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USER’S MANUAL IMPORTANT Before you begin... Please complete the attached Warranty Registration Card and return it to Summa today, or go through the online registration at http://www.summa.be/registration.html. (Users outside Europe, Africa and the Middle East should check the address on the back of the Warranty Registration Card.) Failure to register may result in delayed responses to your warranty and service inquiries.
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FCC compliance, could void the users authority to operate this equipment. DOC NOTICE The SummaSign Pro SL T-series cutters do not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise for digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.
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NOTICE Summa reserves the right to modify the information contained in this User Manual at any time without prior notice. Unauthorized copying, modification, distribution or display is prohibited. All rights reserved. All queries, comments or suggestions concerning this and other Summa manuals should be directed to: Europe and Africa: Summa, bvba.
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TRADEMARK ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 3M and Scotchcal are trademarks of the 3M Corp. Arlon is a trademark of Keene Corp. DM/PL and Houston Instrument are trademarks of Summagraphics Corporation. Fasson is a trademark of Avery. Gerber is a trademark of Gerber Scientific Products, Inc. Grafitack is a trademark of Grafityp.
SummaSign Pro SL T-series Cutters User’s Manual TABLE OF CONTENTS ................Page SECTION 1.......................1-1 GENERAL INFORMATION ..............1-1 INTRODUCTION ....................1-1 1.1.1 PRODUCT FEATURES ..................1-2 1.1.2 SUMMASIGN PRO T-SERIES USER MANUAL...........1-3 SPECIFICATIONS ....................1-4 1.2.1 CUTTER ......................1-4 1.2.2 MEDIA........................1-4 1.2.3 KNIVES BALLPOINT PEN AND POUNCING TOOL ........1-6 1.2.4...
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SummaSign Pro SL T-series Cutters User’s Manual SECTION 2.......................1-1 OPERATION...................2-1 THE CONTROL PANEL..................2-1 2.1.1 THE LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY ................2-2 2.1.2 THE RESET/LOAD KEY ................2-2 2.1.3 THE ONLINE KEY ..................2-3 2.1.4 THE MENU KEY ..................2-3 2.1.5 THE ENTER KEY ..................2-5 2.1.6 THE 1 AND 2 KEYS 1 - 2..................2-5...
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SummaSign Pro SL T-series Cutters User’s Manual 2.4.16 LOAD ON W CMD ..................2-16 2.4.17 FLEX-CUT ......................2-17 2.4.18 RECUT OFFSET....................2-17 INTERNAL TEST MENU ..................2-18 2.5.1 TANG. KNIFE CALIBRATION ................. 2-19 2.5.2 CUT BORDER ....................2-23 2.5.3 MENU PLOT....................2-24 2.5.4...
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SummaSign Pro SL T-series Cutters User’s Manual SECTION 4.......................3-1 INTERFACE ....................4-1 INTRODUCTION ....................4-1 RS232 INTERFACE NOTES .................4-1 4.2.1 SYSTEM SETUP ....................4-1 4.2.2 SERIAL INTERFACE CONNECTOR ON THE CUTTER........4-2 4.2.3 AVAILABLE SERIAL SIGNALS................4-2 USB INTERFACE NOTES..................4-3 4.3.1 USB SPECIFICATIONS ..................4-3 4.3.2 INSTALLING THE USB SOFTWARE UNDER WINDOWS........4-3...
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LIST OF TABLES ......................Page SUMMASIGN PRO SL T-SERIES CUTTER SPECIFICATIONS ..........1-4 SUMMASIGN PRO SL T-SERIES MEDIA SPECIFICATIONS ..........1-4 SUMMASIGN PRO SL T-SERIES KNIVES, PENS AND POUNCING TOOLS ....1-6 SUMMASIGN PRO SL T-SERIES INTERFACE SPECIFICATIONS ........1-6 SUMMASIGN PRO SL T-SERIES FIRMWARE ..............1-7 SUMMASIGN PRO SL T-SERIES PERFORMANCES ............1-7...
