Operation Instructions English VJ-1204 Eco-Solvent Ultra Printer FOR EUROPE ONLY!
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Operation Instructions VJ-1204 COPYRIGHT NOTICE COPYRIGHT © 2007 Mutoh Europe N.V. All rights reserved. This document may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without written permission of the copyright owner. This document is furnished to support the Mutoh Eco-Solvent Ultra Printer VJ-1204.
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Operation Instructions VJ-1204 TABLE OF CONTENT 1 Safety instructions....................................................................................................................... 7 1.1 Warnings, cautions and notes................................................................................................. 7 1.2 Important safety instructions ................................................................................................... 8 1.3 Warning labels .................................
Operation Instructions VJ-1204 4 Periodical Maintenance ............................................................................................................. 49 4.1 Done by end user.................................................................................................................. 49 4.1.1 Cleaning the outer case ................................................................................................. 49 4.1.2 Cleaning inside the printer .......................................
Operation Instructions VJ-1204 1 SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 1.1 WARNINGS, CAUTIONS AND NOTES The contents of alarm displays included in this User’s Guide and warning labels stuck on the main body of the printer are classified into three categories, according to degree of danger. Understand the meaning of the following warning terms and follow the contents (instructions) in this guide.
Operation Instructions VJ-1204 1.2 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS Symbol Meaning Indicates ‘prohibited’ operations. Indicates required operations. Important Do not install the printer places where there is a possibility that the printer may be damaged or might fall by chance. • On a shaky stand • Slanting location • Places where vibration of other machines etc. is transmitted Do not stand on the printer or do not place heavy things on top of it. The printer may be damaged or might fall by chance.
Operation Instructions VJ-1204 Caution Pay attention to the following points, while handling the power cable. • Do not place or keep heavy objects on the power cable. • Do not bend, twist or pull the power cable by force. • Do not route the power cable near heating appliances. Pay attention to the following points while handling the power supply plug. Any mishandling of the power cable could cause a fire. • Make sure that no foreign substances such as dust etc. are stuck to the power plug.
Operation Instructions VJ-1204 1.3 WARNING LABELS In this section, the handling, location and types of warning labels are explained. A warning label is used on parts of the printer which especially need caution. Understand the locations and the descriptions of the danger associated with each label before operating the printer. 1.3.1 Handling the operation procedure labels • • • Notes Check whether all the warning labels can be read.
Operation Instructions VJ-1204 No. Types of warning label 1 2 3 4 5 6 11 AP-77170, Rev. 2.
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Operation Instructions VJ-1204 2 INSTALLATION PROCEDURE 2.1 INSTALLATION ENVIRONMENT Be sure to read and understand the safety warnings before handling the printer. 2.1.
Operation Instructions VJ-1204 2.1.2 Installation space Install on a level floor which meets the following conditions. It has enough strength to support the weight of the printer and the stand • Notes For the weight of the printer and the stand, refer to the Operation Manual. A B C D 500 mm 1000 mm 1000 mm 1000 mm E F G 14 1440 mm 3000 mm 2660 mm AP-77170, Rev. 2.
Operation Instructions VJ-1204 2.2 UNPACKING THE BOXES Be sure to read and understand the safety warnings before handling the printer. 2.2.1 Unpacking the printer box Step 1 : Carry the box to where you will unpack it. Step 2 : Remove the bands. Step 3 : Open the box and take out the following components: • Accessories box • Scroller No. 1 2 3 4 Name Printer box Scroller Packing material Starter kit 2.2.2 Unpacking the stand box Step 1 : Carry the box to where you will unpack it.
Operation Instructions VJ-1204 2.3 VERIFYING THE BUNDLED ITEMS After unpacking, please verify that the product is not damaged and that no components are missing. • • Notes After unpacking, please verify that the product is not damaged and that no components are missing. If so, Please contact your local MUTOH dealer. 2.3.1 Items in the printer box No. 1 2 Name Printer body A0 Scroller 2”-3” compatible Quantity 1 1 No.
