Summa F Series User manual

FCC Notice
The F Series tables have been tested and found to comply with the limits for Class A digital
devices, 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. The cutters generate, use and can emit radiofrequency energy,
and if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. The user assumes the risk of any harmful
interference caused by operating the cutters in a residential area.
Caution!
Changes or modifications, not expressly approved by Summa’s FCC compliance, could void
the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
DOC Notice
The F Series do not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise for digital apparatus, set out
in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.
Notice
Summa reserves the right to modify the information, contained in this User Manual, at any
time without prior notice. Unauthorized copying, modification, distribution or display is
prohibited. All rights reserved.
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive
The symbol (right) is shown on this product. It indicates that the product
should not be placed in municipal waste but should be disposed of separately.
Electrical and electronic equipment can contain materials, which are hazardous
to the environment and human health, and therefore should be disposed of at
a designated waste facility or returned to your retailer for the appropriate
recycling to take place.
If you wish to dispose of this product and the product still functions, please consider
recycling/reusing it by donating it to a charity shop, selling it or exchange parts of it with
your retailer.
Registering the Flatbed Cutter
Please register the Flatbed Cutter on the following link:
0Hhttps://www.summa.com/support/product-registration/
Failure to register the cutter may result in a delayed response to warranty and service
inquiries.

Welcome
Congratulations on Your Purchase of the New F Series cutting table
The F Series flatbed cutting tables are capable of cutting rigid materials as well as roll stock.
Up to three tool holders can be inserted at one time on the multi-module tool holder. Changing
tools is quick and easy. Automatic tool recognition, combined with digital and mechanical
depth control, ensures precision cutting on a wide variety of materials.
The cutting table base unit comes equipped with a drag knife tool module and an optical
camera recognition system for accurate contour cutting of printed flexible or rigid substrate
materials. A laser pointer is also included for manual origin registration.
A variety of tools, modules and blades are also available, depending on different applications.
For roll stock, the media handling support rollers and the conveyor system will make cutting
over long distances a child’s play.
This manual gives an overview about the main parts and modules of the F Series. Also, safety
precautions
are explained. Please refer to the general reference guide and documentation
, if
delivered with the optional modules
,
for more detailed information on handling and maintenance
of the parts.

Table of Contents I
Table of Contents
1Machine components..................................................................1
1.1 Safety and Ideal Operating Environment...................................................... 1
1.1.1 Safety ..................................................................................................................... 1
1.1.1.1 General ........................................................................................................... 1
1.1.1.2 Symbols used in this manual ......................................................................... 1
1.1.1.3 Safety symbols on the machine ......................................................................2
1.1.1.4 Safety precaution............................................................................................3
1.1.1.5 Safety Features ...............................................................................................8
1.1.1.6 Personal protective equipment.......................................................................9
1.1.2 Operating environment...........................................................................................9
1.2 Flatbed Components.................................................................................... 10
1.2.1 Front view ............................................................................................................ 10
1.2.2 Rear View ............................................................................................................. 11
1.2.3 Larger models ...................................................................................................... 11
1.3 Modules........................................................................................................ 12
1.3.1 Camera unit.......................................................................................................... 12
1.3.2 Drag head module................................................................................................ 12
1.3.3 Tangential module ............................................................................................... 12
1.3.4 Rotary Module ...................................................................................................... 13
1.3.5 Router module ..................................................................................................... 13

Table of Contents II
2 Setting up modules / tools...................................................... 14
2.1 Introduction................................................................................................. 14
2.1.1 General remarks on the calibration of the tools ................................................. 14
2.1.2 Automatic Depth Control ..................................................................................... 14
2.1.3 Installing / Removing a module .......................................................................... 15
2.1.3.1 Installing a module ...................................................................................... 15
2.1.3.2 Removing a module...................................................................................... 15
2.2 Tool/knife calibration with ADC................................................................... 16
2.2.1 General calibrations with the ADC....................................................................... 16
2.3 Calibration of the drag module.................................................................... 17
3Axis Control, remote & Plug-in................................................ 18
3.1 Axis Control ................................................................................................. 18
3.1.1 Main Window ........................................................................................................ 18
3.1.2 Media menu.......................................................................................................... 20
3.1.3 Change Tool ......................................................................................................... 20
3.1.4 Reset .................................................................................................................... 21
3.1.5 Modules................................................................................................................ 21
3.1.6 Load...................................................................................................................... 22
3.1.7 Menu..................................................................................................................... 22
3.1.8 Events................................................................................................................... 22
3.1.9 Reboot.................................................................................................................. 23
3.1.10 Color Axis Control icon ........................................................................................ 23
3.1.11 Axis Control options when table is busy cutting jobs from Summa GoProduce 23

