Roland Metaza MPX-80 User manual

User's Manual
➢To ensure safe usage and full performance of this product, please be sure to read through this
manual completely.
➢To ensure immediate access whenever needed, store this manual in a safe location.
➢Unauthorized copying, quotation, or translation of this manual, in whole or in part, without the
written approval of Roland DG Corp., is prohibited.
➢The contents of this document and the specifications of this product are subject to change without
notice.
➢Roland DG Corp. assumes no responsibility for any loss or damage relating to this product, regard-
less of any defect in this product or this manual. Such loss or damage, whether direct or indirect,
includes, but is not limited to, that arising from the specifications or performance of this product,
that due to failure of the product to perform, and that arising from any article made using this
product.

For Canada
CLASS A NOTICE
This Class A digital apparatus meets all requirements of the
Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.
CLASSE A AVIS
Cet appareil numérique de la classe A respecte toutes les
exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du
Canada.
For the USA
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE
STATEMENT
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the
FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference when the equipment is operated
in a commercial environment.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance
with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference
to radio communications.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to
cause harmful interference in which case the user will be
required to correct the interference at his own expense.
Unauthorized changes or modification to this system can void
the users authority to operate this equipment.
The I/O cables between this equipment and the computing
device must be shielded.

1
Contents
To Ensure Safe Use .......................................................................................................................3
Important Notes on Handling and Use .............................................................................................8
About the Documentation forThis Machine.....................................................................................9
Chapter 1 Getting Started ................................................................................................................11
1-1About the Machine .............................................................................................................................................. 12
Features ......................................................................................................................................... 12
Names and Functions.................................................................................................................... 13
1-2 Checking the Included Items............................................................................................................................. 15
Chapter 2 Getting Ready to Print ....................................................................................................17
2-1 Installation.............................................................................................................................................................. 18
Installation Environment................................................................................................................ 18
Unpacking..................................................................................................................................... 19
2-2 Cable Connections.............................................................................................................................................. 20
Connecting the Cables .................................................................................................................. 20
2-3 Installing the Software ........................................................................................................................................ 21
Installing and Setting up the Included Software............................................................................. 21
2-4 METAZAStudio Settings..................................................................................................................................... 22
Making the Setting for the Printer .................................................................................................. 22
Chapter 3 Performing Printing .........................................................................................................23
3-1 Switching the Power On and Off..................................................................................................................... 24
Switching On the Power................................................................................................................ 24
Switching Off the Power................................................................................................................ 24
3-2 Starting METAZAStudio..................................................................................................................................... 25
Starting METAZAStudio ................................................................................................................. 25
Names and Functions of METAZAStudio Screen Items.................................................................. 26
3-3 Getting Ready to Print ....................................................................................................................................... 27
The Printable Area ......................................................................................................................... 27
Head Caps..................................................................................................................................... 27
Preparing Material to Print ............................................................................................................ 28
Preparing the Image ...................................................................................................................... 30
3-4 Loading Material (Using theAdhesive Sheet)................................................................................................ 31
Loading Material Using the Adhesive Sheet .................................................................................. 31
Handling of the Adhesive Sheet..................................................................................................... 32
3-5 Loading Material (Using the CenterVise)...................................................................................................... 33
Using the CenterVise .................................................................................................................... 33
Loading Material Using the CenterVise ........................................................................................ 34
3-6 Creating Printing Data (Printing on Flat Material)....................................................................................... 36
Step 1 : Decide on the Material..................................................................................................... 36
Step 2 : Import the Image .............................................................................................................. 37
Step 3 : Save the File ..................................................................................................................... 39
3-7 Starting Printing.................................................................................................................................................... 40
Starting Printing............................................................................................................................. 40
Stopping Printing Operations ........................................................................................................ 42
Chapter 4 MoreAdvanced Operations ............................................................................................43
4-1Tips andTricks for Image Layout ...................................................................................................................... 44
Keeping Only the Required Portion of an Image (Trimming) ......................................................... 44
Adjusting the Location, Size, or Angle of an Image ....................................................................... 45
Enclosing an Image in a Frame ...................................................................................................... 47
4-2Tips andTricks forText Layout ......................................................................................................................... 49
Enter the Text ................................................................................................................................. 49

