MIMAKI DS-1600 User manual

MIMAKI ENGINEERING CO., LTD.
TKB Gotenyama Building, 5-9-41, Kitashinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 141-0001, Japan
Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]
URL: http://www.mimaki.co.jp/
E-mail: [email protected] D201421
OPERATION MANUAL
Color Inkjet Plotter
This illustration indicates AMF model.

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Foreword
Thank you for purchasing MIMAKI DS-1600/1800 color inkjet plotter.
Model DS-1600/1800 is a color inkjet plotter for printing on fabric.
This operation manual describes the operation and maintenance of model DS-1600/1800 Color
InkJet Plotter (hereinafter referred to as the plotter).
Read this manual carefully and make the most effective use of your plotter.
DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY
THIS LIMITED WARRANTY OF MIMAKI SHALL BE THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE
WARRANTY AND IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,
INCLUDING , BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY
OR FITNESS, AND MIMAKI NEITHER ASSUMES NOR AUTHORIZES DEALER TO
ASSUME FOR IT ANY OTHER OBLIGATION OR LIABILITY OR MAKE ANY OTHER
WARRANTY OR MAKE ANY OTHER WARRANTY IN CONNECTION WITH ANY
PRODUCT WITHOUT MIMAKI’S PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT. IN NO EVENT SHALL
MIMAKI BE LIABLE FOR SPECIAL, INCIDNETAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES
OR FOR LOSS OF PROFITS OF DEALER OR CUSTOMERS OF ANY PRODUCT.
On this Operation Manual
•The plotter is equipped with a high speed print head and other high performance part that may
be dangerous.
Please be sure to read this manual carefully before starting this plotter operation in order to
prevent the injuries or damages.
•Please read and fully understand this Operation Manual before putting the plotter into service.
It is also necessary to keep this Operation Manual on hand.
•This Operation Manual has been carefully prepared for your easy understanding, however,
please do not hesitate to contact a distributor in your district if you have any inquiry.
•Description contained in this Operation Manual are subject to change without notice for
improvement.
•In the case where this Operation Manual should be illegible due to destruction by fire or
breakage, purchase another copy of the Operation Manual from our distributor.
•Generally, names and designations referred to in this Operation Manual are trade marks or
registered trade marks of the manufacturers or suppliers.
Reproduction of this manual is strictly prohibited.
All Rights Reserved. Copyright © 2006 MIMAKI ENGINEERING CO., LTD.

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FCC Statement (USA)
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 reason-
able protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commer-
cial 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 commnications.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in
which cause the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
•In the case where MIMAKI-recommended cable is not used for connection of
this plotter, limits provided by FCC rules can be exceeded. To prevent this, use
of MIMAKI-recommended cable is essential for the connection of this plotter.
Interference to televisions and radios
The product covered by this Operation Manual produces low radio waves while it is in
operation. The product can interfere with radios and televisions if set up or commissioned
under improper conditions. The product is not guaranteed against any damage to specific-
purpose radio and televisions.
The product’s interference with your radio or television will be checked by turning on/off the
power switch of the product.
In the event that the product is the cause of interference, try to eliminate it by taking one of
the following corrective measures or taking some of them in combination.
• Change the direction of the receiving antenna or the feeder of your radio/television.
• Change the installing direction of the product.
•Move the receiver away from the product.
• Use a power line for the receiver that is not shared with the product.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Foreword ....................................................................................................................... i
DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY........................................................................................... i
On this Operation Manual ................................................................................................... i
FCC Statement (USA) ........................................................................................................ii
Interference to televisions and radios .................................................................................ii
Features .................................................................................................................... viii
How to read this Operation Manual ............................................................................. x
Display on the LCD and indication of the keys .................................................................. x
How to read this Operation Manual ................................................................................... xi
Safety symbols used in this Manual.................................................................................. xii
Structure of this Manual ................................................................................................... xiii
For safe operation ..................................................................................................... xiv
Pictorial signs ................................................................................................................... xiv
Warnings in use ................................................................................................................ xv
Precautions in use ............................................................................................................ xv
Position of the warning label ............................................................................................ xvi
Chapter 1 Setup
Installation of the plotter ........................................................................................... 1.2
Where to install the plotter .............................................................................................. 1.2
Precautions in installation ............................................................................................... 1.3
Moving the plotter ........................................................................................................... 1.4
Checking the accessories ........................................................................................ 1.5
Configuration and function ....................................................................................... 1.7
Front face ........................................................................................................................ 1.7
Rear face ........................................................................................................................ 1.8
Names and function of the parts under the front cover ............................................ 1.9
Carriage .......................................................................................................................... 1.9
Capping station ............................................................................................................. 1.10
The pinch roller and feed roller ..................................................................................... 1.10
The media sensor ......................................................................................................... 1.11
Head hight adjustment rod and adjustment screw ........................................................ 1.11
Fablic retainer ............................................................................................................... 1.12
Ditch for penetrated ink and platen boards ................................................................... 1.13
About other setup....................................................................................................1.14
Attaching slip sheet bar................................................................................................. 1.14
Attaching the waste ink tank ......................................................................................... 1.14
Attaching lapel bar ........................................................................................................ 1.15

