Glunz & Jensen PlateWriter 2000 User manual

Operating Manual
PlateWriterTM 2000

Operating Manual
PlateWriter 2000
Edition BA, September 2010
This book has part No 51588
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This manual is published by: GLUNZ & JENSEN A/S
Haslevvej 13
DK-4100 Ringsted
Denmark
Phone:[phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Internet: www.glunz-jensen.com
© 2008 Glunz & Jensen A/S. All rights reserved.
Operating Manual 1036
0-2

Table of contents
1036 Operating Manual
Table of contents 0-3
Part 1: Introduction .................................... 1-1
About this Manual ................................................1-1
Intended Use of this Manual .......................................1-1
Reservations ..................................................1-1
Notes, Cautions, and Warnings ! ....................................1-1
Important ......................................................1-2
Unintended Use of the Equipment ...................................1-2
Safety and Use ................................................1-2
The PlateWriter 2000 System ........................................1-3
The PlateWriter 2000 System consists of:..............................1-3
PlateWriter 2000 Overview ..........................................1-4
Part 2: Daily Use ...................................... 2-1
Overview .......................................................2-1
Daily Start-Up ...................................................2-1
Making a Proof...................................................2-3
Creating Files for Proofs ..........................................2-3
Printing a Proof ................................................2-3
Making Plates ...................................................2-4
Creating Files for Plates ..........................................2-4
Loading Plates on the PlateWriter 2000 ...............................2-4
Imaging the Plate ................................................2-5
Finishing .....................................................2-7
Daily Shut-Down .................................................2-8
Part 3: Cleaning & Maintenance ...........................3-1
Overview .......................................................3-1
Inks and Fluids...................................................3-2
Liquid DotTM (1)................................................3-2
Maintenance Fluid (2) ...........................................3-2
Cleaning Fluid (3) ..............................................3-2
Head cap service oil (4) ..........................................3-2
Replacing the Ink Cartridges .........................................3-3
Care and Handling of Ink Cartridges ..................................3-3
Other Printer Cleaning Tasks .........................................3-4
General ......................................................3-4
Cleaning the Printer Body .........................................3-4
Cleaning the Printer Ink System .....................................3-4
Additional Printer Settings and Check .................................3-4
Finishing Unit ...................................................3-5
Running the Gum Rinse Program ....................................3-5
Cleaning of Gum/Finisher Rollers ....................................3-7

Operating Manual 1036
Table of contents
0-4
Cleaning the Finishing Unit Body ....................................3-7
Gum/water Replenishing System ....................................3-8
Part 4: Using the RIP................................... 4-1
Overview of the Navigator RIP ........................................4-1
Input formats..................................................4-1
Basic Concepts and Definitions .......................................4-2
Setting Up Devices ................................................4-4
Creating Separation and Progressive Styles ...............................4-4
Separation Styles ...............................................4-4
Creating Page Setups for Plate-making ..................................4-8
About Page Setups ..............................................4-8
Predefined Page Setups ..........................................4-8
Creating Page Setups ............................................4-9
PlateWriter 2000 plug-in functionality .................................4-12
Platemaker ..................................................4-12
Options .....................................................4-13
Media ......................................................4-14
Advanced Imaging Options .......................................4-15
Setting the Plate Size ...........................................4-20
Setting the Gripper and Job Position on the Plate........................4-21
Duplicating and Editing existing Page Setups...........................4-28
Printing a Job Using the RIP ........................................4-33
Using the Print File Command .....................................4-33
Printing several files ............................................4-34
Automating Job Input to the RIP .....................................4-35
Printing using Managed Input Plug-ins or 'Input Queues' ...................4-35
Managing Input Plugins .........................................4-37
Turning on the input system ......................................4-38
Adding a new input source to the list ................................4-38
Copying an input plugin .........................................4-39
Editing the details for an input source................................4-39
Configuring an input plugin .......................................4-40
Deleting an input source .........................................4-40
Enabling and disabling input sources ................................4-40
Using the SpoolFolder Input folder ....................................4-41
Creating and Configuring a Spool Folder Input Source ....................4-42
Using the AppleTalk Input Plugin .....................................4-47
Configuring an AppleTalk input source ...............................4-47
Using the NT Print input ...........................................4-49
Installing the plugin ............................................4-49
Creating an NT Print Input .......................................4-50
Creating a Printer under Windows XP ................................4-52
Using the Printer from Windows 2000/XP.............................4-57
Using More than One Method .....................................4-57
Enhanced File Management and Printing for Mac Users ...................4-57
Calibrating .....................................................4-58

