Colorjet SONIQ i User manual

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SoniQ i
Foreword
This user manual is briefly describing the operational aspects of the SoniQ i machine. In this document, the step-
wise instructions for handling various aspects of the machine with visual screens are provided for easy and better
understanding. It also describes the error messages encountered while working with the machine with
appropriate remedial actions required to be taken by the user.
This manual serves as the reference tool which guides their customers how to use or operate the SoniQ i machine
without anyone else assistance. The information provided in this document ensures its uniqueness and language
quality. For safe and proper use of the product, please read this manual carefully and follow all the instructions.
Disclaimer
The information and instructions provided in this user manual have been checked for accuracy, uniqueness, and
reliability. ColorJet group reserves all the rights to modify and revise this manual as per the company
requirements without any prior notice.
“No part of this document shall be reproduced or used by externals without prior permission of the ColorJet
group”.
The reference table is shown in the below table:
Doc Type
Doc Code
Version
Machine Name
Date of Issue
User Manual
1.0
SoniQ i
November 2021

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Table of Contents
1. About Document.................................................................................................................................................. 4
Purpose ................................................................................................................................................................ 4
Intended Audience............................................................................................................................................... 4
2. Machine Specifications ........................................................................................................................................ 4
3. Machine Overview ............................................................................................................................................... 5
Front View............................................................................................................................................................ 5
Back View............................................................................................................................................................. 6
Control Panel Details............................................................................................................................................ 7
4. Getting Familiar with Printer Manager Interface ................................................................................................ 8
5. Main Menu Options............................................................................................................................................. 9
Setting Menu........................................................................................................................................................ 9
Tools Menu ........................................................................................................................................................ 13
Help Menu ......................................................................................................................................................... 14
6. Getting Ready for Printing ................................................................................................................................. 15
Switch ON Procedure......................................................................................................................................... 15
Loading Media.................................................................................................................................................... 16
Ink Refilling......................................................................................................................................................... 18
Feeding Password .............................................................................................................................................. 19
7. Printing............................................................................................................................................................... 20
Nozzle Testing.................................................................................................................................................... 20
Print Head Calibration........................................................................................................................................ 20
Calibration Wizard ......................................................................................................................................... 21
Bi-direction Calibration.................................................................................................................................. 22
Horizontal Calibration.................................................................................................................................... 23
Step Calibration.............................................................................................................................................. 24
Setting Print Origin............................................................................................................................................. 26
Setting Print Parameters.................................................................................................................................... 26
Adding Jobs ........................................................................................................................................................ 27
Editing Job.......................................................................................................................................................... 29
DPI and Print Mode............................................................................................................................................ 31
Pausing and Canceling Printing.......................................................................................................................... 31
8. Head Cleaning .................................................................................................................................................... 32

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Head Wiping....................................................................................................................................................... 32
Head Purging...................................................................................................................................................... 33
Head Spraying .................................................................................................................................................... 34
9. Shutdown & Capping the Print Head................................................................................................................. 35
10. Maintenance.................................................................................................................................................... 36
Print Head Maintenance.................................................................................................................................... 36
Equipment Cleaning........................................................................................................................................... 36
Power System Maintenance .............................................................................................................................. 36
Control System Maintenance ............................................................................................................................ 36
Ink Supply System Maintenance........................................................................................................................ 36
11. Troubleshooting............................................................................................................................................... 37

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1. About Document
Purpose
The purpose of this document is to guide and educate the targeted audience about the Printer and its Printer
Manager software so that they can easily and effectively handle as well as use it as per their requirements.
Additionally, this document also provides step-wise instructions for handling various aspects of the printer and
its related software with the help of graphical screens for easy and better understanding. Moreover, the
document also describes commonly encountered problems while working with the printer and Printer Manager
software with appropriate remedial actions.
Intended Audience
This document is meant for all the users who want to use the Printer for their printing business. Sometimes, the
targeted audience has little knowledge about the printer but in most of the cases, targeted audience is much
familiar with the terminologies of printer and printing business. Thus, this document is designed to facilitate both
types of users.
2. Machine Specifications
Machine Specifications are shown in the table below:
SoniQ i –SNQ (4412)
Printing Technology
Drop on demand, Piezo Electric Inkjet
Print Heads
Industrial Grade Jetting Assemblies
Media
Width
3300 mm (129 in)
Thickness
Maximum 3.0mm (120 mil) with liner (Flexible)
Roll Outer Diameter
Maximum 300 mm (12 inch), 50.8 (2 in)
Roll Weight
Maximum 90 kg
Core Diameter
76.2 mm (3 inch)
Type
SAV, PAV Banner, Backlite Film, Window Film, Fabric (Solvent
Base)
Printing Width
Maximum 3200 mm (126 in)
Ink
Type
Solvent/Mild Solvent inks
Colors
4 Colors (CMYK)
Printing Resolutions (DPI)
Maximum 1440 dpi
Media Heating
Pre-heater and post-heater, setting range for the preset
temperature: 30 to 60 Degree Celsius. Dryer setting range for
the preset temperature: 30 to 60 Degree Celsius
Connectivity
High Speed USB
Power Requirements
AC 220 V +10%, 20Amps, 50/60 Hz
Dimensions
4525 x 885 x1500 mm (LxWxH)
Weight (approx. with stand)
642 kg
Environmental
Power ON
Temperature: 18 to 28 Degree Celsius
Humidity: 20 to 40 % RH (Non-Condensing)
Power OFF
Temperature: 5 to 40 Degree Celsius
Humidity: 20 to 80 % RH (Non-Condensing)