Contents
2
Copyright © 2007 Roland DG Corporation
Windows®is a registered trademark or trademark of Microsoft®Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
Company names and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
http://www.rolanddg.com/
Landscape or Fan Layout ............................................................................................................... 50
Adjusting Laid-out Text .................................................................................................................. 51
Laying OutText along a Shape ...................................................................................................... 53
Changing the Format of Text .......................................................................................................... 55
4-3Adjusting Brightness and Contrast .................................................................................................................. 56
Checking the Finished Results in the Preview Window ................................................................. 56
Adjusting an Image in the Preview Window.................................................................................. 57
4-4 Creating Data for Printing on a Curved Surface ......................................................................................... 58
Step1 : Decide on the Printing Area (Workpiece Size)................................................................... 58
Step2 : Enter Text and Adjust the Layout........................................................................................60
4-5 Printing Materials of aWideVariety of Shapes ............................................................................................. 62
How to Register New Material ...................................................................................................... 62
4-6 Other Handy Features........................................................................................................................................ 63
A WideVariety of OperationsYou Can Accomplish with METAZAStudio...................................... 63
4-7 Driver Settings...................................................................................................................................................... 64
Viewing the Documentation for the Driver Settings ...................................................................... 64
Viewing the Online Help for the Driver ........................................................................................ 65
4-8 SFEdit2.................................................................................................................................................................... 66
What's SFEdit2 ? ............................................................................................................................ 66
Starting SFEdit2 ............................................................................................................................. 66
Chapter 5 Maintenance andAdjustment .........................................................................................67
5-1 Daily Care.............................................................................................................................................................. 68
Daily Care ..................................................................................................................................... 68
Cleaning the Adhesive Sheet ......................................................................................................... 68
Cleaning the Body and Cover........................................................................................................ 68
The Replacement Cycle for the Head Cap..................................................................................... 69
5-2 Maintenance of the Head and the Marking Pins........................................................................................... 70
Starting MPX-80 Head Manager ....................................................................................................70
Head Cleaning .............................................................................................................................. 71
Checking the State of the Marking Pins ......................................................................................... 72
Changing the Pin Used for Marking .............................................................................................. 73
Adjusting the Striking Force of the Pins ......................................................................................... 74
5-3 Head Replacement .............................................................................................................................................. 75
Replacing the Head....................................................................................................................... 75
5-4Adjustment of the Origin-point Location ...................................................................................................... 76
Adjusting the Location of the Machine's Origin Point ................................................................... 76
5-5 Composition Registration and Striking-forceAdjustment......................................................................... 78
Registering a Composition and Adjusting the Striking Force.......................................................... 78
Chapter 6Appendix ...........................................................................................................................81
6-1What to Do If ....................................................................................................................................................... 82
The machine doesn't run even when printing data is sent............................................................. 82
Striking is performed, but nothing is printed. ................................................................................ 82
The image is unattractive............................................................................................................... 82
The image is uneven...................................................................................................................... 83
The image is always faint at the same location.............................................................................. 83
The printed location isn't where desired ....................................................................................... 83
6-2When Moving the Machine................................................................................................................................ 84
6-3 Head Life................................................................................................................................................................ 86
6-4 Locations of the Power Rating and Serial Number Labels........................................................................ 87
6-5 Main Unit Specifications ..................................................................................................................................... 88
Main Specifications ....................................................................................................................... 88
System Requirements for USB Connection.................................................................................... 88