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Why Calibrate ................................................4-58
Calibrating your Press ...........................................4-58
Including the Press Calibration in Page Setups..........................4-63
Why Use Intended Press or Tone Curves? ...............................4-64
Including the Intended Press Curves in Page Setups ......................4-64
Backup & Restore your NavigatorRIP Configuration for Windows ...............4-65
Configuration Backup ...........................................4-65
How to Restore your Configuration ..................................4-65
Part 5: Troubleshooting .................................5-1
General ........................................................5-1
Problems with the Finishing Unit ......................................5-2
Indicator status and Error Codes ....................................5-2
Appendix A: ......................................... A-1
Bi-directional adjustment on PlateWriter 2000 ............................A-1
Adjusting the printer feed ...........................................A-2
Background ...................................................A-2
Tools .......................................................A-2

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Part 1: Introduction
About this Manual
Intended Use of this Manual
•This manual describes the common use procedures of the PlateWriter 2000 System.
It is intended for the daily user and should be kept with the equipment for reference
at all times.
"Printer-specific information relating to operation, maintenance and service can
be found in the manuals supplied on the CD with your printer.
Reservations
•This manual was written and illustrated using the best possible information avail-
able at the time of publication.
•Any differences between this manual and the equipment reflect improvements intro-
duced after the publication of the manual.
•Changes, technical inaccuracies and typographical errors will be corrected in subse-
quent editions.
•As a part of our policy of continuous improvement, we reserve the right to alter de-
sign and specifications without further notice.
Notes, Cautions, and Warnings !
Throughout the manual notes, cautions, and warnings are written in bold like the
example below:
"The cover can only be positioned on the finishing unit if the front cover is not
in place.
Symbol Meaning Explanation
"Note
The operator should observe and/or act according to the
information in order to obtain the best possible function of
the equipment.
$Caution
The operator must observe and/or act according to the
information in order to avoid any mechanical or electrical
damage to the equipment.
#Warning
The operator must observe and/or act according to the
information in order to avoid any personal injury.
1036 Operating Manual
Introduction 1-1
About this Manual

Important
Unintended Use of the Equipment
Glunz & Jensen A/S do not take any responsibility for any damage or accidents caused
by unintended use of the equipment:
•As the equipment is certified by accredited test laboratory (UL International Demko
A/S) it is absolutely prohibited to make any modifications, electrical nor mechanical,
of the equipment. If however this prohibition is disregarded, Glunz & Jensen's war-
ranty will no longer apply and the certification labels for UL, C-UL, and
CE certification of the equipment shall be removed as the certification will no longer
apply to the equipment.
Safety and Use
•Before using the equipment it is assumed that it has been properly installed and con-
figured as described in the installation manuals delivered with the system.
•The manufacturer cannot be held responsible for any damage caused by incorrect
use of this equipment.
Operating Manual 1036
Introduction
1-2 Important