• The SummaSign T1600 SL, which can handle media widths from 170 mm up to 1620 mm (4” to 63.8”) The phrase “Pro SL T-series cutters” is used in this manual to signify information that pertains to all cutters in this series. The specific model names “T750 SL”, “T1010 SL”, “T1400 SL”, and “T1600 SL”...
SummaSign Pro SL T-series Cutters User’s Manual 1.1.1 PRODUCT FEATURES The following are the main features of the SummaSign Pro SL T-series cutters. • Variable media widths. User-selectable DM/PL ™ , HP-GL ™ and HP-GL/2 ™ software languages. • •...
Full technical specifications for the SummaSign Pro SL T-series cutters and compatible media. • A complete description of the main components of the SummaSign Pro SL T- series cutters. • Step-by-step instructions for knife and ballpoint pen installation and media loading.
49 kg 108 lbs 58 kg 127 lbs 67 kg 144 lbs 74 kg 154 lbs TABLE 1-1: SUMMASIGN PRO SL T-SERIES CUTTER SPECIFICATIONS 1.2.2 MEDIA T750 SL T1010 SL T1400 SL T1600 SL inch inch inch inch...
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Vinyl Types A wide range of vinyl types has been evaluated and tested on the SummaSign Pro SL T-series cutters. When using duly certified media, operation in accordance with the functional specifications of the model is warranted. Summa should certify other media before use to ensure performance in compliance with specifications.
SummaSign Pro SL T-series Cutters User’s Manual 1.2.3 KNIFE, BALLPOINT PEN, AND POUNCING TOOL The SummaSign Pro SL cutters are supplied with two standard knives (for vinyl media), one masking stencil knife, one drag knife, and one black ballpoint pen. Tangential Knife...
SummaSign Pro SL T-series Cutters User’s Manual 1.2.5 FIRMWARE Language DM/PL, HP-GL and HP-GL/2 (with selectable origin HP7475 and HP 7580/7585) Supported character sets Standard ASCII Supported fonts Sans serif (single stroke & medium) ROM-based plots Confidence plot, DIN plot...
TABLE 1-7: SUMMASIGN PRO SL T-SERIES ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIFICATIONS IMPORTANT HINT The use of dimensionally stable media is an essential prerequisite to obtaining high cut quality. Additionally, media expansion or contraction may occur as a result of temperature variations.
SummaSign Pro SL T-series Cutters User’s Manual 1.3 CUTTER ACCESSORIES AND CONSUMABLES The following is an overview of the accessories and consumables available for the various SummaSign Pro SL T-series models: OPTIONS/ T1010 SL ACCESSORIES/ T750 SL T1400 SL CONSUMABLES...
SummaSign Pro SL T-series Cutters User’s Manual 1.4. REAR PANEL COMPONENTS In order to get acquainted with your SummaSign Pro SL cutter, read the following descriptions of the rear panel components. Figure 1-1 shows the location of the main components. FIGURE 1-1: SUMMASIGN PRO SL T-SERIES CUTTERS, REAR VIEW* FOR PRACTICAL REASONS, ILLUSTRATIONS RELATE TO THE T750 SL MODEL.
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SummaSign Pro SL T-series Cutters User’s Manual USB Port: - This interface is based on the standards specified in Universal Serial Bus Specifications Revision 1.1. It provides high-speed serial bi- directional communication between the host computer and the cutter. RS-232-C...
SummaSign Pro SL T-series Cutters User’s Manual 1.4 FRONT PANEL CONTROLS In order to get acquainted with your SummaSign Pro SL cutter, read the following descriptions of the front panel controls and components. Figure 1-2 shows the location of the main components.
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SummaSign Pro SL T-series Cutters User’s Manual mode for manual operation, and menu mode. Each control panel function is explained in Section 2.1. Display : - The 2x16 character display informs the user of the current status of the cutting process or actions that need to be taken.
SummaSign Pro SL T-series Cutters User’s Manual 1.5 POWERING UP THE CUTTER 1.5.1 EARTHING (“GROUNDING”) SAFETY WARNING An insulated earth conductor must be installed as part of the branch circuit that supplies power to the wall outlet to which the cutter is connected.
