONTENTS TO ENSURE SAFE AND CORRECT USE ........ Conventons Used n Ths Manual.
  • Page 14 CONTENTS Short lne segment settngs..........3-17 Settng the Qualty [QUALITY].
  • Page 15 CONTENTS FUNCTION SETTINGS AND OPERATIONS PAUSE Menu Confguraton ..........5-2 Clearng the Buffer .

  • Page 16: Model Names And BasC SpecFCatOns

    CHAPTER PRODUCT SUMMARY PRODUCT SUMMARY 1.1 Model Names and Basc Specfcatons 1.2 Standard Accessores 1.3 Plotter Nomenclature 1.4 Control Panel...
  • Page 17 Chapter 1 PRODUCT SUMMARY 1.1 Model Names and Basic Specifications The FC4500 Seres comprses the followng models. Model Meda hold-down method Cuttng area FC4550-50 Clng mat 590 x 430 mm FC4500-60 Clng mat 910 x 610 mm FC4510-50 Clng mat 860 x 600 mm 1.2 Standard Accessories Item...

  • Page 18: Plotter Nomenclature

    Chapter 1 PRODUCT SUMMARY 1.3 Plotter Nomenclature (1) Tool carrage .....Drves the cutter pen/pen/creasng tool to the forward/backward. (2) Tool holder ....Holds the cutter pen/pen/creasng tool and drves t up/down. (3) Pen staton ....Holds a pen. (4) Y bar ......Holds the tool carrage; moves left/rght. (5) Wrtng panel ....Cuttng/plottng/creasng s performed here.

  • Page 19: Control Panel

    Chapter 1 PRODUCT SUMMARY 1.4 Control Panel FORCE OFFSET SPEED QUALITY POWER PROMPT Indicator Lamps ....The POWER lamp remans lt (green) whle the plotter s on....The PROMPT lamp lghts (red) when the plotter receves data that wll cause the pen carrage to move outsde the effectve cuttng area or receves the Prompt Lght command (T) from the computer.
  • Page 20 Chapter 1 PRODUCT SUMMARY ......[ENTER] key After settng a functon or condton at the control panel, press the [ENTER] key to regster your settng. To reset the plotter, concurrently press the [ENTER] and [ORIGIN] keys. (Key reset functon) ......[ORIGIN] key Used to move the orgn pont.

  • Page 21: Types Of Cutter Blades And TheR Features

    CHAPTER CUTTER BLADES, CUTTER PENS AND PENS PRODUCT SUMMARY 2.1 Types of Cutter Blades and Ther Features 2.2 Cutter Pen Nomenclature 2.3 Replacng the Cutter Blade 2.4 Adjustng the Blade Length 2.5 Pen Types and Ther Features...
  • Page 22 Chapter 2 CUTTER BLADES, CUTTER PENS AND PENS 2.1 Types of Cutter Blades and Their Features Handle cutter blades with care! Refer to the Cutter Blade Manual.

  • Page 23: Cutter Pen Nomenclature

    Chapter 2 CUTTER BLADES, CUTTER PENS AND PENS 2.2 Cutter Pen Nomenclature When handling cutter blades, be careful to avoid cutting your fingers or other parts of your body. Wth ths plotter, the cutter blade s mounted nto ts correspondng cutter plunger for use. There are two types of cutter plungers avalable, whch vary accordng to the dameter of the blade to be mounted (the Ф1.5-mm cutter plunger s provded as a standard accessory).

  • Page 24: ReplacNg The Cutter Blade

    Chapter 2 CUTTER BLADES, CUTTER PENS AND PENS 2.3 Replacing the Cutter Blade Handle cutter blades with care! (1) Turn the blade length adjustment knob to retract the blade nsde the plunger. (2) Turn the plunger cap n the counter-clockwse drecton to unscrew t from the plunger. (3) Remove the blade nsde the plunger cap.

  • Page 25: AdjustNg The Blade Length

    Chapter 2 CUTTER BLADES, CUTTER PENS AND PENS 2.4 Adjusting the Blade Length Be sure to correctly adjust the blade length. If the blade length is too long for the thickness of the medium being used, you may damage the writing panel and/or the cutter blade. Adjusting the Blade Length (1) The blade length s adjusted by turnng the blade-length adjustment knob.

  • Page 26: Pen Types And TheR Features

    Chapter 2 CUTTER BLADES, CUTTER PENS AND PENS 2.5 Pen Types and Their Features Pen types Pen features • Oil-based ballpoint pens (KB700-BK) Sutable for plottng detaled text and mages. • The tp wll dry up f the pen s left unused for a long perod of tme.

