GRAPHTEC FC4200-50 User manual

FC 4200-50/60
USER’S MANUAL
MANUAL NO. FC4200-UM-152
CUTTING PRO

CONTENTS
1. UNPACKING YOUR PLOTTER
1.1 Checking the Standard Accessories .................................................................................. 1-1
1.2 Plotter Nomenclature ......................................................................................................... 1-2
2. CUTTER BLADES AND PENS
2.1 Types and Features of Cutter Blades ................................................................................ 2-1
2.2 Nomenclature of Cutter Pens ............................................................................................ 2-2
2.3 Replacing a Cutter Blade ................................................................................................... 2-3
2.4 Adjusting the Blade Length ................................................................................................ 2-4
3. PREPARING FOR A CUTTING OPERATION
3.1 Control Panel ..................................................................................................................... 3-1
3.2 The Tree Structure of Menus ............................................................................................. 3-3
3.3 Connecting Your Plotter to a Computer ............................................................................. 3-4
3.4 Turning on the Plotter and Initialization ............................................................................. 3-5
3.5 Securing a Medium ............................................................................................................ 3-6
4. SPECIFYING THE PEN CONDITIONS
4.1 The Cutter Pen’s Conditions .............................................................................................. 4-1
4.2 Selecting a Set of Cutting Conditions ................................................................................ 4-2
4.3 Specifying the Cutting Conditions ...................................................................................... 4-3
4.3.1 Specifying the Cutter OFFSET ................................................................................. 4-3
4.3.2 Specifying the Cutting/Plotting FORCE .................................................................... 4-4
4.3.3 Specifying the Cutting SPEED ................................................................................. 4-4
4.3.4 Selecting the Cutting QUALITY ................................................................................ 4-5
4.3.5 Setting Cutting Conditions in THICK MODE ............................................................. 4-6
4.4 Running a Cutting Test ...................................................................................................... 4-7
5. USING THE BASIC FUNCTIONS
5.1 Specifying the Origin Point of the Plotting Area ................................................................. 5-1
5.2 Using the COPY function ................................................................................................... 5-2
5.3 Specifying the Corrective Values for the Pen Width .......................................................... 5-5
5.4 Raising or Lowering the Pen.............................................................................................. 5-7
5.5 Clearing the Plotter’s Internal Buffer Memory .................................................................... 5-8
5.6 Specifying the Pen Conditions ........................................................................................... 5-9
6. USING THE MAIN FUNCTIONS
6.1 Selecting the ORIGIN POINT Position in HP-GL Mode ..................................................... 6-1
6.2 Specifying the Effective Cutting/Plotting AREA ................................................................. 6-2
6.3 Enabling the ROTATE Mode to Rotate the Coordinate Axes ............................................. 6-4
6.4 Specifying the THICK MODE Settings ............................................................................... 6-6
6.5 Enabling the MIRROR Mode to Produce a Mirror Image .................................................. 6-7
6.6 Specifying the Pen SORT Function ................................................................................... 6-9
6.7 Overview of Automatic Registration Mark Recognition ...................................................... 6-11

