EASYPRINT Compact CM Operator's manual

Compact CM
Compact IM
Easyprint
User Documentation

EPT033789 Issue 2 February 2018 1
CONTENTS
REGULATION...................................................................................................... 3
FCC Notice ...................................................................................................... 3
European EMC Statement............................................................................... 3
HEALTH AND SAFETY........................................................................................ 4
Symbols........................................................................................................... 4
Warning Notices .............................................................................................. 5
Caution Notices ............................................................................................... 5
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................. 7
General ............................................................................................................ 7
Description ............................................................................................ 7
Intended Use ......................................................................................... 7
System Specification....................................................................................... 8
Compact Touchscreen.......................................................................... 8
Printer Specification .............................................................................. 8
Power Supply Unit................................................................................. 11
Optional Touchscreen ........................................................................... 11
INSTALLATION ................................................................................................... 12
Mechanical Installation Requirements............................................................. 12
Brackets .......................................................................................................... 12
Window bracket (for IM and CM versions)............................................ 12
Web positioning module ....................................................................... 12
Labeller bracket (IM only) ...................................................................... 12
Mounting the Printer in the Bracket System.................................................... 13
Connectivity..................................................................................................... 14
Set Up Printer - Final Steps............................................................................. 15
Calibrating the Printer............................................................................ 15
Optimising the Print Head ..................................................................... 15
Print Trigger........................................................................................... 17
Test Print, Align and Calibrate............................................................... 17

2 EPT033789 Issue 2 February 2018
OPERATION........................................................................................................ 18
Start-Up........................................................................................................... 18
Shut Down....................................................................................................... 19
Disconnect Compact Touchscreen /
Touchscreen from Printer...................................................................... 19
Printer Shut Down ................................................................................. 19
Screen Functions............................................................................................. 19
General .................................................................................................. 19
Editor Screen................................................................................................... 20
New Message.................................................................................................. 21
Add........................................................................................................ 22
Save Message....................................................................................... 22
Selecting an Existing Message........................................................................ 23
Changing an Existing Message............................................................. 23
Global Print Settings........................................................................................ 24
Quality ................................................................................................... 24
Economy ............................................................................................... 25
Position.................................................................................................. 26
Saved With Message............................................................................. 26
MAINTENANCE................................................................................................... 27
Common Errors and Acknowledgement ......................................................... 27
Ribbon Breaks....................................................................................... 29
Replacing the Ribbon ...................................................................................... 30
Setting the Ribbon Type........................................................................ 30
Ribbon Threading Procedure ................................................................ 31
Cleaning the Print Head .................................................................................. 33
Cleaning the Capstan Roller............................................................................ 34
Maintenance Schedule .................................................................................... 35

EPT033789 Issue 2 February 2018 3
REGULATION
FCC Notice
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital
device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial
environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and,
if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is
likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the
interference at his own expense.
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the
user’s authority to operate the equipment.
European EMC Statement
This product may cause interference if used in residential areas. Such use must be avoided
unless the user takes special measures to reduce electromagnetic emissions to prevent
interference to the reception of radio and television broadcasts.

4 EPT033789 Issue 2 February 2018
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Notes: (1) Please read the entire Health and Safety section in your Product Manual (Part
No. EPT033612) before operating the printer.
(2) Unless stated otherwise, information provided is applicable to all printer
variants.
The printer and its component parts must only be used for the purpose for which they were
sold, and for which they are designed and constructed. No parts may be used for other
functions.
Read the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for Cleaning Fluid (Part No. WJ-111).
Read the following important notices before using the printer. The hazard information is
prioritised into warning and caution notices.
Symbols
The following symbols are used in this manual. Where they appear next to a procedure or
instruction, they have the significance and importance of written warnings and cautions.
Eye protection must be worn.
Protective clothing must be worn. Use adequate protective
gloves. Consult the relevant Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
Disconnect before carrying out maintenance or repair.
Only trained personnel should carry out this procedure.

