Citizen CLP-521 User manual

Technical Manual
CLP-521
CLP-621 & CLP-631
Auto Cutter Unit
JM74947-00F
1.00E-0610

Copyright ©2006 by CITIZEN SYSTEMS JAPAN CO., LTD.

Be sure to observe the following warnings and cautions during installing, removing or repairing
the auto cutter unit.
WARNINGS
(1) Before starting installing, removing or repairing, be sure to turn off the power of the
printer and disconnect the power cord from the power source.
(2) During disassembly/reassembly or adjustment, do not touch the cutting blade as it is
very dangerous.
(3) Do not insert a foreign object such as a paper clip into the cutting blade section.
(4) When cleaning the cutter blade, use a cotton swab that is soaked in ethyl alcohol. Do
not directly wipe with a soft cloth as the cutting blade is very dangerous.
CAUTIONS
(1) Do not disassemble/reassemble or adjust the auto cutter unit, if it functions properly.
Particularly, do not loosen screws on any component, unless necessary.
(2) After completing an inspection and before turning on the power, be sure to check that
there is no abnormality.
(3) Do not put anything on the covers, etc. during maintenance or while the printer is in
operation.
(4) During maintenance, be careful not to leave parts or screws unattached or loose inside
the auto cutter unit.
(5) When disassembling or reassembling, check cables for any damage and make sure that
they are not caught by covers, etc.
CLP
-
521, CLP
-
621 & CLP
-
631
ii

Chapter 1 Specifications
1-1 CLP-521, CLP-621 & CLP-631
CHAPTER 1
SPECIFICATIONS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1-1. General Specifications .......................................................................................... 1-2
1-2. Cut Position........................................................................................................... 1-4
1-3. Cutter Errors ......................................................................................................... 1-5
1-3-1. Error Indication ......................................................................................... 1-5
1-3-2. Troubleshooting........................................................................................ 1-6

Chapter 1 Specifications
CLP-521, CLP-621 & CLP-631 1-2
1-1. General Specifications
Item Descriptions
Cutting method Guillotine type
Maximum cut paper
thickness
0.25 mm (0.01”)
Minimum cut paper length 25.4 mm (1”)
Cut paper width Maximum: 118 mm (4.65”)
Minimum: 25.4 mm (1”)
Durability Number of cuts:
More than 300,000 times (for 60 to 150 μm (0.0024 to 0.0059")
paper thickness )
More than 100,000 times (for 150 to 250 μm (0.0059 to
0.0098") paper thickness)
Note: - Paper with adhesive substance may be excluded from
these figures.
- Number of cuts may differ depending on the paper
material to be used.
Paper specifications Roll or label (continuous, die-cut, fanfold, tag and ticket).
However, the following paper cannot be used.
- Paper thickness: 0.06 mm (0.0024”) or less
- Roll paper core diameter: 51 mm (2”) or less
Note: Paper other than the specified may have problems
such as paper jams, so paper must be checked
whether it meets the specification or not before use.
Cut accuracy Cut length tolerance: ±1.0 mm (±0.04") or less
Maximum cut difference between left and right edge: ±1.0 mm
(±0.04") or less
Note: - Above accuracy will be satisfied at normal
temperature/normal humidity when recommended
label paper and ribbon are used.
- Paper cut position can be adjusted using the printer
command. (Refer to the Command Reference Manual
for details.)
Paper feed direction
Maximum cut difference between
left and right edge
Cut length tolerance

Chapter 1 Specifications
1-3 CLP-521, CLP-621 & CLP-631
Item Descriptions
Power consumption Typical operating: Approx. 1.5 A (24 V)
(Power is supplied from the printer.)
Operating temperature and
humidity
Temperature: 5 to 40°C (41 to 104°F)
Humidity: 30 to 75% RH (non-condensing)
(Condition: Under good ventilation with natural convection)
Note: Specifications for temperature and humidity are the
same as the printer.
Outer dimensions 149 mm (W) x 76 mm (H) x 52 mm (D)
(5.87” (W) x 2.99” H x 2.05” (D))
Weight Approx. 0.5 kg (1.1 lb.)
Note: When paper with adhesive is used, do not cut a label portion. Otherwise, adhesive
of label may stick onto the cutter blade, which could cause cutting malfunction.