Operation Instructions VJ-1204 2.3.3 Items in the stand box No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 17 Name Left support Right support Caster section (left, right) Central beam Book holder Hexagon socket head cap screw Butterfly bolt Hexagonal wrench Quantity 1 1 2 1 1 8 2 1 AP-77170, Rev. 2.
Operation Instructions VJ-1204 2.4 NAME OF THE PARTS AND FUNCTIONS 2.4.1 Front section 3 9 10 2 7 1 8 4 5 6 N° 1 2 Name Media hold lever Operation panel 3 Front cover 4 5 6 Waste fluid tank Stand Book holder 7 Media guide 8 9 Media cut groove Pressurizing lever 10 Platen Function To fix and release media. To set the operation conditions and various function settings. To protect the user from coming in contact with the driving mechanism during operation.
Operation Instructions VJ-1204 2.4.2 Rear section 7 5 1 4 K C M Y 6 No. 1 3 4 5 6 Name AC inlet Network interface connector USB connector Scroller receiver Media feed slot Ink cassette slots 7 Media guide 2 4 3 2 Function To connect the power cable. To connect the network interface cable. To connect the USB cable. To install the scroller with roll media. To insert roll media. To install the ink cassettes. Used for smoothly feeding through media when the media is set or printed.
Operation Instructions VJ-1204 2.5 ASSEMBLING Be sure to read and understand the safety warnings before handling the printer. 2.5.1 Assembling the stand Step 0 : • • Follow the steps shown below to assemble the right leg of the stand. Attach the right support (1) to the caster section (3). Fasten two hexagon head cap screws (4) with the hexagonal wrench. No. 1 2 3 4 Step 0 : Assemble the left leg of the stand in the same way as step 1. No.
Operation Instructions VJ-1204 Step 4 : Fasten the hexagon head cap screws (4) with the hexagonal wrench. No. 1 2 3 4 Step 0 : Name Central beam Left leg Right leg Hexagon head cap screws Attach the book holder to the right side of the stand as shown below. No. 1 2 Step 0 : Name Leg (right) Book holder Verify that each component is fastened firmly by gently shaking the stand. 21 AP-77170, Rev. 2.
Operation Instructions VJ-1204 2.5.2 Mounting the stand to the printer Step 0 : Lock the two casters on the front side of the stand as shown on the image below. No. 1 2 Step 0 : • Name Casters Caster locks Lift the printer main body by way of the hand grips (1), and align the rear side rubber feet (3) with the holes of the stand. Notes On top of each leg as well as on the underside of the printer body there are arrows pictured.
Operation Instructions VJ-1204 Step 3 : Place the product on the stand so that the rear rubber leg tips fit into the holes on the stand. No. 1 2 Step 0 : Fix the printer to the stand by fastening the two butterfly bolts. Step 0 : Secure the printer to the stand by bolting the butterfly bolts. No. 1 23 Name Printer main body Holes on the stand Name Butterfly bolts AP-77170, Rev. 2.
Operation Instructions VJ-1204 2.5.3 Removing protective materials The printer has protective materials in the places shown below. Step 5 : Remove all tapes from each cover. Step 5 : Open the front cover, unscrew the butterfly screw (2) and remove the metal plate (1) fixing the head unit. • Notes Do not throw away this metal plate, you will need it again if you ever want to transfer or transport your printer. No. 1 2 24 Name Metal plate Butterfly screw AP-77170, Rev. 2.
Operation Instructions VJ-1204 2.6 LEVELLING THE PRINTER • • Notes Please check that the butterfly bolts are not loose before/after carrying this product. When transferring or carrying outside, separate the printer and the stand. Step 2 : Check that the two butterfly bolts attaching the stand to the printer are not loose. Step 2 : Carry the printer to the installation place. Step 2 : Lock the two casters on the front side. 1 No.
Operation Instructions VJ-1204 2.7 TRANSFER AND TRANSPORTATION 2.7.1 Transferring the printer Be sure to read and understand the safety warnings before handling the printer. (1) Pre-transfer steps Step 0 : Verify that the printer has been switched OFF. Step 0 : Verify that the butterfly bolts attaching the stand with the printer, are not loosened. Step 0 : Verify that the printer head is in the rightmost position.
