Roland VersaEXPRESS RF-640 User manual

Ink Switching Method
To ensure correct and safe usage with a full understanding of this product's performance, please be sure to read through this
manual completely and store it in a safe location.
Unauthorized copying or transferral, in whole or in part, of this manual is prohibited.
The contents of this operation manual and the specications of this product are subject to change without notice.
The operation manual and the product have been prepared and tested as much as possible. If you nd any misprints or errors,
please inform us.
Roland DG Corp. assumes no responsibility for any direct or indirect loss or damage that may occur through use of this product,
regardless of any failure to perform on the part of this product.
Roland DG Corp. assumes no responsibility for any direct or indirect loss or damage that may occur with respect to any article
made using this product.
About this Manual
This manual explains how to switch the ink being used from ECO-SOL MAX 2 ink (hereinafter called MAX 2 ink) to ECO-SOL
MAX 3 ink (hereinafter called MAX 3 ink).*
To prevent the MAX 2 ink and the MAX 3 ink from mixing, perform operations according to the procedures given in this manual.
* Colors with MAX 3 ink are dierent than with MAX 2 ink.
ECO-SOL MAX 2 ECO-SOL MAX 3

2
ECO-SOL MAX 3 Ink Switching Method
Contents
Contents......................................................................................................................................2
Introduction .................................................................................................................................3
Overall Flow..................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Preparation before Operations....................................................................................................4
STEP 1: Checking the Package Contents............................................................................................................................... 4
STEP 2: Checking the Necessary Files..................................................................................................................................... 4
STEP 3: Writing a Memo with the VersaWorks Settings ................................................................................................... 4
Switching the Ink .........................................................................................................................5
STEP 1: Updating the Printer Unit Firmware........................................................................................................................ 5
STEP 2: Switching the Ink............................................................................................................................................................ 5
STEP 3:
Cleaning of the Periphery of the Print Heads (Manual Cleaning) .........................................................................7
STEP 4: Replacing the Wiper and Felt Wiper ......................................................................................................................11
STEP 5: Bidirectional Printing Correction............................................................................................................................14
STEP 6: Updating VersaWorks .................................................................................................................................................14
Important: Changes and Precautions after Switching the Ink ...................................................18
Change: When to Perform Manual Cleaning.....................................................................................................................18
Change: Cleaning Locations During Manual Cleaning..................................................................................................19
Daily Precautions.........................................................................................................................................................................19
When Not in Use for a Prolonged Period, Precaution 1.................................................................................................20
When Not in Use for a Prolonged Period, Precaution 2.................................................................................................20
When Operations Are Interrupted ............................................................................................. 21
When the Message "STOPPED FOR MOTOR PROTECTION" Is Displayed.................................................................21
Actions When the Cleaning/Wiper Replacement Operation Is Interrupted ..........................................................21
In this operation manual, excluding the case where "Roland VersaWorks" is shown on the computer screen, "Roland VersaWorks"
is written as "VersaWorks."
Company names and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
Copyright © 2015-2016 Roland DG Corporation http://www.rolanddg.com/

3
ECO-SOL MAX 3 Ink Switching Method
Introduction
Overall Flow
Preparation before Operations
STEP 1: Checking the Package Contents (P. 4 )
STEP 2: Checking the Necessary Files (P. 4 )
STEP 3: Writing a Memo with the VersaWorks Settings (P. 4 )
Switching the Ink
STEP 1: Updating the Printer Unit Firmware (P. 5 )
(Required time: Approx. 5 minutes)
STEP 2: Switching the Ink (P. 5 )
(Required time: Approx. 20 to 30 minutes)
STEP 3: Cleaning of the Periphery of the Print Heads (Manual Cleaning; P. 7 )
(Required time: Approx. 10 minutes)
STEP 4: Replacing the Wiper and Felt Wiper (P. 11 )
(Required time: Approx. 10 minutes)
STEP 5: Bidirectional Printing Correction (P. 14 )
(Required time: Approx. 5 minutes)
STEP 6: Updating VersaWorks (P. 14 )
(Required time: Approx. 10 minutes)
Changes and Precautions
Important: Changes and Precautions after Switching the Ink (P. 18 )