Chapter 1 Specifications
CLP-521, CLP-621 & CLP-631 1-4
1-2. Cut Position
The distances from the paper sensor and thermal print head to the cutter blade are shown
below.
Print head position Paper sensor position
24.9 mm (0.98”) 25.6 mm (1.01”)
51.5 mm (2.03”)
Platen
Paper cut position
Cutter blade

Chapter 1 Specifications
1-5 CLP-521, CLP-621 & CLP-631
1-3. Cutter Errors
1-3-1. Error Indication
When a cutter error occurs, an alarm sounds and the error condition is displayed on the LEDs
of the operation panel.
If a cutter error (except for abnormal auto cutter temperature) occurs, the printer goes offline
and the PRINT LED goes out.
In case of abnormal cutter temperature, the printer stops temporarily, but it will automatically
restart when temperature lowers.
Item PRINT LED CONDITION LED ERROR LED
Media end OFF OFF
Media out
(Media location cannot be
detected.)
OFF
Ribbon end OFF
Auto cutter abnormality
(Jamming, etc.) OFF OFF ON
Abnormal auto cutter
temperature OFF
Time axis:
: ON, : OFF
: Slow LED flashing
: Quick LED flashing

Chapter 1 Specifications
CLP-521, CLP-621 & CLP-631 1-6
1-3-2. Troubleshooting
Symptoms Checks Remedies
Media is not cut
cleanly.
1. Is adhesive label used and adhesive
stuck onto the cutter blade?
1. Cleaning of blade is required. If the
blade is worn out, replace the
Cutter Unit.
Media jammed. 1. Turn off the power of the printer and
check the Cutter Unit for any foreign
matter.
2. Is the Cutter Cable SA (JM67765-0) of
the Cutter Stand Unit (JM98802-0)
connected to the Main PCB SA (CN15)
of the printer?
3. Is the cable of the Cutter Unit connected
to the Cutter Stand Unit?
4. Is the gap of cutter slit in a specified
range (0.9 mm to less than 1.0mm)?
5. Failure in the cutter control circuit.
6. Failure in the printer control circuit.
1. Remove foreign matter.
2. Connect it firmly.
3. Connect it firmly.
4. Adjust the gap. (Refer to Chapter 3
"Adjustments".)
5. Replace the Cutter PCB Unit.
6. Replace the Main PCB Unit in the
printer
Printer stopped
because of abnormal
auto cutter
temperature
1. Check if PRINT LED and CONDITION
LED light alternately.
1. Wait until the Cutter Unit gets cool.

Chapter 2 Installation Procedure
2-1 CLP-521, CLP-621 & CLP-631
CHAPTER 2
INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2-1. Auto Cutter Unit Components ............................................................................... 2-2
2-2. Maintenance Tools List.......................................................................................... 2-2
2-3. Installation Procedure............................................................................................ 2-3
2-3-1. Installing the Cutter Stand Unit ................................................................. 2-3
2-3-2. Installing the Cutter Unit ........................................................................... 2-6
2-3-3. Removing the Auto Cutter Unit ................................................................. 2-7
2-3-4. Caution when replacing parts ................................................................... 2-7

