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Seiki SK870T - User Manual

Seiki SK870T
24 pages
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Seiki Vinyl Cutter Plotter
Users Manual
T Series
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Summary

General Information

General Safety Precautions

Critical safety warnings and handling precautions to prevent fire, electric shock, and damage to the machine.

Installation Guide

Operation Procedures

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Pattern Deformed or Incomplete

Troubleshooting common issues causing deformed or incomplete patterns, listing potential causes and solutions.

Machine Not Producing Output

Diagnoses reasons for the machine failing to produce output, focusing on connection, interface, and software.

Abnormal Machine Operation

Addresses abnormal machine behavior, citing potential causes like software issues, viruses, or incorrect settings.

Pattern Deviation Problems

Explains causes of pattern deviation, including media placement, dirt, and wheel pressure.

Lost Step Phenomenon

Discusses reasons for 'lost step' errors, such as excessive speed, blade pressure, or low power voltage.

Inconsistent Cutting Depth

Addresses inconsistent cutting depth, attributing it to blade length, protective strip condition, or bevels.

Overview

The Seiki Vinyl Cutter Plotter, specifically the T Series, is a specialized machine designed for cutting professional custom design signs from vinyl and other media. It connects to a computer, allowing users to create designs using sign editing software and then precisely cut them with the plotter. This device is engineered for superior quality and reliable performance in the realm of electrical machines, offering users the freedom to bring their designs to life with accuracy and efficiency.

Function Description

The primary function of the Seiki Vinyl Cutter Plotter is to accurately cut designs from various media, typically vinyl. It operates by receiving graphical data from a connected computer and translating that data into physical cuts on the material. The plotter utilizes a blade or a pen, depending on the desired outcome (cutting or plotting). When cutting, the blade precisely follows the design contours, separating the desired shape from the backing material. For plotting, a pen is used to draw the design on paper, which can be useful for proofing or creating patterns without cutting.

The machine features a tool carriage that moves along a top beam, while pinch rollers hold and advance the media across a metal roller. This coordinated movement ensures precise positioning and cutting across the entire working area. The control panel provides an interface for managing various operational parameters, including setting the origin, adjusting speed and down force, and initiating self-tests. The plotter is designed to handle different media widths, accommodating a range of project sizes.

Usage Features

The Seiki Vinyl Cutter Plotter offers several features to enhance its usability and the quality of its output:

  • Media Loading: The plotter is equipped with adjustable pinch rollers that can be moved along a guide rail to accommodate different media widths. Proper placement of the media is crucial to prevent deviation during cutting. Users are advised to lift the pinch roller handle before moving them and to avoid placing them over the joints of the main metal rollers. After loading, the media should be run back and forth a few times to ensure it is aligned vertically and securely held, minimizing deviation.

  • Blade and Pen Installation: The device supports both blade and pen holders. For cutting, three Roland-compatible blades with a 2mm diameter are included. The blade's extension beyond the holder is adjustable, typically set to 3-4 mils (less than 5 mils) to prevent damage to the protection strip and ensure optimal cut quality. For plotting, a ballpoint pen can be inserted into the pen holder, with its tip extended to a proper length. The down force for plotting should be reduced to avoid damaging the paper.

  • Control Panel Operation: The control panel is central to operating the plotter. It features a two-line LCD display, power, off-line, and setting indicator lights, and several function keys.

    • Reset: Returns the machine to its initial state, clearing all information and preparing for new work. This is also the state the machine enters automatically upon power-on.
    • Leave: Toggles between online and offline status. In offline status, the direction keys can be used to manually move the tool carriage (left/right) or the media (forward/backward).
    • Setting: Allows for adjustment of parameters like the baud rate of the serial port. It is generally recommended not to change default settings unless by a professional technician.
    • Test: Initiates a self-check program, causing the cutter to output a square and a triangle, confirming proper functionality. This key can also stop or resume a cutting job.
    • Origin: Sets the current position of the tool carriage as the origin start position for cutting or plotting.
  • Speed and Down Force Regulation: The cutting speed and down force can be adjusted directly from the control panel using the direction keys. Speed can be changed grade-by-grade with the "up" and "down" keys, while down force is adjusted with the "left" and "right" keys. These adjustments can even be made while the machine is actively cutting, offering flexibility during operation.

  • Offline Status Functionality: When in offline status, users can precisely position the tool carriage and media using the direction keys. This is particularly useful for setting a specific starting point for a job. Pressing "Origin" in this state will set the current position as the new origin.

  • Small and Large Sign Cutting: For small characters (below 20mm), it is advised to use the slowest speed and consider using the compensating function with a figure between 0.2-0.4mm for better results. The knife tip length should also be shorter than normal for smoother small cuts. For large signs, if the design exceeds the plotter's width, the software can automatically separate it, or users can manually divide it. Speed can be increased for large signs, and the compensating function should be eliminated, with seamless connection chosen for continuous designs.

Maintenance Features

While the manual primarily focuses on operation, several points touch upon maintenance and troubleshooting:

  • General Precautions: Emphasizes connecting to a properly grounded outlet, avoiding cable connections/disconnections while powered on, keeping hands and hair away from moving parts, and turning off power when not in use. It also warns against pressing the top beam or lifting the black rail.
  • Environmental Considerations: Advises against exposing the plotter to direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, or high humidity. It also recommends avoiding placement near heaters or other hot appliances.
  • Preventing Damage: Users are cautioned not to place heavy objects or liquids on the plotter, as this could lead to damage or electric shock. Inserting objects into or blocking the vinyl output slot is also prohibited.
  • Blade Care: The blade's extension should be carefully managed to prevent damage to the protection strip and maintain output quality. If the blade cannot move freely in its holder, cleaning the holder with alcohol is recommended. If dotted lines appear in cuts, it may indicate a need to change blades.
  • Troubleshooting Guidance: The manual provides solutions for common issues such as deformed or incomplete patterns (adjust down force, blade extension, clean holder, check media loading, software settings), no output (check connections, interface settings, reinstall software), and abnormal machine operation (software settings, virus check, protection function, device selection).
  • Working Area Cleanliness: A dirty working area can lead to paper deflection, so keeping it clean is important for consistent results.
  • Power Voltage: Low power voltage can cause issues like lost steps, implying the need for a stable power supply.

By adhering to these guidelines, users can ensure the longevity and optimal performance of their Seiki Vinyl Cutter Plotter.

Seiki SK870T Specifications

General IconGeneral
BrandSeiki
ModelSK870T
CategoryCutter
LanguageEnglish

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