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Attaching the platen boards .......................................................................................... 1.16
Changing gap for fablic retainers .................................................................................. 1.17
Installing IEEE1394 output driver.................................................................................. 1.17
Installing USB output driver .......................................................................................... 1.17
Connecting the cables ........................................................................................... 1.18
Connecting the interface cable ..................................................................................... 1.18
For Windows 2000, XP (IEEE1394 or USB2.0) ............................................................ 1.18
For other operating system (IEEE1284) ....................................................................... 1.18
Connecting the power cable ......................................................................................... 1.19
Switching ON/OFF the power supply ..................................................................... 1.20
Turning the power on .................................................................................................... 1.20
Turning the power off .................................................................................................... 1.21
Front cover and maintenance cover ...................................................................... 1.22
Opening/closing the cover ............................................................................................ 1.22
Ink cartridges ......................................................................................................... 1.23
Types of ink ................................................................................................................... 1.23
Precautions in handling the ink cartridge ...................................................................... 1.23
Ink stations ....................................................................................................................1.24
Display of ink type ......................................................................................................... 1.25
Setting ink cartridges .................................................................................................... 1.26
Fabric for printing ....................................................................................................1.28
Types of fablic that can be used ................................................................................... 1.28
Precautions in handling the fabric ................................................................................. 1.29
Limited media................................................................................................................ 1.29
Before setting the fabric on the plotter ................................................................... 1.30
Adjusting the head height according to the fablic [HEAD HEIGHT] .............................. 1.30
Points in head height adjustment .................................................................................. 1.33
Setting the slip sheet..................................................................................................... 1.34
Setting the fabric to the plotter ............................................................................... 1.35
Setting a roll fablic (In case of DS-1600/1800AMF model) ........................................... 1.35
Removing pinch roller and preventing wrinkle of fablic ................................................. 1.44
Adjusting friction of the tension bar ............................................................................... 1.45
Specifying the scope of printing on the fabric used (Effective printing area) ........ 1.47
Origin setting .......................................................................................................... 1.48
Setting of an origin ........................................................................................................ 1.48
Chapter 2 How to use the basic functions
Operation ................................................................................................................. 2.2
Operation panel .............................................................................................................. 2.2
Functions of the JOG keys .............................................................................................. 2.3

