Gerber GS750 Plus User Manual
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Gerber GS750 Plus User Manual

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  • Page 3: Copyright Notice

    Gerber Scientific Products, Inc. GRAPHIX ADVANTAGE is a registered trademark of Gerber Scientific Products, Inc. 3-in-1 is a registered trademark of Boyle-Midway, Inc. HP-GL is a registered trademark of Hewlett Packard. 3M, ScotchCal and Scotchlite are trademarks of 3M.

  • Page 5: Fcc Notice

    FCC NOTICE 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 7: Table Of Contents

    TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ......................1 Description ....................1 Performance....................1 Convenience ..................... 2 Support Information ................. 2 PACKAGE CONTENTS ....................5 INSTALLATION ....................... 7 Plotter Stand Assembly ................7 Install Plotter on Stand ................9 Mount Tool Rack..................9 Mount Roll Support Bars .................
  • Page 8 Plotter Speed ..................27 Pounce Wheel Holder Installation ........... 27 Pounce Wheel Replacement ............28 Knife Holder and Blades ................ 29 Blade Wear ..................29 Blade Damage.................. 29 Knife Holder Installation ..............30 Blade Replacement ................32 OPERATION........................37 Power Up....................37 Front Panel .....................

  • Page 9: Introduction

    Swivel Knife Mode is used for rapid cutting of all but the most demanding materials such as sandblast stencil. Gerber's exclusive Corner Correcting Technology™ assures sharp, easy-to-weed corners in swivel knife mode.

  • Page 10: Convenience

    GS750 has many features that make it easy and convenient to use: Accepts any standard Gerber materials in 30-inch (762mm) wide rolls. Draws, cuts and pounces up to 28 inches (710mm) high. Using the GRAPHIX ADVANTAGE system Panel feature, the...

  • Page 11: About This Manual

    Introduction plus If you require assistance installing or operating the GS750 " plotter, contact your distributor or GSP Field Service Department at 800-828-5406 (in the USA), or fax at 203-645-2448 About This Manual This manual explains the installation and operation of the GS750 plus plotter.
  • Page 12 plus 4 GS750 Conventions The following conventions are used in this manual: Note: A note contains important information which could affect successful completion of a task. CAUTION: A caution statement contains information which, if not observed, could result in damage to the equipment. WARNING: A warning statement contains information which, if not observed, could result in personal injury.

  • Page 13: Package Contents

    PACKAGE CONTENTS plus This section lists the contents of the GS750 shipping plus container. As you unpack the GS750 plotter, inspect all items for damage that may have occurred during shipping. Report any damage to your dealer at once. Save all packaging materials in case it becomes necessary to transport the plotter at a future date.
  • Page 14 plus 6 GS750 BOX 3: Paper 50 yds. (45 meters) 20 pound paper for drawing and pouncing BOX 4: Vinyl 10 yds. (9 meters) High Performance black vinyl...

  • Page 15: Installation

    Note: Should you experience difficulty during installation of the plus GS750 to the GRAPHIX ADVANTAGE system, contact Gerber Field Service Department at 800-828-5406. Plotter Stand Assembly 1. Install six plastic grommets in the roll support Stand Assembly bar holes on the inside of the stand legs.
  • Page 16 plus 8 GS750...

  • Page 17: Install Plotter On Stand

    Installation 9 5. Insert a screw, with a washer, into each of the holes at each side of the plotter stand base. 6. Verify that the alignment between the plotter stand base and the stand assembly is correct, then tighten the screws. 7.

  • Page 18: Mount The Material

    plus 10 GS750 Mount the Material 1. First insert the material core end plugs (hubs) into the material rolls. To mount a roll of material on a roll support bar, lift the bar to the top of the hole and slide it toward one leg assembly to free the opposite end.

  • Page 19: Communication Parameters

    Installation 11 Note: If a plotter is already installed in the PLOTTER port on the GRAPHIX ADVANTAGE, use the TABLET port to install a second plotter. Communication Parameters plus If you are connecting the GS750 to a system other than the GRAPHIX ADVANTAGE, the plotter uses these RS-232 communication parameters: Communication...

  • Page 20: Power Cords

    plus 12 GS750 Power Cords plus 1. Insert the female connector of the GS750 plotter power cord into the socket on the rear panel of the plotter. 2. Connect the power cords for both the GRAPHIX ADVANTAGE plus system and the GS750 to the multiple outlet strip included with the GRAPHIX ADVANTAGE.

