Epson SC-F2000 Series User manual

User’s Guide
CMP0006-00 EN

Copyrights and Trademarks
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Seiko Epson Corporation. The information contained herein is designed
only for use with this Epson printer. Epson is not responsible for any use of this information as applied to other printers.
Neither Seiko Epson Corporation nor its affiliates shall be liable to the purchaser of this product or third parties for damages, losses, costs, or expenses
incurred by the purchaser or third parties as a result of accident, misuse, or abuse of this product or unauthorized modifications, repairs, or alterations to
this product, or (excluding the U.S.) failure to strictly comply with Seiko Epson Corporation’s operating and maintenance instructions.
Seiko Epson Corporation shall not be liable for any damages or problems arising from the use of any options or any consumable products other than those
designated as Original Epson Products or Epson Approved Products by Seiko Epson Corporation.
Seiko Epson Corporation shall not be held liable forany damage resulting from electromagnetic interference that occurs from the use of any interface cables
other than those designated as Epson Approved Products by Seiko Epson Corporation.
EPSON
®
is a registered trademark, and EPSON EXCEED YOUR VISION or EXCEED YOUR VISION is a trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation.
Microsoft
®
, Windows
®
, Windows Vista
®
and PowerPoint
®
are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Apple
®
, Macintosh
®
, and Mac OS
®
are registered trademarks of Apple Inc.
Intel
®
is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation.
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®
is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.
Adobe
®
, Photoshop
®
and Illustrator
®
are registered trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated.
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®
is a registered trademarks of Corel Corporation.
General Notice:Other product names used herein are for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners. Epson disclaims any
and all rights in those marks.
© 2013 Seiko Epson Corporation. All rights reserved.
SC-F2000 Series User’s Guide
Copyrights and Trademarks
2

Contents
Copyrights and Trademarks
Introduction
ImportantSafetyInstructions.................5
When choosing a place for this product. . . . . . . . 5
Whensettingupthisproduct...............5
Whenusingthisproduct...................5
Whenhandlingtheinkcartridges............6
NoteonthisGuide.........................6
MeaningofSymbols......................6
OperatingSystemVersions.................6
PrinterParts..............................7
Frontsection...........................7
Interior...............................9
Rearsection...........................11
Controlpanel..........................13
ScreenView...........................15
Features................................16
HighProductivity.......................16
HighReliability.........................16
HighResolution........................16
Ease-of-Use...........................17
NotesonUsageandStorage..................17
Installationspace.......................17
Notesforusingtheprinter.................17
Notesforwhennotusingtheprinter.........18
NotesonHandlingCartridges..............18
NotesonHandlingWhiteInk..............19
NotesonHandlingT-shirts(Media).........20
UsingtheSoftware........................21
ContentsoftheSoftwareDisc..............21
UsingEPSONLFPRemotePanel2..........22
RemovingtheSoftware...................22
Basic Printing
Overview...............................24
NecessaryItems..........................26
Pre-treatment............................27
UsingPre-treatmentLiquid................27
Fixating the Pre-treatment Liquid (Heat Press)
....................................30
PreparingthePrinter.....................31
Creatingandtransmittingdata...............32
AreasthatCannotbePrinted...............32
Notes on Transmitting and Receiving Data. . . . 32
FromPhotoshop/Illustrator................32
Fromothersoftwareapplications............33
LoadtheT-shirt(media)....................33
ReplacingthePlaten.....................33
LoadingonthePlaten....................34
AdjustingtheHeight.....................36
StartingandCancelingPrinting...............38
Starting..............................38
Canceling.............................38
Post-treatment...........................39
RemovingtheT-shirt....................39
FixatingtheInk.........................39
Other Printing Methods
PrintingfromaUSBMemoryStick............41
USBmemoryrequirements................41
Print.................................41
PrintingonThickMaterial(Media)............42
RemovingtheLabeledRoundPart...........42
InstallingtheLabeledRoundPart...........44
Maintenance
AdjustingthePrintHeadandsoon............45
Checkingforcloggednozzles...............45
Cleaningtheprinthead...................46
Correctingtheprintmisalignment...........47
PeriodicMaintenance......................49
Frequency.............................49
Preparations and Notes for Periodic Cleaning
....................................49
Disposing of Used Consumables and Optional
Parts.................................51
CleaningCaps..........................51
ReplacingtheHeadCleaningSet............53
TubeWashing.........................56
ReplacingandShakingCartridges...........58
DisposingofWasteInk...................60
ReplacingWhiteInk.....................62
ProlongedStorage.......................62
CleaningthePrinter.......................63
Using the Control Panel Menu
MenuOperations.........................64
Starting and Ending the Maintenance Mode
Menu................................64
SC-F2000 Series User’s Guide
Contents
3