  • Page 27: BasC OperatOnal Flow

    CHAPTER PREPARATIONS FOR CUTTING/PLOTTING PRODUCT SUMMARY 3.1 Basc Operatonal Flow 3.2 Connectng to your Computer 3.3 Mountng the Tools 3.4 Turnng on the Plotter and Intalzaton 3.5 Loadng the Medum 3.6 Attachng the orgn pont algnment gudes 3.7 Settng the Cuttng Condtons (Settng Condtons) 3.8 Runnng a Cuttng Test 3.9 Meda and Cuttng Condtons...
  • Page 28 Chapter 3 PREPARATIONS FOR CUTTING/PLOTTING 3.1 Basic Operational Flow For smooth operaton, please follow the steps outlned below and make the approprate settngs explaned n the relevant sectons. (1) Before turnng on the power supply, make sure that the plotter s connected to your computer and to any other perpheral devces as requred.
  • Page 29 nterface to use accordng to the requrements of your applcaton software and/or whch of your computer’s nterface ports are avalable for use. Use a USB cable or an RS-232C cable n accordance wth the nterface chosen. Obtan a Graphtec- approved nterface cable that s compatble wth your computer.
  • Page 30 Chapter 3 PREPARATIONS FOR CUTTING/PLOTTING 3.3 Mounting the Tools If your plotter is the FC4550-50 or FC4500-60 model Mounting a plotting pen in the tool carriage When mountng a cutter pen n the plotter, push the pen all the way nto the tool holder untl t contacts the upper part of the tool holder as shown n the fgure below and then tghten the screw frmly to hold t n place.
  • Page 31 Chapter 3 PREPARATIONS FOR CUTTING/PLOTTING (3) Make sure that tool bracket s engaged on the cutter pen’s flange, and then tghten the screw. Make sure that the upper part of the tool bracket is engaged on the cutter pen’s flange before tightening the screw. Mounting a plotting pen in the pen station When a plottng pen has been mounted n your plotter’s pen staton, a plottng pen and a cutter pen can be used at the same tme.
  • Page 32 Chapter 3 PREPARATIONS FOR CUTTING/PLOTTING If your plotter is the FC4510-60 model When mountng a cutter pen or creasng/scorng tool n the plotter, push the pen or tool all the way nto the tool holder untl t contacts the upper part of the holder as shown n the fgure below and then tghten the screw frmly to hold t n place.
  • Page 33 Chapter 3 PREPARATIONS FOR CUTTING/PLOTTING (3) Make sure that tool bracket s engaged on the cutter pen or creasng/scorng tool’s flange, and then tghten the screw. Make sure that the upper part of the tool bracket is engaged on the cutter pen’s flange as shown in Step 3 before tightening the screw.
  • Page 34 Chapter 3 PREPARATIONS FOR CUTTING/PLOTTING 3.4 Turning on the Plotter and Initialization The moment you turn on the power, the plotter's Y bar and tool carriage will start to move. Do not put your hands or other objects on the writing panel. Such actions are dangerous. (1) Make sure the power s turned off.
  • Page 35 Chapter 3 PREPARATIONS FOR CUTTING/PLOTTING 3.5 Loading the Medium • If air gets in between the writing panel and the medium during loading, force out the air and ensure that the medium is securely attached to the writing panel before cutting. •...
  • Page 36 Chapter 3 PREPARATIONS FOR CUTTING/PLOTTING 3.6 Attaching the origin point alignment guides Two orgn pont algnment gudes (strps of black tape) are provded as standard accessores wth your plotter. Affx these gudes to the L-shaped orgn pont gudelnes drawn by your plotter at the lower left of the wrtng panel. Algnng the edges of the medum wth these gudes facltates meda loadng.
  • Page 37 Chapter 3 PREPARATIONS FOR CUTTING/PLOTTING 3.7 Setting the Cutting Conditions (Setting Conditions) Ths plotter lets you regster eght dfferent groups of cuttng condtons n the plotter's memory. The cuttng condtons stored n memory are referred to as settng condtons. Specfy each group of settng condtons to match a partcular meda type.
  • Page 38 Chapter 3 PREPARATIONS FOR CUTTING/PLOTTING <When DISABLED has been selected for the SWITCHING XY FORCE setting> Blinking cursor Cutter blade type Cutting (pen force) Offset value FORCE OFFSET 20 COND1 09U 0 10 CHANGE TOOL1 SPEED QUALITY Speed Tool number Quality The values that can be set for each parameter are shown n the Cutter Blade Manual.

  • Page 39: [Force]

    Chapter 3 PREPARATIONS FOR CUTTING/PLOTTING Setting the Cutting Force [FORCE] (Pen Force, Creaser Force) Ths settng determnes the cuttng force for a cuttng operaton, the pen force for a plottng operaton and the creasng force for a creasng operaton. Please see Secton 3.9, "Meda and Cuttng Condtons" for further detals on the settng values.
  • Page 40 Chapter 3 PREPARATIONS FOR CUTTING/PLOTTING (3) Press the [F1] key to move the blnkng cursor to the FORCE parameter. FORCE OFFSET 23 COND1 09U 0 30 CHANGE TOOL1 SPEED QUALITY (4) Use the [ ] or [ ] key to change the value. Setting range for the FC4550-50/4500-60 models: Tool holder 1: 1 to 48, Tool holder 2: 1 to 30 Setting range for the FC4510-60 model: Tool holder 1: 1 to 48, Tool holder 2: 1 to 48 [ENTER] key.

  • Page 41: Creaser SettNgs

    Chapter 3 PREPARATIONS FOR CUTTING/PLOTTING [CONDITIONS] key to dsplay the followng screen. (The dsplay wll dffer accordng to the settng (2) Press the condtons that have been made.) FORCE OFFSET X23 COND1 09U 0 30 CHANGE TOOL1 SPEED QUALITY (3) Press the [F3] key to move the blnkng cursor to the OFFSET parameter. FORCE OFFSET X20 COND1...
  • Page 42 Chapter 3 PREPARATIONS FOR CUTTING/PLOTTING Selectable parameters: MODE 1. MODE 2, MODE 3 Actual Data Mode 1 (Crease one line) Mode 2 (Crease two lines) Mode 3 (Crease three lines) Actual data Actual data Crease lines at the same position Crease lines at positions on either side Crease lines at the same position as the actual data.

  • Page 43: Short LNe Segment SettNgs

    Chapter 3 PREPARATIONS FOR CUTTING/PLOTTING (9) Ths settng determnes by what margn each end of the creasng lne falls short of the correspondng end of the actual data lne. Use the [ ] or [ ] key to move the blnkng cursor, the [ ] or [ ] key to change the numerc value and the [ENTER] key to confrm your selectons.
  • Page 44 Chapter 3 PREPARATIONS FOR CUTTING/PLOTTING Setting the Quality [QUALITY] Ths settng determnes the qualty of the cut or plotted results. Please see Secton 3.9, "Meda and Cuttng Condtons" for further detals on the settng values. (1) Wth the plotter n Ready status, press a key from [F1] to [F4] to select the COND No. that you wsh to change. [CONDITIONS] key to dsplay the followng screen.