4
ECO-SOL MAX 3 Ink Switching Method
Preparation before Operations
STEP 1: Checking the Package Contents
This kit contains the following items. Make sure they are all present and accounted for.
Items used during ink switching
Cleaning sticks Tweezers (1) Gloves (1 set) Wiper (1)
Felt wiper (1) Drain bottles (2) Drain funnel (1)
Items used after ink switching (not used during ink switching)
Cleaning liquid (1)
(dedicated for use with
MAX 3 ink)
Wiper (1) Felt wiper (1)
* Use one wiper and one felt wiper during the ink switching operation. Use the other wiper and felt wiper as replacements
at a later time.
* You must prepare the replacement ink yourself.
STEP 2: Checking the Necessary Files
The rmware and updater downloaded from http://www.rolanddg.com/ecosolmax3/ are necessary for the operations in
this manual.
Check that the following les are present.
Firmware: RF640Firm170.exe (in the "Firmware" folder)
Updater: LocalUpdater.exe (Ver. 5.5.0 or later; in the "Roland VersaWorks local updater" folder)
If the above les are not present, download them from the following URL.
http://www.rolanddg.com/ecosolmax3
STEP 3: Writing a Memo with the VersaWorks Settings
Important
As the nal step when you switch the ink, update VersaWorks to a version that supports MAX 3 ink. After the update, because
the printer that has been switched to MAX 3 ink will be connected as a new printer, the previous job data and settings will be
deleted. Before switching to MAX 3 ink, write down the IP address and the settings of the connected printer such as "Quality."

5
ECO-SOL MAX 3 Ink Switching Method
Switching the Ink
STEP 1: Updating the Printer Unit Firmware
Use the le that you have downloaded to update the rmware of the printer unit to a version that supports MAX 3 ink. For
the update method, refer to "Readme.pdf," the le that you downloaded at the same time as the rmware.
STEP 2: Switching the Ink
1. Display the [CHANGE INK SET] menu.

Press .

Press several times to display the screen shown on the left.
Press .

Press several times to display the screen shown on the left.
Press , then .

Press .

Press or to select [YES].
Press .
2. Remove the MAX 2 ink cartridges.

When the screen on the left is displayed, remove the drain bottle and
discard the discharged uid.
Use the included drain funnel to transfer the discharged uid from the printer's drain
bottle to the included drain bottle.
CAUTION Before you detach the drain bottle, be sure to wait for the screen to display "EMPTY
DRAIN BOTTLE." After discarding the discharged uid, promptly attach the drain bottle
to the machine.
Failing to follow this procedure may cause discharged uid to ow out of the machine and
spill, soiling your hands or the oor.
WARNING Never place discharged uid or ink near an open ame.
Doing so may cause a re.
CAUTION To store discharged uid temporarily, place it in the included drain bottle or in a du-
rable sealed container such as a metal can or polyethylene tank, and cap the container
tightly.
Any spillage or vapor leakage may cause a re, an odor, or physical distress.
Dispose of discharged uid properly, in accordance with the laws in effect in your locale.
Discharged uid contains toxic ingredients. Never attempt to incinerate discharged uid or discard it with ordinary trash.
Also, do not dispose of it in sewer systems, rivers, or streams. Doing so may have an adverse impact on the environment.
/'07
57$/'07
57$/'07
+0-%10641.
+0-%10641.
%*#0)'+0-5'6
%*#0)'+0-5'6!
=;'5?01
'/26;
&4#+0$166.'
Printer drain
bottle Included
drain bottle

Switching the Ink
6
ECO-SOL MAX 3 Ink Switching Method

Install the drain bottle.

Press .

RF-640
Remove all the currently inserted ink cartridges.
RF-640A
Remove all the currently inserted ink cartridges.

When the screen on the left is displayed, remove the drain bottle and
discard the discharged uid.
Use the included drain funnel to transfer the discharged uid from the printer's drain
bottle to the included drain bottle.

Install the drain bottle.

Press .
2. Set the new MAX 3 ink cartridges in place.

Before you insert the new (MAX 3) ink
cartridge for each color, gently shake the
cartridge.

RF-640
Set the new ink cartridges in the slots whose numbers are displayed
on the screen.
Be careful not to set the cartridges in the incorrect slots for their colors.
Proceed to step

.
RF-640A
Set the new ink cartridges in the slots whose numbers are displayed
on the screen.
Be careful not to set the cartridges in the incorrect slots for their colors.
Proceed to step

.

