GCC Technologies AR-24 User manual

V.10 2018 Mar.
AR-24
User Manual
`
http://www.GCCworld.com

V.10 2018 Mar.
NOTICE
GCC reserves the right to modify the information contained in this user
manual at any time without prior notice; un-authorised modification, copying
distribution or display is prohibited. All comments, queries or
suggestions concerning this manual please consult with your local dealer.

AR-24 user manual
Important Information
Important Information
Thank you for purchasing the AR-24 Cutting Plotter.
Before you use the cutting plotter, please make sure that you have read the
safety precautions and instructions below.
Caution
!
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS!
For safety concern, please always hold the cutter firmly from the bottom while moving
it. Do not move the cutter by clasping the depression area on both sides.
Do not shake or drop the blade holder, a blade tip can fly out.
During an operation, do not touch any of the moving parts of this machine (such as the
carriage). Also be careful to make sure that clothing and hair do not get caught.
Always connect the power cable to a grounded outlet.
Always use the accessory power cable that is provided. Do not wire the power cable
so that it becomes bent or caught between objects.
Do not connect the power cable to branching outlet to which other machines are also
connected, or use an extension cable. There is danger of overheating and of
mis-operation of the machine.
Keep the tools away from children where they can reach.
Always put the pinch rollers within the white marks.

AR-24 user manual
Table of Contents
T
Ta ab bl le e o of f C Co on nt te en nt ts s
Important Information
1. General Information
1.1Package Items
1-1
1.2Product Features
1-1
1.3 The Appearance
1-2
2. Installation
2.1 Precaution
2-1
2.2 Stand & Flexible Media Support System
2-2
2.3Blade Installation
2-6
2.4Media Loading
2-8
2.4.1 Loading the Sheet Media
2-8
2.4.2 Loading the Roll Media
2-10
2.4.3 How to change the poll size without turning off the
machine?
2-10
2.5Cable Connections
2-11
2.5.1 USB Interface
2-11
2.5.1.1 Connecting your GCC cutter
2-11
2.5.1.2 Installing the driver
2-11
2.5.1.3 Driver Un-installation
2-14
2.5.2 RS-232 Interface
2-17
2.5.3 Data Transmitting
2-18
2.5.4 Printer Sever Shared Setting
2-18
2.6 Software Installation
2-21
2.6.1 GreatCut Installation
2-21
2.6.2 Sure Cuts A Lot Installation
2-26
2.6.2.1 Auto Installation
2-26
2.6.2.2 Manually Activate Software
2-30
2.6.2.3 Re-install Sure Cuts A Lot Software
2-31
3.Operation
3.1The Control Panel
3-1
3.2VLCD
3-2
3.3 File Uploader
3-5
3.4 Data Transmission
3-6
3.5 AR-24 Print Driver setting
3-6
3.5.1 Option Page
3-6
3.6 Reference Parameter setting for different materials
3-9
4. Basic Maintenance
4.1 Cleaning the cutting Plotter
4-1
4.2 Cleaning the Grid Drum
4-1
4.3 Cleaning the Pinch Rollers
4-2

AR-24 user manual
Table of Contents
5. Trouble Shooting
5.1 What if AR-24 cannot Operate?
5-1
5.2 Cutting Quality Problems
5-2
Appendix
A-1
AR-24 Specification
A-1
A-2
Blade Specification
A-2
A-3
CorelDraw Instruction
A-3
A-4
Sure Cuts A Lot
A-4

AR-24 user manual
General Information 1-1
Chapter 1 General Information
1.1 Package Items
The package of AR-24 contents the items listed below, please check carefully.
If you find any item missing, please consult your local dealer for further assistance.
1.2 Product Features
The followings are the main features of the AR-24 cutting plotters:
‧Dual-port connectivity – USB & Serial interface
‧Up to 250 gram cutting force
‧Up to 552 mm/per second (21.7 ips) cutting speed (at 45° direction)
Item
Quantity
Cutting Plotter
1 Set
Accessories
1 Set
1. Installation DVD
2. Power Adapter
3. Paper Slicer
4. Cutting Pad
5. USB Cable (1.8m)
6. Cushion in tool carriage

AR-24 user manual
General Information 1-2
1.3 The Appearance (AR-24)
1.3.1 The Front View
Object
Description
A
Primary Pinch Roller
To help hold the media during cutting.
B
Slicing Groove
To help slice off media.
C
Alignment Ruler
To align media with clear guideline marks
D
Tool Carriage
To help perform cutting job with installed blade or pen.
E
Blade Holder
To hold the blade.
F
Platen
The surface for holding and supporting media in operation.
G
Cutting Pad
To protect blade and plate in operation.
H
Control Panel
To consist of 10 control keys and 2 LED lights.
1.3.2 The Back View
Object
Description
J
Grid Drum
To move media back and forth in operation.
J
【
Figure 1-2
】
【
Figure 1-1
】
G
F
D
C
B
A
E
H