  • Page 45: PerforatOn SettNgs

    Chapter 3 PREPARATIONS FOR CUTTING/PLOTTING [ENTER] key to dsplay the Thck Mode mode selecton screen (only when thck mode assgnment (3) Press the has been performed). FORCE OFFSET •MODE1 THICK MODE2 STR.=0.0mm END=0.0mm SPEED QUALITY • • ] mark. Press the [F1] and [F3] key to move the [ (4) The actve mode s ndcated by the [ ] mark between Mode 1 and Mode 2 and select the desred mode.
  • Page 46 Chapter 3 PREPARATIONS FOR CUTTING/PLOTTING (4) Press the [ENTER] key to dsplay the screen for settng the Perforaton Mode values. FORCE OFFSET C LINE PAT. UP=10 C=00.00mm U=00.00mm SPEED QUALITY (5) "C" represents the cut length, "U" represents the uncut length, and "UP" represents the force when the tool s n the tool-up status.

  • Page 47: Cutter Pen Test

    Chapter 3 PREPARATIONS FOR CUTTING/PLOTTING 3.8 Running a Cutting Test A cuttng test s performed to check whether the specfed cuttng condtons are sutable for the tool and meda beng used. Perform the test that s approprate for the tool that you are usng. The tool carriage starts moving as soon as a cutting test is selected.

  • Page 48: CuttNg A Sample

    Chapter 3 PREPARATIONS FOR CUTTING/PLOTTING (3) Wth the plotter n Ready status, press a key from [F1] to [F4] to select the COND No. for the creasng tool test. Select ether "CP001" as the cutter blade type. (4) Use the [ ] keys to move the tool carrage (the tp of the tool selected by the current settng)to the startng poston for the cuttng test.
  • Page 49 Chapter 3 PREPARATIONS FOR CUTTING/PLOTTING (7) Press the [F4] key (OTHER) key. FORCE OFFSET BOX _ A BALL S BOX _ B BALL L SPEED QUALITY (8) Check the condton of the cut samples. When a sample cut is performed, the command set, step size and HP-GL origin settings will change to match the data. Blade Length Adjustment (1) Wth the plotter n Ready status, press a key from [F1] to [F4] to select the COND No.
  • Page 50 Chapter 3 PREPARATIONS FOR CUTTING/PLOTTING 3.9 Media and Cutting Conditions Amount of blade protrusion Use the thckness gven for each meda type n the Cutter Blade Manual as a reference when settng the amount of blade protruson (blade length). For detals on how to adjust the blade length, see Secton 2.4, "Adjustng the Blade Length"...
  • Page 51 Chapter 3 PREPARATIONS FOR CUTTING/PLOTTING 3.10 Setting the Cutting Origin Ths functon allows you to move the startng pont of cuttng to the desred poston as shown n the fgure below. Newly selected origin Cutting from the new origin Cutting from the original origin Original origin (1) Use the [ ] keys to move the tool carrage (the tp of the tool selected by the current settng) to the...
  • Page 52 Chapter 3 PREPARATIONS FOR CUTTING/PLOTTING 3.11 Using the Copy Function Ths functon allows you to automatcally cut duplcates of the data sent from the computer. Once the data has been stored n the plotter's receve buffer, t can be repeatedly cut. (1) Send data to the plotter and then perform a cuttng operaton to enable the data to be stored n the plotter's buffer.
  • Page 53 Chapter 3 PREPARATIONS FOR CUTTING/PLOTTING The followng fgures llustrate the sequence n whch copes are cut, wth the shaded areas representng the parts of the medum that are not cut. Copes are normally cut n the sequence shown below. COPY space 3rd copy 6th copy COPY space...
  • Page 54 Chapter 3 PREPARATIONS FOR CUTTING/PLOTTING When the data includes registration mark commands (but excluding multiple registration marks) (1) Send the data that you wsh to copy to the plotter and then perform a cuttng operaton to enable the data to be stored n the plotter's buffer.
  • Page 55 Chapter 3 PREPARATIONS FOR CUTTING/PLOTTING 3.12 Using the Hold Function Press the [STOP/VIEW] key durng a cuttng or plottng operaton to temporarly suspend the cuttng or plottng operaton. When the plotter s paused, an operaton selecton menu appears. Select whether to contnue or qut the suspended cuttng or plottng operaton.