Operation Instructions VJ-1204 2.7.2 Transporting the printer When transporting the printer, it is necessary to pack the printer as it was shipped, using the protective materials and packing materials to protect the printer from vibration and shocks. • Notes When transporting the printer, consult your MUTOH product dealer. (0) Pre- transport procedure Step 0 : Switch ON the printer. Step 0 : Verify that the printer is in Normal mode. Step 0 : Remove all ink cassettes.
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Operation Instructions VJ-1204 3 PREPARING FOR A JOB 3.1 CONNECTING THE POWER CABLES Be sure to read and understand the safety warnings before handling the printer. Step 4 : • Make sure that the power key is Switched OFF. Notes The power is switched ON when the [Power] key of the operation panel is pressed. In that case, press the key once again to switch OFF the power. Step 4 : Plug the power cable to the AC inlet at the back of the printer. 1 2 No.
Operation Instructions VJ-1204 3.2 SWITCHING THE POWER ON / OFF 3.2.1 Switching the power ON Step1: Press the [Power] key on the operation panel to power ON the printer. Step2: The Power lamp on the operation panel lights up in green. Step3: The printer starts initial operation. Step4: When the initial operation is complete, the printer enters the normal status. 3.2.
Operation Instructions VJ-1204 3.3 CONNECTING THE PRINTER TO THE WORKSTATION • Switch OFF both the printer and the workstation. • Plug the network interface cable (1) into the network interface connector (2) located at the back of the printer. 2 1 No. 1 2 • Name Network interface cable Network interface connector Secure the network interface cable (1) with the cable clip (2). See image below. 2 No.
Operation Instructions VJ-1204 3.4 INSTALLING THE INK CASSETTES Be sure to read and understand the safety warnings before handling the printer. Step 3 : Switch ON the printer. • The printer initializes. • After the initial operation, the operation panel displays “Insert CleaningCart”. Step 3 : Take out the cleaning cassette from the solvent resistant blister. Step 3 : Install the 4 cleaning cassettes into the ink cassette slots.
Operation Instructions VJ-1204 After the head cleaning, take out the ink cassette from the solvent resistant blister and shake each cassette gently two or three times before installing. Step 5 : • • • The slots for ink cassettes are specified depending on colours of the ink cassettes. Match the colour marked at the front of the slots with the colour of the ink cassette. Install the ink cassette with the arrow mark “▲” face-up and pointing to the rear of the printer.
Operation Instructions VJ-1204 3.5 MEDIA HANDLING 3.5.1 Installing roll media Step 2 : Remove the movable flange from the scroller. Step 2 : Install the optional three-inch core adapters : • If using media on a 2 inch core: Don’t use the three-inch core adapters, go to step 3. • If using media on a 3 inch core : Click a three-inch core adapter (3) on the fixed flange (2) and the movable flange (1) as shown on the image below. No.
Operation Instructions VJ-1204 3.5.2 Loading roll media The following sizes of media can be used with the printer: VJ-1204 · Maximum media width: 1300 mm · Maximum print width: 1200 mm · Maximum media length: 50 m · Maximum print length: 18 m Switch ON the printer. Result: · The printer initializes. · The operation panel displays “Media End”. Be sure to read and understand the safety warnings before handling the printer. Step 6 : Push the media hold lever (1) backward as indicated on the image below.
Operation Instructions VJ-1204 Wind back the roll media (1) with the scroller (2) while pressing down the media at the front side of the printer. This will reduce bending and avoid slant of the media. See images below. Step 4 : No. 1 2 2 Step 6 : 1 Name Roll media Scroller 2 Pull the media hold lever (1) forward and close the front cover as shown below. 1 No. 1 • Name Media hold lever Notes If the front edge of the roll media is not straight, cut it straight.
