Do you have a question about the DC4 and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers
Kathy Burns
January 22, 2025
How do I save the settings as default on the scrreening? i uncheck it so i can change it to what i run on printer, but then it goes back every time.
1 comments:
Mr. Anderson
May 14, 2025
To save the default settings on the Summa DC4 screening, ensure the default screens option is checked. This will use the frequency, angle, and dot shape specified in the EPS file during ripping and printing. If unchecked, these parameters can be changed manually.
FCC Notice The DC4 has been tested and found to comply with the limits for Class A digital devices, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment.
Failure to register may result in delayed responses to your warranty and service inquiries. Contact Information All inquiries, comments or suggestions concerning this and other Summa manuals should be directed to: North America and Asia Eastern United States Europe, Africa and...
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The DC4 is the ultimate label and decal production unit, combining high image durability and precision contour cutting into one device. The DC4 uses thermal transfer technology. This is a dry transfer printing process that uses heat and pressure to create a durable bond with the resin-based inks and the media.
Setup ...................... 1-1 1.1 Unpacking the DC4 ..................1-1 1.2 DC4 printer components ................1-4 1.2.1 The DC4 as viewed from the front ............1-4 1.2.2 The printer as viewed from the back ............1-6 1.3 Ideal Operating Environment ..............1-7 1.4 Connecting the Printer to the Mains ............
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2.7 How to Change media width ..............2-11 2.7.1 Pinch roller positioning................. 2-11 2.7.2 Using oversized media widths.............. 2-11 2.8 Preparing the DC4 for long print-outs ............. 2-12 Print & Cut ....................3-1 3.1 Contour cutting .................... 3-1 3.1.1 Making the design ..................
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User’s Manual Detailed Operation ................4-1 4.1 Introduction ....................4-1 4.2 Main menu ....................4-2 4.2.1 Printer menu ................... 4-2 4.2.2 Reprint job ....................4-2 4.2.3 Cutter menu .................... 4-2 4.2.4 System setup ..................4-2 4.2.5 Select User Configuration ............... 4-2 4.2.6 Shut down….
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6.2.4 Settings menu ..................6-6 6.2.5 Tests menu ..................... 6-6 6.2.6 Action list ....................6-7 6.2.7 Tool bars ....................6-9 6.3 Summa Color Control (SCC) configuration ..........6-10 6.3.1 ColorControl Preferences ..............6-10 6.3.2 Process preferences ................6-11 6.3.3 RIP preferences ..................6-12 6.3.4 DC4 preferences ..................
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1-7 Properly grounded connection ................1-8 1-8 Media is loaded and ready ................... 1-9 1-9 DC4 is on and no media is loaded ............... 1-9 1-10 Media Core holder ................... 1-12 1-11 Position of the supply roll on the DC4 .............. 1-12 1-12 Loading roll at the back of DC4 ................
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6-3 HASP driver installation ..................6-2 6-4 installation of Printer Tools ................... 6-4 6-5 installation of separate printer tools ..............6-4 6-6 Summa Printer Control start screen ..............6-5 6-7 configuration settings ................... 6-7 6-8 Tool properties ..................... 6-7 6-9 info ........................6-8 6-10 User configurations ....................
Setup 1.1 Unpacking the DC4 NOTE: Save the shipping box and any other packaging items in case the printer needs to be moved. Do not transport the printer without first completely repacking it in its original packaging. CAUTION: For safety reasons, no fewer than two people should be involved in unpacking the printer.
Slide the ramp under the stand, closest to the end with the foam suspension blocks. From this point on, two people ARE REQUIRED for safety reasons. Lift the DC4 from each side, just high enough so the foam blocks can be pulled out from underneath the DC4. FIG 1-3...
Position the ramps so the printer can be rolled down from the pallet. Be sure the wheels of the printer are aligned with the ramp legs. FIG 1-4 UNPACKING DC4 FINAL STAGE 4 Open the front cover and loosen the printer carriage, then remove the foam underneath the carriage, which is protecting the printhead.
User’s Manual 1.2 DC4 printer components 1.2.1 The DC4 as viewed from the front FIG 1-5 DC4, FRONT VIEW 1. Control Panel and LCD: All printer activity can be initiated from the 8 key control panel. The LCD informs the user on the current status of the printer, or actions, which need to be taken.
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User’s Manual 6. Front Wheels: The front wheels of the DC4 are equipped with locking brakes. Secure the brakes, once the DC4 is permanently installed, by pressing the locking wheel brake down with your foot. 7. Media Take-up Sensor: The media take up sensor enables the take-up rollers.