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3. Machine Overview
Front View
The Front View of the machine is shown as below:
Fig 1: Displaying the Front View
Table 1: Different Parts of SoniQ i
1. Carriage Unit Location
2. Front Cover
3. Console (TFT Screen)
4. Emergency Switch
5. Control Panel Unit
6. Leveler
7. Dryer Fan Unit
8. Take-up Roller
9. Wheel
10. Ink Refilling Switch
1
2
3
6
7
8
9
5
10
4

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Back View
The Back View of the machine is shown as below:
Fig 2: Displaying the Back View
Table 2: Different Parts of the Machine
1. Media Lever
2. Supply Roller
3. Power Inlet (Machine and Heater Switches)
1
3
2

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Control Panel Details
The Control Panel Screen is shown as below:
Fig 3: Displaying the Control Panel
The detailed view of controls is shown in the image below:
Fig 4: Displaying the SoniQ i Controls
The description of different parts of the machine is given as below:
•HEAD Power: Turn ON/OFF the print head power.
•HEATER: Turn ON/OFF the pre and post heaters.
•MEDIA TAKE-UP: Enable to turn ON/OFF, control different modes; auto/manual, and change direction
forward/reverse of the media take-up.
•MEDIA SUPPLY: Enable to turn ON/OFF, control different modes; auto/manual, and change direction
forward/reverse of the media supply.
Post Heater
Pre-Heater
HEAD, HEATER, MEDIA TAKE-UP and MEDIA SUPPLY
Controls
Bed Vacuum
Regulator

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4. Getting Familiar with Printer Manager Interface
The User Interface of the Printer Manager software is shown as below:
Fig 5: Displaying the User Manual of Printer Manager
The description of the Printer Manager window is given as below:
•Main Menu: Consist of several sub menu options viz. Settings, Tools, and also provide variety of functions
in well-organized manner. T
•Quick Access Toolbar: Display frequently performed actions like Add Job, Delete Job, Print Job, Pause or
resume, Abort job, check nozzle, Auto clean, Move left, Move right, Set print origin, Move forward, Move
backward, Move carriage to origin, and Edit job are available as buttons on the Quick access toolbar.
•Job Information: Display the properties of the selected job like file name and path, Status, Print Size,
Print Area, DPI, Pass, and more.
•Job Preview: Show the job preview as well as print progress in this area.
•Job List: Displays the thumbnail preview of added jobs.
•Error message: Displays the system generated error messages.
0
Job List
Error Information
Main Menu
Quick Access Toolbar
Print Parameters
System Status
Job Information
Job Preview

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5. Main Menu Options
The Main Menu options are shown in the image below:
Fig 6: The Main Menu Options
Setting Menu
The Setting menu options are shown in the image below:
Fig 7: The Setting Menu Options
•Save: Using this option, you can save the default settings of the machine. When you save the settings,
an xml file will be created for further references.
•Load: Using this option, you can load the previously saved machine’s settings.
•Save To Printer: When you click on this option, all the current settings get saved in the Main Board of
the machine.
•Load From Printer: When you click on this option, the printer settings get saved from Main Board to
Printer Manager software.
•Edit: Using this option, you can edit the previously made settings of Printer. On clicking the Edit option,
the Setting window with Printer, Move, Preference, and Calibration tabs appears on the screen.

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The Setting window with the Printer tab is shown in the below image:
Fig 8: Displaying the Setting Window
Describing the different sections of the Setting window, as given below:
•Print setting
oAuto skip white: Enable to auto skip the white space in the image during printing.
oStep Time: Set time interval of the feed motor during printing.
oJob Space: Set space between multiple jobs.
oFeather: Feather type should be “Gradient” only and intensity percentage of the feather
should be 5-100 as per the media type.
oMultiple Ink: Enable to select the color depth of an image according to the passes. The
available options are Default, Double, and More.
•Color Bar
oSpace: Specify the distance of the color bar from the image.
oWidth: Set width of the color bar.
oPlacement: Enable or disable the color bar and its placement viz. left, right, or both.

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oHeight same with image: If enabled, the height of the color bar is same as the image height.
•Spray setting
oAuto Spray: Set the duration (number of passes) for auto spraying.
oSpray Period: Define the duration for spraying (set as 100). If the duration increased, spray
frequency gets decreased.
oPrint Pre-spray Time: This is the duration of spray before start of print.
This option works when the Spray Before Print option is enabled.
oIdle Spray: Spray during carriage at home position. This option must be enabled.
oSpray Before Print: This option enables spray before start of print.
The Move tab is shown in the image below:
Fig 9: Displaying the Move Tab
Note: X and Y manual moving speed can be selected using the Move tab.

