MIMAKI GP-604D 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]
D201172
OPERATION MANUAL

CAUTION
MIMAKI ENGINEERING CO., LTD. shall have no liability for any damage of any kind
(including but not limited to unearned profits, indirect damages, special losses and other
debts) caused by the use of malfunction of the product unless otherwise specified in
MIMAKI warranty provisions. The same applies to any case where MIMAKI ENGINEER-
ING CO., LTD. has been informed of the possible risk of such damages in prior.
For example, MIMAKI shall not be liable to any damage to medium (works) due to the use of
the product or any indirect damage that is caused by a product that is manufactured with
damaged medium.
Please be noted that MIMAKI ENGINEERING CO., LTD. shall have no liability for any
debts, unearned profits and any claims from any third party resulting from the use of the
device.
Requests
•This Operation manual has been carefully prepared for your easy understanding, how-
ever, please do not hesitate to contact a distributor in your district or our office if you have
any inquiry.
•Description contained in this Operation manual are subject to change without notice for
improvement.
•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 © 2005 MIMAKI ENGINEERING Co., Ltd.

Interference to televisions and radios
The product described in this manual generates high frequency when operating.
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 orientation of the antenna of the television set or radio to find a position
without reception difficulty.
•Separate the television set or radio from this product.
• Plug the power cord of this product into an outlet which is isolated from power circuits
connected to the television set or radio.
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 reasonable
protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial envi-
ronment. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the Operation manual, may cause harmful interference
to radio communications.
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 device, limits provided by FCC rules can be
exceeded.
To prevent this, use of MIMAKI-recommended cable is essential
for the connection of this device.

- i -
Foreword
Thank you for purchasing our ink-jet plotter ‘‘GP-604D’’ for T-shirt printing.
‘‘GP-604D’’ is capable of discharging color of the printed portion by directly printing our special
discharge liquid to the T-shirts.
Further, with the use of special pigment printing ink, it can perform the color printing, too.
Being flat bed type, it can also print on the cloth other than T-shirts.
You are kindly requested to read this manual carefully and use this device safely and effectively.
On This Operation manual
•Please read and fully understand this Operation manual before putting the machine into
service. It is also necessary to keep this Operation Manual on hand.
•Make arrangements to deliver this Operation Manual to the person in charge of the opera-
tion of this device.
•This Operation Manual has been carefully prepared for your easy understanding, however,
please do not hesitate to contact a distributor in your district or our office 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 or lost by fire
or breakage, purchase another copy of the Operation Manual from our office.

- ii -
Features
The features of the device are described below.
Use of discharge liquid
It is possible to discharge color of the printed portion by printing special discharge liquid directly to
T-shirts and making heat-treatment.
*Discharging of color is different depending on the dyestuff used for the ground dyeing.
Printing pigment ink
The device is designed for printing directly on T-shirts and other media using printing pigment ink of
high light stability. The ink does not require special preparation of the medium. Heat treatment
(simple postprint treatment) ensures a smooth finish.
Easy ink replacement
The ink cartridge can be replaced safely and easily without getting your hands dirty.
Indication of the INK remains
Since the amount of ink that remains can be checked even during operation of the device, you can use
the ink and medium without waste.
*For discharge liquid and Cleaner the amount of remaining ink is not indicated.
Use of area plate
By placing the area plate, it is possible to grasp the printing area.
Printing heater mounting
The device detects the ambient temperature to perform temperature control, allowing heating tem-
perature setup which best suits the garment used.
It works on preserving the colors of inks and preventing from setting off of inks.
Simple display
The LCD panel displays the device setting menu in two lines (not one line), making it easier 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 can display seven different languages for each, including English and Spanish.
High-speed interface
The "IEEE-1394" interface allows for high-speed data reception from the computer.

- iii -
For safe operation
Pictorial signs
Pictorial signs are used in this Operation Manual for safe operation of and in prevention of damages
to the device. Pictorial signs and their meanings are given below. Read and fully understand before
reading the text.
•Indicates the case where it is assumed that misuse of the machine, ignoring this
sign, as this may cause fire or poisoning. Be sure to read this manual for proper
operation.
•Indicates the case where it is assumed that misuse of the machine, ignoring this
sign, can cause damage only to property.
•The symbol " " indicates helpful information that will facilitate the use of the
device.
•Indicates the reference page for related contents.
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 prohibi-
tion (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.