SummaSign Pro SL T-series Cutters User’s Manual EUROPE: THREE-PIN MAKE SURE THIS IS OUTLET CONNECTED TO A KNOWN EARTH MAKE SURE THIS IS CONNECTED TO A KNOWN EARTH THREE-PIN PLUG FIGURE 1-3: EARTH CONNECTION IMPORTANT OPERATIONAL TIP Your cutter must only be used with a power outlet that is properly grounded to earth.
SummaSign Pro SL T-series Cutters User’s Manual 1.6 INSTALLATION OF A KNIFE, BALLPOINT PEN OR POUNCING TOOL 1.6.1 INSTALLING A STANDARD TANGENTIAL KNIFE SAFETY WARNING Your cutter uses razor-sharp knives. The knife blades may cause serious personal injuries if handled without proper care. Use extreme...
SummaSign Pro SL T-series Cutters User’s Manual FIGURE 1-5: NOSE PIECE INSTALLATION Gently insert the knife into the tool shaft as shown in Figure 1-5. Hold the nose piece in place with one hand and, with the other hand, turn the knife holder counterclockwise until the alignment pin fits into the small notch of the tool shaft.
SummaSign Pro SL T-series Cutters User’s Manual FIGURE 1-7: KNIFE DEPTH ADJUSTMENT Set the knife pressure and knife depth as follows: Load media and power on the cutter. Press the key (MENU) key until the message “USER CONFIG 1’' appears on the display.
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SummaSign Pro SL T-series Cutters User’s Manual The knife depth is set correctly when the test pattern is visible on the front side of the media backing but not on the back. In general, you should increase the knife depth and knife pressure when using thicker types of vinyl.
SummaSign Pro SL T-series Cutters User’s Manual 1.6.2 INSTALLING A KNIFE FOR CUTTING MASKING STENCIL OR HEAVY MATERIALS As shown in Figure 1-9, insert the knife blade into the knife holder. Make sure the knife blade is secure inside the holder. The blade is secure when it cannot be removed manually from the knife holder.
To change the cutting speed, refer to paragraph 2.3.4. 1.7.3. INSTALLING A DRAG KNIFE The SummaSign Pro SL T-series cutters can also be operated with a DRAG knife. This configuration requires a drag knife and drag knife holder. Remove...
SummaSign Pro SL T-series Cutters User’s Manual Remove the nose piece (refer to Fig 1-12). Insert the drag knife into the tool shaft as shown in Fig 1-12. Turn the drag knife holder clockwise while holding the nose piece holder in place.
User’s Manual 1.6.3 INSTALLING A BALLPOINT PEN The SummaSign Pro SL cutters can also be operated with a BALLPOINT pen. After replacing the knife with a ballpoint pen, the cutter can be used as a plotter to draw draft plots of new or existing designs on paper.
SummaSign Pro SL T-series Cutters User’s Manual FIGURE 1-14: BALLPOINT HOLDER INSERTION To configure the cutter for ballpoint pen operation, press the key. Press the left or right jogging key until “BALLPOINT” appears on the second line of the LCD.
SummaSign Pro SL T-series Cutters User’s Manual 1.6.4 INSTALLING A POUNCING TOOL The SummaSign Pro SL cutters can also be operated with a POUNCING TOOL. After replacing the knife with a pouncing tool, the cutter can be used as a pouncer.
SummaSign Pro SL T-series Cutters User’s Manual 1.7 LOADING MEDIA The following procedures apply primarily when roll media is being used. When using a long sheet, roll the sheet up so that it resembles a media roll. The rolled sheet can then be aligned in the cutter in the same way as a media roll. When using short sheets, alignment is not as important.
SummaSign Pro SL T-series Cutters User’s Manual that the left and right edges of the media always rest on sleeves. Position the pinch rollers so that they are 3 to 15 mm (0.1" to 0.6") in from the edge of the media.
SummaSign Pro SL T-series Cutters User’s Manual Position the flanges on the support rollers at the rear of the cutter. Slide the two media guides under the media roll so that each flange rests in the groove in the guide. In this position, the media roll and guides can be shifted left and right.