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MENU mode ................................................................................................................... 2.3
Menu tree ........................................................................................................................ 2.4
Setting the display language .................................................................................... 2.6
Printing an image from saurce data ......................................................................... 2.7
Starting the plotter operation........................................................................................... 2.7
Correcting the media feed rate during printing [Feed Comp.] ......................................... 2.9
Interrupting the printing operation ................................................................................. 2.10
Checking nozzle in ink firing condition .................................................................... 2.11
Executing the test draw [TEST DRAW]....................................................................... 2.11
Checking the test patterns ............................................................................................ 2.11
If there are nozzle clogging in ink firing condition .................................................. 2.12
Cleaning ink heads ....................................................................................................... 2.12
Routine maintenance ............................................................................................. 2.13
When the device is left unused for a long period of time .............................................. 2.13
Notes on cleaning ......................................................................................................... 2.13
Cleaning ink at the bottom of the slider......................................................................... 2.13
Cleaning wiper .............................................................................................................. 2.14
Cleaning the wiper shaft ............................................................................................... 2.14
Cleaning penetrated ink ................................................................................................ 2.14
Cleaning penetrated ink ................................................................................................ 2.15
Maintenance for frame components ............................................................................. 2.15
To replenish ink, set a new ink cartridge in the ink station ..................................... 2.16
Chapter 3 How to use the application functions
Application functions ................................................................................................ 3.2
Function menu ................................................................................................................ 3.2
Before setting printing conditions in the function menu ........................................... 3.3
Checking the menu mode ............................................................................................... 3.3
Registering Two or More Printing Conditions at a Time (Selecting a Type) .................... 3.3
Changing the type ........................................................................................................... 3.4
Adjusting the lapal bar ............................................................................................. 3.5
Changing the winding angle of the lapel bar ................................................................... 3.5
Changing the winding direction of the lapel bar .............................................................. 3.5
Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................. 3.6
After setting the fabric to be plotted ......................................................................... 3.7
Correcting error of amount of feed depending on fabric [MEDIA COMP.]....................... 3.7
Setting printing conditions ........................................................................................ 3.8
Changing printing conditions on the plotter side ............................................................. 3.8
Relationship between image quality and printing speed [QUALITY] .............................. 3.8

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Printing direction [DIRECTION] ...................................................................................... 3.9
Returning speed up [RET. SPD UP] ............................................................................. 3.10
Improving the density of ink color [INK LAYERS] ................................................... 3.11
Setting the ink drying time [DRYING TIME] ........................................................... 3.12
Deciding the priority of settings by the computer or the plotter [PRIORITY] .......... 3.13
Increasing (decreasing) the right and left margins of the fabric
[RIGHTmargin]/[LEFTmargin] ................................................................................ 3.15
Setting [RIGHTmargin].................................................................................................. 3.15
Setting [LEFTmargin] .................................................................................................... 3.16
When using the plotter in an extremely dusty or dry place [REFRESH] ................ 3.17
Setting a unit of length displayed on the LCD [MM/INCH] ..................................... 3.18
Setting the type of ink to be used [INK TYPE] ....................................................... 3.19
Setting up auto-cleaning function [AUTO CLEAN] ..................................................3.20
Setting up auto-cleaning function [AUTO CLEAN2]............................................... 3.21
Continuing printing after [Ink Near End] [PRINT CONT.] ...................................... 3.23
Setting the print end operation. [EndOf PRINT] ..................................................... 3.24
Enabling the feeding unit [FEEDING] .................................................................... 3.25
Enabling the take-up unit [TAKE-UP] ..................................................................... 3.26
Resetting printing conditions by type [SETUP RESET] ......................................... 3.27
Chapter 4 Maintenance functions
Maintenance of the plotter ....................................................................................... 4.2
Function menu [MAINTENANCE] ................................................................................... 4.2
Before starting maintenance .................................................................................... 4.3
Checking the menu mode ............................................................................................... 4.3
Invoking a maintenance function .................................................................................... 4.3
Maintenance functions ............................................................................................. 4.4
Drawing setup conditions [LIST] ..................................................................................... 4.4
Printing HEX code of printing command [DATA DUMP] ................................................. 4.5
Correcting the dot positions after adjusting the head height [PRINTadjust] .................... 4.6
Moving the carriage to clean the station interior [CARRIAGEout] .................................. 4.8
If a defective printing is not corrected even after the cleaning function is executed ....... 4.9
Periodical cleaning of the wiper .................................................................................... 4.10
Notes on handling the wipers........................................................................................ 4.10
When the message [Replace Wiper] is displayed [WIPER EXCHG] ............................ 4.11
When the message [Clean Wiper Shaft] is displayed ................................................... 4.13
Cleaning the nozzle [NOZZLE CLN] ............................................................................. 4.14
Ink discharge way cleaning [DRAIN WASH] ................................................................. 4.17
When not in use the machine over the long term [STORAGE WSH] ........................... 4.19
Move the carriage to the left maintenance station [CARRIAGE] .................................. 4.23