The PlateWriter 2000 System
The PlateWriter 2000 System is an innovative and patented inkjet Computer-to-Plate
(iCtP) device.
The PlateWriter 2000 System consists of:
•PlateWriter 2000 Engine (1)
A specially modified Epson Stylus Pro 4880 inkjet printer that uses Glunz & Jensen
Liquid Dot fluid to image the iPlates printing plates.
•Plate Input Table (2)
A table for aligning plates prior to entering into the PlateWriter 2000 Engine.
•Proofer (optional)
An unmodified Epson Stylus Color 4800, 4880 or 7800, 7880 printer used for proof-
ing. Plug-ins to drive these printers are supplied with the Harlequin RIP
•Harlequin RIP Platform
A customized workstation accessible by both Mac and PC computers, loaded with
the Global Graphics Harlequin RIP.
The Harlequin RIP provided is customized by Xitron and it accepts PostScript, PDF,
EPS, TIF & JPEG files produced by standard pre-press applications.
It RIPs the data and sends output to the PlateWriter 2000 Engine or to the Proofer.
•PlateWriter 2000 Finishing Unit (3)
An integrated plate finisher that executes all of the steps necessary to produce
press-ready plates, i.e.: curing, gumming and drying of the plates after they are im-
aged in the PlateWriter 2000 Engine.
1036 Operating Manual
Introduction 1-3
The PlateWriter 2000 System
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PlateWriter 2000 Overview
1 Front Plate Table: place plates here before printing.
2 Control Panel: from here you control the Imaging Unit.
3 Input table: Ensures that plates are aligned correctly prior to entering the Imaging Unit.
4 Ink Dryer: improves the drying of the Liquid Dot ink on the plate.
5 Rear Plate Table: when a plate has been loaded it will be transported here before printing
starts.
6 Curing Conveyor: leads the printed plate through the curing sections.
7 Curing Oven: dries the ink on the plate and cross-links it to the aluminum base.
8 Gum/Finishing Bottle: contains the finishing solution applied to the plate in the finishing
section. Solution not accepted by the plate returns into the bottle.
9 Finishing Section: cools the plate and applies a combined gum- and plate enhancer to the
plate to protect it from oxidation and to improve its press characteristics and hydrophilic
properties when on press.
10 Gum Dryer: dries the plate to provide a finished, dry plate.
11 Plate Exit Tray: holds the finished plates.
12 Ink Cartridges: There are two compartments on each side of the printer. Each compartment
can contain up to 4 ink cartridges.
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Introduction
1-4 PlateWriter 2000 Overview
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13 Status Indicator LED: indicates the current status of the Finishing Unit.
14 Program Selector: for selection of the Curing Oven program.
15 USB-cable: connects the Imaging Unit with the RIP Workstation.
16 Power Cable: supply voltage for the Imaging Unit.
17 Power Switch: press here to switch the Imaging Unit On/Off.
18 Power Switch: press here to switch the Finishing Unit On/Off.
19 Power Cable: supply voltage for the Finishing Unit.
20 Control Cable: connects the Ink Dryer with the Finishing Unit.
21 Power Cable: supply voltage from Finishing Unit to the Ink Dryer.
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PlateWriter 2000 Overview
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Operating Manual 1036
Introduction
1-6 PlateWriter 2000 Overview

Part 2: Daily Use
Overview
The daily use procedures described in this chapter cover the following issues:
•Daily Start-Up procedure
•Loading of plates into the PlateWriter 2000 for printing
•Printing of plates
•Finishing
•Daily Shut-Down procedure
Daily Start-Up
•Start the RIP Workstation (1).
•Launch the RIP Application (2).
•Replace the finisher solution in the finish-
ing bottle (3) with fresh finisher solution.
"Half a bottle is sufficient.
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Daily Use 2-1
Overview
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•If you see the message MNT TNK FULL
on the LCD display, you need to replace
the maintenance tank. Place the used
tank in the plastic tank supplied with the
new tank. Insert the new tank.
•Switch on the Finishing Unit on the main
switch (5) underneath and make sure that
the indicator (6) lights steady green.
•The unit will run gum fluid through the
system for approximately three minutes
to ensure an even gumming of the plates.
"This will also switch on the Ink
Dryer.
•Switch on the PlateWriter 2000 by press-
ing the [POWER] button.
•The PlateWriter 2000 initializes and when
finished, the display shows ”READY”.
Operating Manual 1036
Daily Use
2-2 Daily Start-Up
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Making a Proof
Creating Files for Proofs
•Use your DTP application to prepare a composite output file - please refer to your
application manual for help.
Select an output page size sufficiently large to accommodate your content and any
registration marks or colour bars.
•Save the file to a folder, either on the computer running Navigator RIP or on a
server.
Printing a Proof
•In the Navigator RIP open the Output Controller / Monitor window by either
pressing Ctrl+O or choosing Output -> Output Controller from the RIP menu.
•Be sure that Disable Output is checked.
•Select Navigator -> Print file from the RIP menu.
Choose an appropriate Proofing Page Setup and a file type (.ps, .pdf, .eps, .jpg or .tif)
from the dialogue.
Navigate to the folder containing your composite files, choose one file, and click on
Print.
•The file will be ripped and will appear in the Active Queue of the Output Moni-
tor/Controller window.
•Uncheck Disable Output in the Output Controller/Monitor window. The proof will
be printed.
1036 Operating Manual
Daily Use 2-3
Making a Proof