6.8 Specifying the Registration MARK Mode ........................................................................... 6-14
6.9 Selecting the Registration MARK TYPE ............................................................................ 6-21
6.10 Specifying the Registration MARK SIZE............................................................................ 6-22
6.11 Specifying Other Parameters Related to Registration Marks ............................................ 6-23
6.11.1 Adjusting the Distance Precision for Registration Marks ........................................ 6-23
6.11.2 Adjusting the Registration Mark Sensor ................................................................. 6-24
6.11.3 Specifying the Registration MARK OFFSET .......................................................... 6-25
6.11.4 Adjusting the Sensor by Printing a Cross Pattern .................................................. 6-27
7. USING THE OPTIONAL FUNCTIONS
7.1 Setting the PEN UP SPEED .............................................................................................. 7-1
7.2 Setting the Cutter Blade’s OFFSET FORCE ..................................................................... 7-2
7.3 Setting the Cutter Blade’s OFFSET ANGLE ...................................................................... 7-3
7.4 Setting the STEP PASS ..................................................................................................... 7-4
7.5 Selecting the LENGTH UNIT ............................................................................................. 7-5
7.6 Setting the DISTANCE ADJUST Values ............................................................................ 7-6
8. USING THE SPECIAL FUNCTIONS
8.1 Description of the Special Functions ................................................................................. 8-1
8.2 Setting the Special Functions ............................................................................................ 8-3
9. TEST MODES AND TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURES
9.1 Using the TEST Modes ...................................................................................................... 9-1
9.1.1 Printing a List of the Currently Selected Conditions ................................................. 9-1
9.1.2 Running the SELF TEST .......................................................................................... 9-2
9.1.3 Using the Character Dump Mode ............................................................................. 9-3
9.2 Troubleshooting Procedures .............................................................................................. 9-4
9.2.1 The Plotter Doesn’t Operate After Being Turned On ................................................ 9-4
9.2.2 The Cut Results Are Unsatisfactory .......................................................................... 9-5
9.2.3 The Coordinate Axes Cannot Be Correctly Aligned .................................................. 9-8
9.3 Error Messages ................................................................................................................. 9-9
9.3.1 General Error Messages .......................................................................................... 9-9
9.3.2 Error Messages in GP-GL Command Mode ........................................................... 9-10
9.3.3 Error Messages in HP-GL Command Mode ............................................................9-11
10. INTERFACES
10.1 Setting Up the Centronics-Compatible Parallel Interface .................................................. 10-1
10.2 Setting Up the RS-232C Serial Interface ........................................................................... 10-1
10.3 Specifying the STEP SIZE ................................................................................................. 10-2
10.4 Specifying the RS-232C Interface Conditions ................................................................... 10-3
10.5 Selecting the COMMAND Mode ........................................................................................ 10-5
11. SPECIFICATIONS
11.1 Specifications ..................................................................................................................... 11-1
11.2 Option ................................................................................................................................ 11-2
11.3 External Dimensions .......................................................................................................... 11-3

i
PREFACE
Thank you for purchasing the FC4200 Series Cutting Plotter. This plotter incorporates a digital servo drive
to perform cutting and plotting operations at high speed and high precision.
Besides being used to cut marking film and other media, this plotter can also be used as a pen plotter.
To ensure optimum use of its various functions, be sure to read this manual thoroughly before use.
Notes on the Use of This Manual
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or
transmitted, in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of Graphtec Corpora-
tion.
The specifications and other information in this manual are subject to change without notice.
While every effort has been made to supply complete and accurate information about this product,
please address any inquiries about unclear information, possible errors, or other comments to your
sales representative or nearest Graphtec vendor.
Notwithstanding the preceding paragraph, Graphtec Corporation assumes no liability for damages
resulting from the use of the information contained herein or of the product.
Registered Trademarks and Copyrights
The names of products and brands mentioned herein are the registered trademarks or trademarks of
their respective companies.
All copyrights regarding this manual belong to Graphtec Corporation.

ii
TO ENSURE SAFE AND CORRECT USE
To ensure safe and correct use of your plotter, read this Manual thoroughly before use.
After having read this Manual, keep it in a handy location for quick reference as needed.
Do not permit small children to touch the plotter.
The following describes important points for safe operation. Please be sure to observe them strictly.
Conventions Used in This Manual
To promote safe and accurate use of the plotter as well as to prevent human injury and property damage,
safety precautions provided in this manual are ranked into the three categories described below. Be sure
you understand the difference between each of the categories.
DANGER
This category provides information that, if ignored, is highly likely to cause fatal or serious injury
to the operator.
WARNING
This category provides information that, if ignored, is likely to cause fatal or serious injury to the
operator.
CAUTION
This category provides information that, if ignored, could cause injury to the operator or physi-
cal damage to the plotter.
Description of Safety Symbols
The symbol indicates information that requires careful attention (which includes warnings).
The point requiring attention is described by an illustration or text within or next to the symbol.
The symbol indicates action that is prohibited. Such prohibited action is described by an
illustration or text within or next to the symbol.
The symbol indicates action that must be performed. Such imperative action is described
by an illustration or text within or next to the symbol.