Operation Instructions VJ-1204 1. Remove the installed roll media. Step 2 : Verify that • the printer has been switched ON, • the printer is in Normal mode, and • the printer does NOT print Step 2 : Push the media hold lever (1) backward (lever up). See image below. 1 Nr. 1 Step 2 : Name Media loading lever Lift both ends of the scroller (2) and gently wind up the roll media (1). 2 1 Nr. 1 2 2 Name Roll media Scroller 37 AP-77170, Rev. 2.
Operation Instructions VJ-1204 Step 4 : Remove the scroller (1) from the scroller receiver as illustrated below, and place it on a horizontal surface. 1 Nr. 1 Step 5 : name Scroller Hold the movable flange, and tap the scroller as illustrated below to remove the movable flange. 1 Nr. 1 2 • 2 name Movable flange Scroller Notes When removing roll media, do not drop it. Doing so may damage the scroller. 38 AP-77170, Rev. 2.
Operation Instructions VJ-1204 Step 6 : Remove the roll media (1) from the scroller (2). See image below. 2 1 Nr. 1 2 Name Roll media Scroller 2. Install the new roll media • • Notes For loading the roll media, refer to Handling and installing media For roll media you do not use, store it according to Notes on storing media 1 2 Nr. 1 2 name Movable flange Scroller When you do not set roll media, attach the movable flange to the scroller to set the scroller to the printer. 39 AP-77170, Rev. 2.
Operation Instructions VJ-1204 3.5.4 Setting media type Introduction: When you have loaded the media in the ValueJet, you’ll have to set the media type. The Media setup menu is displayed after the media hold lever is pushed from the backward position to the forward position. (= lever down) 1 No. 1 • Name Media hold lever Notes The printer starts the media initialization without setting the media type when o The [Cancel] key of the operation panel is pressed.
Operation Instructions VJ-1204 Step 2 : Press the [Setting value +] key or [Setting value-] key on the operation panel to select the correct media type. Step 3 : Press the [Enter] key on the operation panel to confirm your choice. Result: • • The media type is determined The operation panel displays "Paper Initial", and media initialisation starts. Step 4 : After media initialization, the operation panel displays "Ready to Print".
Operation Instructions VJ-1204 3.6 PERFORMING A NOZZLE CHECK Step 5 : Verify that the printer has been switched ON and that media -roll or sheet- more than A3 size has been loaded. Step 5 : Verify that the printer is in normal mode – Ready to Print. Step 5 : Press the [Menu] key on the operation panel.
Operation Instructions VJ-1204 3.7 HEAD HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT When used? Use the head height adjustment feature to prevent the print head from touching the media, when printing at high speeds or when using strongly curved media. • • • Notes If the head height adjustment lever is raised, high print quality will not be guaranteed. Do not open the front cover nor change the head height during printing.
Operation Instructions VJ-1204 Step 2 : Change the head height by moving the head height adjustment lever (1). See images below. High Normal 1 1 Head height: Normal No. 1 Result: Step 2 : Head height: High Name Head height adjustment lever · The High indication light on the operation panel lights up in green Close the front cover (1). See image below. 1 No. 1 Name Front cover 44 AP-77170, Rev. 2.
Operation Instructions VJ-1204 3.8 STEP ADJUSTMENT After every printed swat, the media is fed a certain distance. Depending on the kind of media (weight, backing) another media feed compensation has to be set. This to avoid the following phenomenon: • • Printed swats overlap. White lines between every swat. In such cases, follow the procedure below and adjust the media feed compensation value. Step 0 : Display the step adjustment menu on the operation panel.
Operation Instructions VJ-1204 Step 7 : Perform the initial adjust print. • • • Press the [Enter] key on the operation panel. o The operation panel displays "Feed Length: 250 mm". Notes The length that media is fed (feeding length) for initial adjustment printing is normally set at 250 mm. If you make the feeding length longer, the accuracy of the Media feed compensation improves. If you want to change the feeding length, press the [+] key or [–] key and change the set value.