SummaSign Pro SL T-series Cutters User’s Manual Use the first holes when using rolls without media flanges FIGURE 1-17: FEEDING ROLL MEDIA WITHOUT USING MEDIA FLANGES Make sure that the media follows a straight path from the roll to the cutting area.
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SummaSign Pro SL T-series Cutters User’s Manual NOTE It is not necessary to unroll the media manually from the roll. The cutter will unroll the media automatically during the load sequence. The positioning and routing of sheet material is identical to that of roll media.
SummaSign Pro SL T-series Cutters User’s Manual 1.8 MEDIA LOAD PROCEDURE SAFE OPERATION Do not place any objects in front of, or behind, the cutter that could interfere with cutter operation. Make sure the media is free to move forward and back. Keep hands, hair, clothing and jewelry away from moving parts.
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SummaSign Pro SL T-series Cutters User’s Manual Press the key again and the following message will appear on the LCD screen: Press the 1 key to load media from a roll. Press the 2 key to load media in sheet form.
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SummaSign Pro SL T-series Cutters User’s Manual An XXXX-value appears. You can change the default value by pressing the (+10), (-10), (-100), and (+100) jogging keys. Press to confirm the length, and the cutter will start shuffling the vinyl in order to set a track on the vinyl.
SECTION 2 2 OPERATION 2.1 THE CONTROL PANEL Figure 2-1 shows the control panel of the SummaSign Pro SL T-Series cutters. The main functions of the liquid crystal display (LCD) and the control panel keys are explained in the following paragraphs.
SummaSign Pro SL D-series Cutters User’s Manual 2.1.1 THE LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY The 32-character liquid crystal display (LCD) consists of two lines of 16 characters each. The LCD provides cutter status information during operations and displays menu options for the configuration of the cutter.
SummaSign Pro SL D-series Cutters User’s Manual The SPECIAL LOAD instruction is used to initiate registration of the OPOS markers just before a contour cut is begun. See the section on OPOS for more information about contour cutting. The RECUT instruction recuts the last file sent to the cutter (provided that it fit in the buffer).
USER CONFIG 1 (->4) of the four sets of configuration parameters stored in the cutter's memory Activates one of the resident cutting plots provided INTERNAL TEST for informational purposes. TABLE 2-1: CONTENTS OF THE SUMMASIGN PRO SL T-SERIES MENUS Operation...
SummaSign Pro SL D-series Cutters User’s Manual 2.1.5 THE ENTER KEY key (ENTER) is used to select the item currently displayed on the LCD. 1 - 2 2.1.6 THE 1 AND 2 KEYS The use of the 1 and 2 keys varies according to the operation in progress; their use is displayed on the LCD as appropriate.
They are explained in further detail in the following paragraphs. 2.2.1 ONLINE AND OFFLINE Online and offline are two important concepts when using the SummaSign Pro SL cutters. The cutter is online only when the following message is displayed on...
SummaSign Pro SL D-series Cutters User’s Manual When the cutter is online, but has not been selected by the host computer, the following conditions must be met: • The cutter must be powered ON. • Media must be loaded. For detailed media loading instructions, see Section 1.8.
SummaSign Pro SL D-series Cutters User’s Manual 2.3 THE USER CONFIG MENU The USER CONFIG(uration) menu gives access to different submenus that allow you to configure the cutter's operating parameters. Access to some of the submenus will be determined by the plotting language being used.
SummaSign Pro SL D-series Cutters User’s Manual 2.3.1 KNIFE PRESSURE The KNIFE PRESSURE submenu is used to set or modify the cutting pressure of the knife. The default knife pressure value is 120 grams. The knife pressure can be set between 0 and 400 grams.
SummaSign Pro SL D-series Cutters User’s Manual 2.3.5 OVERCUT The OVERCUT submenu enables you to establish an overcut to facilitate weeding. The default overcut value is 1. The overcut setting can be disabled (=0) or set to any value between 0(=off) and 10.
2.4.3 EMULATE The EMULATE submenu is used to select the cutter’s active cutting/plotting language. The SummaSign Pro SL cutters support DM/PL, HP-GL and HP-GL/2. The active plotting language is marked with an asterisk ( ) on the LCD. NOTE The cutter’s active cutting/plotting language MUST match the active cutting/plotting language set in the cutting software.