Continue setting the new ink cartridges in the slots whose numbers
are displayed on the screen.
Be careful not to set the cartridges in the incorrect slots for their colors.

When the screen on the left is displayed, remove the drain bottle and
discard the discharged uid.
Use the included drain funnel to transfer the discharged uid from the printer's drain
bottle to the included drain bottle.

Install the drain bottle.
4'/18'51.%46

4'/18'51.%46

'/26;
&4#+0$166.'
5'651.%46

5'651.%46

5'651.%46

'/26;
&4#+0$166.'

Switching the Ink
7
ECO-SOL MAX 3 Ink Switching Method

Press .
The screen shown in the gure appears automatically, and then cleaning starts.
When the screen shown in the gure appears, the ink cartridge switching operation
is nished. Proceed to the next procedure.
STEP 3: Cleaning of the Periphery of the Print Heads (Manual Cleaning)
CAUTION Be sure to perform operations as specied by the instructions, and never touch any
area not specied in the instructions.
Failure to observe these instructions may cause the machine to move suddenly, resulting
in injury.
1. Prepare for manual cleaning.

Remove the left cover.
Pull the left cover toward you to remove it. If you lift this cover up, it will come into
contact with the ink cartridges.
12'0%18'4.
(+..+0)+0-
Important notes on this procedure
Before attempting this operation, remove any media.
To prevent the print heads from drying out, nish this procedure in 30 minutes or less. A warning beep sounds after
30 minutes.
Never use any implements other than the included cleaning sticks. Cotton swabs or other lint-producing items may
damage the print heads. If you use up the cleaning sticks, purchase new ones from your authorized Roland DG Corp.
dealer.
Do not use a previously used cleaning stick. Reusing cleaning sticks may reduce the printing quality.
Do not put a cleaning stick that has been used for cleaning into the cleaning liquid. Doing so will deteriorate the
cleaning liquid.
Never rub the nozzle surface of the print heads.
12'0%18'4.
Screw
Left cover
Hook

Switching the Ink
8
ECO-SOL MAX 3 Ink Switching Method

Remove the cut rail.
Press .

When the screen shown in the gure appears, attach the left cover.
You will open the cover again later in the procedure, so there is no need to x the
cover in place with screws.

When the screen shown in the gure appears, remove the left cover.
4'/18'%76
4#+.
%.15'%18'4.
12'0%18'4.
If a warning beep sounds during the following operations
If the operations are not completed within 30 minutes from the message "OPEN COVER L" shown above is displayed, a
warning beep will sound to warn you of the print heads drying out. When the warning beep sounds, attach the left and
right covers (if the front cover is open, close it), and then press . This temporarily interrupts the operations.
After you interrupt the operations, you cannot continue the operations with the procedures in this manual. Refer to the
user's manual of the model that you are using and perform the operations according to the details listed under P. 21
"Actions When the Cleaning/Wiper Replacement Operation Is Interrupted".
Screw Cut rail

Switching the Ink
9
ECO-SOL MAX 3 Ink Switching Method

When the screen shown in the gure appears, remove the right cover.
Preparations are complete when this screen appears.
2. Perform the manual cleaning.

Touch the location shown in the gure to discharge any
static electricity.

Put on the pair of gloves (included).

Moisten the cleaning stick with the cleaning liquid.
12'0%18'44
/#07#.%.'#0+0)
(+0+5*'&!
Use the cleaning liquid that you have been using since before
switching the ink. Use the cleaning liquid included with the
switching kit only after you have switched the ink.
Screws
Right
cover
Hook
Be sure to perform
cleaning using one of the
included cleaning sticks.

Switching the Ink
10
ECO-SOL MAX 3 Ink Switching Method

Clean the locations shown in the following gure.
Exercise special care in cleaning o any accumulated ink. You can make the accumulated ink easier to clean o by ap-
plying cleaning liquid to cleaning locations and , and then wiping these locations o with the cleaning stick.

Press .