  • Page 56: OutlNe Of The RegStratOn Mark FunctOn

    CHAPTER REGISTRATION MARK SETTINGS AND DETECTION PRODUCT SUMMARY 4.1 Outlne of the Regstraton Mark Functon 4.2 Settng the Regstraton Mark Mode 4.3 Settng the Regstraton Mark Pattern 4.4 Regstraton Mark Dstance Adjustment 4.5 Settng the Regstraton Mark Sze 4.6 Settng the Regstraton Mark Offset 4.7 Adjustng the Regstraton Mark Sensor 4.8 Settng the Regstraton Mark Detecton Judgment Level 4.9 Settng the Regstraton Mark Detecton Speed...
  • Page 57 Chapter 4 REGISTRATION MARK SETTINGS AND DETECTION 4.1 Outline of the Registration Mark Function The regstraton mark functon allows you to algn the orentaton of the plotter’s X and Y axes wth the coordnate axes on a medum that s pre-prnted wth regstraton marks or other marks. The plotter uses a sensor to read the regstraton marks prnted on the meda, and then adjusts the axes to match the coordnate data so that cuttng can be performed on pre-prnted meda wthout any shft between the prnt and cut data.
  • Page 58 Chapter 4 REGISTRATION MARK SETTINGS AND DETECTION 4.2 Setting the Registration Mark Mode Ths mode s used to specfy the angle and dstance adjustment methods, as well as to specfy the dstance between regstraton marks for skppng by the sensor durng regstraton mark detecton. 2-point reading: The plotter performs adjustment between ponts 1-2 and of a sngle axs (angle adjustment).
  • Page 59 Chapter 4 REGISTRATION MARK SETTINGS AND DETECTION To perform manual axs adjustment usng a pre-prnted frame or other marks on the medum as reference ponts, press the [F2] key (AXIS). To perform automatc or manual detecton of the regstraton marks, press the [F4] key (MARKS). [ENTER] key to confrm your selecton.
  • Page 60 Chapter 4 REGISTRATION MARK SETTINGS AND DETECTION 4.3 Setting the Registration Mark Pattern Your plotter can read fve regstraton mark patterns: 1, 2, 3, Mrror 1 and Mrror 2. If pattern 3, Mrror 1 or Mrror 2 has been selected, ths functon allows you to set the spacng between the regstraton mark lne segments.
  • Page 61 Chapter 4 REGISTRATION MARK SETTINGS AND DETECTION An example of the MIRROR setting FORCE OFFSET •1 MARK TYPE MIRROR• SPEED QUALITY When the dsplayed settng s satsfactory, press the [ENTER] key to confrm your selecton. Setting the Registration Mark Spacing (FC4510-60 only) (1) If regstraton mark 3 has been selected, the menu for settng the regstraton mark pattern spacng s dsplayed.
  • Page 62 Chapter 4 REGISTRATION MARK SETTINGS AND DETECTION Setting range: [X/Y] 0 to 999.9 (mm), [W] -99.9 to +99.9 (mm) Vertical line Horizontal line Set W in the range in which there are no vertical or horizontal lines. (3) Press the [PAUSE] key to cancel PAUSE mode.
  • Page 63 Chapter 4 REGISTRATION MARK SETTINGS AND DETECTION 4.4 Registration Mark Distance Adjustment The dstance between regstraton marks can be adjusted automatcally. If 5 mm was selected for CUSTOM, for example, and the dstance between regstraton marks was read as 312 mm, any dstance less than 5 mm s rounded off to the nearest whole number.
  • Page 64 Chapter 4 REGISTRATION MARK SETTINGS AND DETECTION (3) If the regstraton mark mode settng was 3-pont readng or 4-pont readng, the menu for adjustng the dstance between ponts 1 and 3 wll be dsplayed. Make the settngs n the same way as for the dstance between ponts 1 and 2.
  • Page 65 Chapter 4 REGISTRATION MARK SETTINGS AND DETECTION 4.5 Setting the Registration Mark Size Ths functon allows you to specfy the sze of the regstraton marks drawn on the medum. (1) Press the [PAUSE] key to select PAUSE mode. [NEXT] key repeatedly untl the followng menu s dsplayed. (2) Press the FORCE OFFSET...
  • Page 66 Chapter 4 REGISTRATION MARK SETTINGS AND DETECTION 4.6 Setting the Registration Mark Offset The default poston of the orgn pont s the lower left corner of the cuttng/plottng area. Use ths functon whenever you wsh to move the regstraton mark orgn pont. (1) Press the [PAUSE] key to select PAUSE mode.
  • Page 67 Chapter 4 REGISTRATION MARK SETTINGS AND DETECTION 4.7 Adjusting the Registration Mark Sensor Ths functon allows you to adjust the regstraton mark sensor. Two adjustment methods are provded—use the one that best suts your requrements. Adjusting the Registration Mark Sensor by Using a Pre-printed Cross Symbol and a Plotted Cross Symbol Ths functon allows you to adjust the regstraton mark sensor by readng a pre-prnted cross symbol, and then plottng another cross symbol for use n adjustment.
  • Page 68 Chapter 4 REGISTRATION MARK SETTINGS AND DETECTION (10) FC4550-50/4500-60: Press the [F2] key (ADJ.) to adjust the sensors. FC4510-60: Press the [F1] key (X) to adjust the X-axs sensor, and the [F3] key (Y) to adjust the Y-axs sensor. FORCE OFFSET MOVE TO ADJ.
  • Page 69 Chapter 4 REGISTRATION MARK SETTINGS AND DETECTION (4) Press the [F1] key (MARK) to dsplay the regstraton mark functons selecton menu. FORCE OFFSET MODE DIST ADJ TYPE OTHER SETUPS SPEED QUALITY (5) Press the [F4] key (OTHER SETUPS) to dsplay the menu shown below. FORCE OFFSET SIZE...
  • Page 70 Chapter 4 REGISTRATION MARK SETTINGS AND DETECTION Input the dstance that you wsh to move the second cross wth respect to the frst cross. If the second cross does [ENTER] key. not need to be moved, smply press the Press the [F2] or [F4] key to move the blnkng cursor to X or Y, and then use the [ ] or [ ] key to change the numerc value.