1
1MACHINE COMPONENTS
1.1 Safety and Ideal Operating Environment
1.1.1 Safety
1.1.1.1 General
The purpose of the user’s manual is not only to explain the operating procedures in order to
operate this machine. It also provides the owner, users and operators with precautionary
procedures for safe and proper machine operation for its intended purpose.
All information in this manual must be read and understood before any attempt is made to
operate the machine.
The manufacturer has no direct control over the machine operation and application. Proper
safety practice is the sole responsibility of the owner, user and operator.
All instructions and safety warnings in this manual are based upon the use of this machine
under proper operating conditions without alterations from the original design.
The proper use and the limits of the application of the cutting table depend on the module and
tool, used in combination with the material.
Any use of the flatbed that is beyond the capabilities of the combination tool/material is
considered as improper use and may result in injury and/or serious damage to the machine
and will lead to loss of warranty.
The installation of the machine, accessories and spare parts must not be done by untrained or
unauthorized persons. Also, the described maintenance procedures need to be followed and
performed by trained personnel.
1.1.1.2 Symbols used in this manual
Warning with dark (red) symbol: Refers to immediate threat that can
cause serious injuries and effects on health and safety.
Warning with light (yellow) symbol: Refers to a dangerous situation
that can cause injuries and serious damage to the machine.
Attention with dark (red) symbol: Refers to useful information to
prevent damage to the equipment and prolong the service life of the
machine.
Attention with light (yellow) symbol: Refers to useful tips to enhance
user-friendliness and make the work significantly easier.
Note: Can be considered as a general tip, something that is useful
to know.

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1.1.1.3 Safety symbols on the machine
Safety labels are used on some parts of the machine. They are explained below.
Caution
Servicing instructions are for use by qualified service personnel only.
To reduce the risk of electric shock do not perform any servicing other
than that contained in the operating instructions unless you are qualified
to do so.
Caution
Contains Class 2 laser. Do not stare into the beam.
Complies with CFR Title 21, Chapter I, Subchapter J, Sections 1010.2,
1010.3, 1040.10 and 1040.11 in effect at the date of manufacture.
Use of any controls, adjustments or procedures other than those specified
herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure.
Caution
Sharp edges.
Touching the tools with bare hands may cause injury. Do not touch.
Caution
Moving parts.
Keep body parts out of the motion path.
This equipment is not suitable for use in locations where children are likely
to be present.
This equipment is not intended for use by children.
Avoid touching the moving parts and entering the cutting area with the
hands, clothing, jewelry or hair.
Unplug this equipment when not used for an extended period of time.
Caution
Hot surface.
Do not touch marked parts.
Warning
In certain cases, eye and/or ear protection must be worn.
Make sure to observe all the caution labels on the table.
There are no user-serviceable parts inside. For servicing refer to qualified personnel only.
Turn off the table and contact a service representative in any of the following cases.
•There is visible mechanical damage.
•The power cord is damaged.
•The table (or parts of it) have been damaged by an impact
•Liquid was spilt on the table.
•There is a strange noise, smoke or an unusual smell coming from the table.

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1.1.1.4 Safety precaution
WARNING: This equipment is not suitable for use in locations where children are
likely to be present.
1.1.1.4.1 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS RELATED TO MOVEMENT
WARNING:
There is a risk of injury from being caught or trapped
in moving machine parts.
Keep hands, hair, clothing and jewellery away from moving parts.
Do not wear jewellery, loose clothing, scarves, open jackets or
shirtsleeves.
Danger areas can be split up into three parts
General danger area
The easiest way to define the general danger area is the complete area where the table itself
stands and which also covers the moving parts.
WARNING:
The top beam is wider than the table itself. This means that the danger
area is wider than the table itself. On the figure, the top beam is shown the furthest
to the front of the machine. The maximum rear position is shown in a lighter colour.