When the screen shown in the gure appears, attach the right cover.
You will open the cover again later in the procedure, so there is no need to x the
cover in place with screws.
When the screen shown in the gure appears, the cleaning of the periphery of the
print heads (manual cleaning) is nished. Proceed to the next procedure.
%.15'%18'44
12'0%18'44
Also carefully clean the sides of the print heads.
During this work, be careful not to touch the print head
surface (nozzle surface) directly with the cleaning stick.
Area to clean

Switching the Ink
11
ECO-SOL MAX 3 Ink Switching Method
STEP 4: Replacing the Wiper and Felt Wiper
CAUTION Be sure to perform operations as specied by the instructions, and never touch any
area not specied in the instructions.
Failure to observe these instructions may cause the machine to move suddenly, resulting
in injury.
1. Replace the wiper.

Remove the right cover.
Preparations are complete when this screen appears.

Detach the old wiper.

Insert a new wiper.
Place the inclined end on the back side. If the wiper is installed with the incorrect orientation, appropriate cleaning will
not be possible.

Attach the part to the hooks.
Be sure to attach the part to the hooks. Failure to do so may result
in dot drop-out or other problems.
12'0%18'44
4'2.#%'9+2'4
(+0+5*'&!
Hook
Place the inclined end
on the back side.

Switching the Ink
12
ECO-SOL MAX 3 Ink Switching Method

Press .

When the screen shown in the gure appears, attach the right cover.
You will open the cover again later in the procedure, so there is no need to x the
cover in place with screws.
2. Replace the felt wiper.

When the screen shown in the gure appears, remove the right cover.
Preparations are complete when this screen appears.

Detach the old felt wiper.

Insert a new felt wiper.

Attach the part to the hooks.
Be sure to attach the part to the hooks. Failure to do so may result
in dot drop-out or other problems.

Press .
%.15'%18'44
12'0%18'44
4'2.#%'('.6
(+0+5*'&!

Switching the Ink
13
ECO-SOL MAX 3 Ink Switching Method
3. Finish the replacement work.

When the screen shown in the gure appears, attach the left cover.
You will open the cover again later in the procedure, so there is no need to x the
cover in place with screws.

When the screen shown in the gure appears, attach the right cover.

When the screen shown in the gure appears, remove the left cover.

Attach the cut rail.
Press .

When the screen shown in the gure appears, attach the left cover.

Close the front cover.
The screen shown in the gure appears, and then cleaning starts.
When this screen appears, the "Replacing the Wiper and Felt Wiper" step is nished.
Proceed to the next procedure.
%.15'%18'4.
%.15'%18'44
12'0%18'4.
4'2.#%'%76
4#+.
%.15'%18'4.
5'6725*''6
%.'#0+0)
41..
Screws
Right
cover
Hook
Screw
Cut rail

Switching the Ink
14
ECO-SOL MAX 3 Ink Switching Method
STEP 5: Bidirectional Printing Correction
Refer to the user's manual of the printer you are using to perform the bidirectional printing correction.
Title in contents Menu
Correcting for Misalignment in Bidirec-
tional Printing ADJUST BI-DIR SIMPLE SETTING
Correcting for Misalignment in Bidirec-
tional Printing More Precisely ADJUST BI-DIR DETAIL SETTING
When you are nished, proceed to the next procedure.
STEP 6: Updating VersaWorks
1. Update VersaWorks.

Refer to http://www.rolanddg.com/ecosolmax3/ and update VersaWorks to a version that supports
MAX 3 ink.

If VersaWorks is running, exit it.
When only a printer that has been switched to MAX 3 ink is connected to VersaWorks
2. Initialize VersaWorks.

Windows VISTA/7
Click the [Start] ( ) menu.
Click [All Programs] (or [Programs]) > [Roland VersaWorks] > [Initialize Application].
Windows 8
Right-click in the [Start] screen.
Click [All apps].
Click [Initialize Application] for Roland VersaWorks.
Windows 8.1
Click on the [Start] screen.
Click [Initialize Application] for Roland VersaWorks.
From this point, the procedure differs depending on the type of printer that is connected
to VersaWorks.
When only a printer that has been switched to MAX 3 ink is connected to VersaWorks
(P. 14 )
InitializeVersaWorks, and then reconnect the printer to it as a new printer. All the information will be deleted
due to the initialization. We recommend that you write down the IP address of the printer that you will
reconnect and the settings of the VersaWorks application that you want to continue to use.
When a printer that does not use MAX 3 ink is connected to VersaWorks (P. 16 )
Leave the printer that does not use MAX 3 ink connected (leave the information set in VersaWorks). Only
reconnect the printer that has been switched to MAX 3 ink as a new printer. All the information of the newly
reconnected printer is deleted (the information of the printer that does not use MAX 3 ink remains), so we
recommend that you write down the IP address of the printer that has been switched to MAX 3 ink and the
settings of the VersaWorks application that you want to continue to use.