1.6.1. 3. Parallel port: This connector (IEEE1284-B) provides a communication link between the DC4 and the host computer. It can be used as a connection with a LAN, in combination with an Ethernet to parallel converter. 4. USB port: This interface is based on the standards specified in Universal Serial Bus Specifications Revision 1.1.
The printer should be located away from windows and doors, preferably within a clean interior room of a building. Check for the following conditions when installing the DC4: Surface must be level without vibration Operating temperature should be stable, between 15 - 27 degrees Celsius (60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit).
User’s Manual 1.4 Connecting the Printer to the Mains 1.4.1 Grounding (“Earthing”) CAUTION: An insulated ground conductor must be installed as part of the branch circuit that supplies power to the wall outlet to which the printer is connected. The ground conductor must have the same size, insulation material and thickness as the grounded and ungrounded branch circuit supply conductors, but the insulating seat should be green or green with yellow striping.
When there is no media loaded, the DC4 will prompt the user for a media load procedure. When media is loaded, the DC4 will measure the media width and check the presence of the cassettes and estimate how much usable ribbon is remaining on the roll.
7. Remove the CD from the CD-ROM drive. 8. Restart the computer. NOTE: When the DC4 is connected to a computer for the first time using the USB cable, the computer will detect the printer and ask for the USB driver. The driver is included on the CD containing this user’s manual.
5. Insert the DC4 CD into the computer’s CD-ROM drive. 6. Click on the “USB install driver” icon on the CD-ROM. This will automatically install the driver and the Summa Port Mapper utility. 7. Remove the CD from the CD-ROM drive.
4. Place the media roll on the DC4 rollers. The right core holder guide is at a fixed position on the supply rollers bar. The left guide is adjustable. Make sure the media roll is positioned as in figure 1-8.
7. Align the edge of the media using the alignment markers (1), on the front of the base, then press Just before the DC4 starts to print, it will test the media alignment and the position, relative to the origin, before it starts printing. If the media is to far from the origin, then the DC4 will “Park”...
DC4 as shown in the picture. PREPARING TAKE-UP ROLL Attach the scrap media to the edge of the vinyl. Allow for some slack so the DC4 can align and park the media if necessary. If the take-up rollers are enabled, and if the DC4 is printing, then the media will be rolled up.
DC4, thus preventing the vinyl from collecting dust. When the DC4 is used for print and cut, then the media baskets, front and rear, MUST be used, otherwise the vinyl will pick up dust, damaging the print.
1.7 Loading ribbon cassettes 1.7.1 Loading and removing the cassettes The DC4 can take up to 8 cassettes. The cassettes can be loaded or removed from the cassette station at any time, even during printing. If the printer is missing a color, then it will give a message on the LCD just before it needs the color.
(band), carefully aligning each pixel. The ribbons are wound onto plastic cores, which are unique to the DC4 cassette and printer carriage. First, remove the protective ribbon wrapping and place the RI (ribbon identification) chip aside.
User’s Manual 4. When closing the cassette, make sure the hinge pins (top piece) fit securely into the notched out bottom part of the cassette (2). FIG 1-20 1-20 CLOSING THE RIBBON CASSETTE Setup 1-18...
User’s Manual Knife Installation SAFETY WARNING: The DC4 uses razor-sharp vinyl cutting knives. The knife blades may cause serious personal injuries if handled without proper caution. Use extreme care when operating the cutter; and when installing, removing or handling the cutter’s knife blade! 1.8.1 Removing the drag knife...
User’s Manual 1.8.2 Installing the drag knife 1. Remove the aluminum plunger from the plastic knife holder (5) by turning the knurled adjustment knob (3) counterclockwise until the plunger comes out of the holder. 2. Insert the conical, non-cutting end of the knife into the opening in the narrow end of the holder;...
Basic Operation 2.1 The control Panel Figure 2-1 shows the control panel of the DC4. The most used functions of the LCD and the control panel keys are explained in the following paragraphs. It is advised not to touch the control panel while the machine is printing or cutting, except for canceling the current job.
2.1.3 The key returns back a step in to the previous menu level. To get at the top level of the menu, press this key three times. The DC4 will also then be ready for printing if media is loaded.
User’s Manual 2.2 How to Set printing Density Print density refers to the level of energy being sent to the printhead. If the density is too low, the transfer will be incomplete (less than 100%). If the density is too high, the colors will become matted and washed out.
User’s Manual 2.3 How to Set Media Tracking Parameters The DC4 prints and measures small lines, located at each side of the print, to optimize the tracking performance. After each printing pass, the media is advanced and those small lines are read by a sensor to align the consecutive printed passes.