  • Page 21: Set Up

    SET UP After connecting the plotter to the GRAPHIX ADVANTAGE or other sign design system, use the GSP Setup program in plus GRAPHIX ADVANTAGE to make the GS750 accessible. plus Note: When the GS750 is used with sign design systems other than GRAPHIX ADVANTAGE, contact the system plus manufacturer to obtain a driver for the GS750...

  • Page 22: Add Plotters

    plus 14 GS750 5. Click on the port to which the plotter is connected (COM1, COM2, COM3, or COM4) in the Ports box. plus 6. Click on ADD. GS750 appears in the Ready for Plotting list plus box. Your system is now set up to use the GS750 plotter.

  • Page 23: Delete Plotters

    Setup 15 Delete Plotters To remove plotters from the system: 1. In the Ready for Plotting box, click on the name of the plotter to be deleted. 2. Click on Delete. Assign Default Plotter A default plotter can be assigned if more than one plotter is connected to the GRAPHIX ADVANTAGE.

  • Page 25: Materials And Tools

    Consult your Gerber distributor for further information about available materials, colors and prices. Always insist on Gerber authorized materials for highest quality results. To load material CAUTION: It is recommended that you load material without a tool in the carriage to prevent damaging the knife blade.
  • Page 26 plus 18 GS750 2. Center the carriage spindle preferably by using the slew keys (see "Front Panel" section) or manually, with certain precautions as outlined here. Be sure that the carriage spindle is not located at either extreme end of its travel and that both ends of the rubber drum can be reached easily.
  • Page 27 Materials and Tools 19 To feed and align material 1. Feed material under the black cam shaft and over the rubber drum the holes in the material over the sliding sprocket pins first. Match the three closely spaced sprocket pins and holes. 2.

  • Page 28: Helpful Hints

    plus 20 GS750 HELPFUL HINTS When you change materials, open the bail arms and roll the material back onto the roll. Tape the ends securely to prevent the roll from unraveling. Before unrolling vinyl for a job, determine how much material you need.

  • Page 29: Tool Force Dial

    Materials and Tools 21 Tool Force Dial The tool force dial on the front of the housing indicates the tool force setting and the amount of tool force or pressure, that is applied to the tool during operation. This pressure ensures uniform cuts and pen lines.

  • Page 30: Adjustments

    Blade wear — Increase tool force after several thousand cuts. Gerber recommends experimenting with tool force settings as well as keeping a logbook of the settings. Refer to the Plotter User...

  • Page 31: Tools And Tool Handling

    TOOLS AND TOOL HANDLING Storage For easy access, the pen holder, knife holders, and pounce wheel holder may be removed from the Dial Head tool kit and stored in the tool rack. The tool rack was attached during assembly. Tool Holders For quick identification, each tool holder has a different colored cap.

  • Page 32: Pen Holder And Pens

    plus 24 GS750 Pen Holder and Pens The pen holder shipped with a black pen installed. After loading the plotting paper, install the pen holder in the carriage spindle as follows: To install the pen holder 1. Select the pen holder with pen installed from the tool rack molded in the rear cover.

  • Page 33: Pen Replacement

    Tools and Tool Handling 25 PEN REPLACEMENT Spare pens in blue and red are included in the tool kit. Additional pens are available through a Gerber distributor. To replace a pen 1. Insert a flat-tip screwdriver into the notch at the base of the cone-shaped cap (see below).

  • Page 34: Pounce Wheel Holder

    plus 26 GS750 5. Push down on the upper end of the pen until the point just touches the table surface. 6. Use the Allen wrench to tighten the set screw near the tip of the pen. Do not over-tighten the set screw or the pen could be crushed.

  • Page 35: Off-Center Holes

    Tools and Tool Handling 27 OFF-CENTER HOLES The second keyway holds the tool at 11 degrees off-center to the direction of tool travel. Using the pounce wheel in the angled position causes the points to drag slightly as the wheel moves forward.

  • Page 36: Pounce Wheel Replacement

    plus 28 GS750 and 6. Adjust, if necessary, for paper thickness or desired hole size. Reduce plotter speed if pouncing small holes. POUNCE WHEEL REPLACEMENT One pounce wheel supplied is installed in the tool holder, and a spare is included in the tool kit. To replace the pounce wheel 1.

  • Page 37: Knife Holder And Blades

    Tools and Tool Handling 29 Knife Holder and Blades Gerber blades are extremely wear-resistant. In testing, over 10,000 one-inch letters were cut using a single blade before testing was discontinued with the blade still cutting satisfactorily. Other blade manufacturers have attempted, unsuccessfully, to duplicate this cutting precision and durability.