Making Plates
Creating Files for Plates
•Use your DTP application to prepare separation output files - please refer to your
application manual for help.
•Select an output page size sufficiently large to accommodate your content and any
registration marks or colour bars - it should not be the same size as your plate. The
RIP will position a smaller page correctly on your plate for you.
•Save the file to a folder, either on the computer running Navigator RIP or on a
server.
Loading Plates on the PlateWriter 2000
The input table ensures that plates are fed into the printer correctly. The side register
rollers (see below) enable correct and easy alignment prior to entering the printer.
•Place the plate on the input table against the register wheels on the left side and slide
the plate into the printer.
•If the plate is fed incorrectly into the printer, the LCD display will show the message
“NOT STRAIGHT - RELOAD”.
Operating Manual 1036
Daily Use
2-4 Making Plates
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Imaging the Plate
•In the Navigator RIP open the Output Controller / Monitor window by either
pressing Ctrl+O or choosing Output -> Output Controller from the RIP menu.
•Be sure that Disable Output is checked.
•Select Navigator -> Print file from the RIP menu.
Choose an appropriate PlateWriter 2000 Page Setup that matches your print job and
the orientation of the loaded plate, then choose a file type (.ps, .pdf, .eps, .jpg or .tif).
Navigate to the folder containing your separation files, choose the files, and click on
Print.
•The files will be ripped and will appear in the Active Queue of the Output Moni-
tor/Controller window.
The ink (colour) of each separation will be displayed in brackets after the job name,
and if there are multiple pages, then each page will be designated with a numeric
value.
•Select your file and click on Info.
•The ThroughPut Info window appears.
•Be sure that Change all pages in job is checked.
1036 Operating Manual
Daily Use 2-5
Imaging the Plate

•Click on Page layout... to open the Page Layout window.
•Check that the size of your plate is correctly entered in the Media Width [MW] and
Media Length [ML] boxes. Most plates will be imaged portrait in the PlateWriter
2000. Depending on whether you are loading the plates in portrait or landscape and
whether you have a portrait or landscape press, different selections have to be made.
If you load the plate in portrait and have a landscape press, be sure to select the
Center page on Media Length and set the Left Margin [LM] to accommodate the
normal unprintable area on your press. (also known as the Grip).
•If you have a portrait press, and have loaded the plate portrait, then make sure to se-
lect the Center page on Media Width and set the Top Margin [TM] to accommo-
date the normal unprintable area on your press.
•Click OK in the Page Layout window and in the ThroughPut Info window.
•Drag all but the first separation of your job to the Held Queue.
•Uncheck Disable Output in the Output Controller/Monitor window. The first plate
will be printed.
•Remove the plate from the PlateWriter 2000 and place it on the front of the finishing
unit, see finishing procedure in the following section.
•For subsequent plates, make sure that Disable Output is checked, load a plate into
the PlateWriter 2000, drag one separation from the Held Queue to the Active
Queue, and then uncheck Disable Output.
Operating Manual 1036
Daily Use
2-6 Imaging the Plate