EPT033789 Issue 2 February 2018 5
Warning Notices
Warning notices denote a potential hazard to the health and safety of users. These notices
clearly state the nature of respective hazard and the means by which it can be avoided.
WARNINGS: (1) Only trained and authorised personnel may carry out maintenance
work. Observe all statutory electrical safety codes and practices.
Risk of electric shock, disconnect the printer from the mains
electrical supply before removing the cover or attempting any
service or repair activity.
(2) The heating element and surrounding area become very hot during
use. To avoid the risk of burns, never touch the heating element
area of the print head.
(3) Cleaning fluid contains organic solvents. Always wear suitable
PPE (goggles and clothes) to avoid contact with the eyes and skin.
Avoid inhalation of the vapour. Do not smoke in the vicinity of
solvents.
(4) Replace ribbons with care to avoid cutting hands or fingers.
(5) Keep clear of the print head whilst the printer is powered on, due
to risk of injury from moving parts.
(6) Replaceable batteries should only be replaced using batteries of
the correct specified type and rating. Failure to do so may result in
an explosion hazard. Used batteries should be disposed of
according to the battery manufacturer’s instructions.
(7) To ensure continued protection against the risk of fire, replace
fuses with the specified type and rating only.
(8) To avoid the possibility of electric shock hazard and damage to
equipment, do not fit or remove any connector (except USB) on the
printer while the printer is switched on.
(9) There is a danger of electrical shocks from the electrical outlet. All
electronic checks must be performed by qualified personnel.
Caution Notices
Caution notices denote a risk to equipment damage. These notices clearly state the nature of
the hazard and the means by which it can be avoided.
CAUTIONS: (1) Changing the print head without setting the new resistance value may
cause severe damage to the print head.
(2) To avoid damage to the cables or equipment, ensure that the cables
are routed clear from any moving parts.
(3) To avoid damage to the equipment, do not exceed the supply voltage
stated in the manual.
(4) To avoid damage to the printer components, use only soft brushes and
lint-free cloths. For cleaning, always use Cleaning Pens (Part No.
VPR0223), Cleaning Fluid (Part No. WJ-111) and Print Head Cleaning

6 EPT033789 Issue 2 February 2018
Wipes (Part No. MT25215). Do not use high pressure air, cotton waste,
abrasive materials, metallic objects or degreasing cleaning fluids (e.g.,
Benzene, acetone).
(5) To avoid the risk of damage to the print head use only Easyprint spares,
parts and consumables.
(6) Do not run the printer without ribbon material, as this may damage the
print head.
(7) Do not expose the printer or controller to any water

EPT033789 Issue 2 February 2018 7
INTRODUCTION
General
This document contains basic operation instructions for the Easyprint Compact CM and
Compact IM printers.
For further information, refer to Product Manual (Part No. EPT033612).
Description
The Easyprint Compact is an industrial Thermal Transfer Overprinter (TTO). It consists of a
rectangular printer unit which contains a heated print head and thermal ribbon. The printer
can be controlled through an optional Touchscreen, Compact Touchscreen or from a
networked PC.
Printing is achieved by placing a thermal ribbon between a heated printhead and the
substrate to be marked. Heat from the printhead is passed through the ribbon, causing ink to
melt and be released from its underside. The ink adheres to the substrate and then cools
rapidly, resulting in a permanent print.
Intended Use
The Easyprint Compact is intended to print variable data, bar codes and images onto flexible
packaging films and labels.
The Compact CM and Compact IM are entry level, compact TTO printers with a 32mm wide
print head. The maximum ribbon length is 770m which gives an effective length of 960m when
economy mode is used.
Continuous Mode (CM).
The Compact CM is used when printing on a substrate which moves continuously.
Intermittent Mode (IM).
The Compact IM is used when printing on a stationary substrate which only moves between
printing.

8 EPT033789 Issue 2 February 2018
System Specification
Compact Touchscreen
Printer Specification
Type 5.7 inch, full colour Compact Touchscreen
(640x480 resolution), handheld, with docking
station.
Compact
Touchscreen
Dimensions (mm)
170(W) x 127.9(H) x 33.7(D)
Weight (kg) 0.385kg
Connectivity USB, Ethernet, (Mini USB for power / data
connection to printer)
Network Interface Ethernet 10/100 base TX
Accessories Wall brackets
Operating
environment
5 - 40°C
Humidity 20 - 80 % RH non-condensing
Printing Mode For IM printers: Intermittent
For CM printers: Continuous
Left Hand / Right
Hand
Both options available (convertible with no
extra parts in 15 minutes)
Print Resolution 300 DPI
For IM printers:
Maximum Print Area
32mm x 45mm
For CM printers:
Maximum print area
32mm x 100mm
For IM printers:
Print Speed (max)
400mm/s
For CM printers:
Speed Range
10mm/s - 550mm/s
Print repeat rate
(max)
4 prints/s (with a 10mm long print)
Ribbon drive
technology
i-Tech Ribbon Drive with unique dancing arm
tension control