AR-24 user manual
General Information 1-3
1.3.3 The Side Views
Object
Description
K Serial Interface Connector To connect the machine with a computer through a
RS-232 cable.
L USB Connector To connect the machine with a computer through a
USB cable.
M
AC Power Connector
To insert the AC power cord.
【Figure 1-4】
K
L
M
【Figure 1-3】

AR-24 User Manual
Installation
2-1
Chapter 2 Installation
2.1 Precaution
Please read below information carefully before you start installation.
Notice 1
Make sure the power switch is off before installing the cutting plotter.
Carefully handle the cutter to prevent any injuries.
Notice 2 Choosing a proper place before setting up the cutting plotter
Before installing your cutting plotter, select a suitable location, which meets the following
conditions.
The machine can be approached easily from any direction.
Keep enough space for the machine, accessories and supplies.
Keep the working area stable, avoiding severe vibration.
Keep the temperature between 15 and 30oC (60-86oF) in the workshop.
Keep the relative humidity between 25% and 75% in the workshop.
Protecting the machine from dust and strong air current.
Preventing the machine from direct sunlight or extremely bright lighting.
Notice 3 Connecting the Power Supply
Check the plug of the power cord to see if it mates with the wall outlet. If not, please contact
your dealer.
Insert the plug into a grounded power outlet.
Insert the other end (male) of power adapter into the AC connector (female) of cutting
plotter.
Notice 4 Tightening or Loosing Screws with Screwdriver
Whether manual or electric screwdriver, be careful not to use excess torque force when
tightening or loosing screws. When tightening or loosing iron and stainless steel screws,
please refer to the following screw torque standard table, other materials screws are not
included. Screw
diameter
Torque value (kgf-cm)
Torque standard for high hardness materials
M3
6
M4
16
M5 30
M6
50

AR-24 User Manual
Installation
2-2
2.2 Stand (Optional item)
2.2.1 Stand Installation
Please follow the procedures below for assembling the stand and the media support system.
Step 1
Please examine the supplied items in the accessory box of the carton before you install:
Stand is a standard item for AR- 24, Item List：
Beam x 1
Roll holder x 1
Bottom stand x 2
Vertical stand x 2
Roll holder support x 2
Screw-S x 4
Screw-L x 8
Flat washer x 12

AR-24 User Manual
Installation
2-3
Step 2
Place the beam upright on the left / right side vertical stand, and tighten the roll hold supports
to the vertical stands and beam with screws-L and flat washers. (Figure 2-1)
Step 3
Position the assembled stands perpendicularly, and tighten the assembled vertical stands to
the bottom stands with screw-L and flat washer. (Figure 2-2)
Vertical stand
Stand beam
Figure 1
Figure 2
Screw-L
+ Flat washer
Screw-L
+ Flat washer
Bottom stand
Roll holder
support

AR-24 User Manual
Installation
2-4
Roll holder
Roll media
Step 4
Position the stand under the plotter, and tighten the plotter onto vertical stands with screw-S
and flat washer. (Figure 2-3)
Step 5
Insert the roll holder into the roll media. (Figure 4)
Figure 4
Figure 3
Screw-S
+ Flat washer

AR-24 User Manual
Installation
2-5
Roll holder support
Step 6
Place the roll holder with media onto the roll holder support. (Figure 5)
Step 7
The complete picture will be shown below. (Figure 6)
Figure 5
Figure 6

AR-24 User Manual
Installation
2-6
Outward
Adjustment depth
2.3 Blade Installation
Figure 2-7 is the illustration of the blade
holder. Insert a blade into the bottom of
the blade holder, while pushing the top pin
to remove the blade. Make sure your
fingers are away from the blade tip.
Step 1 Step 2
Install blade (Figure 2-8). Push the blade to the bottom of the blade
holder (Figure 2-9).
Step 3
Adjust the blade tip to suitable length by screwing “Blade tip adjustment screw” clockwise or
count-clockwise (Figure 2-10).
Tips:
“The proper length” means the blade’s
length is adjusted 0.1mm more than
media’s thickness. That is, if the
thickness of film is 0.5mm, then blade’s
length is properly adjusted 0.6mm and it
can completely cut through the film layer
yet avoid penetrating the backing.
Figure 2-8 Figure 2-9
Figure 2-10