  • Page 38: Knife Holder Installation

    plus 30 GS750 KNIFE HOLDER INSTALLATION plus The GS750 comes two different types of knife holder: Swivel Knife - Used to cut all but the thickest materials, such as sandblast stencil, at high speed. Tangential Knife - Used to cut all materials, including sandblast stencil.
  • Page 39 Controltac 180 Delux 210 Gold/Silver Dusted Crystal 210 .05-1 Florescent 210 Scotchcal 220 Translucent 230 Gerber Cal Gerber IP Plus Gerber Mask I & II .05-1 Heat Transfer Flock Hot Split Plastisol Metalized Polyester Screen Print .05-1 Static Cling Sandblast 521...

  • Page 40: Blade Replacement

    Extra blades and special angled blades for sandblast vinyls are available from your Gerber distributor. WARNING: The blade is very sharp. Take care when handling the knife holder and blade.
  • Page 41 Tools and Tool Handling 33 To adjust the tangential blade The knife blade holder assembly includes a small metal plate called a shoe, which acts as a cutting depth stop to prevent the knife blade from cutting through the vinyl backing material. If the tool force setting is correct, but the weed does not peel up easily, or letters peel up with the weed, adjust the shoe to expose more of the blade instead of increasing the tool force setting.
  • Page 42 plus 34 GS750 2. Turn the eccentric nut by hand, or use a small wrench, to expose more or less of the knife tip. Note: Do NOT use a micrometer or calipers to measure the vertical distance; it may damage the knife blade tip. 3.
  • Page 43 Tools and Tool Handling 35 To test the swivel knife for proper depth 1. Using a scrap piece of vinyl, trace a cutline by hand with the tool you have adjusted. 2. Weed the test cut. The test cut should weed easily with no cut-through on the material backing.

  • Page 45: Operation

    OPERATION Power Up plus When the GS750 is turned on, the following sequence occurs: 1. A short beep sounds, the Power light comes on, and the RUN CONT, RUN SING and SWIVEL KNIFE lights blink. plus 2. As the GS750 performs self-check tests, the lights over the RUN and SWIVEL KNIFE keys flash, and an additional beep sounds.

  • Page 46: Front Panel

    plus 38 GS750 Front Panel plus The GS750 front panel keys shown below are used to perform all of the following operations: Position the carriage and material. Put the plotter on-line for drawing, cutting, and pouncing. Select single or continuous job processing. Select knife mode.

  • Page 47: Slew Keys

    SLOW precise registration of artwork produced by the GERBER EDGE . In normal or slow mode, the platen or tool move continuously as long as the arrow keys are pressed.

  • Page 48: Swivel Knife Key

    plus 40 GS750 SWIVEL KNIFE KEY Press the SWIVEL KNIFE key to select knife mode: SWIVEL When the swivel knife mode is selected, the light over the KNIFE SWIVEL KNIFE key is on. If the tangential knife mode is desired, the light must be off. Press SWIVEL KNIFE to turn the light on and off.

  • Page 49: Run Single Key

    Operation 41 RUN SINGLE KEY Plot Use RUN SINGLE to plot a single job. This plot mode allows the operator to reposition material between jobs and/or to pen plot SINGLE using paper before cutting vinyl. RUN SINGLE may be used with either swivel knife mode or tangential knife mode.

  • Page 50: Run Cont Key

    plus 42 GS750 Single Plot Exercise plus 1. Turn on the GS750 . Load plotting paper, test the pen manually, install the pen holder, and set the tool force to .5. 2. Using the slew keys, position the carriage spindle approximately 1"...
  • Page 51 Operation 43 Controlled Stop Use RUN CONT (or RUN SINGLE) to pause plotting and check the current job. To stop a continuous mode plot plus Press either RUN key. The GS750 stops the plot at the next logical break in the program. Do not use slew keys or orientation for the current job will be lost.

  • Page 52: Reset Key

    plus 44 GS750 RESET KEY Use the RESET key to stop plotter operation in case of emergency, to clear error signals, and to access Special RESET Diagnostics. To cause an emergency stop Press the RESET key while a job is plotting. The following sequence occurs: plus 1.

  • Page 53: Special Diagnostics

    SPECIAL DIAGNOSTICS In addition to the self-check tests that are part of the power-up plus sequence, the GS750 plotter can perform other special diagnostics. The steps to access these diagnostics and their functions are outlined below. To access special diagnostics 1.