MenuList...............................65
MenuDescriptions........................67
USBFileList...........................67
Maintenance...........................67
PrinterSetup..........................68
PrintLogs.............................69
PrinterStatus..........................69
AdministratorMenu.....................70
MaintenanceMode......................71
Problem Solver
WhattoDoWhenaMessageIsDisplayed.......73
When a Maintenance Call/Service Call Occurs. . . . 74
Troubleshooting..........................75
You cannot print (because the printer does not
work)................................75
Theprinteroperates,butdoesnotprint.......75
Print results are not what you expected. . . . . . . 76
Others...............................78
Appendix
OptionsandConsumableProducts............80
Notes When Moving or Transporting the Printer
......................................82
PreparingtoMove......................82
SettingupthePrinterAfterMoving..........83
TransportingthePrinter..................83
SystemRequirements......................84
SpecificationsTable........................84
StandardsandApprovals..................86
Where To Get Help
TechnicalSupportWebSite..................87
ContactingEpsonSupport...................87
BeforeContactingEpson..................87
HelpforUsersinNorthAmerica............88
HelpforUsersinEurope..................88
HelpforUsersinAustralia................88
HelpforUsersinSingapore................89
HelpforUsersinThailand................89
HelpforUsersinVietnam.................89
HelpforUsersinIndonesia................89
HelpforUsersinHongKong..............90
HelpforUsersinMalaysia.................90
HelpforUsersinIndia...................90
HelpforUsersinthePhilippines............91
Software License Terms
Bonjour................................92
Info-ZIPcopyrightandlicense................97
SC-F2000 Series User’s Guide
Contents
4

Introduction
Important Safety
Instructions
Read all of these instructions before using the printer.
Also be sure to follow all warnings and instructions
marked on the printer.
When choosing a place for this
product
❏Place this product on a flat, stable surface that is
larger than this product. This product will not
operate properly if it is tilted or at an angle.
❏Avoid places subject to rapid changes in
temperature and humidity. Also keep it away from
direct sunlight, strong light, or heat sources.
❏Avoid places subject to shocks and vibrations.
❏Keep this product away from dusty areas.
❏Place this product near a wall outlet where the plug
can be easily unplugged.
When setting up this product
❏Do not block or cover the openings in this product’s
cabinet.
❏Do not insert objects through the slots. Take care
not to spill liquid on this product.
❏This product’s power cord is for use with this
product only. Use with other equipment may result
in fire or electric shock.
❏Connect all equipment to properly grounded
power outlets. Avoid using outlets on the same
circuit as copiers or air control systems that
regularly switch on and off.
❏Avoid electrical outlets controlled by wall switches
or automatic timers.
❏Keep the entire computer system away from
potential sources of electromagnetic interference,
such as loudspeakers or the base units of cordless
telephones.
❏Use only the type of power source indicated on the
product’s label.
❏Use only the power cord that comes with this
product. Use of another cord may result in fire or
electric shock.
❏Do not use a damaged or frayed power cord.
❏If you use an extension cord with this product,
make sure the total ampere rating of the devices
plugged into the extension cord does not exceed the
cord’s ampere rating. Also, make sure the total
ampere rating of all devices plugged into the wall
outlet does not exceed the wall outlet’s ampere
rating.
❏Do not attempt to service this product yourself.
❏Unplug this product and refer servicing to qualified
service personnel under the following conditions:
The power cord or plug is damaged; liquid has
entered the product; the product has been dropped
or the cabinet damaged; the product does not
operate normally or exhibits a distinct change in
performance.
❏If you plan to use the printer in Germany, observe
the following:
To provide adequate short-circuit protection and
over-current protection for this printer, the
building installation must be protected by a 10 or 16
amp circuit breaker.
❏If damage occurs to the plug, replace the cord set or
consult a qualified electrician. If there are fuses in
the plug, make sure you replace them with fuses of
the correct size and rating.
When using this product
❏Do not touch the carriage scale.
❏Do not put your hand inside this product or touch
the ink cartridges during printing.
SC-F2000 Series User’s Guide
Introduction
5