Operation Instructions VJ-1204 Step 10 : Perform the Confirm Print. • • • Press the [+] key or [–] key to select "PF3: Confirm Print". • Press the [Enter] key on the operation panel. o The operation panel displays "Feed Length: 250 mm". Notes The length that media is fed (feeding length) for confirmation adjustment printing is normally set at 250 mm. If you make the feeding length longer, the accuracy of the Media feed compensation improves.
Operation Instructions VJ-1204 Step 12 : Perform Micro adjustment printing. • Display the Media feed compensation menu on the operation panel as in step 1. • Press the [+] key or [–] key to select "PF4: Micro Adj. Print". • Press the [Enter] key on the operation panel. o The operation panel displays "Printing". o Start Micro adjustment printing. 2 1 Current adjustment value 0 1 2 • Step 1 : After the micro adjustment printing is completed, the operation panel displays "PF4: Micro Adj. Print".
Operation Instructions VJ-1204 4 PERIODICAL MAINTENANCE 4.1 DONE BY END USER Be sure to read and understand the safety warnings before handling the printer. maintenance Outer case Inside the printer Head cleaning Cleaning the wiper Replacing waste fluid tank Replacing spitting box absorbent frequency Daily Daily If print become blurred or incomplete Once a week or when blurs or incompleteness in printing remain after head cleaning Replace if “NearFullWasteInkTank” is displayed on the operation panel.
Operation Instructions VJ-1204 4.1.2 Cleaning inside the printer To clean inside the printer, follow the 4 steps below. Step 14 : Open the front cover (1). 1 No. 1 Name Front cover Step 14 : Remove paper powder and dust from the pressure rollers (1), using a soft brush. 1 No. 1 • Name Pressure rollers Notes Do not blow paper powder and dust from the pressure rollers (1), remove media while cleaning. 50 AP-77170, Rev. 2.
Operation Instructions VJ-1204 Step 3 : Wipe off paper powder and ink from the platen (1) using a dust-free and soft cloth slightly damped with water. 1 2 No. 1 2 Name Platen Media Guide Step 14 : Wipe off the dirt of the grid roller’s unpainted (silver colour) area with damp and a tightly squeezed soft cloth. 1 No. 1 Name Grid roller 51 AP-77170, Rev. 2.
Operation Instructions VJ-1204 4.1.3 Replacing the spitting box absorbent (1) Pre- transport procedure Replace the spitting box absorbent in the following situations. • • • When the spitting box absorbent becomes deformed. When smears of ink appear on the media Two months after replacement. (1) Replacing steps Step 2 : If the printer is turned ON, make sure that: • Printing or other operations are not in progress. • The operation panel display is Normal. Step 2 : Perform the CR maintenance.
Operation Instructions VJ-1204 Step 2 : Remove the spitting box absorbent from each spitting box. No. 1 2 Name Spitting box sponge Spitting box Be sure to read and understand the safety warnings before handling the printer. Step 2 : Assemble the following parts: No. 1 2 3 • • • Name Spitting box sponge Spacer Spitting box sponge holder Spitting box sponge Spacer Spitting box sponge holder 53 AP-77170, Rev. 2.
Operation Instructions VJ-1204 Step 8 : Install the new spitting box absorbent to each spitting box. No. 1 2 Step 2 : Name Spitting box holder Spitting box Close the front cover. 1 No. 1 Name Front cover Step 2 : Press the [ENTER] key on the operation panel. • The print head returns to its original position. • Spitting box absorbent replacement is complete. 54 AP-77170, Rev. 2.
Operation Instructions VJ-1204 4.1.4 Head cleaning When to perform? If the prints become blurred or are incomplete. How to perform? To perform a head cleaning, follow the steps below. Notes • Remove media while cleaning. Step 4 : Verify that the operation panel is in Normal mode. Step 4 : Verify that the media hold lever is positioned to the front side. (lever down) Step 4 : Press the [>] key on the operation panel to select the cleaning mode.