5. Press to initiate the recommended test. A test pattern is printed and then cut out. Then the DC4 calibrates the OptiTrac sensor and then completes the line feed test. The printed lines are measured and then internal parameters are adjusted automatically. If the DC4 has to compensate too much, it will prompt the operator to redo the test.
A test pattern is printed. Some printed lines are measured and then internal parameters are adjusted automatically. If the DC4 has to compensate too much, it will prompt the operator with following text: “VALUE OUT OF RANGE ALIGN HEAD MECHANICALLY”.
User’s Manual 2.4 How to set the main knife parameters: There are two important knife parameters, the offset and the knife pressure. The knife offset is a knife depended parameter. The knife pressure is a media depended parameters. Each time the media type is changed, the knife pressure has to be checked each time media type is changed.
User’s Manual Setting the knife offset: 1. Power on the printer and load media (see section 1.6.1). 2. Press the key and the key until cutter menu is visible. The cutter menu will appear on the LCD. 3. Press the key.
4. Press the key until the calibrate print & cut menu is visible on LCD. Press the key. The DC4 first prints and cuts out a test pattern similar to the one below. FIG 2-8 CPRINT AND CUT TEST PATTERN 5.
User’s Manual 2.6 How to Change the User (Quick Parameter Change) The DC4 printers include 16 user configurations, all of which consist of the same parameters. Each configuration can have unique parameter settings. This allows the printer to be quickly and easily reconfigured for different types of jobs or media.
137cm - 54inch; M for 76cm - 30inch; s for 61cm – 24inch). If a job is sent to the DC4 and the loaded media width is not calibrated with the correct line feed, then the DC prompts the user with the message: WARNING: USER NOT CALIBRATED FOR THIS MEDIAWIDTH.
2.8 Preparing the DC4 for long print-outs The DC4 has a fixed position at the rear for the roller guiding of the flange. It is possible that some types of vinyls are not wound up even (e.g. the core sticking out).
DC4 and then the cutting data. The DC4 has also an accurate Optical Positioning System. This can be used when it is impossible to contour-cut right after the printing. For instance when the design has to be laminated and then cut afterwards.
Define the line that needs to be cut as a special color that the RIP recognizes as an object to be cut. When using Summa Color Control (see section 6.3) it is advised to use the spot color palette and the spot color CONTOUR.
Make sure the left row is not shifted in the up/down direction in reference to the right row of markers. Make the layer on which the contour lines are invisible and not printable. Print the design together with markers on the DC4. Print&Cut...
User’s Manual Make sure not to scale or rotate the design in the RIP. Leave at least 30cm after the design. Leave the front edge also to the design. It is advised to group the jobs on a roll, since with each sheet there needs to be rear margin of +/- 30cm FIG 3-5 PRINTED DESIGN...
OPOS parameters automatically to the DC4. Just click on the OPOS cut icon and the parameters will be send to the DC4 and the special load will be activated (the machine will ask the user to put the knife tip above the first OPOS marker.
User’s Manual 3.2 Cutting trough The DC4 can also cut through both vinyl and backing. This is done with the option FlexCut. FlexCut can be set to OFF, Fast, or Accurate. When the cutter is set to Fast or Accurate, it will alternately cut a certain length with full pressure, and a certain length with reduced pressure.
Detailed Operation 4.1 Introduction This section is a ......... detailed list of all parameters that can be changed and tests ........that can be initiated from the touch screen. This section may be ........used as a reference for locating a certain setting or test.
4.2.2 Reprint job This menu is only accessible if the hard disk option is installed. The DC4 then stores every sent job on hard disk. If the hard disk is almost full, the oldest jobs will be deleted. After pressing...
The DOT OVERLAP sub-menu is used to activate or deactivate the dot overlap. When the DC4 prints the next pass of an image, the last dot on the edge of the previous pass is reprinted. Dot overlap can be set to ON, OFF or HALF by pressing the key.
The default value for white vinyl is cyan. If white, gold or silver is chosen as OptiTrac™ color, then the DC4 will raise the head between the left and right OptiTrac™ mark if the color is not used. With all other colors, it will keep the head down.
The head alignment test is used to check if the carriage is aligned (mounted) correctly on the DC4. This test should only be performed after a head or a carriage change. Fig 4-4 shows the pattern that is printed using this test.
User’s Manual 4.4 Cutter menu The cutter menu contains parameters and small routines to optimize the cutting quality. 4.4.1 Knife pressure The KNIFE PRESSURE parameter is used to set the cutting pressure of the knife. arrow keys until the desired pressure is displayed on the LCD, Press the then press to confirm.