- iv -
•If anyone drinks ink in mistake, keep him or her quiet and see a doctor immedi-
ately. Do not allow him or her drink vomit. Then, contact the Poison Control
Center.
•If you absorb a lot of vapor and feel bad, immediately move to a location where
fresh air is present and then keep yourself warm and quiet. Then, consult a doctor
as soon as possible.
•The ink contains a trace of substance classified as “harmful”.
If ink settles on the skin or clothes, immediately wash it off with detergent or water.
If you get ink in your eyes, immediately wash your eyes with a lot of clean water
for at least 15 minutes. In this case, also wash the backside of eyelids to rinse ink
away completely. Then, consult a doctor as soon as possible.
•You cannot use any other ink type than the exclusive one.
•Store ink cartridges and waste ink tank in a place that is out of the reach of chil-
dren.
•Never refill the ink cartridge with ink.
MIMAKI assumes no responsibility for malfunction caused by using the device
after replenishment of ink.
•Never disassemble or remodel the ink cartridge. Disassembling will result in
electric shocks or breakdown of the device.
•Dispose the waste ink, discharge liquid, washing liquid according to the local
regulations.
WARNING

- v -
Do not use the device in damp places.
•Avoid damp environments when
putting the device into service.
Do not splash water onto the
device.
High-humidity or water will give
rise to fire, electric shocks or
breakdown of the device.
Abnormal event occurs.
•If the device is used under an
abnormal condition where the
device 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 device no
longer produces smoke, and
contact a distributor in your
district for repair. Never repair
your device by yourself since it is
very dangerous for you to do so.
Never Do the Following
WARNING
Do not disassemble or remodel the device.
•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 device.
Heater
•Keep combustibles such as dust or
stain clear out of the heater on the
table.
Power supply and voltage
•Be sure to use the device with the
power supply specifications
indicated. Set voltage selectors
according to the power voltage to
be used.
110V ••• 100-120V
220V ••• 220-240V
•To avoid fires or electrical shocks,
the two power cables must be
plugged to separate receptacles
that are grounded separately.
Handling of the power cable
•Use the supplied power cable.
•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.

- vi -
Precautions in installation
CAUTION
A place exposed to direct sunlight
A place in which temperature and humidity
vary by a great margin
Use the device under the
following environment.
Operating environment:
20 to 35°C
35 to 65% (Rh)
A place exposed to direct air blow from air
conditioner, etc.
A place that is not horizontal
A place that vibrates
A place where fire is present

- vii -
Precautions in use
CAUTION
Use the ink specified
•Use the GP-604D genuine ink.
The plotter does not operate
with other ink than the GP-604
genuine ink.
•Do not use the GP-604D
genuine ink for other plotters as
doing so may cause damage to
other plotters.
Periodic exchange parts
•There are some parts which
must be replaced by service
men. You have to make a
contract with distributors or
dealers for after-sale service.
Relocation of the device
•The device may be relocated
within the same floor without
steps. For safety reasons, it
must be carried by at least four
persons.
Protection against dust
•It is strongly recommended to use
the device in a room that is not
dusty. Set the Refresh level 2 or
3 when in bad environment.
( page 4.8)
•Keep the front cover to be closed
also when the device is not
engaged in printing. If not, dust
can accumulate on the head
nozzle.
•When leaving the workshop after
the working hours, be sure to take
off any garment from the table.
If any media is left on the table,
dust can put on it.
•Keep the garment (T-shirts)
protected from dust.
•Frequently wipe the capping
station clean to eliminate dust
and lint.
Dust in the head will also cause
drops of ink to fall abruptly down
on the garment during printing. If
this phenomenon takes place, be
sure to clean up the head.
( page 2.9, 4.9)
Front cover
•Never open the front cover
during printing. Opening the
cover will abort printing.
Garment
•If garment that is likely to tightly
curl, flatten first the paper before
using it for printing. Heavily-
curled garment affect the plotted
result.

- viii -
CAUTION
Ink cartridges
•If the ink cartridge is moved from
a cold place to a warm place,
leave it in the room temperature
for three hours or more before
using it.
•Open the ink cartridge just
before installing it in the plotter.
If it is opened and left for an
extended period of time, normal
printing performance of the
plotter may not be ensured.
•Make sure to store ink cartridges
in a cold and dark place.
•Be sure to thoroughly consume
the ink in the ink cartridge, once
it is opened, within three months.
If an extended period of time has
passed away after opening the
cartridge tank, printing quality
would be poor.
•You cannot use any other ink
type than the exclusive one.
•Never refill the ink cartridge with
ink.
•Neither pound the ink cartridge
nor shake it violently so as to
prevent leakage of ink.
•Do not touch or stain the
contacts of the ink cartridge as
doing so may cause damage to
the print circuit board.
Heater
•Do not spill liquid on the table
as this may cause failure of the
heater or ignition.
•Do not touch the table heater
with bare hand while it is hot as
this may cause burn.
•When moving the device, wait
unit the heater temperature
drops.
As a criterion, wait at least 30
minutes since you turn off the
power of the heater.
The device can be moved within
the same floor without steps.
When moving it to a different
place, contact representative of
your dealer.
Warning labels
•This device is adhered with a
warning label at two locations.
Be sure understand firmly the
warnings 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.
Refer to Appendix for the label
adhering locations.