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The Preference tab is shown in the image below:
Fig 10: Displaying the Preference Tab
Description of different options available under the Preference tab:
•View Mode: Enable to set the Printer Manager screen view.
•Language: Enable to change the language of the Printer Manager.
•Unit: Enable to set the measuring unit like Millimeter.

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The Calibration tab is shown in the image below:
Fig 11: Displaying the Calibration Wizard
Tools Menu
The Tools menu options are shown in the image below:
Fig 12: The Tools Menu Option
Describing the different options of the Tool Menu:
•Password: This option enables to feed the time and language passwords of the printer.
•Calibration Wizard: Using this option, you can perform different types of calibration viz. Angle Check,
Vertical Check, Nozzle Check, and more. For more details, please read the “Calibration Wizard” section
carefully.

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•Auto stop pump ink when time out: Stop the pump automatically when time out occurs with a pop-up
message, as shown below:
Fig 13: Displaying the Error Message
Help Menu
The Help menu option is shown in the image below:
Fig 14: The Help Menu Option
•About: Enable to view the details about Printer Manager software viz. software version and copyrights.

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6. Getting Ready for Printing
Switch ON Procedure
Follow these steps to switch ON the printer:
Step 1: Check Waste Bottle.
Step 2: Check Ink Level.
Step 3: Release the Emergency button, if pressed.
Step 4: Maintain the room temperature.
Step 5: Move the carriage manually away from the Home position.
Step 6: Switch ON the printer from the main power or board.
Step 7: Switch ON the print engine and heater power buttons, as shown below:
Fig 15: Switch ON the Print Engine and Heater Power
Step 8: Load the media (refer to the Media Loading section).
Step 9: Turn on the computer system and open the printer manager software.
Step 10:Perform purging.
Step 11: Check the print head nozzles status by issuing the Nozzle Test command. If nozzle test result is not OK
or nozzles are blocked, clean the Print Head by performing the steps given in the Head Cleaning section.
Step 12: Rip the image file using the Ripping software provided with the machine.
Print Engine Heater Power

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Step 13: Set the print origin to specify the printing starting position.
Now, the printer is ready for printing.
Loading Media
Follow these steps to load the media:
Step 1: Lift up the Media Lever, as shown below:
Fig 16: Displaying the Media Lever
Step 2: Unwind the media roll to reach near the platen and hold it.
Step 3: Insert the taken-out media between the platform and the pinch roller.
Step 4: Pull the media out in front of the machine.
Step 5: Holding the media firmly and push down the Media Lever.
Step 6: Turn on the Supply Auto/Supply switch in auto mode and carefully observe the direction of media either
reverse or forward.
Step 7: Install the media clamps from both ends, as shown below:
Fig 17: Installing the Media Clamp

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Note: Please take care about the following points while handling the media:
•Media should be even
•Media roll sides (edges) should be straight or even.
•Media clamp should be properly and evenly placed on the media edges. In case, media clamps are
damaged or bent then replace it immediately.
•Carefully monitor media shifting (may cause wrinkles) and head nozzles get damaged.
Step 8: Pull the enough media so that it reaches to the Take Up roller (Optional) or let the media down by
issuing the Print command).
Step 9: Paste the front edge of the media on the core.
Step 10: Turn on the Take Up System and observe the media direction (either reverse or forward), as shown
below:
Fig 18: Enabling the Take-Up System
Step 11: Move the media forward so that it rolls easily over the Core.
Step 12: Adjust the bed vacuum to firmly hold the media as per the media type, using the Bed Vacuum regulator.
Now, the media gets loaded.
Note: Before issuing the Print command, verify the following things:
•Check the Waste Bottle and empty it, if required.
•Check the ink level in main tanks and refill it, if required.

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The Media Path is shown in the image below:
Fig 19: Displaying the Media Path
Ink Refilling
Please use the recommended ink in the printer for high printing quality as well as long life of print and print
heads. To refill ink, open the left door of the printer and replace ink bottles, if empty. Ink gets filled in the Sub
tanks shown below:
Fig 20: Displaying the Ink Sub Tank
Front Side
Back Side
Supply Rollers
Take-up Rollers
Pressure Rollers
Pinch Roller

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Feeding Password
The Password option enables operator to feed or update password of the printer. On clicking Password option
under the Tools menu, the Password window appears with two options viz. Time Password and Language
Password.
Follow these steps to change the passwords of the printer:
Step 1: Click on the Main MenuToolsPassword path, as shown below:
Fig 21: Selecting the Password Option
The Password window appears on the screen as shown below:
Fig 22: The Password Window
Step 2: Feed Password in the Time Password field (Refer to Fig 22).
Note: The length of the password field must be of 16 digits.
Step 3: After feeding the passwords, click on the Set button (Refer to Fig 22).
Step 4: Click on the Exit button to close the Password window (Refer to Fig 22).
Step 5: Restart the printer.
Note: When “First Warning” appears, kindly contact Head Office with the following screen:
•Password Screen (Refer to Fig 22)
•About Screen