- vii -
Adjusting the head height when the fabric used is changed [HEAD HEIGHT] ............. 4.24
Menu displayed after the ink cartridge is installed [FILL UP INK] ................................. 4.25
When charging ink different from the one in use [INK CHANGE] ................................. 4.26
Selecting ink head [USE HEAD] ................................................................................... 4.29
Check the stretch and shrink of fabric after the printing [STRETCH CHK] ................... 4.30
Execute the flushing and cleaning regularly [ROUTINE CTR] ...................................... 4.32
Setting the machine name [MACHINE NAME] ............................................................. 4.34
Displaying the plotter information [INFORMATION] ...................................................... 4.35
Chapter 5 When abnormal conditions are encountered
Before taking a phenomenon as a sign of failure..................................................... 5.2
The plotter cannot be energized ..................................................................................... 5.2
The plotter cannot perform printing ................................................................................. 5.2
Paper jamming arises/fabric is soiled ............................................................................. 5.3
If image quality declines........................................................................................... 5.4
White lines/thin spots are obvious (In the direction of travel of the head)....................... 5.4
Displacement is observed between outward and inward printing ................................... 5.4
The respective color ink injected by the respective color heads do not properly overlap 5.4
Troubles for which error message are given on the LCD ........................................ 5.5
Warning message ........................................................................................................... 5.5
Error messages............................................................................................................... 5.8
Chapter 6 Ink guidance
Emergency measures .............................................................................................. 6.2
Printing procedures .................................................................................................. 6.3
Printing procedures by ink type....................................................................................... 6.3
Sublimation dye ink recipe ....................................................................................... 6.4
Textile pigment ink recipe......................................................................................... 6.6
Appendix
Basic specifications.................................................................................................. A.2
Speification for ink.................................................................................................... A.4
Optional extras ......................................................................................................... A.4
Function flow chart ................................................................................................... A.5

- viii -
Features
The features and methods of operation are explained in this manual for you to understand
how to use the plotter properly.
Setting for 2-way multi printing
Alternatively, using two sets of three heads in 2-way printing mode, each with different inks,
gives you the functionality of two 8-color plotters in a single unit.
2 types of textile printing ink can be used
MIMAKI genuine ink is shown below.
Sublimation dye ink : Suitable for polyester, acrylic, etc. This ink is used for direct printing.
•When using, be sure to perform the pre-treatment and post-treatment
recommended by MIMAKI for the fabric used.
Textile pigment ink : Suitable for cotton. The pre-processing is not necessary.
Applicability of fabrics up to 7mm in thickness
Even thick fabric can be used.
The plotter accepts fabric whose thickness is in the range of 0.1mm to 7.0mm.
Applicable to wide fabrics
On DS-1600, fabrics with up to 1650mm width can be set and printing for up to 1620mm width
is possible.
On DS-1800, fabrics with up to 1900mm width can be set and printing for up to 1850mm width
is possible.
Indication of the amount of remaining ink
Rough indication of ink remaining amount is shown.
Easy-to-see display
The LCD panel displays the plotter setting menu in two lines making it is easy to see.
Since the LCD panel is provided with a backlight, the display can be clearly seen even in a
dark place.
The LCD panel is capable of displaying six different languages, including English and Spanish.
Display of information for confirmation
It is possible to have the printing length displayed on the LCD panel and the printing condi-
tions to be plotted for confirmation during operation of the plotter.
High-speed interface
The "IEEE 1394" interface allows for high-speed data reception from the computer.
•Instead of using IEEE1394 interface, USB2.0 is available by connecting the “USB2.0 inter-
face Option Board (OPT-J0107)”

- ix -
Fabric retainer
If the edge of the fabric is curled or it is raised, the fabric retainer can be used to avoid contact
of the fabric and ink head.
The fabric retainer can be adjusted thickness of up to 4 mm and 3-7 mm.
Ditch for penetrated ink
Even with printing to a coarse-textured fabric, the backing fabric is not stained by penetrated ink.
Removable platen boards are prepared for fabrics without ink penetration.
Slip sheet can be used
One set of slip sheet bar and its hanger is equipped as standard.
It can be used for slip sheet between fabric with take-up unit to prevent ink penetration.
Function of feed-correction
Feed correction can be performed during plotting operation.