Operation Instructions VJ-1204 Step 11 : Start the head cleaning. • • • • Notes Pressing the [Cleaning] key again after the first head cleaning is done, performs a strong cleaning. If you fail to remove blurs or incompleteness of printing in one head cleaning, you should perform the strong cleaning. If you fail to remove blurs or incompleteness of printing with several head cleaning, refer to Troubleshooting, and perform the adequate process.
Operation Instructions VJ-1204 Step 3 : Open the front cover. 1 No. 1 Name Front Cover Be sure to read and understand the safety warnings before handling the printer. Step 1 : Use the poly-knit wiper, and remove the ink and dust on the wiper. • Wiper front side: Wipe horizontally. 2 3 1 No. 1 2 3 • Name Cleaning wiper Poly-knit wiper Head cap unit Wiper back side: Wipe vertically. 2 3 1 No. 1 2 3 Name Cleaning wiper Poly-knit wiper Head cap unit 57 AP-77170, Rev. 2.
Operation Instructions VJ-1204 Step 1 : Press the [Enter] key on the operation panel. • • • Step 1 : The print head section returns to the original position. The wiper returns to the original position. The operation panel displays "CR Maintenance: Start". Press the [Cancel] key on the operation panel. • • The printer enters normal status. Cleaning the wiper is complete. 58 AP-77170, Rev. 2.
Operation Instructions VJ-1204 4.2 DONE BY AUTHORIZED MUTOH TECHNICIAN This section describes the periodical part replacements and the periodical inspections required for this printer. These periodical services ensure the stable printing quality of the printer. 4.2.1 Periodical replacement of parts Perform periodical replacements according to the table below. These replacements should be executed by an authorized Mutoh technician.
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Operation Instructions VJ-1204 5 MENU STRUCTURE OVERVIEW 5.1 OPERATION PANEL Notes Refer to the following for details regarding the operation method of the operation panel.
Operation Instructions VJ-1204 (1) Operation keys in the Normal mode No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Key Function [Menu] Changes to Menu mode. [Enter] -- [Cleaning] Cleans the printer head when pressed for two seconds or more. [<] [Nozzle Check] [>] During printing: Printing is terminated and the remaining data is deleted. During receiving/analysis: Data that has been received and analysed already is deleted and the data which is being received of the next print file is ignored.
Operation Instructions VJ-1204 (3) Status lights No. Light Colour 9 Power Green Status Light ON Light blinks Light OFF Light ON 10 • • • Data Orange 11 High Green 12 Low Green 13 Wave Green 14 Fine & Super Fine Green 15 Strong Green 16 Normal Green 17 LCD display section -- Description Power ON. An error has occurred. The error message is displayed on the LCD. Power OFF. Analyzing received data. Printing. Light blinks Light OFF Light ON Data is not received / analyzed.
Operation Instructions VJ-1204 5.2 PANEL SETUP MENU Menu1 Setup Set 1 Media Type Type from 1 to 30 Set 2 Effect Wave 1 Wave 2 Wave 3 Wave 4 Fine & Wave 1 Fine & Wave 2 Fine & Wave 3 Fine & Wave 4 A-S Fine & Wave B-S Fine & Wave None 1 None 2 Set 3 Flushing Set 4 Side Margin Origin On Media From 3 to 25 mm Set 5 Media Initial Set 6 Media Width Set 7 Take-Up Set 9 Origin Set 10 Prev.
Operation Instructions VJ-1204 Menu2 Test Print Set 11 Head Fan Set 12 CR Movement Set 13 Over Write Cnt Data Machine From 1 to 9 cut Set 14 Over Write Wait From 0.0 to 5.
Operation Instructions VJ-1204 Menu3 Adjust Print Adj.1 Confirm Adj.2 Adj.3 Adj.4 Menu4 Menu5 Cleaning Selection Adj.5 BI-D Quality Adj.6 BI-D Normal Clean Economy Clean Normal Clean Strong Clean Little Charge 1 [*] Media Type 2 [*] Effect 3 [*] Flushing 4 [*] Side Margin 5 [*] Media Initial 6 [*] Media Width 7 [*] Take-Up 8 [*] Feed-Up 9 [*] Origin 10 [*] Prev.