❏Do not move the print heads by hand; otherwise
you may damage this product.
❏Always turn the product off using the Power button
on the control panel. When this button is pressed,
the Power light flashes briefly then goes off. Do not
unplug the power cord or turn off the product until
the Power light stops flashing.
When handling the ink
cartridges
❏Keep ink cartridges out of the reach of children and
do not drink.
❏Do not touch the IC chip on the side of the cartridge.
This may affect normal operation and printing.
❏The IC chip on this ink cartridge retains a variety of
cartridge-related information, such as the ink
cartridge status, so that the cartridge may be
removed and reinserted freely. However, each time
the cartridge is inserted, some ink is consumed
because the printer automatically performs a
reliability check.
❏If you remove an ink cartridge for later use, protect
the ink supply area from dirt and dust, and store it in
the same environment as this product. Note that
there is a valve in the ink supply port, making covers
or plugs unnecessary, but care is needed to prevent
the ink from staining items that the cartridge
touches. Do not touch the ink supply port or
surrounding area.
Note on this Guide
Meaning of Symbols
!
Warning Warnings must be followed to
avoid serious bodily injury.
!
Caution Cautions must be followed to
avoid bodily injury.
c
Important Important must be followed to
avoid damage to this product.
Note Notes contain useful or
additional information on the
operation of this product.
Operating System Versions
In this documentation, the following abbreviations are
used.
Windows refers to Windows 8, 7, Vista, XP.
❏Windows 8 refers to Windows 8, Windows 8 Pro,
and Windows 8 Enterprise.
❏Windows 7 refers to Windows 7 Home Basic,
Windows 7 Home Premium, Windows 7
Professional, and Windows 7 Ultimate.
❏Windows Vista refers to Windows Vista Home
Basic Edition, Windows Vista Home Premium
Edition, Windows Vista Business Edition,
Windows Vista Enterprise Edition, and Windows
Vista Ultimate Edition.
❏Windows XP refers to Windows XP Home Edition,
Windows XP Professional x64 Edition, and
Windows XP Professional.
Macintosh refers to Mac OS X.
❏Mac OS X refers to Mac OS X 10.6.8 and later
versions.
SC-F2000 Series User’s Guide
Introduction
6

Printer Parts
Front section
APrinter cover
Open when cleaning the inside of the printer.
BAirflow vents
Lets out air from the printer. Do not block the airflow vents.
CCartridge cover (left)
Open when replacing or shaking ink cartridges.
U“Replacing and Shaking Cartridges” on page 58
DPlaten
A plate for loading T-shirts. In addition to the one supplied with the printer, two more sizes are available as
options.
U“Options and Consumable Products” on page 80
EMovable base
Moves backwards and forwards when printing starts or when you press the }button.
FParallel adjustment plate
A plate that supports the platen. Insert the platen here.
GHeight adjustment lever
Adjusts the height of the platen. The height can be selected from nine stages.
U“Adjusting the Height” on page 36
SC-F2000 Series User’s Guide
Introduction
7

HFixing lever
Fixes the height adjustment lever in place. You can adjust the angle of the lever.
U“Adjusting the angle of the fixing lever” on page 37
ICartridge cover (right)
Open when replacing or shaking ink cartridges.
U“Replacing and Shaking Cartridges” on page 58
JTool storage space
Stores tools such as the supplied tweezers. Do not place anything in here when moving or transporting the printer.
KInk cartridges
Install ink cartridges into all slots.
LControl panel
U“Control panel” on page 13
SC-F2000 Series User’s Guide
Introduction
8

Interior
ACarriage scale
Guides the print head when it is operating. Do not touch this during maintenance and so on; otherwise, it could be
damaged or soiled which may cause a malfunction.
BCarriage shaft
A metal shaft that supports the carriage. Do not touch this during maintenance and so on; otherwise, a malfunction
could occur.
CFlushing pad
The ink is ejected to here during flushing. The flushing pad is a consumable product. Replace it if a message is
displayed.
U“Replacing the Head Cleaning Set” on page 53
DAir filter
The air from the printer passes through this filter during operation.
If a message on the control panel prompts you to replace the air filter, contact your dealer or Epson Support.
EPrint head
Fires ink while moving left and right to print.
FAnti-drying caps
Caps that close the print head nozzles to prevent them from drying while not printing. Replace it if a message is
displayed.
U“Replacing the Head Cleaning Set” on page 53
SC-F2000 Series User’s Guide
Introduction
9