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How to read this Operation Manual
The following documents have been attached to DS-1600/1800:
Setup Guide (separate volume)
“Setup Guide” explains how to install DS-1600/1800.
Operation Manual (this document)
“Operation Manual” explains how to operate DS-1600/1800.
Display on the LCD and indication of the keys
In this Operation Manual, the characters displayed on the LCD of the operation panel and the
keys used to operate the plotter are explained, together with the operation procedure.
(See page 2.2)
Operate the plotter while confirming the display on the LCD.
Display on the LCD
The content of display is shown in characters in a box as
shown at right.
Operate the plotter according to the explanation of the
operation procedure and the content of display on the
LCD.
In this Operation Manual, each setting and messages
displayed on the LCD is enclosed in [ ], like [TYPE.1],
[Sub], [PLEASE WAIT], etc.
Operation keys
In the text of this Operation Manual, the operation keys
are shown enclosed in brackets.
[]and [ ] indicate JOG keys.
The other operation keys are enclosed in brackets, as
[FUNCTION]. (See page 2.2.)
FUNCTION
SET UP <ent>
SET UP
SELECT : TYPE. 1

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The operation key
The information that
is displayed on the
LCD during plotter
operation is explained.
The pages of each chapter
are given serial numbers
starting from 1.
Notes to sentences,
caution on plotter
operation, and hints for
effective use of the
plotter are given.
The item to select
from the setting
menu before each
plotter operation is
explained.
This manual describes
the procedure of
operation of the plotter.
The titlle in each
chapter are provided.
How to read this Operation Manual

- xii -
Safety symbols used in this Manual
Safety signal words
Pictorial signs are used in this Operation Manual for safe operation of and in prevention of
damages to the plotter. Pictorial signs and their meanings are given below. Read and fully
understand before reading the text.
•WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serioous injury.
•CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
may result in minor or moderate injury.
•CAUTION used without the safety alert symbol indicates a potentially haz-
ardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in property damage.
•NOTE indicates notice which is not applied above three symbols.
•The symbol " " indicates helpful information that will facilitate the use of
the unit.

- xiii -
Structure of this Manual
Foreword
This foreward describes the notice before operation and how to read this
Operation Manual.
Chapter 1 Setup
This chapter describes the procedures for unpacking and assembling the
plotter, and for setting up the plotter such as setting inks and fabric.
Chapter 2 How to use the basic functions
This chapter describes the basic operations of the plotter, from the
beginning to the end of printing.
In order to use the application functions, it is indispensable to understand
the basic functions of the plotter explained in this chapter.
Chapter 3 How to use the application functions
This chapter describes the application functions of the plotter, such as the
function menu for setting printing conditions.
Chapter 4 Maintenance functions
This chapter describes functions intended to correct adverse influences on
picture quality and to check abnormal conditions as well as the procedure to
be taken to replace a used ink tank, wiper and so on.
Chapter 5 When abnormal conditions are encountered
This chapter describes how to correct troubles after the occurrence of an
abnormal condition on the plotter.
Chapter 6 Ink guidance
This chapter describes how to use ink and the method of pre-treatment and
post-treatment.
Appendix
This appendix describes the specifications of the plotter, function menu
structure and output samples and introduces separately-available
consumables.