Chapter 2 Installation Procedure
CLP-521, CLP-621 & CLP-631 2-2
2-1. Auto Cutter Unit Components
The Auto cutter unit consists of the following parts. Be sure that all the parts are included in the
auto cutter unit.
1. Cutter Unit
2. Cutter Stand Unit
3. PH, M3x6 (NI) …. 2 pcs.
4. Cutter User's Manual (JM74912-5)
5. Manual for service personnel (JM74937-0)
2-2. Maintenance Tools List
Maintenance tools shown below are needed when replacing the maintenance parts of the auto
cutter unit.
Maintenance Tools List
No. Name Q'ty Description Remarks
1 Phillips Screwdriver screws
(Length 200 mm)
1 For 3 to 4 mm
2 Phillips Screwdriver screws
(Length 100 mm)
1 For 2 to 3 mm
3 Thickness Gauge 1 0.9mm/1.0mm
Cutter Unit
Screw PH, M3x6 (NI)
Cutter Stand Unit

Chapter 2 Installation Procedure
2-3
CLP-521, CLP-621 & CLP-631
2-3. Installation Procedure
Notes:
- The following shows the auto cutter unit installation procedure for CLP-521. However, the
procedure for CLP-621 and CLP-631 is basically the same as for CLP-521.
- The auto cutter unit cannot be installed on the printer if an optional peeler unit is attached.
Therefore, remove the peeler unit before installing the auto cutter unit.
2-3-1. Installing the Cutter Stand Unit
1. Turn the printer off and unplug the power cord from the printer.
2. Open the Top Cover SA.
3. Lift the Front Cover upward and remove it from the printer.
Note:
Keep the Front Cover as it will be used again when the auto cuter unit is removed from
the printer.

Chapter 2 Installation Procedure
CLP-521, CLP-621 & CLP-631 2-4
4. Remove the one screw (PH, M3x3) that fastens the Motor Cover, and detach the Motor
Cover.
In this case, pay attention not to drop the screw inside the printer.
Note:
Do not touch the motor as it can get hot.
5. Remove the one screw (PHT(BH2T), M3x14) that fastens the Connector Cover, and detach
the Connector Cover.
6. Connect the cable of Cutter Stand Unit to the connector (CN15) on the Main PCB Unit of
the printer.
In CLP-621 and CLP-631, the
screw is fastened in the
horizontal direction.

Chapter 2 Installation Procedure
2-5
CLP-521, CLP-621 & CLP-631
7. Run the cable stated in step 6 along the printer case as shown below.
In this case, run the cable so that it will not be caught by the Connector Cover or Motor
Cover that will be installed again.
8. Fasten the Cutter Stand Unit to the printer with the attached two screws.
Cable

Chapter 2 Installation Procedure
CLP-521, CLP-621 & CLP-631 2-6
2-3-2. Installing the Cutter Unit
After attaching the Cutter Stand Unit to the printer, install the Cutter Unit as follows:
1. Connect the cable of the Cutter Unit to the connector of the Cutter Stand Unit (X).
2. While aligning two convexes at the bottom of the Cutter Unit with two projections of the
Cutter Stand Unit (Y), fasten the screw knob of the Cutter Unit with a flat-bladed
screwdriver to install the Cutter Unit to the Cutter Stand Unit (Z).
In this case, pay attention so as not to pinch the cable with the Cutter Unit.
3. Install the Motor Cover and Connector Cover on the printer body.
4. Close the Top Cover SA.
5. Connect the power cord and turn on the power switch of the printer.
6. Perform self print function and check for correct cutter operation.
Refer to "3.2 Cutter Operation Check" in Chapter 3 "Adjustments".

Chapter 2 Installation Procedure
2-7
CLP-521, CLP-621 & CLP-631
2-3-3. Removing the Auto Cutter Unit
Note:
Before starting work, be sure to turn off the power of the printer and disconnect the power
cord from the power source.
Remove the Auto Cutter Unit from the printer by performing reverse procedure to installation
procedure.
In this case, while detaching the Cutter Unit from the printer by removing the fastening screw,
hold the Cutter Unit by hand as it can fall down.
2-3-4. Caution when replacing parts
If the following part is removed from the Cutter Stand Unit, adjustment is required when
assembling.
1 Static Eliminator Sheet Positioning is required.
2 Metal parts that regulate the cutter
slit width
Refer to Chapter 3 "Adjustments".
Static Eliminator Sheet Sticking Position:
Stick the Static Eliminator Sheet to the position shown below.
[Rear view of the Cutter Stand Unit]
Static Eliminator Sheet
0.2 to 0.5 mm
Cutter slit
Cutter Stand Plate
Brush
Cut Guide 2
Plate