  • Page 71 Chapter 4 REGISTRATION MARK SETTINGS AND DETECTION 4.8 Setting the Registration Mark Detection Judgment Level Ths functon sets the color densty judgment level of the lne segments that are read durng a regstraton mark detecton operaton. Ths judgment level determnes the exstence of a lne segment by a change n densty of the specfed percentage from an area where there are no lne segments (whte area).
  • Page 72 Chapter 4 REGISTRATION MARK SETTINGS AND DETECTION [ENTER] key to confrm your selectons. When the dsplayed settngs are satsfactory, press the If the [F3] key (DEFAULT) was pressed, the values become the default values. Setting range: 1 to 99% [Default value: Registration mark pattern 1, 2 and MIRROR: X = 70, Y = 70; Registration mark pattern 3: X = 85, Y = 85] Select a numerc value that s approprate for the dfference between blank areas of the medum (areas where there s no drawng) and the densty of the regstraton marks.
  • Page 73 Chapter 4 REGISTRATION MARK SETTINGS AND DETECTION (9) Press the [F3] key (AUTO) to dsplay the screen for automatc adjustment of the senstvty of the sensor. FORCE OFFSET MOVE TO ADJ. POINT PRESS ENTER KEY! SPEED QUALITY (10) Use the [ ] keys to move the tool carrage (the tp of the tool selected by the current settng) to the poston shown n the fgures below and then press the [ENTER] key.
  • Page 74 Chapter 4 REGISTRATION MARK SETTINGS AND DETECTION (7) Press the [F4] key (LEVEL) to dsplay the menu shown below. FORCE OFFSET SENSITIVITY ADJUST •DEFAULT USER SPEED QUALITY To select the default value, press the [F2] key (DEFAULT) and then press the [ENTER] key.
  • Page 75 Chapter 4 REGISTRATION MARK SETTINGS AND DETECTION 4.9 Setting the Registration Mark Detection Speed Ths functon sets the speed of the tool carrage at the tme when regstraton mark lnes are detected. Change the speed settng f regstraton marks cannot be detected due to the type of meda used or the thckness of the regstraton mark lnes.
  • Page 76 Chapter 4 REGISTRATION MARK SETTINGS AND DETECTION 4.10 Setting the Number of Detection Operations Ths functon sets the number of regstraton mark detecton operatons. If "SIMPLE" or "HI-SPEED" s selected, detecton s performed at one locaton. If "NORMAL" s selected, detecton s performed at three locatons.
  • Page 77 Chapter 4 REGISTRATION MARK SETTINGS AND DETECTION If NORMAL was selected and lne was detected, s detected correctly after a comparson has been made wth Selectng SIMPLE shortens the detecton tme, whereas selectng NORMAL enables more accurate detecton to be performed.
  • Page 78 Chapter 4 REGISTRATION MARK SETTINGS AND DETECTION 4.11 Setting the Sensing Interval If the lne segments are fne, regstraton marks may not be detected even when the slowest regstraton mark detecton speed has been set. If the nterval has been set to 0, the regstraton marks are detected through samplng durng movement.
  • Page 79 Chapter 4 REGISTRATION MARK SETTINGS AND DETECTION 4.12 Axis Adjustment When AXIS has been selected for the regstraton mark mode, axs adjustment s performed manually. If 2, 3, or 4 ponts are specfed on the X and Y axes, adjustment s performed for the angle of the coordnate axes (X-axs and Y-axs tlt) and the dstance (lne segment length).
  • Page 80 Chapter 4 REGISTRATION MARK SETTINGS AND DETECTION If the value you nput s exceedngly large (1.5 tmes or greater) or very small (0.5 tmes or less), or f the angle of tlt wth respect to the orgnal axs tlt s 45° or greater, the followng prompt s dsplayed. In ths case, please re-nput the value.
  • Page 81 Chapter 4 REGISTRATION MARK SETTINGS AND DETECTION 4.13 Registration Mark Detection When MARKS has been selected for the regstraton mark mode, the plotter detects the regstraton marks prnted on the medum and adjusts the angle of the coordnate axes (X-axs and Y-axs tlt) and the dstance (lne segment length).
  • Page 82 Chapter 4 REGISTRATION MARK SETTINGS AND DETECTION (4) Press the [F1], [F2] or [F3] key to select the correspondng number for the Mark Move No. settng. The followng prompt s dsplayed whle the plotter detects the adjustment ponts. FORCE OFFSET ARMS IS OPERATING WAIT..
  • Page 83 Chapter 4 REGISTRATION MARK SETTINGS AND DETECTION (4) Use the [ ] keys to move the tool carrage (the tp of the tool selected by the current settng) to the [ENTER] key. The plotter detects pont 1. frst pont poston ( pont 1 area) and then press the Registration mark pattern 1 Registration mark pattern 2 Registration mark pattern 3...
  • Page 84 Chapter 4 REGISTRATION MARK SETTINGS AND DETECTION 4.14 Setting the Registration Mark Cutting Function If your regstraton mark pattern s Mrror 1 or Mrror 2, the regstraton marks can be cut after they have been detected. (1) Select MARKS for the regstraton mark mode (see Secton 4.2, "Settng the Regstraton Mark Mode".) (2) Select "MIRROR"...
  • Page 85 Chapter 4 REGISTRATION MARK SETTINGS AND DETECTION Press the [F2] key (YES) to perform cuttng of the detected regstraton mark. If OFF has been selected for CUT MIRROR MARKS, the Y coordinate for cutting mirror marks is inverted. 4-30...
  • Page 86 Chapter 4 REGISTRATION MARK SETTINGS AND DETECTION 4.15 Setting the Registration Mark Detection Start Position Ths functon sets the start poston for regstraton mark detecton. (1) Select ether AXIS or MARKS for the regstraton mark mode (see Secton 4.2, "Settng the Regstraton Mark Mode". [ORIGIN] key to dsplay the followng menu.