  • Page 54: Diagnostic Options

    RS-232 Loop Back – Press the up arrow key to access. Use to check internal workings of the communications hardware. Beeps indicate a communications error. (A special loop-back test part is needed for this test. See your Gerber distributor.) X,Y, Z Axes Lock Press the right arrow key to access.

  • Page 55: Wagon Wheel Test Plot

    1. Load plotting paper and install the pen holder. 2. Press left arrow key to access diagnostic. 3. Press RUN SINGLE to plot once or RUN CONT to plot continuously. 4. Compare the test plot to the illustration below. If the plot is different, contact Gerber Field Service.

  • Page 56: Square/Circle Test Plot

    1. Load vinyl and install the knife holder. 2. Press SLOW key to access diagnostic. 3. Press RUN SINGLE to plot once or RUN CONT to plot continuously. 4. Compare the test plot to the illustration below. If the plot is different, contact Gerber Field Service.

  • Page 57: Error Conditions

    ERROR CONDITIONS plus The GS750 is programmed to detect several mechanical/electrical error conditions at power-up or during operation. When an error condition occurs, the plotter will turn off power to the stepper motors, flash the RUN lights, and sound a steady tone.

  • Page 58: Error Codes

    Theta home failure Turn off system; check connectors *Error code occurs in Special Diagnostic mode, if axes remain locked more than 30 minutes. If the plotter consistently fails the self-check tests, contact Gerber Field Service Department at 800-828-5406, or fax at 203-645-2448.

  • Page 59: Maintenance

    MAINTENANCE This section includes instructions for routine cleaning and lubrication, fuse replacement, and adjustments to keep the GS750 plus plotter in good working order. Cleaning and Lubrication Routine cleaning and lubrication should be done monthly or after every 160 hours of use, whichever occurs first. Isopropyl alcohol should be used to clean dirty parts.

  • Page 60: Carriage And Ball Bushing

    plus 52 GS750 CARRIAGE AND BALL BUSHING 1. Use a lint-free cloth and alcohol to clean dust or debris from the front way, drive shaft, cam shaft and theta shaft. Rotate the cam shaft and theta shaft (the front way does not turn) and move the carriage spindle for access to the entire length of these shafts.

  • Page 61: Sprockets And Bail Arms

    Maintenance 53 SPROCKETS AND BAIL ARMS 1. Inspect the teeth of the drum sprockets for adhesive buildup from the use of vinyl films. 2. Use a small stiff brush (such as a toothbrush) dipped in alcohol to clean the sprockets. 3.

  • Page 62: Fuse Replacement

    4. Examine the fuse and remove it if it is blown. Install a new fuse of the same type and rating in the same place. If the fuse blows again, contact the Gerber Field Service Department. 5. Reinsert the carrier, making sure the carrier is inserted all the way.

  • Page 63: Plotter Adjustments

    If plus damage to your GS750 plotter results from improper unauthorized service, repair will NOT be covered by any Gerber warranty. Cover Removal When making certain adjustments to the GS-750, you may find it necessary to remove the covers from the sides of the plotter.
  • Page 64 plus 56 GS750 LEFT COVER 1. Remove the plotter cover from the left side of the plotter (opposite the front panel end) by removing the two Phillips head screws which hold the cover in place (see steps 2 and 2. Remove the screw located in the center of the top edge of the plotter left end plate.

  • Page 65: Troubleshooting Guide

    Plotter Adjustments 57 Troubleshooting Guide This chart of symptoms is designed to help identify the possible problem and the probable adjustment procedure. plus CAUTION: Turn off GS750 plotter and GRAPHIX ADVANTAGE or other sign design system before checking connections or attempting to make any adjustments, unless otherwise directed.

  • Page 66: Z Axis (Tool Height) Adjustment

    plus 58 GS750 Z Axis (Tool Height) Adjustment SYMPTOMS The tool does not touch the material or touches only between characters. The knife does not cut deeply enough. The tool height changes in the middle of a job. OBJECTIVE To set the height of the lift fork for consistent contact of tool holder with material.
  • Page 67 Plotter Adjustments 59 5. Turn on the plotter. 6. Rotate the cam shaft by hand until the lift fork reaches its highest point. 7. Tighten the pulley clamp. 8. Remove the carriage cover over the tool force housing. 9. Locate the tool height fine adjustment screw on the center of the lifter assembly under the tool force arm.
  • Page 68 Press either Run key to plot. Inspect your test plot by comparing to the Square/Circle Test Plot illustration. 19. If symptoms persist, return to step 1 or contact the Gerber Field Service Department at 800-828-5406 or fax at 2033-645- 2448.