GSuction cap
Sucks out the ink during head cleaning to unclog the nozzles.
HWiper unit
Wipes the ink from the print head nozzles. The wiper unit is a consumable product. Replace it if a message is
displayed.
U“Replacing the Head Cleaning Set” on page 53
SC-F2000 Series User’s Guide
Introduction
10

Rear section
AAC inlet
Connect the supplied power cable here.
BWaste ink outlet (Left)
An outlet for the waste ink tube. Waste ink is ejected from here.
CTube clamp
A clamp that fixes the waste ink tube to the printer. See the Setup Guide for details on attaching and removing the
clamp.
DWaste ink bottle holder
A holder to fix the waste ink bottle to the printer.
EWaste ink bottle
A bottle for collecting waste ink. When the waste ink reaches the line on the bottle, replace it with a new waste ink
bottle.
FWaste ink tube
Insert this into the waste ink outlet and the waste ink bottle. Make sure this is always attached to the printer and
inserted into the waste ink bottle when using the printer.
GWaste ink outlet (Right)
An outlet for the waste ink tube. Waste ink is ejected from here.
HLAN port
Connect the LAN cable here.
SC-F2000 Series User’s Guide
Introduction
11

IData light
Indicates the network connection status and data reception by lighting or flashing.
On : Connected.
Flashing : Receiving data.
JStatus light
Indicates the network transmission speed by the color of the light.
Green : 10Base-T
Red : 100Base-T
KUSB port
Connect the USB cable here.
LAir inlet
Lets in the air to cool down the printer. Do not block the air inlet.
SC-F2000 Series User’s Guide
Introduction
12

Control panel
APlight (Power light)
Indicates the printer's operational status by lighting or flashing.
On : The power is on.
Flashing : The printer is operating such as receiving data, shutting down, or moving the movable
base.
Off : The power is off.
BPbutton (Power button)
Turns the power on and off.
C+button (Cancel button)
If you press this button after print datahas been sent, the Cancel Job confirmation screenis displayed. To cancel the
print job, select Yes and then press the Zbutton.
If you press this button while a message or menu is displayed, the message or menu is closed and you are returned to
the Standby screen.
DScreen
Displays the printer's status, menus, error messages, and so on.
U“Screen View” on page 15
E}button (Operate movable base button)
Moves the movable base backwards and forwards. The movement direction depends on the position of the base
before the button is pressed.
When forward : Moves into printer
When backward : Moves towards you
When centered : Moves towards you
If you press the button again while the base is moving, it stops moving.
SC-F2000 Series User’s Guide
Introduction
13

Flbutton
If you press this button while the menu is displayed, you move back a step in the following order: setting value ->
setting item -> menu.
U“Menu Operations” on page 64
Gu/dbuttons (Up/Down buttons)
When menus are displayed, these buttons can be used to select a setting item or a setting value.
U“Menu Operations” on page 64
HZbutton
If you press this button while a setting value is selected in the menu, the value is set or executed.
Irbutton (Menu button)
Displays the Settings menu on the screen. If you press this button while the menu is displayed, you move on to the
next step in the following order: menu -> setting item -> setting value.
U“Menu Operations” on page 64
JUSB memory port
Connect the USB memory stick here.
Kxbutton (Start button)
Starts printing.
Lxlight (Start light)
Indicates if the printer is ready by lighting or flashing.
On : The printer is ready to print.
Flashing : Printing.
M-button (Maintenance button)
If you press this button the Maintenance menu is displayed. You can perform a Nozzle Check, Cleaning, Tube
Washing, Head Cleaning Set, Caps Cleaning, and so on.
U“Maintenance” on page 45
N0light (Error light)
Lights or flashes when an error occurs.
Lights or flashes : An error has occurred. How it lights or flashes varies depending on the type of the error.
The control panel displays a description of the error.
Off : No error.
SC-F2000 Series User’s Guide
Introduction
14