- ix -
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Foreword ................................................................................................................ i
On This Operation manual ................................................................................................................ i
Features ................................................................................................................. ii
Use of discharge liquid..................................................................................................................... ii
Printing pigment ink ......................................................................................................................... ii
Use of area plate ............................................................................................................................... ii
For safe operation ................................................................................................. iii
Pictorial signs .................................................................................................................................. iii
Example of pictorial signs ............................................................................................................... iii
Never Do the Following ................................................................................................................... v
Precautions in installation ............................................................................................................... vi
Precautions in use ........................................................................................................................... vii
How to read this operation manual ...................................................................... xii
Display on the LCD and Indication of the Keys ............................................................................ xii
Structure of this Operation manual ............................................................................................... xiii
CHAPTER 1 Name and Function of each section
The Front ........................................................................................................... 1.2
The Rear ............................................................................................................ 1.3
Operation Panel ................................................................................................. 1.4
Carriage ............................................................................................................. 1.5
Capping station ............................................................................................................................. 1.5
Heater ................................................................................................................ 1.6
Setting the heater voltage .................................................................................. 1.7
Ink station........................................................................................................... 1.8
Initial filling of ink ................................................................................................ 1.9
MENU mode .................................................................................................... 1.12
CHAPTER 2 Operation
Operation ........................................................................................................... 2.2
Switching on the power supply .......................................................................... 2.3
Turning the power on .................................................................................................................... 2.3
Filling of discharge liquid at the time of starting works....................................... 2.4
Front cover ......................................................................................................... 2.6
Opening/closing the front cover .................................................................................................... 2.6
If opened the front cover during plotting... ................................................................................... 2.6
Adjusting the suitable temperature of heater ..................................................... 2.7
Checking and solving nozzle clogging ............................................................... 2.8

- x -
Print the test pattern ...................................................................................................................... 2.8
If printed abnormal pattern ........................................................................................................... 2.9
Setting Garment (T-shirt) ................................................................................. 2.10
Set the area plate ......................................................................................................................... 2.11
Remove the area plate ................................................................................................................. 2.13
Read the thickness of the garment (T-shirt) ..................................................... 2.14
Plotting an Image from source data ................................................................. 2.15
Perform the printing ( Same operations both for color printing and discharging ) ..................... 2.15
Interrupting the plotting operation .............................................................................................. 2.16
When the message [ERROR71 WORK TOO HIGH] is displayed ... ......................................... 2.16
Heat with a press ............................................................................................. 2.17
To replenish ink, set a new ink cartridge in the ink station ............................... 2.19
Filling of Cleaner at the end of the works......................................................... 2.21
Turning the power off ....................................................................................... 2.23
CHAPTER 3 Daily cleaning
Daily Maintenance ............................................................................................. 3.2
Notes on cleaning .......................................................................................................................... 3.2
If the frame components of the device/table/T-shirt plate have stained ........................................ 3.3
Cleaning the wiper and ink caps ........................................................................ 3.4
When the waste ink tank becomes full............................................................... 3.6
CHAPTER 4 Setting Function
Basic operations of menus................................................................................. 4.2
Register the function on each purpose (Type Registration) .............................. 4.4
Registering a type .......................................................................................................................... 4.4
Changing the type ......................................................................................................................... 4.4
Setup functions .................................................................................................. 4.5
Effective Plotting Area ...................................................................................... 4.10
Set the print area ......................................................................................................................... 4.11
Set the ORIGIN ................................................................................................ 4.14
Change the head height (the head-gap) .......................................................... 4.15
Correcting the garment feed rate [FEED COMP.] ............................................ 4.17
Change the Language on LCD ........................................................................ 4.19
CHAPTER 5 Maintenance
Maintenance of the device ................................................................................. 5.2
Invoking a maintenance function .................................................................................................. 5.2
Setup functions .............................................................................................................................. 5.3
Cleaning the station interior [STATION]-[CARRIAGEout] .................................. 5.4