SummaSign Pro SL D-series Cutters User’s Manual 2.4.4 TOOL The TOOL submenu is used to select the default tool at power up. Select PEN to configure the cutter for plotting operations. Select DRAG KNIFE to configure the cutter for cutting operations.
SummaSign Pro SL D-series Cutters User’s Manual 2.4.8 PARITY The PARITY submenu is used to set or modify the byte format and parity type for RS-232-C serial communication between the cutter and the host computer. The default parity setting is bit 8 = 0 (8 data bits, no parity, the 8th bit being a low bit).
SummaSign Pro SL D-series Cutters User’s Manual 2.4.10 DM/PL ERRORS The DM/PL ERRORS submenu is used to determine whether or not different DM/PL errors, such as illegal plot commands, invalid parameter ranges or communication errors will be displayed on the LCD. This menu will only be displayed if PLOT LANGUAGE is set to DM/PL.
SummaSign Pro SL D-series Cutters User’s Manual 2.4.13 MEDIA SENSOR The MEDIA SENSOR submenu is used to activate or deactivate the media sensors. The sensors detect the presence and absence of media to prevent damage to the cutting strip and knife tip.
SummaSign Pro SL D-series Cutters User’s Manual 2.4.17 FLEX-CUT FLEX-CUT can be set to OFF, Mode 1 or Mode 2. When set to Modes 1 or 2, the cutter will alternately cut one length with full pressure and one length with reduced pressure.
SummaSign Pro SL D-series Cutters User’s Manual 2.5 INTERNAL TEST MENU To access an internal cut, proceed as follows: Power on the cutter. Load cutting or plotting media. Install a knife or pen. Press the key until INTERNAL TESTS is displayed. Press the jogging key.
SummaSign Pro SL D-series Cutters User’s Manual 2.5.1 TANG. KNIFE CALIBRATION The purpose of the knife calibration procedure is to detect and, if necessary, to correct problems related to the concentricity of the TANGENTIAL knife blade. This procedure should only be run when required. If cut quality problems are apparent when a new knife is installed, perform a knife calibration test as described in the following paragraphs.
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SummaSign Pro SL D-series Cutters User’s Manual NOTE Prior to knife calibration, load vinyl and install a knife to avoid damage to the cutting strip. 2.5.1.1 ADJUST ORIGIN test procedure INTERNAL TESTS CALIBRATE KNIFE Press to select the ORIGIN test.
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SummaSign Pro SL D-series Cutters User’s Manual However, if you obtained a pattern similar to the one above, decrease the value displayed on the LCD by pressing the jogging key to correct the closed-circle cut. To repeat the test, press the key.
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SummaSign Pro SL D-series Cutters User’s Manual However, if the cut resembles the pattern illustrated above, increase the value displayed on the LCD by pressing the jogging key to correct the closing lines cut. To repeat the test, press the key.
SummaSign Pro SL D-series Cutters User’s Manual Weed out the rectangle. If the pattern looks like the one above, decrease the value displayed on the LCD by pressing the jogging key to correct the closing lines cut. To repeat the test, press the key.
SummaSign Pro SL D-series Cutters User’s Manual 2.5.3 MENU PLOT MENU PLOT produces a hard copy of the present cutter configuration, i.e. the parameter settings in the USER CONFIG submenus described in Section 2.3. The plot is organised by menu categories to show the current values for the various USER CONFIG 1(->4) configurations.
SummaSign Pro SL D-series Cutters User’s Manual 2.5.6 CAL. MEDIA CALIBRATION MEDIA is used to calibrate the sensitivity of the Optical Positioning System (OPOS) sensor. This calibration is normally done at the factory. Run this test when the cutter fails to read the markers on a certain type of media.
SummaSign Pro SL D-series Cutters User’s Manual 2.6 SYSTEM TESTS The SYSTEM TESTS submenu consists of a special set of procedures that are not required for normal cutter operation. Field service personnel, however, will occasionally use the SYSTEM TESTS menu. When in SYSTEM TESTS, the cutter is fully operational and performs as described in this manual.