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Safety area during operation
During normal production, the operator should stay out of the area marked in light grey colour.
If the operator moves inside this area, then trip switches or optical sensors can detect the
presence of the operator and then the flatbed table pauses automatically. The current job is
not lost but nothing will move on the table until the operator leaves the area and tells the
flatbed cutter to continue its job (with Axis Control).
WARNING:
If the operator needs to be within the area, marked in light grey to
change media or tools, the procedures to perform these actions need to be
followed strictly, as described further in the manual.
The safety area for other personnel is marked in dark grey. It covers 1 meter outside the
danger area and 1 meter away from the operator’s desk.
WARNING: The operator must always make sure the remote is in its loading
station when it is not in use. This way no other person will inadvertently press the
buttons and start up the machine while the operator is in the danger area.

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Danger area around the head
The head with the modules and about 20 cm around it can be considered as the extra danger
area during module/tool installation. When the operator is working within this area, he has to
be extra careful. When a module or a tool needs to be changed, the operator is obliged to
perform certain actions within the danger area around the head. So the operator must be sure
that the machine will not make any unexpected movement while performing the changes. There
are only two possible ways to be sure the machine will not make any sudden movements: either
changing the module/tool while the machine is switched off, or following the module/tool
change procedure.
WARNING: When changing a module or a tool, always make sure that Axis Control
is initiated and check whether the second button in Axis Control is If it is
, then click it, so the machine comes offline and will not move anymore.

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1.1.1.4.2 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS RELATED TO THE BUILT-IN LASER POINTER
WARNING: Contains Class 2 laser. Do not stare into the beam.
On the carriage is a laser pointer to help to define the position of the carriage (origin and full
size). The laser is located on the camera module.

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1.1.1.4.3 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS RELATED TO TOOLS
WARNING:
The F series cutters use razor-sharp tools. Touching
the tools with bare hands may cause injury. Do not touch the tools
while the machine is cutting.
All knives and router bits should be handled with caution to prevent injury.
WARNING: Eye and/or ear protection is necessary when using
certain power tools
The router options and tool holders that use pneumatic air produce loud noises that require
using ear protection if the user is exposed to it for a long time. The router option can also
throw around debris so eye protection is also needed when using the router option.

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1.1.1.5 Safety Features
1.1.1.5.1 CONTROLLED START-UP
The table will not start up when it is just switched on. Before the machine is switched on, it has
to be connected with the computer and the program Axis Control needs to run. A short time
after the machine is powered on, a message will appear in Axis Control on the computer asking
the operator for confirmation to start up.
1.1.1.5.2 BUMPERS ON TOP BEAM
On the left and right side of the top beam, there are bumpers with trip switches that can detect
if an operator is standing in the way of the path the top beam will move. When something
pushes against it the table will stop moving.
1.1.1.5.3 LIGHT BARRIER
A safety beam is created from left to right along the top beam with optical sensors mounted in
the bumpers. If the light beam is interrupted, then the machine stops. The interruption is a
controlled stop. The machine will stop the movement in less than five seconds and hold the
position where it stopped. This means that the machine can continue the job when enter is
pressed.
1.1.1.5.4 EMERGENCY STOP SWITCHES
There is an emergency switch on each corner of the flatbed table. This allows the operator to
switch off the machine quickly in hazardous situations. If the emergency stop is pressed, the
power to the motors is cut immediately. This means that the machine stops immediately, but
it also means the current job is lost.
To unlock an activated emergency switch, turn it clockwise.
1.1.1.5.5 OVERCURRENT
The cutter constantly measures the current through the motors. If the machine detects the
current is too high, the current is cut off to the motors and a fatal error message will be
displayed in Axis Control.
WARNING:
All the built-in safety features cannot prevent the high level of kinetic
energy that can be released during an emergency stop or an unforeseen
malfunction of the machine. So they are not a guarantee against injuries.