  • Page 69: Theta Axis (Tool Rotation) Adjustment

    Plotter Adjustments 61 Theta Axis (Tool Rotation) Adjustment SYMPTOMS Letters have jagged edges. Letters have closure problems of less than 1/32". The tool loses position in the middle of a job. OBJECTIVE To center lift fork over carriage spindle bore; to align tool holder in carriage spindle.
  • Page 70 plus 62 GS750 3. Locate the theta motor collar clamp, which is directly behind the theta motor. Rotate the rear way to find the screw in the motor collar clamp, and use the Allen wrench to ensure that the screw in the collar clamp is tightened securely. 4.
  • Page 71 Plotter Adjustments 63 5. After the spindle initializes, note the position of the slot or keyway in the side of the tool holder. Face the front of the plotter, the spindle pin should be in the "nine o'clock" position. If the pin is aligned correctly, proceed to a test cut, step 12. If the spindle pin is not aligned correctly, go to the next step.
  • Page 72 13. Press SLOW key to access the Square/Circle Test Plot. Press either Run key to plot. Compare your test plot to the Square/Circle Test Plot. If symptoms persist, call Gerber Field Service Department at 800- 828-5406 or fax at 203-645-2448.

  • Page 73: Axis Backlash Adjustment

    Plotter Adjustments 65 X Axis Backlash Adjustment SYMPTOMS Text cut in AXIS SWAP mode has closure problems. OBJECTIVE To adjust the tension of the X axis gear to produce good letter quality in AXIS SWAP mode. ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURE 1. Turn the plotter power off. 2.
  • Page 74 plus 66 GS750 6. Locate the X axis gear and the X motor pinion which are directly behind the X motor. These two gears are meshed together. Gently push back and forth on the drum in the direction the material normally moves. Notice if the X axis gear moves while the pinion remains stationary.
  • Page 75 Plotter Adjustments 67 7. If the X motor pinion remains stationary (i.e., if there is backlash), locate the X motor mounting screws (Phillips head screws) which hold the X motor against the motor bracket on the side plate. Loosen these screws. Apply light pressure to the motor to tighten the mesh of the X axis gear and the X motor pinion.

  • Page 76: Y Axis Backlash Adjustment

    plus 68 GS750 Y Axis Backlash Adjustment SYMPTOMS Text cut in AXIS SWAP mode has closure problems. OBJECTIVE To adjust the mesh of the jack shaft gear with the Y motor pinion to produce good letter quality in AXIS SWAP mode. ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURE 1.
  • Page 77 Plotter Adjustments 69 6. Locate the jackshaft gear and the Y motor pinion. These two gears are meshed together. Gently attempt to rotate the jackshaft gear. With one finger on the motor pinion, notice if the jackshaft gear moves while the pinion remains stationary. If the pinion moves with the jackshaft gear (i.e., if there is no backlash), no adjustment is necessary.
  • Page 78 plus 70 GS750 11. Replace the cover. 12. Load vinyl in the plotter, install the knife holder and cut a test plot. 13. If symptoms persist, return to step 1.
  • Page 79 plus GS750 PLOTTER USER REFERENCE CARD KEY/FUNCTION DESCRIPTION Press the SWIVEL KNIFE key to select knife mode. When the swivel knife SWIVEL KNIFE Key mode is selected, the light over the SWIVEL KNIFE key is on. If the tangential knife mode is desired, the light must be off. Use the INIT KNIFE key to initialize the swivel knife so that the blade faces 0 .

  • Page 80: Tool Force Settings

    Z axis error Turn off the system; check connectors. Theta home failure Turn off the system; check connectors. plus Note: If the GS750 consistently fails the self-check tests, contact Gerber Field Service Department. plus APPROXIMATE GS750 TOOL FORCE SETTINGS Recommended Tangential...
  • Page 81 INDEX Arrow keys ......... 41 INIT KNIFE key......... 42 Installation pen holder ........26 plotter..........7 Bail arms..........55 pounce wheel holder ....29 Beep............ 46 Blade adjustment ........35 angle..........23 damage ......... 31 front panel........40 depth..........37 Keyway..........
  • Page 82 76 Index assign default ....... 15 SWIVEL KNIFE key ......42 deleting......... 15 installation........7 pin connectors ......10 Tangential knife ......1, 32 selection ........13 Theta axis adjustment......63 work area........10 Tone............ 46 Pounce wheel........29 Tool installation........
  • Page 83 P57348A Rev A...

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