3
Used for instructions intended to alert the user to the risk of death or severe
injury should the unit be used improperly.
About WARNING and CAUTION Notices
Used for instructions intended to alert the user to the risk of injury or material
damage should the unit be used improperly.
* Material damage refers to damage or other adverse effects caused with re-
spect to the home and all its furnishings,as well to domestic animals or pets.
WARNING
CAUTION
About the Symbols
The symbol alerts the user to important instructions or warnings. The specific meaning of
the symbol is determined by the design contained within the triangle. The symbol at left means
"danger of electrocution."
The symbol alerts the user to items that must never be carried out (are forbidden). The
specific thing that must not be done is indicated by the design contained within the circle. The
symbol at left means the unit must never be disassembled.
The symbol alerts the user to things that must be carried out. The specific thing that must be
done is indicated by the design contained within the circle. The symbol at left means the power-
cord plug must be unplugged from the outlet.
To Ensure Safe Use
Improper handling or operation of this machine may result in injury or damage to property.
Points which must be observed to prevent such injury or damage are described as follows.
Incorrect operation may cause injury
WARNING
Keep children away from the machine.
The machine includes areas and components
that pose a hazard to children and may result in
injury,blindness,choking,or other serious acci-
dent.
Never attempt to disassemble, repair, or
modify the machine.
Doing so may result in fire, electrical shock,or
injury.Entrust repairs to a trained service tech-
nician.
CAUTION
Install in a location that is level and stable.
Installation in an unsuitable location may cause
an accident,including a fall or tipover.
Be sure to follow the operation proce-
dures described in this documentation.
Never allow anyone unfamiliar with the
usage or handling of the machine to touch
it.
Incorrect usage or handling may result in unex-
pectedinjury.

To Ensure Safe Use
4
WARNING
Connect to an electrical outlet that com-
plies with this machine’s ratings (for volt-
age,frequency,and current).
Incorrect voltage or insufficient current may
cause fire or electrical shock.
Do not use with any power supply other
than the dedicatedAC adapter.
Use with any other power supply may lead to
fire or electrocution.
Never use out of doors or in any location
where exposure to water or high humid-
ity may occur.Never touch with wet hands.
Doing so may result in fire or electrical shock.
Never allow any foreign object to get in-
side. Never expose to liquid spills.
Inserting objects such as coins or matches or
allowing beverages to be spilled into the venti-
lationports may resultin fireor electrical shock.
If anything gets inside, immediately disconnect
the power cord and contact your authorized
Roland DG Corp.dealer.
Never place any flammable object nearby.
Never use a combustible aerosol spray
nearby. Never use in any location where
gases can accumulate.
Combustion or explosion may be a danger.
Danger of electrical short,shock,electrocution,or fire
Handle the power cord, plug, and electri-
cal outlet correctly and with care. Never
use any article that is damaged.
Using a damaged article may result in fire or
electrical shock.
When using an extension cord or power
strip,use one that adequately satisfies the
machine’s ratings (for voltage,frequency,
and current).
Use of multiple electrical loads on a single elec-
trical outlet or of a lengthy extension cord may
cause fire.
When the machine will be out of use for a
prolonged period, disconnect the power
cord.
This can prevent accidents in the event of cur-
rent leakage or unintended startup.
Position so that the power plug is within
immediate reach at all times.
This is to enable quick disconnection of the
power plug in the event of an emergency.Install
the machine next to an electrical outlet.Also,
provide enough empty space to allow immedi-
ate access to the electrical outlet.
If sparking, smoke, burning odor, unusual
sound, or abnormal operation occurs, im-
mediately unplug the power cord. Never
use if any component is damaged.
Continuingto use the machine mayresultin fire,
electrical shock,or injury.Contact your autho-
rized Roland DG Corp.dealer.
Ratings

To Ensure Safe Use
5
Important notes about the power cord,plug,and electrical outlet
Never place any object on top or subject to
damage. Never allow to get wet.
Never bend or twist with undue force. Never make hot.
Never pull with undue force. Dust may cause fire.
Never bundle,bind,or roll up.

To Ensure Safe Use
6
The head area becomes hot
WARNING
Never touch the head immediately after
printing has finished.
Doing so may cause burns.

To Ensure Safe Use
7
Warning Label
Warning label is affixed to make areas of danger immediately clear.The meaning of the label is
as follows.Be sure to heed its warnings.
Also,never remove the label or allow it to become obscured.
Caution:HighTemperature
Never touch immediately after printing.