SummaSign Pro SL D-series Cutters User’s Manual 2.6.4 OPTICAL SENSOR OPTICAL SENSOR is used to check whether or not the OPOS sensor is functioning properly. If the sensor is positioned over black media, the sensor output should be High (above 1500). If the sensor is positioned over white media, the sensor output should be low (below 400).
SummaSign Pro SL D-series Cutters User’s Manual 2.6.8 RAM TEST This test completely checks the RAM bit for bit. The cutter will not respond when this test is in progress. After this test is complete, power the cutter off and then back on.
3 GENERAL INFORMATION 3.1 MAINTENANCE & CLEANING The SummaSign Pro SL cutters have a number of sliding surfaces made of smooth metals and plastics. They are virtually friction-free and require no lubrication. They will, however, collect dust and lint that may affect the performance of the cutter.
SummaSign Pro SL T-series Cutters User’s Manual FIGURE 3-1: CLEANING OF THE DRIVE SLEEVES 3.1.2 CLEANING THE SENSORS After a while, the sensors may become dirty with accumulated residue from the media that may cause the cutter to malfunction. To clean the sensor area, proceed as follows: The sensors are located on the right side of the cutter, one on the front platen and another on the rear platen.
SummaSign Pro SL T-series Cutters User’s Manual 3.1.3 CLEANING THE NOSE PIECE The nose piece may accumulate residue from the vinyl that will result in poor cut quality. To clean the nose piece, proceed as follows: Gently remove the knife by turning the knife holder counterclockwise.
SummaSign Pro SL T-series Cutters User’s Manual 3.2 OPERATING VOLTAGE CONVERSION The power entry module cover shows four possible AC voltage settings (100 V, 120 V, 220 V and 240 V). The hole with the pin indicates the cutter's active voltage setting.
If the documentation does not contain specific cabling instructions, use the Summa cable specifications recommended for your computer. The SummaSign Pro SL cutters come equipped with serial, parallel, and USB connectors. If more than one port is connected at the same time, the port that receives data first will stay active and the others will be deactivated.
SummaSign Pro SL T-series Cutters User’s Manual 2. The default settings of the cutter are as follow: • Baudrate : 9600 (see 2.3.8.) • Data Bits • Parity : None (see 2.3.9.) • Stop Bits • Flow Control : Hardware 4.2.2 SERIAL INTERFACE CONNECTOR ON THE CUTTER...
SummaSign Pro SL T-series Cutters User’s Manual 4.3 USB INTERFACE NOTES 4.3.1 USB SPECIFICATIONS The cutter’s built-in USB interface is based on the standards specified in Universal Serial Bus Specifications Revision 1.1. The cable length should be 5 meters or less.
SummaSign Pro SL T-series Cutters User’s Manual 4.3.3 INSTALLING THE USB SOFTWARE FOR YOUR MACINTOSH Minimum requirements: • Macintosh OS 8.5 or higher • Macintosh with USB connection Plug the cable connector securely into the cutter’s USB interface connector. Plug the other end of the cable into the Mac’s USB interface connector.
SummaSign Pro SL T-series Cutters User’s Manual 4.3.4 PARALLEL INTERFACE CONNECTOR ON CUTTER The use of a shielded parallel cable is required. Parrallel interface Connector -Data Strobe Ground Data 1 Ground Data 2 Ground Data 3 Ground Data 4 Ground Pin n°...
Types of media A wide range of vinyl types has been evaluated and extensively tested on the SummaSign Pro SL D-series cutters. Only duly certified media should be used to ensure operation in compliance with the functional specifications of the Pro SL T-series cutters as listed in Section 1 of the User’s Manual.
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SummaSign Pro SL T-series Cutters User’s Manual MACTAC MaCal 8900 MaCal 9700 MaCal 9800 MULTIFIX Series 1000 Series 5000 Series 7000 MULTISTIQ Series 4500 Series 4600 Series 4700 500 - 600 - 700 Series TESA Tesacal 4196 X-FILM Economy Appendix...
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