EPT033789 Issue 2 February 2018 9
Max ribbon length 770m (up to 960m effective length with
Economy mode)
Ribbon save modes
Economy mode: Variable up to 20% with no reduction in print
resolution
Retraction mode: Less than 1mm gap between prints
Column mode: For CM printers:
15mm max printed ribbon per print.
For IM printers:
45mm max printed ribbon per print.
Print features Date code format, offsets, shift codes, serial
number generation
Fonts Most TrueType fonts
Controller / hardware
interface options
No dedicated controller required. Hardware
interface options: Easyprint Compact
Touchscreen (via USB cable- hot swappable),
Shared Compact Touchscreen (via Ethernet
cable or network), PC-based interface (via
Ethernet cable or network)
Connectivity Ethernet / USB x 2 / mini USB (service)
CAUTION: The ethernet socket includes Power over Ethernet
output.
Inputs Print Go, Encoder
Outputs Error, Ready, Ribbon Low, Spare (volt-free
contacts)
Special features Master / slave, password, Fast Mode
Label creation Onboard or via EasyDesign or QuickDesgin
Electrical
requirements
90V - 264V AC 50/60Hz, OR 24V d.c. (+/- 2%)
at 5A (if direct)
Dimensions:
Width 218mm
Height 160mm
Depth 148.5mm
Weight 5.6kg
Temperature
requirements
5°C to 40°C

10 EPT033789 Issue 2 February 2018
Humidity
Requirements
20-80%, RH non-condensing

EPT033789 Issue 2 February 2018 11
Power Supply Unit
Optional Touchscreen
Dimensions: 135mm x 58mm x 35mm
Weight: 0.5kg
Rated Input Voltage
Range:
90-264V; 1.5A
Output Voltage: +24V d.c.
Rated Output Power: 120W subject to de-rating
Working
Temperature:
0 to +50°C subject to de-rating
Storage
Temperature:
-20°C to +85°C
Display 10.4 inch SVGA Full Colour Touchscreen
Operating System Windows CE 7
Dimensions (mm) 307(W) x 232(H) x 75(D)
IP Rating Designed to IP55
Mounting
Accessories
Full range of brackets
Temperature 5 - 45°C
Humidity 10 - 90% non-condensing
Electrical supply
voltage
100 - 230 VAC
Electrical supply
frequency
20W 50-60 Hz
Weight 2.85 kg
Mounting VESA 75 Mounting Standard
Ethernet Cable 5m and 10m

12 EPT033789 Issue 2 February 2018
INSTALLATION
Mechanical Installation Requirements
Ensure that the following services and control signals are available:
Note: Power: 120/240 VAC, 50/60Hz, 1.5A
• A print start signal; we recommend a volt-free contact which closes when printing
is required.
• Sufficient space for installation and operation.
• If using a CM printer, an encoder giving 12 (or a multiple of 12) pulses per mm is
required to monitor the substrate speed. (This is included with the CM bracket.)
Brackets
For a list of the tools required, see the bracket instructions provided with the bracket kit.
For spares information, see www.easy-print.com
The bracket range covers widths of up to 900mm. The available flat-pack variants are:
Window bracket (for IM and CM versions)
• The CM version includes the encoder and CM axle assembly.
• The CM rubber roller assemblies are available in 100mm size increments (305mm
to 805mm) and must be ordered separately.
• The Quick Release (QR) Carrier Assembly (P/N EPT006141) is available for
mounting the printers directly onto Easyprint Compact flat pack window brackets
(IM bracket EAS002706 and CM bracket EAS002717).
Use this assembly in wash-down environments or other situations where printers
need to be removed on a regular basis.
The assembly has the same overall dimensions as the standard printer carrier
(P/N 5-0460258) and can be swapped out on existing installations.
Web positioning module
Labeller bracket (IM only)

EPT033789 Issue 2 February 2018 13
Mounting the Printer in the Bracket System
Note: Tool required: 5mm Allen key
(1) Mount the printer in the bracket system, using four M6 screws (supplied with
bracket).
(2) When mounting the printer in the CM bracket, ensure the print head is positioned
above the top point of the rubber roller.
Note: To obtain the best print quality, fine adjustment of the print head can be done
electronically at a later stage. See “Set Up Printer - Final Steps” on page 15.
(3) In order to apply the correct print head pressure, ensure that the height between the
base of the printer and rubber roller or platen is approximately 3mm.
Note: The precise height of the print head will need to be adjusted electronically via the
software once the services are connected. See “Set Up Printer - Final Steps” on
page 15.
(4) When the correct distance is obtained, tighten the screws.
(5) Mount the power supply. See “Connectivity” on page 14.

14 EPT033789 Issue 2 February 2018
Connectivity
The following diagram shows general connectivity for the printer. This example shows a
Compact Touchscreen connected directly via USB.
Note: The rear USBA and Mini USB connections share a port and therefore cannot be used
together.
Mini USB
Shaft Encoder
Packaging
Machine
I/O Cable:
P/N EDP002215SP
Mains PSU: P/N EPP002214SP
CM Printers only
Ethernet cable port (to
connect to PC or network)
CAUTION: Socket provides
Power over Ethernet (PoE)