- xiv -
For safe operation
Pictorial signs
Pictorial signs are used in this Operation Manual for safe operation of and in prevention of
damages to the plotter. Pictorial signs and their meanings are given below. Read and fully
understand before reading the text.
•WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serioous injury.
•CAUTION indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
may result in minor or moderate injury.
Example of pictorial signs
•The symbol " " indicates the case where some phenomenon that requires
a CAUTION sign (including "DANGER" and "WARNING" signs) exists. A
concrete precaution (precaution against an electric shock in the case of the
sketch given on the left) is shown in the illustration.
•The symbol " " indicates a prohibited behavior. A concrete illustration of
prohibition (disassembly is prohibited in the sketch given on the left) is shown
in or next to the illustration.
•The symbol " " indicates a thing that is forced to be done and instruction
that is forced to be followed. A concrete illustration of instruction (the
removal of a plug from the receptacle is instructed in the sketch given on
the left) is drawn in the illustration.

- xv -
•Be sure to use the plotter with the power supply specifications indicated. Be sure to
connect the plug of the power cable to a grounded receptacle. If not, fire or electric
shocks can result.
•Take care not to damage, break or work on the power cable.
If a heavy matter is placed on the power cable, heated or drawn, the power cable can
break to cause fire or electric shocks.
•Avoid damp environments when putting the plotter into service. Do not splash water
onto the plotter. High-humidity or water will give rise to fire, electric shocks or breakdown
of the plotter.
•If the plotter is used under an abnormal condition where the plotter produces smoke
or unpleasant smell, fire or electric shocks can result. Be sure to turn off the power
switch immediately and detach the plug from the receptacle. Check first to be sure
that the plotter no longer produces smoke, and contact a distributor in your district for
repair.
Never repair your plotter by yourself since it is very dangerous for you to do so.
•Never disassemble or remodel the main unit of the printer and the ink cartridge.
Disassembling/remodeling any of them will result in electric shocks or breakdown of
the plotter.
•Store ink cartridges and waste ink tank in a place that is out of the reach of children.
Precautions in use
CAUTION
Warnings in use
WARNING
•Roll fabric is heavy. Be careful not to drop it. If you drop it on your foot, or any other
part of your body, personal injury can result.
•The ink is not toxic, however, avoid direct contact with the ink. If ink settles on the skin
or fabrics, immediately wash it off with detergent or water. In the event that ink gets in
eyes, immediately rinse it off with water and consult a medical doctor.

- xvi -
Position of the warning label
This plotter is adhered with a warning label at four locations. Be sure to fully understand the
warning given on the labels.
In the case where any of the warning label has become so soiled that the warning message is
illegible or has come off, purchase a new one from your local distributor or our office.
Label position
Item no. M902853
Item no. M901549
Item no. M901607
Item no. M902897
This illustration indicates AMF model.

- 1.1 -
Chapter 1
Setup
This chapter describes the procedures for unpacking and assembling the
plotter, and for setting up plotter such as setting inks and fabric.
Table of contents
Installation of the plotter ...................................................................................... 1.2
Checking the accessories .................................................................................... 1.5
Configuration and function ................................................................................... 1.7
Names and function of the parts under the front cover ....................................... 1.9
About other setup .............................................................................................. 1.14
Connecting the cables ....................................................................................... 1.18
Switching ON/OFF the power supply................................................................. 1.20
Front cover and maintenance cover .................................................................. 1.22
Ink cartridges ..................................................................................................... 1.23
Fabric for printing ............................................................................................... 1.28
Before setting the fabric on the plotter ............................................................... 1.30
Setting the fabric to the plotter ........................................................................... 1.35
Specifying the scope of printing on the fabric used (Effective printing area) .... 1.47
Origin setting...................................................................................................... 1.48

- 1.2 -
Installation of the plotter
Where to install the plotter
Secure a suitable space before using the plotter.
The space is required not only for the plotter itself but also for printing operation.
Length Width Height Gross weight
DS-1600 2750 mm 710 mm (940 mm) 1350 mm About 230 kg
DS-1800 3040 mm 710 mm (940 mm) 1350 mm About 250 kg
DS-1600: 3750 mm
DS-1800: 4040 mm
500 mm
1000 mm
1000 mm
2710 mm
(2940 mm)
500 mm
* ( ) indicates AMF model.