Screen View
AMessage
Displays the printer's status, operation, and error
messages.
U“What to Do When a Message Is Displayed” on
page 73
BPrint job name
Displays the name of the current print job.
CUSB memory status
This is displayed when you select USB File List from
the Settings menu to read the data from the USB
memory stick connected to the printer.
DPlaten size
Displays the platen size of the current print job.
EWaste ink bottle status
Displays the waste ink bottle status and the approx-
imate remaining capacity. The display changes as
follows to show errors or to warn when it is nearing
the end of its service life.
Normal Warning or Error
1
1 Status indicators
The waste ink bottle status is indicated as follows.
: The height of the indicator corresponds
to the remaining capacity.
: The waste ink bottle is almost full.
Prepare a new waste ink bottle.
: The waste ink bottle is full. Replace the
waste ink bottle with a new one.
FInk cartridge status
Displays the ink cartridge status and the approxi-
mate level of ink remaining. The display changes as
follows when the ink is low or an error occurs.
Normal Warning or Error
1
2
1 Status indicators
The ink cartridge status is indicated as follows.
: Printing is possible. The height of the
indicator corresponds to the amount of
ink remaining in the cartridge.
: Ink is low. You need to prepare a new
ink cartridge.
: The ink cartridge is expended; replace
with a new ink cartridge.
: An error has occurred. Check the
message on the screen, and clear the
error.
: A Cleaning cartridge is installed. The
height of the indicator corresponds to
the amount of cleaning fluid remaining
in the cartridge.
SC-F2000 Series User’s Guide
Introduction
15

2 Ink color codes
WH/CL : White/Cleaning
Y:Yellow
M:Magenta
C:Cyan
BK : Black
GTotal Prints Display
The number of T-shirts to be printed specified
during data sending or USB File List is displayed on
the right, and the number of T-shirts printed is
displayed on the left.
Features
The main features of this printer are described below.
High Productivity
High-speed printing
High-speed printing has been achieved by adopting the
MicroPiezoTF head that incorporates high density 360
dpi nozzles, and by optimizing the speed of the carriage
and platen.
We have also provided High-speed color mode (selected
during initial setup) which increases productivity by
doubling the number of nozzles for each color.
Large-capacity ink cartridges
600 ml large capacity ink cartridges are available to
increase productivity. This reduces the time needed to
replace ink cartridges. You can also select 250 ml
cartridges depending on the printer usage.
U“Options and Consumable Products” on
page 80
High Reliability
Ink circulation system
A built-in ink circulation system prevents malfunctions
due to sedimentation of ink particles in the White ink
tubes. Stable ink supply and print quality have been
achieved by regularly circulating the ink.
Automatic wiper system
A built-in automatic wiper system has been newly
developed for Epson pigment ink textile printers. Stable
print quality has been achieved by automatically
cleaning the surface of the print head nozzles.
High Resolution
Achieving smooth gradations and high color
reproducibility
Smooth gradations and high color reproducibility have
been achieved by using ink optimized for pigment ink
textile printing to produce clear color density and
Epson's image processing technology.
SC-F2000 Series User’s Guide
Introduction
16

Achieving high density white printing
High density white printing has been achieved by using
White ink and pre-treatment liquid developed specially
for Epson pigment ink textile printers.
Ease-of-Use
Easy T-shirt loading and height adjustment
The frame fixes the printing surface of the T-shirt
securely on the platen. You can also adjust the height by
simply moving the lever to the left or right.
User-friendly design
The printer is specially designed so that you can perform
all everyday operations from the front such as loading
T-shirts or opening and closing the cover for
maintenance work. The transparent printer cover also
allows you to easily check the printer's operating status.
Clear and easy to read color LCD display
The 2.5 inch color LCD display offers a large display area
allowing you to easily check the levels of remaining ink
for each color, displaying illustrations to show you how
to replace consumable items and maintenance
information to help you increase productivity.
Repeat and direct printing functions
You can connect a commercially available USB memory
stick directly to the printer. This allows you to save
printer-ready data (spooled) to a USB memory stick and
print the data again. It also allows you to print when you
cannot connect a computer to the printer.
Easy-to-use software
We have deployed Garment Creator the software
specialized for pigment ink textile printing to achieve
high quality output. The easy-to-use graphical user
interface increases efficiency.
To print on dark colored T-shirts, you need to print the
white base first; however, the specialized software
creates the base data automatically according to the
simulated image for easy printing. You can even
calculate the basic costs by performing a simulation
using your simulated image.
U“Contents of the Software Disc” on page 21
Notes on Usage and
Storage
Installation space
Make sure that you secure the following space, clear of
any other objects, so that T-shirt and consumable
replacements are not obstructed.
See the "Setup Guide" for more details.
USetup Guide (booklet)
Notes for using the printer
Note the following points when using this printer to
avoid breakdowns, malfunctions, and print quality
decline.
As well as the following, there are additional points to
note when using White ink. Check the following points.
U“Notes on Handling White Ink” on page 19
❏When using the printer, observe the operating
temperature and humidity range described in the
"Specifications Table".
U“Specifications Table” on page 84
When operating in dry areas, air conditioned
environments, or under direct sunlight, maintain
the specified humidity range.
❏Do not install the printer next to heat sources or
directly in the path of air from a ventilator or air
conditioner. Failure to observe this precaution
could result in the print head nozzles drying and
clogging.
SC-F2000 Series User’s Guide
Introduction
17