- xi -
When the message [REPLACE WIPER] is displayed [STATION]-[WIPER EX-
CHANGE]........................................................................................................... 5.5
Adjusting between the two plotting directions [PRINT ADJUST] ....................... 5.7
If nozzles are clogged even after the cleaning function is executed .................. 5.9
Cleaning the nozzle [NOZZLE WASH] ........................................................................................ 5.9
[FILL UP INK] ........................................................................................................................... 5.11
Wash the color head with cleaning fluid [HEAD WASH] .......................................................... 5.12
Wash the discahrge head with cleaning fluid [HEAD WASH] .................................................. 5.13
Ink discharge way cleaning [Disway WASH].................................................... 5.16
When not in use the plotter over the long term [CUSTODYwash] ................... 5.18
Drawing setup conditions [LIST] ...................................................................... 5.21
Plotting HEX CODE [DATA DUMP] .................................................................. 5.22
Wiper Life warning [WIPE LEVEL] ................................................................... 5.23
Setting time [TIME SET] .................................................................................. 5.24
Displaying device information [INFORMATION] .............................................. 5.25
CHAPTER 6 When abnormal conditions are encountered
Before taking a phenomenon as a sign of failure............................................... 6.2
The device cannot be energized .................................................................................................... 6.2
The device cannot perform printing .............................................................................................. 6.2
The device cannot perform printing after data transmission. ........................................................ 6.3
The [HEAT] or [CONSTANT] indicator does not go on .............................................................. 6.3
If an image failure occurs ................................................................................... 6.4
White lines/thin spots obvious or dark stripes occur (In the direction of travel of the head) ...... 6.4
Displacement is observed between outward and inward printing ................................................. 6.4
Ink does not properly overlap ....................................................................................................... 6.4
Ink drops on the garment during plotting ...................................................................................... 6.4
Ink beadings occur ........................................................................................................................ 6.4
Splotch the outside of the effective plotting area .......................................................................... 6.4
Difference in color appearance ..................................................................................................... 6.4
Ink cartridge trouble ........................................................................................... 6.5
Troubles for which error messages are given on the LCD ................................. 6.6
Warning error ................................................................................................................................ 6.6
Error messages .............................................................................................................................. 6.8
APPENDIX
Basic specifications............................................................................................ A.2
Specification for ink ............................................................................................ A.3
Specification for cleaner and discharge liquid.................................................... A.3
Moving the device .............................................................................................. A.4
Position of the warning level .............................................................................. A.5
Operation Flow ................................................................................................... A-7

- xii -
How to read this operation manual
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 device are explained, together with the operation procedure. page 1.4
Operate the device 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 device 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],
[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]. page 1.4
FUNCTION
SET UP < ENT >
SET UP
SELECT : TYPE.1

- xiii -
Structure of this Operation manual
This manual consists of the following seven chapters to describe the handling of the device.
Chapter 1 Name and Function of each section
This chapter describes the name and function of the device.
Chapter 2 Operations
This chapter describes a series of operations and settings, ranging from
power-on to end of plotting.
Chapter 3 Daily Cleaning
This chapter describes the replacing the waste ink tank and the cleaning
procedure for each section.
Chapter 4 Setting Function
This chapter describes the setting function.
Chapter 5 Maintenance Functions
This chapter describes the maintenance functions and how to replace a
wiper.
Chapter 6 When abnormal conditions are encountered
This chapter describes how to correct troubles after the occurrence of an
abnormal condition on the device.
Appendix
The specifications of this device, inquiry sheet and operation flow are
included.

- xiv -

- 1.1 -
CHAPTER 1
Name and Function of each section
This chapter describes the name and function of each section of the device.
Table of contents
The Front ................................................................................................................... 1.2
The Rear.................................................................................................................... 1.3
Operation Panel......................................................................................................... 1.4
Carriage ......................................................................................................................1.5
Heater ........................................................................................................................ 1.6
Setting the heater voltage.......................................................................................... 1.7
Ink station .................................................................................................................. 1.8
Initial filling of ink ........................................................................................................ 1.9
MENU mode .............................................................................................................1.12

- 1.2 -
Name Function
1Front cover Protects the station from dusts. Open the cover when performing
maintenance.
2Carriage Moves the print head from side to side.
3 Changeover valve of Changes the supply of discharge liquid/Cleaner to discharge liquid head.
discharge liquid/Cleaner page 1.9
4 Power switch It turns on/off the power to the device.
When the power switch is turned on, the POWER indicator lights in green.
5Operation panel Operation keys for operating the device and the LCD for displaying set
items are on the panel. page 1.4
6Ink station Set the specified ink cartridges. page 1.8
7Waste ink tank Waste ink using cleaning gathers in this tank. page 3.6
8Table Set the garment and perform printing. It will be subjected to high tem-
peratures for the built-in heater.
9Heater power switch Turns on/off the heater power. page 1.6
10 Sleeve Tray Hold the portion of the garment (T-shirt) that is running over the table.
page 2.12
The Front
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
6
10