EPT033789 Issue 2 February 2018 15
Set Up Printer - Final Steps
CAUTIONS: (1) The printer must be calibrated before installing it on the production line.
See below.
(2) In dusty environments, it may be beneficial to fit a Compact Positive Air
Kit (P/N EAS002970).
Calibrating the Printer
CAUTION: When calibrating, the print head must be able to extend fully, please ensure
enough space is allowed to perform this function.
For CM printers, the print head position parameter
must be set to allow this.
For IM printers the printing surface should be moved from under the printer. If
neither is possible, remove the printer from the bracket).
Calibrate at the printer operating temperature. Go to Settings > Production Line Setup > Head
Functions and select Calibrate.
Optimising the Print Head
Having mechanically installed the printer in the brackets, optimise the head position for
printing:
(1) Go to Settings > Production Line Setup > Line Movement. Either CM (Moving) or IM
(Static) will be displayed in the Line Movement pull-down menu.
(This corresponds to the type of printer in use.)
• For CM printers, set the Encoder Divide to 0. The current read-only Line Speed
is updated every few seconds.
(2) Go to Settings > Production Line Setup > Head Functions. Manually adjust the Head
Position and Print Head Height parameters to set the correct distance of 0.2-2mm
between the print head and substrate for both CM and IM printers.
(3) Review the following CM and IM bracket mounting diagrams:

16 EPT033789 Issue 2 February 2018
(4) Set the Print Trigger as required at Settings > Production Line Setup > Print Trigger.
For more information, See “Print Trigger” on page 17.
(5) Go to Settings > Production Line Setup > Print Head and set the Head Position:
• For CM printers, set the Head Position so that it is above the roller.
• For IM printers, we recommend that the horizontal print head position is set to 0.
Printing
Rubber
Roller
Web
Guide
Roller
Ribbon
Print Head
Print Head
Offset 0 to
2mm
Peel-off
Roller
Gap 0.2 to
2.0mm
Bracket Mounting - Continuous Mode (CM)
RibbonPrint HeadPeel-off
Roller
Gap 0.2 to
2.0mm
Web
Guide
Roller
Platen
Bracket Mounting - Intermittent Mode (IM)

EPT033789 Issue 2 February 2018 17
Print Trigger
Go to Settings > Production Line Setup > Print Trigger
This menu changes for CM printers and for IM printers.
Set details of how printing is triggered:
(1) Trig ger By:
• For CM printers, from the pull-down menu, select the source for the print trigger
- External Input, Internal (Distance) (which prints continuously while the print
trigger is closed) or Internal Continuous (which prints continuously while a valid
message is selected and there are no errors or warnings active).
• For IM printers, the source options for the print trigger are External Input, Internal
(Time) or Internal Continuous.
Note: When using the Internal (Distance / Time) option, the distance / time is set by the extra
parameter.
• When the print trigger is open, voltage is low - when it is closed, voltage is high.
(2) Active Level: The default is to start printing when the voltage is rising (i.e., when the
contacts are closed). It only triggers when the voltage rises.
(3) Start on External Trigger: For IM printers, this setting is available if Trigger By is set
to Internal (Time).
Test Print, Align and Calibrate
Go to Settings > Production Line Setup > Head Functions and select the desired function.

18 EPT033789 Issue 2 February 2018
OPERATION
Start-Up
With the printer connected to the mains power, select the Power / Reset button on the front
of the printer.
The Printer can be operated via a Compact Touchscreen, Touchscreen, PC or laptop.
From a Compact Touchscreen / Touchscreen:
(1) Connect the Compact Touchscreen to the printer:
• If connection is via a USB, the Compact Touchscreen automatically powers on.
• If connection is via Ethernet, the Compact Touchscreen powers on when the
USB power cable is connected.
(2) If the connection is via Ethernet, the Connection screen displays. Either:
• Select the device to connect to, or
• Long-press the device name for details and then select either Connect or Cancel.
(3) Enter Username and Password if requested, the Home screen will display.
From a PC or laptop:
(1) Launch the Easyprint Web Browser application.
(2) At the Connection screen, either:
• Select the required device to connect to, or
• Long-press the device name for details and then select either Connect or Cancel.
(3) Enter Username and Password if requested - the Home screen will display.
Note: The default Username is ‘admin’; the password field is blank.

EPT033789 Issue 2 February 2018 19
Shut Down
Disconnect Compact Touchscreen /
Touchscreen from Printer
(1) From the Log In screen, select Disconnect.
From any other screen,
(2) Select and then select Disconnect from printer.
(3) If a Compact Touchscreen is being used, it will turn off when its power is removed. If
it is connected by USB, this will happen automatically when the printer is shut down.
Printer Shut Down
To shut down the printer,
(1) Select and hold the Reset button until the LED changes colour,
(2) Release the Reset button.
Screen Functions
General
Tabs
Status
Icons
Screen
Title
Breadcrumb Trail
(Navigation) Main Screen
Area
Alert/Status
Bar
Lock/Logout/
Disconnect
Vertical
Scroll