User’s Manual 4.4.5 DIN test The DIN TEST CUT performs an electrical and mechanical test of the cutter, in order to check the cut quality, but also provides the user with feedback on knife setting, knife pressure, knife offset and cutting depth. This test cut is always a DIN A4 portrait/A-size image.
User’s Manual 4.5 Setup menu The setup menu contains parameters, tests and info on the DC4 that are not often used. 4.5.1 Take-up roll The TAKE-UP ROLL sub-menu is used to activate or deactivate the take-up rollers. The take-up rollers can be set to disable, print only job and print&cut job by pressing key.
Then it will search the edges of the two outer rectangles. If the vinyl is not appropriate for the test, then the DC4 will give a message. Then the test has to redone with a vinyl which has a high contrast between the media and the backing color.
4.5.13 Print Demo File This menu option is only visible if a hard disk is installed. On the hard disk of the DC4 there are two demo files. A print and cut file of 800mm by 380mm and a color chart. Pres the key to enter the menu.
They will, however, collect dust and lint, which may affect the performance of the DC4. Keep the DC4 as clean as possible by keeping the front cover always closed. When necessary, clean the unit with a soft cloth dampened with isopropyl alcohol or mild detergent.
To clean the sensor area, proceed as follows: 1. The front sensor is located on the DC4 left side, right next to the pinch roller. The rear sensor is located on the same line as the front sensor but on the rear plate.
User’s Manual 5.1.3 Changing he cleaning pad Located on the left side of the DC4 is a printhead cleaning pad. The printer cleans the head periodically on this pad. It is possible that after a while some dust will accumulate on this pad. Therefore it is advised to clean this pad from time to time.
Do not clean the printhead above the printing surface. To clean the printhead, proceed as follows: 1. Power off the DC4. Open up the rear cover and take out the cassette. 2. Use a lint free cloth, or gauze, moistened with isopropyl alcohol.
2. Cut a piece of vinyl, the size of the printing surface (1 x 0.14m) and stick it onto the printing surface. 3. Power on the DC4 and load the media. Print out a rectangle full width and height, consisting out of two colors app 20% coverage.
User’s Manual 5.2 OPERATING VOLTAGE CAUTION: Before changing the fuse, make sure that the cutter is completely disconnected from its power source. CAUTION: For continued protection against risk of fire, replace only with the same type and rating of fuse: T4.0A, 250V SCHURTER SPT OR EQUIVALENT. The power entry module detects the line voltage and switches automatically between 110V and 230V.
2. Spot color palette for Corel and Illustrator. 3. Summa Color Control (optional – dongle required). 4. WinPlot. 5. Plug in for Corel and Illustrator for Summa Color Control and WinPlot. 6. ICC profiles. When the installation CD is inserted in the computer, then it start normally automatically.
User’s Manual 6.1.1 Installing Summa Color Control Color Control is a RIP it can import eps files and then send the data to the printer. It accepts both print and contour-cut data. Color Control requires a hardware key (also called a dongle).
WinPlot is a cutter driver. It accepts eps and ai files with cut data. It can send then the data to the DC4. The DC4 is not made to use as a cutter. Reason for that is the supply mechanism. It is internally switches off during cutting (to avoid that the supply roll unrolls out off itself because of the constant movement of the vinyl during cutting).
This installation just puts all the tools on your hard disk, ready for installation To install later, just click on start -> All Programs -> Summa -> Summa Printer Tools. It is recommended to install directly after installations of the printer tool program.
The Summa Printer Control program basically has the same functions as the control panel. It is up to the user to decide which way he will work most efficiently. The users who will work with the Summa Printer Control program will notice that it is a very powerful and practical tool.
User’s Manual 6.2.3 Configuration menu With the configuration menu, the language and units of measurement, which Summa Printer control uses, can be changed. With the option menu more or less parameters can be made visible. 6.2.4 Settings menu The settings menu can be used to display certain DC4sx parameters on your computer.
User’s Manual 6.2.6 Action list With the action list, or the setting menu, parameters settings of the DC4 can be displayed on the computer. 6.2.6.1 Configuration settings Below is a screen capture of the parameters that can be changed using Summa Printer Control (option’...
User’s Manual FIG 6-9 INFO Info gives the operator the most important parameters at a glance. The printed media area can be set to zero with the eraser tool right next to it. The screenshot is made when info is clicked while holding the shift key pressed. 6.2.6.4 Users FIG 6-10 6-10...
User’s Manual 6.2.7 Tool bars Summa Printer Control has two toolbars. The first toolbar is just a copy of the File menu. The second tool bar is a mix of much used commands. With this button, printer- and test files can be sent to the printer. This can also be used to upgrade the printer.