Switching the Ink
15
ECO-SOL MAX 3 Ink Switching Method

When the screen shown in the gure is
displayed, click [Yes].
3. Reconnect a printer that has been switched to MAX 3 ink to VersaWorks.

Start VersaWorks.
The [Printer Settings] screen will appear.

Set [IP Address] to the IP address of the printer that has been switched to MAX 3 ink.

Click [Verify].

Check that [Ink Type] is the MAX 3 ink.
This indicates that you have successfully reconnect-
ed to a printer that has been switched to MAX 3 ink.

Switching the Ink
16
ECO-SOL MAX 3 Ink Switching Method

Click [Apply].
The printer that has been switched to MAX 3 ink is
displayed under [Printer List].

If there are multiple printers that have been switched to MAX 3 ink, click .
Repeat steps

,

,

, and

to reconnect to these printers that have been switched to MAX 3 ink.

Click [OK].
This completes the operations to switch to MAX 3 ink.
When a printer that does not use MAX 3 ink is connected to VersaWorks
2. Temporarily delete the printer that has been switched to MAX 3 ink from VersaWorks.

Start VersaWorks.

When the screen shown in the gure is
displayed, click [OK].
The [Printer Settings] screen will appear.

Select a printer that has been switched to
MAX 3 ink under [Printer List], and then
click .

When the screen shown in the gure ap-
pears, conrm that you want to delete the
selected printer, and then click [Yes].
The selected printer is deleted from the [Printer
List].

Switching the Ink
17
ECO-SOL MAX 3 Ink Switching Method
3. Reconnect a printer that has been switched to MAX 3 ink to VersaWorks.

Click .

Set [IP Address] to the IP address of the printer that was temporarily deleted (the printer that has
been switched to MAX 3 ink).

Click [Verify].

Check that [Ink Type] is the MAX 3 ink.
This indicates that you have successfully reconnect-
ed to a printer that has been switched to MAX 3 ink.

Click [Apply].
The printer that has been switched to MAX 3 ink is
displayed under [Printer List].

If there are multiple printers that have been switched to MAX 3 ink, click .
Repeat steps

,

,

, and

to reconnect to these printers that have been switched to MAX 3 ink.

Click [OK].

18
ECO-SOL MAX 3 Ink Switching Method
Important: Changes and Precautions after Switching the Ink
Change: When to Perform Manual Cleaning
When using MAX 3 ink, you have to perform manual cleaning at dierent times than with the conventional ink.
Before switching to MAX 3 ink
Cleaning timing Cleaning method Remarks
Before the start of daily
operations Normal cleaning Carry out a printing test. If dot drop-out occurs, perform
cleaning.
When dot drop-outs are
not xed by performing
normal cleaning multiple
times
Medium cleaning • If dot drop-outs are not xed by performing medium
cleaning, perform powerful cleaning.
• This consumes more ink than normal cleaning,
and too-frequent use may damage the print heads
themselves. Avoid using it more than necessary.
Powerful cleaning
• Once per month
• When symptoms cannot
be improved with medi-
um or powerful cleaning
Manual cleaning
• We recommend that you perform this cleaning
periodically.
• Replacing the wiper and felt wiper is also an effective
means of improving the symptoms.
After switching to MAX 3 ink
Cleaning timing Cleaning method Remarks
Before the start of daily
operations Normal cleaning Carry out a printing test. If dot drop-out occurs, perform
cleaning.
If the message "TIME
FOR MAINTENANCE" is
displayed
(approximately once
per week)
Manual cleaning
Refer to "Change: Cleaning Locations During
Manual Cleaning" on the next page for details
on the cleaning locations.
* "TIME FOR MAINTENANCE" is displayed
approximately once per week, but it may be displayed
more frequently depending on the usage conditions.
When this message is displayed, be sure to perform
manual cleaning.
When dot drop-outs are
not xed by performing
normal cleaning multiple
times
Medium cleaning • If dot drop-outs are not xed by performing medium
cleaning, perform powerful cleaning.
• This consumes more ink than normal cleaning,
and too-frequent use may damage the print heads
themselves. Avoid using it more than necessary.
Powerful cleaning
When symptoms cannot
be improved with medi-
um or powerful cleaning
Manual cleaning
Refer to "Change: Cleaning Locations During Manual
Cleaning" on the next page for details on the cleaning
locations.
Replacing the wiper and felt wiper is also an effective
means of improving the symptoms.