Chapter 3 Adjustments
3-1 CLP-521, CLP-621 & CLP-631
CHAPTER 3
ADJUSTMENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
3-1. Mechanical Adjustments ........................................................................................3-2
3-1-1. Cutter slit width adjustment .......................................................................3-2
3-2. Cutter Operation Check .........................................................................................3-3
3-2-1. Operation in self print mode ......................................................................3-3

Chapter 3 Adjustments
CLP-521, CLP-621 & CLP-631 3-2
3-1. Mechanical Adjustment
When the following part is replaced, perform cutter slit width adjustment explained here.
- Cutter Stand Plate
- Cut Guide 2 Plate (Adjustment is also necessary when it is reassembled.)
3-1-1. Cutter slit width adjustment
1. Using thickness gauges (0.9 mm and 1.0 mm), check the cutter slit width in the Cutter
Stand Unit.
1) Be sure that the 0.9 mm thickness gauge can pass through the slit on both right and
left sides.
2) Be sure that the 1.0 mm thickness gauge cannot pass the slit on both sides.
2. If satisfactory results are not obtained, adjust the slit width as follows:
1) Loosen (not remove) the two screws "A" on the back of Cutter Stand Unit.
2) Adjust the slit width while sliding the Cut Guide 2 Plate located in the lower part of
Cutter Stand Unit. (The Cut Guide 2 Plate moves vertically along the elongate holes
"B".)
3) Be sure that the 0.9 mm thickness gauge passes through the slit but the 1.0 mm
thickness gauge does not pass it through.
Note: Perform this check on both sides of the slit to ensure the parallelism of the Cut
Guide 2 Plate against the Cut Guide 1 Plate.
4) Tighten the screws "A" to fasten the Cut Guide 2 Plate.
[Rear view of the Cutter Stand Unit]
A
B
Thickness Gauge
Plate, Cutter Stand
Plate, Cut Guide 1
Plate, Cut Guide 2

Chapter 3 Adjustments
3-3 CLP-521, CLP-621 & CLP-631
3-2. Cutter Operation Check
After installing the auto cutter unit in the printer, perform the self test to check the cutter
operation.
Self print pattern is printed over two pages and each page is automatically cut.
3-2-1. Operation in self print mode
Install the media and operate the printer as follows:
Case of label media:
Turn on printer power while pushing the FEED key.
When the PRINT LED has begun to flash slowly, release the FEED key.
After it enters TEST MODE and media has fed, two labels print then printing stops.
To restart printing, press the FEED key once more.
Case of continuous media:
Turn on printer power while pushing the FEED key.
When PRINT LED has stopped flashing slowly and has begun to flash rapidly, release the
FEED key.
After it enters TEST MODE, it prints and then printing stops.
To restart printing, press the FEED key once more.
Paper feed
direction
1st sheet
2nd sheet
Cut position
Cut position
Self test print pattern

Chapter 3 Adjustments
CLP-521, CLP-621 & CLP-631 3-4
Notes:
- With the original factory settings, the printer automatically recognizes installation of the
Auto Cutter Unit.
- If cutting operation is not performed, "Auto Configure" option in the "After Print" menu may
be set to "Off". In this case, set it to "On" and then retry self test print operation.
*: To change the menu setting, refer to the User's Manual.
- Cutter operation is possible even when "Auto Configure" option in the "After Print" menu is
set to "Off". To enable the cutter operation, select "Cut On" in "Function Select" of the "After
Print" menu, and then perform self test print operation.