ColorControl is a Windows based program that processes Postscript files (“EPS”, “PS”, “EPSF” and “PDF” files). ColorControl provides the RIP (Raster Image Processor) to enable the operator to output vector and raster images to the DC4. 6.3.1 ColorControl Preferences FIG 6-11...
User’s Manual 6.3.2 Process preferences FIG 6-12 6-12 PROCESS PREFERENCES Units: sets the units of measurement for pixel resolution, page size and rulers within the preview menu. Software 6-11...
User’s Manual 6.3.3 RIP preferences FIG 6-13 6-13 RIP PREFERENCES 1. Lib directory: where SCC’s library files reside. The default is “C:\Program Files\SummaCC\lib\psrip3”. If during an installation the files are stored elsewhere, then change this setting appropriately. If the settings are incorrect, SCC will give a fatal error when ripping.
1. Destination printer: select the interface port, most commonly used is the USB port. 2. Check if printer type is set to Summa DC4. This is important for maximum printing width and tile size. 3. RIP output directory: specify the directory where ripped files will be stored.
User’s Manual 6.3.5 Reprint preferences FIG 6-15 6-15 REPRINT PREFERENCES Reprint directory: select to use the RIP output directory or choose another location to store ripped files. Software 6-14...
User’s Manual 6.3.6 How to rip and print To begin, enter the menu and click on . In the subsequent dialog boxes, browse to the file that needs to be printed and click on the button. The print dialog box will appear, there are 5 tabs. General tab FIG 6-16 6-16...
User’s Manual 6.3.7 Color Tab FIG 6-17 6-17 COLOR TAB 1. Colorspace: select 3 color (CMY), 4 color (CMYK), Monochrome (Grey scale) or spot color only. Printing in 4 colors is chosen to deepen shadows and to provide a true black. Printing in 3 colors reduces the cost of the output. (See fig below – only visible in color) PRINTED CMYK PRINTED CMY...
Do not confuse this term ‘dots per mm’ (dpmm or dpi). Dpmm is the resolution of the printer. The head of a DC4 has a fixed resolution of 12 dpmm (304 dpi). The number of shades depends on the relation between dpmm and lpmm (lpi and dpi).
User’s Manual 4. Angle: To get various shades to reproduce an image, the RIP uses a process called screening. Screening breaks an image down into series of dots. Each screen is set to a certain angle. Thus creating intersecting rows that form a pattern as dot shapes, know as rosettes.
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Ellipse is the recommended default shape. Rhomboid, Double Dot and other shapes are can be chosen for special effects, but are not generally recommended. Summa cannot guarantee print quality using any shape other than Ellipse. Tips: For difficult colors, use Rhomboid 0.8 to 1.1 lines /mm (20 to 30 lines/inch)
There is also the option to print out each tile separately. If the weed box option is chosen, then the DC4 cuts a border around the print out.. If there is print and cut information, in the file, then SCC will automatically cut a border around the design.
User’s Manual 6.3.10 Advanced tab FIG 6-22 6-22 ADVANCED TAB 1. Horizontal offset: specify the offset from the origin of a normal printout. 2. Job name (optional): specify the name the printer will use in the printer’s queue. 3. Use ColorControl UCR/GCR: a process that determines the amount of black ink used to replace CMY in areas where those three inks overlap.
User’s Manual 5. Use High resolution mode is an option to print in high resolution. When this mode is used, then the DC4 prints with a resolution of 304x608 dpi which results in higher color contrast and scharper images. 6. Masking is an option to print color layers underneath other colors. Commonly used for printing on clear vinyl.
User’s Manual FIG 6-25 6-25 VISION PRINT 6.3.11 How to rip,View and print Follow next procedure to RIP, View and print. Enter the menu and click on In the print dialogue box choose Set the rest of the printing preferences as explained in previous section. Click on Enter the menu and click on...
Specifications 7.1 Features List 7.1.1 Hardware • OptiPrint™ media cleaner • Powered roll feed system with media flanges • Powered roll up system with media flanges • Baskets • Rear and Front Media sensor • Hard-Disk (2 GB job storage space 7.1.2 Interface •...
Need help?
Do you have a question about the DC4 and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers
How do I save the settings as default on the scrreening? i uncheck it so i can change it to what i run on printer, but then it goes back every time.
To save the default settings on the Summa DC4 screening, ensure the default screens option is checked. This will use the frequency, angle, and dot shape specified in the EPS file during ripping and printing. If unchecked, these parameters can be changed manually.
This answer is automatically generated