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1.1.1.6 Personal protective equipment
The required safety equipment depends on the installed modules and the material that needs
to be cut/milled.
During operating or servicing the machine the operator should wear close-fitting clothing and
use appropriate protective equipment.
Appropriate protective equipment can include:
•Work clothes.
•Goggles because when processing the material large particles can be generated.
•Ear protection if the continuous sound level pressure is above 80dB.
WARNING:
There is a risk of injury from being caught or trapped in moving
machine parts. Keep hands, hair, clothing and jewelry away from moving parts. Do
not wear jewelry, loose clothing, scarves or open jackets or shirtsleeves.
1.1.2 Operating environment
Environmental conditions can significantly affect the machine’s performance. Most
restrictions or recommendations for the ideal operating environment are already described in
the site preparation document. The environmental conditions of the machine (without media)
are as follows:
Operating Temperature
15 to 35°C
59 to 95°F
Storage temperature
-30 to 70°C
-22 to 158°F
Relative humidity
35 - 75 %, non-condensing
35 - 75 %, non-condensing
It is possible that the environmental conditions of the used media are stricter than those of
the machine itself. Please refer to the documentation about the used media.
Also, make sure that the media has had enough time to acclimatize.

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1.2 Flatbed Components
1.2.1 Front view
1. Power cable entry: The F series table cutters have no power entry plug. The power cable
has to be made on-site and it has to be connected directly inside the machine itself. The
cable will have to be guided through this entry.
2. USB connection: This interface is based on the standards, specified in the Universal Serial
Bus. A minimum of USB 2.0 is needed for the camera connection.
ATTENTION: The table cutter needs to be connected directly to a computer. The
USB cable shouldn’t be longer than 3 meters (+0.5 m) and no hubs should be
used.
3. Power On/Off switch: This turn switch can be used to switch the flatbed on or off. There is
a hole provided, so the switch can be locked with a padlock.
4. Emergency stops: There are four emergency stops on the flatbed. If they are pressed, the
flatbed stops immediately to prevent damage to the operator and to the machine itself.
Once pressed, they stay in a safe locked position and need to be turned to the right to
unlock again.
5. Carriage for modules: The carriage can hold up to three removable modules and has a fixed
central unit.
6. Central unit: The central unit houses a positioning laser and an integrated camera system
for fast and accurate registration mark recognition.
7. Drag head module: The drag head module comes standard with the flatbed cutter. It can
be used to mount the drag knife or pen.
8. Tangential module (optional): The tangential module is used for the tangential tools.
9. Safety bumpers: These bumpers have trip switches and optical sensors to detect the
presence of the operator so the machine stops when the operator is too close.

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1.2.2 Rear View
1. Roll support: Media support bars and a set of core holders for loading roll material.
2. Pneumatic clamps: Pneumatic media advance system. It clamps the conveyor belt and
holds the media down while pulling it forward in order to work continuously, in panels or
for multiple jobs.
NOTE: The clamps that hold the media down can be moved from the left to the
right and can be enabled () or disabled () individually by
turning the handle on top of each clamp.
3. Conveyor belt: The conveyor system is needed for feeding the media when the cutout tool
is used.
General Directional information:
oFront right of the machine: Where the on/off switch is located (this determines
automatically the left and back of the machine).
oX-axis: From front to back.
oY-axis: From right to left.
oOrigin: The origin is situated on the right side at the front.
1.2.3 Larger models
For the larger models, the vacuum pump(s) are not located under the table, but they can be
set either next to or at the distance (for noise reduction). Some larger models have one
external pump, others have two (depending on the size of the table).

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1.3 Modules
1.3.1 Camera unit
The carriage has a central unit. This central unit is fixed to the
carriage and cannot be taken off. The central unit houses a
positioning laser and an integrated camera system for fast and
accurate registration mark recognition while contour cutting.
The camera module of the F1612 also has connections for the
special tools or modules that require compressed air. For the
larger models, these connections for compressed air are
situated at the side of the carriage.
Both the knob and black camera adjust plate is part of the
manual height adjustment mechanism. Each time material is
loaded with a different thickness than the previous one, the
height of the camera needs to be adjusted (only with contour
cutting).
1.3.2 Drag head module
The drag head module comes standard with the flatbed cutter.
The Drag Module is a fast-moving drag knife and pen holder
for making notations or kiss-cutting a wide range of materials,
using up to 600 grams of downforce.
The clearance between the standard drag knife holder and the
flatbed base is approximately 3 mm (0.11”). So, it has to be
removed when thicker materials are used.
1.3.3 Tangential module
The tangential module offers a vertical force of 10 kg and
corresponds to a wide range of matching tools. Each tool has
a barcode ID that ensures automatic recognition and
separate parameter settings.
For each application, a corresponding tool can be installed on
the tangential module.