8
Important Notes on Handling and Use
This machine is a precision device.To ensure the full performance of this machine, be sure to
observe the following important points.Failure to observe these may not only result in loss of
performance,but may also cause malfunction or breakdown.
This Machine is a Precision Device.
➢Handle carefully,and never subject the machine to impact or excessive force.
➢Never print material outside the range of specifications.
Install in a Suitable Location
➢Install in a location having the specified temperature and relative humidity.
➢Install in a quiet,stable location offering good operating conditions.
When Moving the Machine
➢When moving the machine, be sure to support it at the bottom using two hands.Attempting to move the
machine by holding it at a different location may result in damage.
➢When moving the machine to another location,be sure to attach the retainers.Attempting moving without
attaching the retainers may result in damage.
Printing
➢Never attempt to perform printing on the edges or over holes in printing material.
➢Printing results may vary according to the original data,the material printed,and the details of settings.Before
you perform actual printing,we recommend carrying out test printing.
➢Attempting printing with no material loaded may damage the pins or heads.

9
About the Documentation forThis Machine
Documentation Included with the Machine
The following documentation is included with the machine.
MPX-80 User's Manual (this manual)
This describes important notes for ensuring safe use, and explains how to install and operate the machine.This
also describes how to use the software, including the steps up through performing printing. Be sure to read it first.
Roland Software Package Software Guide
This explains how to install included program and other software and details.
Be sure to read this, when connecting the machine to a computer.
Windows Driver Online Help
Roland METAZAStudio Online Help
Roland SFEdit2 Online Help
You view this documentation on your computer screen. Installing the respective programs makes these available
for viewing. They describe in detail the commands used in the programs. For more information about how to
view these, refer to the Roland Software Package Software Guide.

10

11
Chapter 1
Getting Started

Chapter 1 Getting Started
12
1-1About the Machine
Features
This machine is a metal printer. It prints images by striking detailed points using a marking pin mounted in a head.

1-1About the Machine
Chapter 1 Getting Started
13
Names and Functions
Main Unit
Head
Power/Movement button
Pressing this makes the light come on and switches on the
power. Pressing it while the unit is on moves the table to the
interior of the unit and the head to the center surface of the
table. Pressing it a second time moves the head to the inte-
rior left and the table back to the front edge of the unit.
To switch off the power, you hold down the button for one
second or longer.
Table
Knob
This secures the head unit and
determines the head height
when performing printing with-
out using a head cap.
Cover
USB connectorPower-code connector
Brush
Head unit
This moves up and down, bringing the tip of
the head (the marking pin) in line with the
surface of the material.

1-1About the Machine
Chapter 1 Getting Started
14
Head
Material Retainers
Adhesive sheet Material is placed on the adhesive sheet,
which then holds the material in place. This
lets you immobilize objects without having
touse commercially availabletape or the like.
☞P.31, "Loading Material (Using theAdhesive Sheet)"
Center vise This is a vise made of plastic, and secures
material in place by clamping it.This makes
it possible to immobilize material that can-
not be secured using the adhesive sheet, such
as items having a curved bottom surface.The
act of securing an item in place also accu-
rately determines the center position in the
horizontal direction.
☞P.33, "Loading Material (Using the CenterVise)"
Marking pins
Nine pins are arranged in the head. Printing
is performed using any single one of these.

Chapter 1 Getting Started
15
1-2 Checking the Included Items
The following items are included with the machine. Make sure they are all present and accounted for.
Power cord
Roland Software Package
CD-ROM
USB cable
AC adapter
Adhesive sheet
(installed on the unit by default)
Center vice
Software Guide
User's manual
(this document)
Test-use printing material
Head caps
(one installed on the unit by default)

16

17
Chapter 2
Getting Ready to Print

Chapter 2 Getting Ready to Print
18
2-1 Installation
Installation Environment
Install in a quiet, stable location offering good operating conditions. An unsuitable location can cause accident, fire,
faulty operation, or breakdown.
WARNING Install in a location that is level and stable.
Installation in an unsuitable location may cause an accident,including a fall or tipover.
➢Never install in a location subject to wide fluctuations in temperature or humidity.
➢Never install in a location subject to shaking or vibration.
➢Never install in a location where the floor is tilted, not level, or unstable.
➢Never install in a dusty or dirty location, or out of doors.
➢Never install in a location exposed to direct sunlight or near air-conditioning or heating equipment.
➢Never install in a location exposed to considerable electrical or magnetic noise, or other forms of electromagnetic
energy.