iii
Be sure that the plotter is grounded.
• If the plotter is not grounded, the operator could
suffer an electrical shock in case of current leak-
age.
Do not disassemble, repair, or remodel the plotter.
• Such action may cause electrical shock or a fire
hazard due to current leakage.
• Contact with the high-voltage parts within the
plotter may cause electrical shock.
• If the plotter requires repair, contact your sales
representative or nearest Graphtec vendor.
Do not use the plotter in a location where it will
be exposed to water, rain or snow.
• Such location may cause electrical shock or a fire
hazard due to current leakage.
During a plotting or cutting operation, do not
touch the writing panel, carriage, and other
moving parts.
• Such action may cause human injury.
Even when the plotter is stopped, it may sud-
denly start operating if it receives data, so be
sure to keep your hands, hair, and so forth away
from the vicinity of the plotter’s writing panel
and moving parts such as the pen carriage.
• Such action may cause human injury.
Do not connect the plotter to a non-rated power
supply.
• Use of a different supply voltage may result in
electrical shock or a fire hazard due to current
leakage.
If the plotter generates smoke, is too hot, emits
a strange odor, or otherwise functions abnor-
mally, do not continue using it. Turn off its power
and unplug its power cord from the
electrical socket.
• Use of the plotter in such status may
result in a fire hazard or electrical shock.
• After confirming that smoke is no longer
being generated, contact
your sales representative
or nearest Graphtec ven-
dor to request repair.
• Never try to perform repair
yourself. Repair work by
inexperienced personnel
is extremely dangerous.
Safety Precautions
WARNING
Specified
rating
Use prohibited
No touching
Keep away
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No disassembly
Ground the
Plotter
Avoid water
Beware of electrical shock
Prohibited

iv
Do not allow dust or metallic matter to adhere
to the power plug.
• A dirty power plug may result in electrical shock
or a fire hazard due to current leakage.
Avoid contact
Safety Precautions (Continued)
WARNING
Do not use the power cord if it is damaged.
• Use of a damaged cord may result in electrical
shock or a fire hazard due to current leakage.
• Replace the power cord with a new one.
Avoid direct contact with the cutter blade.
• Touching the blade with your bare hand may
cause injury.
• During a cutting operation, keep away from the
cutter blade.
CAUTION
Do not use or store the plotter in a location
exposed to direct sunlight or the direct draft of
an air conditioner or heater.
• Such location may impair the performance of the
plotter.
Do not place any receptacle containing water
or other fluid on top of the plotter.
• Fluid falling inside the plotter may cause electri-
cal shock or a fire hazard due to current leakage.
Do not use or store the plotter in an excessively
dusty or humid location.
• Such location may impair the performance of the
plotter.
Do not install, use, or store the plotter in a loca-
tion subject to excessive mechanical vibration
or electrical noise.
• Such location may impair the performance of the
plotter.
Beware of electrical shock
Prohibited Unplug the power
cord from the socket
Avoid water Beware of electrical shock Prohibited
Prohibited Prohibited

v
Safety Precautions (Continued)
CAUTION
Prohibited
When disconnecting the power cord or an in-
terface cable, do not pull on the cord/cable.
• Such action will damage the cord/cable, resulting
in a fire hazard or electrical shock. Be sure to hold
the power cord’s plug or the interface cable’s
connector.
Do not attempt to lubricate the plotter’s mecha-
nisms.
• Such action may cause it to break down.
During a cutting or plotting operation, ensure
that the movement of the media is not impeded
by contact with objects in the plotter’s vicinity.
• Such contact could cause misalignment of the cut
or plotted results.
When using indoor illumination such as a fluores-
cent lamp or a floor lamp, be sure such illumi-
nation is positioned at least one meter away
from the plotter.
• Insufficient distance may cause the sen-
sors to malfunction and prevent correct
detection of the loaded medium.
When using the cutter, beware not to extend the
cutter’s blade excessively.
• An excessive blade length will damage
the cutting mat and impair the plotter’s
cutting quality.
Unplug the power
cord from the socket
If water or foreign matter enters inside the
plotter, do not continue using it. Turn off its
power and unplug its power cord from the elec-
trical socket.
• Use of the plotter in such status may result in
electrical shock or a fire hazard due to current
leakage.
• Contact your sales representative or nearest
Graphtec vendor to request repair.
Do not clean the plotter using a volatile solvent
(such as thinner or benzine).
• Such action may impair its performance.
If an edge of the loaded medium comes loose,
secure it with drafting tape or a similar means.
• The cutter’s blade will break if its tip gets caught
on a loose edge of the medium.
Before cutting a medium when you are uncer-
tain of its optimum cutting conditions, run a test
cut in advance.
• A cutting operation based on unsuitably
specified cutting conditions will place a
heavy load on the blade and plotter,
causing the blade to break or the plotter
to break down.
Prohibited
T
h
i
n
n
e
r
B
e
n
z
i
n
e
Prohibited
No contact