  • Page 87 Chapter 4 REGISTRATION MARK SETTINGS AND DETECTION 4.16 The Reading Area Required for Detecting Registration Marks Upon detectng regstraton marks, please refer to the followng whle ensurng not to place data wthn the dagonal lnes. (*For three-pont regstraton marks) • Do not plot anything except registration marks within the registration mark reading area.
  • Page 88 Chapter 4 REGISTRATION MARK SETTINGS AND DETECTION For four-point registration marks When the movement dstance for regstraton-mark detecton s set to 0, the readng area requred for detectng regstraton marks s as llustrated n the fgures below. Registration-mark pattern 1 Registration-mark pattern 2 Registration-mark pattern 3 * Registration mark pattern 3 is only...
  • Page 89 CHAPTER FUNCTION SETTINGS AND OPERATIONS PRODUCT SUMMARY 5.1 PAUSE Menu Confguraton 5.2 Clearng the Buffer 5.3 Rasng/Lowerng the Tool 5.4 Settng the Communcaton Condtons 5.5 Settng the Data Format to be Receved 5.6 Assgnng THICK Mode 5.7 Settng the Overlay Functon 5.8 Assgnng the Short Lne Segment Settngs 5.9 Assgnng Tool Numbers 5.10 Assgnng Perforaton Cuttng...
  • Page 90 Chapter 5 FUNCTION SETTINGS AND OPERATIONS 5.1 PAUSE Menu Configuration When the plotter s n PAUSE mode, each of the functons lsted below can be accessed by pressng the [NEXT] key untl the desred menu appears and then pressng functon key [F1] [F2] [F3] or [F4] to select the desred menu parameter.
  • Page 91 Chapter 5 FUNCTION SETTINGS AND OPERATIONS 5.2 Clearing the Buffer Ths functon allows you to clear all the output data n the plotter's buffer. (1) Press the [PAUSE] key to select PAUSE mode. (2) Press the [NEXT] key repeatedly untl the followng menu s dsplayed. FORCE OFFSET MARK...
  • Page 92 Chapter 5 FUNCTION SETTINGS AND OPERATIONS 5.3 Raising/Lowering the Tool Ths functon allows you to rase or lower the tool from the control panel. (1) Press the [PAUSE] key to select PAUSE mode. [NEXT] key repeatedly untl the followng menu s dsplayed. (2) Press the FORCE OFFSET...
  • Page 93 Chapter 5 FUNCTION SETTINGS AND OPERATIONS 5.4 Setting the Communication Conditions When your plotter s connected va an RS-232C cable to a computer, be sure to set dentcal communcaton condtons n the software and OS communcaton settngs for the data transfer rate (baud rate), data length, party, and Handshake.
  • Page 94 Before data s sent from the computer, your plotter must be set to recognze the data format (command mode) sent by the software. Your plotter supports two data formats (command modes): GP-GL (Graphtec commands) and HP-GL commands. Select the command mode best suted for your applcaton.
  • Page 95 Chapter 5 FUNCTION SETTINGS AND OPERATIONS 5.6 Assigning THICK Mode Ths functon allows you to assgn the THICK mode to COND Nos. 1 to 8. THICK mode s used for cuttng thck meda such as maskng rubber for sandblastng, thck pattern paper for apparel desgn as well as for hard meda such as acrylc flm.
  • Page 96 Chapter 5 FUNCTION SETTINGS AND OPERATIONS 5.7 Setting the Overlay Function The Overlay functon enables repeated cuttng to be performed on a medum that cannot be cut wth one cuttng operaton. A cuttng force that s lghter than the specfed FORCE value can be used to leave cuttng trace marks on the medum n the frst cuttng operaton, and then the specfed FORCE value used for the second and subsequent cuttng operatons.
  • Page 97 Chapter 5 FUNCTION SETTINGS AND OPERATIONS (6) Press the [F2] key (OVERLAY) to dsplay the overlay settngs screen. FORCE OFFSET COND No. 12345678 OVERLAY -9-7-6-4 SPEED QUALITY Blinking cursor The upper row of the dsplay represents the cuttng condton COND Nos. The lower row of the dsplay ndcates the number of overlay operatons that has been specfed for each COND No.
  • Page 98 Chapter 5 FUNCTION SETTINGS AND OPERATIONS 5.8 Assigning the Short Line Segment Settings Ths functon allows you to assgn the short lne segment settngs to COND Nos. 1 to 8. Use ths functon to shorten the overall cuttng tme through short lne segment settngs that specfy a fast cuttng speed for long straght lnes and a slower cuttng speed for rounded corners and so forth.
  • Page 99 Chapter 5 FUNCTION SETTINGS AND OPERATIONS 5.9 Assigning Tool Numbers Ths functon enables you to assgn tool holder 1 and tool holder to COND Nos. 1 to 8. If the application software is used to perform pen exchange operations,"ENABLED" must be selected for the "Tool Exchange Commands"...
  • Page 100 Chapter 5 FUNCTION SETTINGS AND OPERATIONS 5.10 Assigning Perforation Cutting Ths functon allows you to assgn the perforaton cuttng operaton to COND Nos. 1 to 8. (1) Press the [PAUSE] key to select PAUSE mode. [NEXT] key repeatedly untl the followng menu s dsplayed. (2) Press the FORCE OFFSET...
  • Page 101 Chapter 5 FUNCTION SETTINGS AND OPERATIONS 5.11 Setting the Tool Interval Adjustment Value Ths functon allows you to make adjustments for any devaton between the ntal drawng/cuttng postons of tool holder 1 and tool holder 2. Use plottng pens to draw the lnes for ths adjustment and specfy the same plottng condtons for tool holder 1 and tool holder 2.
  • Page 102 Chapter 5 FUNCTION SETTINGS AND OPERATIONS 5.12 Setting the Distance Adjustment Values Ths functon s used to correct any dscrepances n the lengths of the cut or plotted lne segments. If, for example, the DISTANCE ADJUST settng s specfed as +0.05%, and the dstance of the cut s 500 mm, the cut dstance s ncreased by 500 x 0.05% (= 0.25 mm), whch means that the total cut dstance s 500.25 mm.