❏Do not bend or pull the waste ink tubes. Otherwise
ink may leak inside or outside the printer.
❏The print head may not be capped (i.e., may not
move to the right-hand side) if an error occurs and
the printer is turned off without first resolving the
error. Capping is a function for automatically
covering the print head with a cap (lid) to prevent
the print head from drying out. In this case, turn on
the power and wait a while until capping is
performed automatically.
❏When the printer is on, do not disconnect the power
plug or cut the power at the breaker. The print head
may not be capped properly. In this case, turn on the
power and wait a while until capping is performed
automatically.
❏To keep the print head in the optimum operating
condition, the ink and cleaning liquid are also used
in maintenance operations such as head cleaning in
addition to printing.
❏Do not remove ink cartridges while the printer is
operating. A malfunction may occur.
❏The caps, wiper units, flushing pads, and tubes
require periodic maintenance. Replace or clean
them if a message is displayed. Print quality declines
if maintenance is not performed.
U“Periodic Maintenance” on page 49
❏Do not move the movable base or the platen
manually. Otherwise a malfunction may occur.
❏To keep the print head in optimum operating
condition, maintenance is performed when the
printer is turned on. If the printer is turned on and
off frequently, more ink is consumed in each
maintenance operation. We recommend leaving
the power on to reduce ink consumption. To reduce
ink consumption, we recommend leaving the
power on when using the printer.
Notes for when not using the
printer
Note the following points when you are storing the
printer. If the printer is not stored correctly, you may
not be able to print properly the next time it is used.
As well as the following, there are additional points to
note when using White ink. Check the following points.
U“Notes on Handling White Ink” on page 19
❏If you do not print for a long time, the print head
nozzles may become clogged. We recommend that
you print once a week to prevent the print head
from clogging.
❏Even if the printer is not turned on, ink that has
accumulated in the waste ink tubes may leak out.
Make sure the waste ink bottle is installed even
when the printer is not on.
❏Make sure that the print head has been capped (the
print head is positioned at the right edge) before
storing the printer. If it is left uncapped for a long
time, the print quality may decline, and it may be
impossible to clear clogging in the print head. If the
print head is not capped, turn the printer on, check
that capping has been performed, and then turn it
off.
❏Close all covers when storing the printer to prevent
dust and other foreign matters getting in.
If the printer will be not be used for an extended
period, protect it with an anti-static cloth or other
cover.
The print head nozzles are very small, and they can
become clogged easily if fine dust gets on the print
head, and you may not be able to print properly.
❏If you do not use the printer for about one month,
make sure you check for clogged nozzles before
printing. If clogged nozzles are detected in the print
head, perform head cleaning.
U“Checking for clogged nozzles” on page 45
❏If you do not use color ink for one month or more,
replace the ink with cleaning liquid by installing the
separately sold Cleaning cartridge (perform the
prolonged storage operation). If the printer is left
without performing the prolonged storage
operation, it may be impossible to clear clogging in
the print head.
U“Prolonged Storage” on page 62
Notes on Handling Cartridges
Note the following points when handling cartridges to
maintain good print quality.
SC-F2000 Series User’s Guide
Introduction
18