vi
WARNING:
The United States Federal Communications Commission has specified that the following notice must be
brought to the attention of users of this product.
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION RADIO FREQUENCY
INTERFERENCE STATEMENT
NOTE : 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.
USE SHIELDED CABLES
To comply with FCC Class A requirements, all external data interface cables and connectors must be
properly shielded and grounded. Proper cables and connectors are available from GRAPHTEC’s
authorized dealers or manufacturers of computers or peripherals. GRAPHTEC is not responsible for
any interference caused by using cables and connectors other than those recommended or by unau-
thorized changes or modifications to this equipment. Unauthorized changes or modifications could void
the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

vii
Selecting a Power Cable
Be sure to refer to the following tables if you wish to use a cable other than the one supplied as an acces-
sory.
Table 1 100 V to 120 V Power Supply Voltage Range
Supply
Voltage
Selector
Settings
Reference
Standards
Plug
Type
Plug Configuration Power Cable
North
America
125 V
10 A
100/120 V
ANSI C73.11
NEMA 5-15
UL498/817/62
CSA22.2
NO.42/21/49
UL Listed
Type SJT
No.18AWG ×3
300 V, 10 A
Table 2 200 V to 240 V Power Supply Voltage Range
Supply
Voltage
Selector
Settings
Reference
Standards
Plug
Type
Plug Configuration Power Cable
Europe
250 V
10 A
200 V
CEE(7)VII
IEC320
CEE13
TYPE: H05VV-F
3 × 1.0 mm2
UK
250 V
5 A
200 V
BS1363
BS4491
BS6500
TYPE: H05VV-F
3 × 1.0 mm2
Australia
250 V
10 A
200 V
AS3112
AS3109
AS3191
TYPE: OD3CFC
3 × 1.0 mm2
200 V
ANSI C73.20
NEMA 6-15
UL 198.6
200 V
SEV1011
SEV1004
SEV1012
TYPE: H05VV-F
3 × 0.75 mm2
North
America
250 V
15 A
Switzerland
250 V
6 A
UL Listed
Type SJT
No.18AWG ×3
300 V, 10 A

viii
Precautions on the Handling of Cutter Blades
This plotter employs blades to perform cutting operations. To prevent injury or accidents caused by a cutter
blade, be sure to handle the cutter blades very carefully whenever replacing a cutter blade, attaching a
cutter pen to the plotter, and so on.
The Cutter Blade
The tip of a cutter blade is very sharp. Be careful to avoid unintentionally cutting your finger or stabbing
yourself when handling a cutter blade.
When a cutter blade wears out, put it back in the case provided for cutter blades and then dispose of the
entire case when it is full of used blades.
The Cutter Pen
Because the tip of the cutter blade is very sharp, be careful not to extend the blade’s tip more than neces-
sary. Moreover, when the cutter pen is not in use, be sure that its blade does not extend beyond the tip of
the cutter pen.
Attaching a Cutter Pen
To attach a cutter pen to the plotter, as illustrated below, insert it fully into the pen holder until it is stopped
by the pen holder’s stopper and then firmly secure the cutter pen by tightening the screw. Contact with a
moving pen when turning on the plotter or during a cutting operation is extremely dangerous, so be sure not
to touch the pen’s tip at such times.
Procedure
(1) Loosen the pen holder’s screw enough to permit
passage of the cutter pen’s flanges.
(2) While pressing the pen holder upward, insert the
cutter pen fully into the pen holder until it is stopped
by the pen stopper.

ix
(3) Mount the pen bracket
so that the cutter pen’s
flange is covered, then
tighten the screw.
CAUTION
Tighten the screw only after having confirmed that the cutter pen’s flange is being held down by the
pen bracket as illustrated in the figure below Step (3).
The Cutting Conditions
Before cutting a medium when you are uncertain of its optimum cutting conditions, run a test cut in ad-
vance. At such time, initially set the cutting conditions as follows: extend the cutter blade’s tip a minimum
length based on the thickness of the loaded medium, set the CUT FORCE setting to 10, the SPEED setting
to 5, and the QUALITY setting to 1. Next, gradually increase the conditions until the optimum test results
are achieved.
A cutting operation based on unsuitably specified cutting conditions will place a heavy load on the blade
and plotter, causing the blade to break or the plotter to break down.
Attaching a Pen for Plotting
This plotter enables you to have a cutter pen and plotter pen concurrently attached, because the plotter
pen is mounted at the pen station.
Mount a plotter pen by inserting it into the pen station as illustrated below.
Contact with a moving pen when turning on the plotter or during a cutting operation is extremely danger-
ous, so be sure not to touch the pen’s tip at such times.
Procedure
(1) Use your finger to open the pen station’s holder and then
insert the pen into the pen station.
Pen bracket
Cutter pen’s flange