  • Page 103 Chapter 5 FUNCTION SETTINGS AND OPERATIONS 5.13 Sorting Sortng helps prevent wasted tme n tool changes and reduces the tme requred for a cuttng/plottng operaton. When sorted data from the software s receved, less tme s requred for processng than when sortng s performed on your plotter.
  • Page 104 Chapter 5 FUNCTION SETTINGS AND OPERATIONS 5.14 Rotating the Coordinate Axes Ths functon s used to move the orgn and rotate the coordnate axes by 90° as shown n the fgure below. Origin in ROTATE mode Coordinates when ROTATE mode is selected (ON) Coordinates when Origin ROTATE mode is not selected (OFF)
  • Page 105 Chapter 5 FUNCTION SETTINGS AND OPERATIONS 5.15 Setting the Cutting/Plotting Area The U.R. (Upper Rght) and L.L. (Lower Left) functons are used to specfy the effectve cuttng area of the plotter so that any data specfyng coordnate postons outsde of the effectve cuttng area s dsregarded. The orgn moves together wth the new cuttng area.
  • Page 106 Chapter 5 FUNCTION SETTINGS AND OPERATIONS Use the[ ] keys to move the tool carrage (the tp of the tool selected by the current settng) to [ENTER] key. At such tme, the X= and Y= coordnate values the desred new U.R. pont and then press the respectvely represent the current tool carrage poston as X- and Y-axs dsplacements from the orgnal orgn.
  • Page 107 Chapter 5 FUNCTION SETTINGS AND OPERATIONS 5.16 Setting the Mirror Mode When MIRROR mode s selected usng ths functon, the orgn and coordnate axes are nverted as shown n the fgure below. Origin when MIRROR mode is selected MIRROR mode is selected (ON) MIRROR mode is not selected (OFF) Origin [PAUSE] key to select PAUSE mode.
  • Page 108 Chapter 5 FUNCTION SETTINGS AND OPERATIONS 5.17 Scaling the Image Data Ths functon s used to expand or reduce the mage data usng the program orgn as the startng pont. (1) Press the [PAUSE] key to select PAUSE mode. [NEXT] key repeatedly untl the followng menu s dsplayed. (2) Press the FORCE OFFSET...
  • Page 109 Chapter 5 FUNCTION SETTINGS AND OPERATIONS 5.18 Setting the Initial Cutting Force Ths functon s effectve n THICK mode, the mode used manly to cut thck meda. When a thck medum s cut, more tme than usual may be requred for the blade to reach the base of the medum even f a sutable cuttng force has been specfed.
  • Page 110 Chapter 5 FUNCTION SETTINGS AND OPERATIONS 5.19 Setting the Offset Force Snce the drecton n whch the blade tp s facng cannot be determned durng ntalzaton of the plotter, ntal blade control must be performed. The Offset Force functon s used to specfy the force appled durng ntal blade control.
  • Page 111 Chapter 5 FUNCTION SETTINGS AND OPERATIONS 5.20 Setting the Offset Angle Your plotter rotates the blade tp accordng to the ntal angle of rotaton requred by each lne segment defned n the data sent from the computer. Ths operaton s called "ntal blade control". The OFFSET ANGLE functon specfes the reference blade offset angle for determnng whether or not to perform ntal blade control.
  • Page 112 Chapter 5 FUNCTION SETTINGS AND OPERATIONS 5.21 Setting the Step Pass Use ths functon when you ntend to cut extremely detaled data. The cuttng data sent from the computer wll be processed n blocks correspondng to the number of steps specfed by the STEP PASS functon, thereby ensurng consstent blade control and hgher cuttng qualty.
  • Page 113 Chapter 5 FUNCTION SETTINGS AND OPERATIONS 5.22 Setting the Tool-up Height Lowerng the tool-up heght settng value enables a reducton n the cuttng tme. When makng ths settng, make sure that the tool does not catch n the medum when the tool carrage s beng moved. (1) Press the [PAUSE] key to select PAUSE mode.
  • Page 114 Chapter 5 FUNCTION SETTINGS AND OPERATIONS 5.23 Setting the Tool Movement Speed Ths functon allows you set the movement speed of the tool n rased status separately from the cuttng/ plottng speed. A tool movement that s faster than the cuttng/plottng speed enables a reducton n the overall cuttng/plottng tme.
  • Page 115 Chapter 5 FUNCTION SETTINGS AND OPERATIONS 5.24 Setting the Pen Carriage Movement Speed Ths settng determnes how far and how fast the tool carrage moves when the [ ] keys are used to move t. When one of the [ ] keys s pressed ntally, the tool carrage moves only the specfed dstance.
  • Page 116 Chapter 5 FUNCTION SETTINGS AND OPERATIONS Setting the Low Movement Speed Ths settng determnes the slower speed when one of the [ ] keys s ntally pressed, and the length (dstance) before faster movement begns. (1) Press the [PAUSE] key to select PAUSE mode. (2) Press the [NEXT] key repeatedly untl the followng menu s dsplayed.
  • Page 117 Chapter 5 FUNCTION SETTINGS AND OPERATIONS Setting the High Movement Speed Ths settng determnes the hgh speed settng when one of the [ ] keys s held down. [PAUSE] key to select PAUSE mode. (1) Press the (2) Press the [NEXT] key repeatedly untl the followng menu s dsplayed.
  • Page 118 Chapter 5 FUNCTION SETTINGS AND OPERATIONS 5.25 Printing a Conditions List Ths functon allows you to prnt a lst of the current cuttng/plottng settngs (condtons). The tool carriage starts moving as soon as this function has been selected. To avoid injury to yourself or damage to the plotter, keep your hands and other obstacles out of the vicinity of any moving parts.
  • Page 119 Chapter 5 FUNCTION SETTINGS AND OPERATIONS Cutting/Plotting Conditions List 5-31...
  • Page 120 Chapter 5 FUNCTION SETTINGS AND OPERATIONS 5.26 Printing the Self-Test Pattern The self-test functon enables the plotter to check ts own functons by drawng a self-test pattern. The tool carriage starts moving as soon as the SELF TEST mode has been selected. To avoid any injury to yourself or damage to the plotter, keep your hands and other obstacles out of the vicinity of any moving parts.
