GRAPHTEC OPS664 - User Manual

To Next Page

Cutting Plotter Controller

OPS

664

Software Usage Agreement ................................................................................ 2

Registered Trademarks ....................................................................................... 2

Notes on this Manual .......................................................................................... 2

Disclaimer ........................................................................................................... 2

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 About the Controller .................................................................................. 3

1.2 Operating Environment ............................................................................. 3

2 USING THE CONTROLLER

2.1 Launching the Controller........................................................................... 3

2.2 Setting the Various Parameters................................................................. 4

2.3 Edit Condition List ..................................................................................... 6

2.4 Cutting Conditions..................................................................................... 7

2.5 Registration Mark Settings........................................................................ 8

2.6 Advanced Settings .................................................................................... 9

3 ERROR MESSAGES

............................................................................... 10

Index ................................................................................................................. 11

USER'S MANUAL

MANUAL NO. OPS664-UM-153

Main Page

Need help?

Do you have a question about the GRAPHTEC OPS664 and is the answer not in the manual?

The Graphtec Cutting Plotter Controller OPS664 is a software program designed to facilitate the operation and management of Graphtec cutting plotters, including models like Craft ROBOPro2, Craft ROBOPro, CE5000, and FC7000. It allows users to perform various settings and operations directly from their computer, streamlining the workflow compared to making adjustments solely from the plotter's control panel.

Function Description:

The primary function of the OPS664 Controller is to provide a user-friendly interface for setting and managing cutting conditions, registration mark reading procedures, and other plotter parameters. It aims to improve overall operating efficiency, especially for tasks involving text cutting and print & cut applications.

Key functional areas include:

Parameter Setting: Users can adjust various parameters such as blade type, cutting force, speed, quality, and offset. These settings can be saved as "Media Type" files for easy recall and application to different materials.
Condition List Management: The software includes an "Edit Condition List" window for creating, modifying, deleting, and copying settings files. This allows for organized management of various cutting conditions tailored to specific media or projects.
Test Cutting: A test cutting function is available to check the cutting quality with the currently displayed conditions. This helps users fine-tune settings before committing to a full cutting job, ensuring optimal results and minimizing material waste.
Origin Point Specification: Users can precisely set the origin point for cutting operations by moving the cutter pen to the desired position and confirming it within the software.
Cross Cutting: The controller allows for lateral cross-cutting of the medium at the current pen position.
Design and Media Orientation: Users can specify the orientation of the medium (Landscape or Portrait) and the plotting/cutting direction relative to the medium, which is crucial for accurate output, especially when using registration marks.
Registration Mark Settings: This is a critical feature for print & cut applications. The controller enables the use of registration marks printed alongside a design to align the plotter's cutting positions with the printed image. It supports various correction methods (2 points, 3 points, 4 points, and Area correction) to account for horizontal distance, axial tilt, and coordinate distortions. Users can also specify the registration mark type, interval for intermediate marks, length, and thickness.
Advanced Settings: The "Advanced Settings" window offers more granular control over parameters such as page length for roll media, offset angle for blade tip control, initial down force, step pass for blade tip control, pen up speed, auto pre-feed, fan power (for FC7000 Series), mirror imaging, distance adjust for correcting line segment deviations, and tangential emulation modes (Mode 1 and Mode 2) for cutting thick media and sharp corners.

Important Technical Specifications:

Operating System: Windows 2000/Windows XP or Windows Vista.
CPU: Pentium III 600 MHz or better.
Memory: 128 MB minimum (256 MB recommended).
Monitor: Capable of 1024 x 768 High Color display (True Color recommended).
Connectivity: Designed for USB connection to the cutting plotter. It will not operate if connected via a printer or serial port.
Supported Plotters: Craft ROBOPro2, Craft ROBOPro, CE5000, FC7000. Note that some advanced settings (e.g., "Fan Power") are specific to certain plotter models (e.g., FC7000 Series), and some parameters (e.g., "Correction Method: Area") are not available for specific models (e.g., Craft ROBOPro2).

Usage Features:

Intuitive Interface: The software provides a graphical user interface that mirrors the plotter's control panel, making it easier to understand and operate.
Two Launch Methods: The controller can be launched either from the Windows Start menu or automatically when sending a print job from an application via the plotter driver. Launching from the Start menu limits operations to test cutting and cross-cutting.
Keyboard Control: Many functions, such as moving the cutter pen, can be controlled using keyboard arrow keys, often with [Shift] for slow movement or [Ctrl] for fast movement. Function keys (F5, F6, F8) are also assigned to specific operations like setting origin, pen movement, and test cutting.
Media Type Presets: The ability to save and load cutting conditions as "Media Type" files simplifies the process of switching between different materials, as optimal settings are stored and easily accessible.
Import Conditions: Users can import cutting condition settings directly from the plotter's LCD into the Controller, allowing for synchronization and further editing.
Error Messages: The software provides clear error messages for common issues such as USB port in use, communication problems, missing DLL files, registration mark reading failures, and unread registration marks, guiding users toward troubleshooting steps.
Disclaimer: The manual emphasizes that the quality of cutting results can vary based on media type and other factors, recommending test cutting for new media. It also advises using precision-guaranteed inkjet printers for print & cut applications, as laser printers may cause distortion due to paper skew.

Maintenance Features:

Software Updates: The manual implies that the software is subject to updates and revisions, as indicated by the "3rd edition-01" notation. Users should refer to the Quick Start Manual for setup details, which would include information on initial installation and potential updates.
Troubleshooting Guidance: The "ERROR MESSAGES" section serves as a maintenance feature, providing specific instructions for resolving common software and hardware communication issues, such as rebooting the computer, reinstalling the controller, or checking plotter connections and settings.
Parameter Adjustment for Longevity: Features like "Offset Angle" and "Tangential Emulation" allow for fine-tuning that can indirectly contribute to the longevity of the blade and plotter by optimizing cutting paths and reducing unnecessary wear. For instance, adjusting the offset angle can reduce blade tip control time, and tangential emulation can prevent blade sinking in thick media.
Distance Adjust: This feature helps maintain cutting accuracy over time by correcting deviations in line segment lengths, which can occur due to media type or thickness. This ensures consistent output quality.

GRAPHTEC OPS664 Specifications

General

Brand	GRAPHTEC
Model	OPS664
Category	Controller
Language	English