x
(2) After properly positioning the pen, re-
turn the holder to its original position
in order to secure the pen in place.
Checkpoint
Ensure that the pen’s upper groove fits onto the upper part of the pen station’s pen bracket
After Turning On the Plotter
During a cutting operation and immediately afterward as well as when setting the plotter’s functions, the
pen carriage and the Y bar may suddenly move.
At such times, keep your hands, hair, and clothing out of the vicinity of the pen carriage and Y bar. Also do
not place other objects within that area.
To prevent human injury and poor cutting results, be careful not to allow your hands, hair, clothing, or other
foreign objects to get stuck or entangled with the pen carriage or Y bar when using the plotter.
Fit the pen’s upper groove
onto the bracket

xi
CAUTION
Keep your hands and all other objects away from the
plotter’s moving parts and their range of movement.
Daily Maintenance and Storage
Daily Maintenance
During the course of daily plotter operation, be sure to observe the following precautions.
Never lubricate the mechanisms of the plotter.
If the plotter’s casing becomes dirty, wipe the soiled areas using a dry cloth or a cloth that has been
moistened in a neutral detergent diluted with water.
Never use thinner, benzine, alcohol, or similar solvents; they will damage the casing’s finish.
If the writing panel becomes dirty, wipe it using a dry cloth. In case of stubborn stains, use a cloth that has
been moistened in a neutral detergent diluted with water.
Never use benzine, thinner, alcohol, or similar solvents to clean the panel.
Storing Your Plotter
To store the plotter when it is not being used, be sure to observe the following points:
Remove the cutter and/or plotter pen attached to the pen holder and cover its tip with the protective cap
provided.
To protect the plotter from dust and dirt, cover it with a cloth.
Avoid storing the plotter in places subject to direct sunlight or high temperatures.
The Warning Label
The warning label shown below is attached to the outside of this plotter’s cover. Be sure to strictly observe
the precaution indicated in the label.

1 – 1
Power cord
(1)
1. UNPACKING YOUR PLOTTER
This chapter describes how to unpack your plotter and also explains the names and functions of its main
parts.
1.1 Checking the Standard Accessories
After unpacking the plotter, check that the standard accessories listed below are all present. If an acces-
sory is missing, contact your sales representative or nearest Graphtec vendor.
Windows driver
(1 set)
Water based ball-point pens
(1 pack)
Paper positioning stickers
(1 sheet)
FC4200-50/60
USER’S MANUAL
MANUAL NO. FC4200-UM-151
(PRELIMINARY VERSION)
CUTTING PLOTTER
User’s manual
Cutter blades
(1 case containing 2 CB15U blades)
Cutter pen plunger
(1)

1 –2
1.2 Plotter Nomenclature
(1) Pen carriage : Drives the cutter/pen to the left/right.
(2) Pen holder : Holds the cutter/pen and drives it up/down.
(3) Pen station : Holds a pen for plotting.
(4) Y bar : Holds the pen carriage; moves left/right.
(5) Writing panel : Cutting/plotting is performed here.
(6) Control panel : Used to set and use the plotter’s various functions.
(7) Centronics parallel interface : Used to connect the plotter to a computer by cable via the Centronics-
connector compatible parallel interface.
(8) RS-232C serial interface : Used to connect the plotter to a computer by cable via the RS-232C
connector serial interface.
(9) AC line inlet : Connect one end of the power cord here and the other end to an
electrical socket.
(10) Power switch : Controls the on/off status of the power supply to the plotter.
(11) CHART HOLD key (–50 only) :Used to hold the medium.
(8)
(7)
(10)
(9) (1)
(2)
(3)
(6) (11)
Pen holder 1
Pen holder 2
Pen station
(4)
(5)