  • Page 121 Chapter 5 FUNCTION SETTINGS AND OPERATIONS 5.27 Printing a Character Dump List Ths mode enables you to check whether data s beng transferred correctly from the computer to the plotter. If the output data and the program data are dfferent, check the transmsson condtons and the cable connectons.
  • Page 122 Chapter 5 FUNCTION SETTINGS AND OPERATIONS 5.28 Special Functions • Setting the Display Language (LANGUAGE SELECTION) [Default setting: ENGLISH] Ths functon determnes the language used on the dsplay panel. • Setting the Length Unit (LENGTH UNIT) [Default setting: mm] Ths functon enables the dsplay unt shown on the LCD panel to be changed. If "mm"...
  • Page 123 Chapter 5 FUNCTION SETTINGS AND OPERATIONS • Setting the Blade-tip Initial Position (INIT. BLADE CONTROL) [Default setting: 2mm BELOW] After the plotter s turned on or the Condton settngs are changed, the cutter pen blade s postoned on the medum to adjust the blade tp orentaton.
  • Page 124 Chapter 5 FUNCTION SETTINGS AND OPERATIONS • Setting the VIEW beeper/time until VIEW (BEEPER VIEW/VIEW TIME) [Default settings: 60 min/30 sec] BEEPER VIEW: Ths parameter enables command specfcaton of the length of tme that the beeper sounds whle the plotter s n the VIEW status. The selectons are OFF, 1, 5, 10, 30, and 60 (mn). VIEW TIME: Ths parameter sets the length of tme between the Ready status and the VIEW status.
  • Page 125 Chapter 5 FUNCTION SETTINGS AND OPERATIONS Procedure Turn on the plotter whle holdng down the [ ] key to dsplay the specal functons menu on the LCD. In GP-GL command mode In HP-GL command mode LANGUAGE SELECTION LANGUAGE SELECTION English English LENGTH UNIT LENGTH UNIT...
  • Page 126 CHAPTER TROUBLESHOOTING PRODUCT SUMMARY 6.1 Troubleshootng 6.2 Error Messages 6.3 Cleanng the Cutter Pen...
  • Page 127 AC lne nlet and to the electrcal outlet. • Nothng appears on the LCD panel. The plotter s defectve. Contact your sales representatve or nearest Graphtec dealer. The Cutting/Plotting Results are Unsatisfactory (1/2) Symptom Cause Solution •...
  • Page 128 Chapter 6 TROUBLESHOOTING The Cutting/Plotting Results are Unsatisfactory (2/2) Symptom Cause Solution • The cuttng results dffer from the The programmable resoluton (STEP SIZE) Set both the plotter and software to the same specfed sze. has been set dfferently at the plotter and the programmable resoluton.
  • Page 129 • The nternal speed control s faulty. Turn the plotter off then back on agan. POWER OFF THEN ON * If the error occurs frequently, contact your sales representative or nearest Graphtec dealer. • • The POWER lamp lghts. Abnormalty occurs n the tool up and Turn the plotter off then back on agan.
  • Page 130 Chapter 6 TROUBLESHOOTING GP-GL Command Mode Error Messages If any of the followng error messages are dsplayed, one of the followng reasons s lke to be the cause: (1) The software’s output or nterface settngs have been changed. Confgure the software for output by ths plotter. Ensure that the software’s nterface settngs are correctly set.
  • Page 131 Chapter 6 TROUBLESHOOTING HP-GL™ Command Mode Error Messages Error message Cause Solution An unrecognzable nstructon was executed. Execute a recognzable command. ERROR 1 Instruction not recognized Nose was nput to the plotter upon executon Press the [ENTER] key. of the software applcaton. The software's output settngs have been Confgure the software for output by ths changed.
  • Page 132 Chapter 6 TROUBLESHOOTING 6.3 Cleaning the Cutter Pen Lettng leftover meda and paper dust buld up on blades can dull them and cause them to deterorate. Be sure to clean the cutter pen regularly and remove buld up. While using this function, keep your hands out of the vicinity of the tool carriage. Cleaning method (1) Please clean off paper dust and meda buld up from the blade.
  • Page 133 CHAPTER SPECIFICATIONS PRODUCT SUMMARY 7.1 Man Specfcatons 7.2 External Dmensons 7.3 Optons and Supples...
  • Page 134 *1: HP-GL is a registered trademark of Hewlett-Packard Company in the US. *2: When Graphtec-specified media and conditions are used. *3: When the pen provided as a standard accessory is used with Graphtec-specified plotting paper;. the accuracy of reading the patterns provided with these plotters...
  • Page 135 Chapter 7 SPECIFICATIONS 7.2 External Dimensions FC4550-50 FC4500-60 1172 Unt: mm Dmensonal accuracy: ±5 mm...
  • Page 136 Chapter 7 SPECIFICATIONS FC4510-60 1172 Unt: mm Dmensonal accuracy: ±5 mm...
  • Page 137 Chapter 7 SPECIFICATIONS 7.3 Options and Supplies Options Item Model Contents Stand ST0032 Stand for FC4500-60 Please check our company's home page for the latest nformaton on optons. Supplies Item Model Contents PHP33-CB09N-HS Used wth Ф0.9 mm dameter cutter blades PHP33-CB15N-HS Used wth Ф1.5 mm dameter cutter blades Cutter plunger...
  • Page 138 INDEX INDEX Sign 3-25 Cuttng orgn ....... . 5-34 3-21 “:”...
  • Page 139 INDEX Readng Area Requred for Detectng Regstraton Marks . . . MARK MOVE No......4-32 Medum, Loadng .
  • Page 140 INDEX Tool holder ........5-13 Tool nterval adjustment value ....5-26 Tool movement speed .
  • Page 141 Specfcatons are subject to change wthout notce. FC4500 SERIES User's Manual FC4500-UM-153 August 17, 2015 2nd edton-01 GRAPHTEC CORPORATION...

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