AR-24 User Manual
Installation
2-7
Step 4
Insert the blade holder into tool carriage. Please note the outward ring of the holder must put
into the grooves of carriage firmly (see Figure 2-11), fasten the case (Figure 2-12).
Figure 2-11 Figure 2-12
Step 5
Use the reversing steps to remove the blade holder
Step 6
Eject the blade: Push “Blade eject pin” to eject blade when the blade needs to be replaced.
Caution!!
The blade will lose its sharpness after a period of usage; hence the cutting
quality
might be affected. By increasing the cutting force, it might do the
trick. However, once the blade is worn out and no longer provides a reliable
cutting, you should replace a new one. The blade is consumable and must
be replaced as often as necessary to maintain the cutting quality. The
quality of the blade deeply affects cutting quality. So be sure to use a high
quality blade to ensure good cutting results.
Tips - When to replace a new blade:
If the blade is broken, you have to replace a new one.
If cutting quality is not as good as usual, you may need to replace a
new one.
If the material cannot be cut through by higher cutting force, you may
need to replace a new one.

AR-24 User Manual
Installation
2-8
Figure 2-13
Figure 2-15 Figure 2-16
Figure 2-14
2.4Media Loading
2.4.1 Loading the Sheet Media
To load the media properly, please follow the below
procedures:
Step 1
Lift the 2 levers at the backside of cutter to release pinch
rollers (Figure 2-13).
Step 2
Load your media on the platen and slide it under the
pinch rollers from either the front side or the
backside. The alignment rulers on the platen
extension will help you to adjust the media precisely
(Figure 2-14).
Step 3
Then move the pinch rollers manually to the proper position. Be sure the
pinch rollers must be positioned above the grid drum. The white marks on the main beam will
remind you where the grid drums are (Figure 2-15).
Step 4
Push the lever backward to lower down and fix the pinch rollers (Figure 2-16).
Step 5
After turn on the power, the tool carriage will measure the size of the media automatically. The
plotting cutter begins to work.
White mark

AR-24 User Manual
Installation
2-9
CAUTION!!!
Make sure the Primary and Secondary pinch rollers are set to right
positions.
Position the Primary Pinch Rollers at the right and left sides of media.
Position the Secondary Pinch Roller at the center of media.
Figure 2-17
Primary Pinch RollerSecondary Pinch Roller
(O) Correct
Figure 2-18
(X) Incorrect
NOTE:
Always adjust the position with the pinch rollers released (raised).
Always reposition the pinch roller by holding the center of the pinch roller and
move it from the REAR end of the machine. (Figure 2-19)
DO NOT move the pinch roller by holding its FRONT rubber roller (Figure 2-20).

AR-24 User Manual
Installation
2-10
Figure 2-19 Figure 2-20
(O) (X)
Correct Incorrect
2.4.2 Loading the Roll Media
You can use the stand with flexible media support system. Please refer to Chapter 2.2 for
hardware setup, and Chapter 2.5.1 for media loading.
2.4.3 How to change the poll size without turning off the machine?
Press origin set twice and the machine will start moving to get the new size. Then open the
VLCD and under the poll size you will find the new measurements.
2.4.4 Change the cushion periodically
Cushion in tool carriage is used to absorb vibration and lower the noise caused by moving tool
carriage. It is suggested to replace the cushion every six months to retain the effect.

AR-24 User Manual
Installation
2-11
2.5 Cable Connection
The cutting plotter communicates with a computer through a USB (Universal Serial Bus) or
a Serial port (RS-232C). This chapter shows you how to connect the cutting plotter to a host
computer and how to set up the computer and cutting plotter interconnection.
NOTICE:When USB connection is enabled, serial port will be disabled automatically.
2.5.1 USB Interface
AR-24 build-in USB interface are based on the Universal Serial Bus Specifications Revision
2.0 (Full Speed).
2.5.1.1 Connecting your GCC cutter
1. Turn on the machine.
2. Connect the USB connector to the machine and then USB driver will installed
automatically. It will take a few minutes to find the device. Please DO NOT disconnect the
USB cable until the installation has completed.
3. You can double click the USB icon on the taskbar to make sure the USB device is
detected.
2.5.1.2 Installing the driver
Use the USB One-click Installation for quick driver installation. Follow the simple steps
below for driver setup.
Step 1 Put the installation DVD into your CD-ROM. Please make sure that the USB
device is connected before you start the driver installation.
Caution!!
If you are using Windows 7 and above as your operating system,
make sure you log in using the “Administrator” account.

AR-24 User Manual
Installation
2-12
Step 2 Choose the model you want to install from the driver list and click on Windows
Driver (Win 7 and Above) (Automatic Detection) or Windows Driver (Win 7 and
Above) (Manual Selection) to start installing the Driver and AAS plug-in.
Step 3 Click “Next” to start the driver installation.
Step 4 If you were Windows 7 and above users, please click on the red words to instruct
you how to disable Windows Update to allow success driver installation.And then
click OK to next step.