2 – 1
2. CUTTER BLADES AND PENS
2.1 Types and Features of Cutter Blades
Becoming familiar with the types and features of cutter blades compatible with your plotter will enable you
to select the best combination of cutter blade and cutting medium for optimum cutting results.
Blade’s shape
and part no.
CB09UA
CB15U
CB15UA
CB15U-K30
CB15-10C
(Ceramic)
CB15-05S
(Sapphire)
Blade
diameter
φ 0.9 mm
φ 1.5 mm
φ 1.5 mm
φ 1.5 mm
φ 1.5 mm
φ 1.5 mm
Blade
offset
0.45
0.75
0.75
0.75
0.5
0.25
Compatible
plunger
PHP32-CB09N
PHP32-CB15N
PHP32-CB15N
PHP32-CB15N
PHP31-CB15
PHP31-CB15
Features
The standard blade for cutting color
adhesive-backed film, it is suitable for cutting
media of a thickness under 0.25 mm.
Maximum cut distance: 4000 m.
Capable of cutting thicker film than the
CB09UA blade, this blade is suitable for
cutting media of a thickness ranging from
0.25 to 0.5 mm.
Use this blade to cut high-luminosity
reflecting film.
Use this blade to cut rubber for sandblast-
ing. This blade has the sharpest angle
and a longer cutting edge. It is ideal for
cutting media of a thickness ranging from
0.5 to 1.5 mm.
This blade is made from the hardest
material but has a low resistance to im-
pact. It is suitable for cutting media with
a thickness under 0.05 mm.
For cutting strip film (for use as block
copy), this blade is ideal for cutting media
with a thickness under 0.05 mm.
CAUTION
When handling cutter blades, be careful to avoid cutting your fingers or other parts of
your body.

2 – 2
2.2 Nomenclature of Cutter Pens
CAUTION
When handling cutter blades, be careful to avoid cutting your fingers or other parts of
your body.
With this plotter, the cutter pen is mounted into its corresponding cutter pen plunger for use. There are two
types of cutter pen plungers available, which vary according to the diameter of the blade to be mounted (the
φ 1.5-mm plunger is provided as a standard accessory). Be sure to mount the cutter in a cutter pen plunger
that is compatible with the diameter of the cutter blade.
Structure of the Cutter Pen Plunger
Plunger cap
PlungerCutter blade
Blade length adjustment dial
Blue dial : for 0.9-mm blades
Red dial : for 1.5-mm blades
φ
φ

2 –3
1.5-mm
cutter blade
0.9-mm
cutter blade
Plunger cap for 1.5-mm blade Plunger cap for 0.9-mm blade
Blade length adjustment dial (red) Blade length adjustment dial (blue)
Plunger
(for 1.5-mm blade)
φ
Plunger
(for
0.9-mm blade)
φ
φ
φφ
φ
Spring
2.3 Replacing a Cutter Blade
Procedure
(1) Turn the blade length adjustment dial to retract the blade inside the plunger.
(2) Turn the plunger cap in the counter-clockwise direction to unscrew it from the plunger.
(3) Remove the blade inside the plunger cap.
(4) Take a new blade and insert it into the opening in the plunger cap.
(5) With the blade inserted into the plunger cap, attach the plunger from above.

2 –4
2.4 Adjusting the Blade Length
CAUTION
When handling cutter blades, be careful to avoid cutting your fingers or other parts of
your body.
Make sure that the blade length is suitable for the thickness of the medium being used.
If the blade is extended too far, the writing panel and the blade itself may be damaged.
Adjusting the Blade Length
(1) Before adjusting the blade length, align the blade tip with the tip of the cutter pen by turning the blade
adjustment knob in the B direction (see the figure below).
(2) Next, extend the blade tip to the length suitable for the medium to be used by turning the blade adjust-
ment length in the Adirection.
Observe the scale on the plunger cap to determine how far to move the blade.
When the knob is turned the distance of one scale unit, the blade moves 0.1 mm. When it is given one
full turn, the blade moves 0.5 mm.
To extend the blade, turn the knob in the Adirection.
To retract the blade, turn it in the Bdirection.
Obtaining the Correct Blade Length
Assuming that the film thickness is “t”, the blade length “ ” should be equal to “t”. Make sure that “ ” is
never greater than the combined thickness of the film and its backing sheet.
If the film thickness cannot be accurately determined, adjust the blade length by gradually increasing it until
only traces of the blade appear on the backing sheet when a cutting test is executed.
t
Film
Backing sheet
A
B