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1.3.4 Rotary Module
The Rotary Module has a decagonal tangentially controlled
knife, which is driven by an electronic motor.
Depending on the used speed and knife diameter, all kinds
of materials up to 5 mm thickness can be cut with the
rotary knife.
However, the main focus is on single-layered textiles
because certain types of fibre are hard to cut with other
knife types. Ideal materials to cut with the rotary knife are:
flag & banner material, felt, technical textiles, fabric,
foams,...
The module allocates slot 2&3 of the head. It also requires
compressed air (standard on large tables).
Knives have to be mounted directly in the module; there are
no tools available for this module.
1.3.5 Router module
The router module has a motor capable of
handling most used solid boards in the graphic
and sign industry.
The router system comes with a vacuum
cleaning kit to take away the chips and dust.
The kit includes a brush assembly, a hose and a
mounting pole. The vacuum cleaner is optional.
The module allocates slot 2&3 of the head. Of
course, the module can be easily dismounted
and parked on the pole of the gantry, making
the two slots available again.
ATTENTION:
Use of a routing mat is
mandatory.
NOTE: The actual router module may differ from picture. Different type of the
router modules are available.

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2SETTING UP MODULES / TOOLS
2.1 Introduction
2.1.1 General remarks on the calibration of the tools
There are four kinds of modules: the drag module, the tangential module, the miller module
and the rotary module. The tangential module automatically recognizes which tool is mounted.
The router module is specially made for the miller only. The rotary module has no tools; the
knife is mounted in the module itself. The drag module cannot automatically recognize whether
a pen or drag knife is mounted.
The flatbed has no control panel or screen. Everything is done with the program Axis Control.
Certain calibrations will need to be done after installing a tool. Those parameters have a double
function. Setting them correctly makes sure that the cutting quality is optimized and also
makes sure that the print and cut jobs are more precise. These calibrations can be done
automatically with ADC.
NOTE:
It is absolutely recommended to label the modules. Also, always put them
in the same position on the carriage. The tool parameters are automatically saved
when a tool is used. However,
tool parameters are also partly module dependent.
If the same module is always mounted at the same place, the tool parameter
dependency of the module will be nullified.
2.1.2 Automatic Depth Control
The ADC measures the tip of the knife or bit accurately and sets the down position of the tool
to the level of the table.
When starting up the table or after a tool change, the down position of each installed knife is
measured to detect changes and avoid operator errors if the ADC is installed.
NOTE: Only the drag knife cannot be calibrated with the ADC, the rest of the
tools/knives/bits can be calibrated with the ADC.

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2.1.3 Installing / Removing a module
WARNING: For safety reasons, always make sure no tool is installed in the
module. Only install a module when the flatbed is switched off or after clicking
‘Change Tool’ in Axis Control.
2.1.3.1 Installing a module
In order to install a module, line up the 5 highlighted areas and slide the module down. The
module glides into the carriage in a dovetail guiding. Do not use excessive force, otherwise,
the connector can be damaged. Recheck the alignment when in doubt. The module must be
pushed down approximately 15 mm (0,6”) and is secured with one screw on the right side.
Before securing the module check if the connector of the module is completely seated in the
connector of the carriage.
2.1.3.2 Removing a module
To remove a module, loosen the screw at the right side of the module for about 1 turn
counterclockwise with the hex screwdriver. Put this screwdriver in the hole under the module
on the right side. Now gently lift the module with the screwdriver 3 to 4 mm (0.12 to 0,16”).
Guide the module manually for an extra 10 mm (0,4”) and remove it from the carriage. The
drag module does not have such a hole to lift the module, so just lift it manually.
NOTE:
It is recommended to remove any unused modules. Leaving unused
modules on the carriage can lead to poorer cutting quality.