As well as the following, there are additional points to
note when using White ink. Check the following points.
U“Notes on Handling White Ink” on page 19
❏When installing ink cartridges for the first time, a
lot of ink is consumed to fill all parts of print head
nozzles to get the printer ready for printing. Be sure
to have replacement cartridges ready soon.
❏We recommend that ink and Cleaning cartridges be
stored at room temperature out of direct sunlight
and used before the expiry date printed on the
packaging.
❏To ensure print quality, we recommend that ink
and Cleaning cartridges be used up within a year of
their installation.
❏Ink cartridges and Cleaning cartridges that have
been stored at low temperatures for an extended
period should be allowed to return to room
temperature over a period of four hours before use.
❏Do not touch the IC chips on the cartridges. Doing
so may prevent normal operation and printing.
❏Install ink and Cleaning cartridges into all slots. The
printer cannot print unless cartridges are installed
in all slots.
❏Do not leave the printer without cartridges
installed. The ink in the printer may dry, preventing
it from printing as expected. Leave cartridges in all
slots even while you do not use the printer.
❏Information such as the remaining levels is
managed by the IC chip to allow the cartridge to be
continuously used after being removed and
re-installed.
❏If you remove an ink cartridge before it is empty,
wipe off any ink that is stuck on the ink supply port
using the cleaning stick in the supplied
maintenance kit. If ink dries on the supply port, it
may leak when it is reinstalled.
Make sure that the supply port is free of dust when
storing cartridges. The port does not need to be
capped since there is a valve inside.
❏Removed ink cartridges may have ink around the
ink supply port, so be careful not to soil the
surrounding area.
❏To maintain the quality of the print head, this
printer stops printing before ink cartridges are
completely expended.
❏Although the cartridges may contain recycled
materials, this does not affect functions or printer
performance.
❏Do not dismantle or remodel cartridges. You may
not be able to print properly.
❏Do not drop or knock cartridges against hard
objects. It may cause an ink leak.
Notes on Handling White Ink
A characteristic of White ink is that it sediments easily
(ink particles sink to the bottom of the liquid). If the ink
is used while in this state, print quality may decline or
the printer may malfunction. Note the following points
to use the printer under optimum conditions.
❏Remove the installed cartridge at the start of every
working day or every 20 hours (when a message is
displayed), and shake it well.
U“Replacing and Shaking Cartridges” on
page 58
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Introduction
19

❏Wash the ink tubes when a message is displayed to
prevent print quality declining due to
sedimentation in the tubes.
After washing, auto cleaning is performed to
prevent nozzles from clogging. At this time, White
ink and color inks are used to clean all of the
nozzles.
U“Tube Washing” on page 56
❏When storing cartridges, lay them down flat. If
cartridges are stored standing upright, you may not
be able to clear the sedimentation even by shaking
them.
❏If you do not use the printer for two weeks or more,
perform Replace White Ink using the separately
sold Cleaning cartridge. If the printer is left without
replacing the white ink, it may be impossible to clear
clogging in the print head.
U“Replacing White Ink” on page 62
Note:
While in White ink mode, White ink is still consumed
during maintenance even when printing with color ink
only.
Notes on Handling T-shirts
(Media)
Note the following points when handling and storing
printed T-shirts.
❏Avoid locations that are subject to direct sunlight,
excessive heat, or humidity. If T-shirts are stored in
a hot place after printing, the printed surface may
soften and stick.
❏Do not use a tumble drier.
❏Do not dry clean.
❏Turn the T-shirt inside out before washing, and
then let it dry while inside out.
❏Do not use bleach. It may cause discoloration.
❏Do not iron directly on the printed surface.
❏Do not expose to direct sunlight for extended
periods of time.
❏Do not use organic solvents such as alcohol.
❏Do not rub the printed surface against vinyl
chloride based artificial leather. The colors may
transfer to the leather.
❏Colors may transfer if you rub the surface printed
with color ink only against a surface printed with
White ink only. If this happens, use a soft cloth or
brush with a little household detergent to wipe away
the transferred color.
❏If you have applied pre-treatment liquid and fixated
the ink, we recommend washing the T-shirt in
water before wearing it to remove the remaining
traces of pre-treatment liquid.
❏If traces of the pre-treatment liquid are visible, try
washing in water; however, the effects depend on
the material of the T-shirt.
❏If pre-treatment liquid is applied to a white or
light-colored T-shirt, the application side may turn
yellow. Print soon after applying the pre-treatment
liquid and wash in water. Avoid direct sunlight if
you store the T-shirt without printing.
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Introduction
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