Important: Changes and Precautions after Switching the Ink
19
ECO-SOL MAX 3 Ink Switching Method
Change: Cleaning Locations During Manual Cleaning
Clean the locations indicated in the following gure when performing manual cleaning after switching to MAX 3 ink.
Exercise special care in wiping o any accumulated ink. You can make the accumulated ink easier to clean o by applying
cleaning liquid to the cleaning locations, and then wiping these locations o with the cleaning stick.
Daily Precautions
Do not leave the front, left, and right covers open.
Only open the front cover when necessary, such as when setting media. In all other situations, be sure to close the front cover.
Be sure to close the left and right covers after performing maintenance.
This machine periodically performs automatic maintenance, but this will not be performed if the front cover, left cover, or
right cover is open. If the machine is left with a cover open, the print heads may malfunction.
If the message "TIME FOR MAINTENANCE" is displayed, be sure to perform manual cleaning.
If the message "TIME FOR MAINTENANCE" is displayed on the printer screen, be sure to perform manual cleaning.
P. 18 "Change: When to Perform Manual Cleaning"
Caution: Storage of Ink Cartridges
Store ink cartridges unopened in a well-ventilated location at a temperature of -5 to 40°C (23 to 104°F).However, do not store
ink cartridges for extended periods at low or high temperatures.
Also carefully clean the sides of the print heads.
During this work, be careful not to touch the print head
surface (nozzle surface) directly with the cleaning stick.
Area to clean

Important: Changes and Precautions after Switching the Ink
20
ECO-SOL MAX 3 Ink Switching Method
When Not in Use for a Prolonged Period, Precaution 1
In advance, insert ink cartridges that have a large amount of ink remaining.
If the ink runs out, the machine will not be able to periodically perform automatic maintenance. If the machine is left in this
state, the print heads may malfunction. If you know that you will not use the machine for a prolonged period, insert ink
cartridges that have a large amount of ink remaining.
When Not in Use for a Prolonged Period, Precaution 2
Discard the discharged uid in advance of prolonged periods of disuse.
If you know that you will not use the machine for a prolonged period, follow the procedure below to discard the discharged
uid.
Procedure

Press .

Press several times to display the screen shown on the left.
Press .
Press twice.

Press , then .

Press .

When the screen on the left is displayed, remove the drain bottle and
discard the discharged uid.
CAUTION Before you detach the drain bottle, be sure to wait for the screen to display "EMPTY
DRAIN BOTTLE."
Failing to do so may cause discharged uid to ow out of the machine and spill onto your
hands or the oor and cause a stain.

Attach the emptied drain bottle to the machine once more.
Press .

Press .

Press to go back to the original screen.
WARNING Never place discharged uid or ink near an open ame.
Doing so may cause a re.
CAUTION To store discharged uid temporarily, place it in the included drain bottle or in a du-
rable sealed container such as a metal can or polyethylene tank, and cap the container
tightly.
Any spillage or vapor leakage may cause a re, an odor, or physical distress.
Dispose of discharged uid properly, in accordance with the laws in effect in your locale.
Discharged uid is ammable and contains toxic ingredients. Never attempt to incinerate discharged uid or discard it with
ordinary trash. Also, do not dispose of it in sewer systems, rivers, or streams. Doing so may have an adverse impact on the
environment.
/'07
57$/'07
57$/'07
/#+06'0#0%'
/#+06'0#0%'
&4#+0$166.'
'/26;
&4#+0$166.'
'/26;
&4#+0$166.'
4'5'6&4#+0
%1706'4
/#+06'0#0%'
&4#+0$166.'