Handle the substrate. HP Latex 850 Printer (HP Scitex LX850 Industrial Printer), Latex 820 Printer (HP Scitex LX820 Industrial Printer)

3 Handle the substrate

Overview

Applications

For each printing application, some substrate types are more appropriate than others.

POP applications

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Banners: Free-hanging, horizontally or vertically. Usually vinyl, but can be fabric.

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Backlit: Usually inside a light box, visible by day and night.

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Posters: Various sizes of flat pictures, usually framed or mounted on a rigid substrate.

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Boards: A rigid substrate with logo, name, directional sign, etc. Long- and short-term usage.

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Windows: Covering all or part of a window for messaging and advertising. Usually exposed to sunlight.

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Floors: Stuck to the floor for directional or promotional purposes. Exposed to extreme rub conditions.

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3D: Usually laminated.

Vehicle wrap applications

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Cars: Self-adhesive vinyl used to cover all or part of a vehicle. Has many uses from simple lettering and shapes to complex graphics. Can also be used for irregular shapes with vinyl cutting.

Usually single cars, sometimes fleets.

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Trucks: Covering all or part of a truck for naming or advertising purposes. Can be applied to a rigid surface with self-adhesive vinyl or flexible curtains. Usually done for fleets.

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Trains: Covering single track or full train with self-adhesive vinyl. Window areas covered with perforated substrate to “see through”.

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Buses/taxis: Some are fully covered like cars; some fleets have side panels of either adhesive vinyl or framed image boards, made of rigid or flexible substrate.

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Other applications

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Airport light boxes: Continuously lit from inside the box. Size varies from medium to very large images. Directional and advertising content.

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Bus shelters: Inside light box, visible by day and night. Changed very often (e.g. every week).

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Street signs: Various materials from blue back paper for billboards through light boxes and rigid boards. Some are fixed for medium periods and some changed very often.

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Billboards: Very large boards covered with tiles of images, long viewing distance and low picture resolution but vivid colors. Lately changing from tiles to banners of vinyl or polyethylene.

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Interior decoration: Walls covered with graphics to create a unique atmosphere. Usually printed on blue back paper and mounted directly on walls or rigid boards. May also be printed on vinyl or fabric.

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Building wrap: Part of a building covered with vinyl or mesh substrate, which is stretched and mounted on a frame. It is often necessary to weld or sew strips of substrate together.

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Art: Very high quality images printed on canvas or other flexible or rigid substrates.

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Directional signs: Short or long term signs, usually on rigid boards.

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OEM: Decals of names or graphics associated with the equipment. Used for home and garden equipment, appliances, vehicles, vending machines, ATM, light and heavy machinery, etc.

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Flags: Banners of fabric and textile that hang down or are mounted on poles. Used indoors and outdoors. Also used as balloons of different shapes.

Match applications to substrate types

The following table identifies the substrate types that are appropriate for each application.

Application

POP posters

Light boxes

Vehicle graphics

Wall murals

Outdoor and event banners

Double-sided banners

Exhibition and event graphics

Billboards

Textiles and carpets

Photos and digital fine arts

Building coverings

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Substrate (see key below)

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V

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Overview

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Key to substrates

A. Frontlit

B. Opaque

C. Backlit

D. Green

E. Vinyl Calendered

F. Vinyl Cast

G. Perforated Material

H. Polyester

I. Polypropylene

J. Woven Polyester

K. Knitted Polyester

L. BlueBack

M. Backlit Paper

N. Offset

O. Yupo

P. Mesh

Q. Canvas

R. Photo

S. Uncoated Tyvek

T. Surface Treated Tyvek

U. Static Cling

V. Woven Polyethylene

Supported substrate types

For information on new substrates, see http://www.hp.com/go/LX820/solutions/ or http://www.hp.com/go/LX850/solutions/ .

Category Type

Banners

Self-adhesive

Film

Fabric

Paper

Mesh

HP HDPE Reinforced Banner

1

PVC Scrim Banner Frontlit – 100%, 150%, 250%

PVC Scrim Banner Backlit – 100%, 150%, 250%

Green Banner – 100%, 150%, 250%

HP Durable Frontlit Scrim Banner

Vinyl – Calendared – 100%, 150%, 250%

Vinyl – Cast – 100%, 150%, 250%

Perforated Vinyl/Punch Window – 100%, 150%, 250%

HP Permanent Gloss Adhesive Vinyl

HP Permanent Matte Adhesive Vinyl

HP Air Release Adhesive Gloss Cast Vinyl

HP One-view Perforated Adhesive Window Vinyl

Polyester Film – 100%, 150%, 250%

HP Backlit Polyester Film

1

Polyester Fabric – 100%, 150%, 250%

HP Heavy Textile Banner (Oeko-Tex certified)

1

HP Light Textile Display Banner – 150%, 250% (Oeko-Tex

certified)

1

HP PVC-free Wall Paper (FSC certified)

2 3

Blue back – 100%, 150%, 250%

HP Blue Back Billboard Paper

HP Photo-realistic Poster Paper

1

HP White Satin Poster Paper

1

Scrim banner – 100%, 150%, 250%

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

No

No

Yes

No

No

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

No

Color calib.

Yes

Applications

Banners, POP, flags, track covers, wall murals

Vehicle wraps, car/bus/track fleets, floors, signs

Bus shelters, airport ads, POP, street ads

Indoor flags, wall murals, interior decoration

POP indoor and outdoor, windows, bus shelters, billboards, wall decorations

Building wraps

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Category Type Color calib.

Applications

Speciality Canvas Polyester – 100%, 150%, 250%

Tyvek – 100%, 150%, 250%

Yes

No

Fine arts, large photographs, floor covering

1

2

3

HP Satin Canvas Yes

HP DuPont Tyvek Banner

1

No

HP Large-format Media take-back program availability varies. Some recyclable HP papers can be recycled through commonly available recycling programs. Recycling programs may not exist in your area. See http://www.hp.com/recycle/ for details.

HP PVC-free Wall Paper printed with HP Latex Inks is GREENGUARD Children & Schools Certified. See http://www.greenguard.org/ .

HP PVC-free Wall Paper printed with HP Latex Inks meets AgBB criteria for health-related evaluation of VOC emissions of indoor building products. See http://www.umweltbundesamt.de/produkte-e/bauprodukte/agbb.htm

.

The Color Calib. column indicates for each substrate whether color calibration is recommended.

NOTE:

The printer does not support substrates narrower than 914 mm (36 in).

NOTE:

Porous substrates require the use of the ink collector kit.

NOTE:

The fabric specifications supported are the following: Grammage > 100 g/m²; Fabrics

"mesh" style with Porosity/Open areas < 20%; "Mesh Substrates" with Porosity/Open areas < 20%;

Elasticity < 5%. For best results, print textile applications on fabric that does not stretch. Performance may vary depending on the substrate. Please consult your substrate supplier for compatibility details.

Substrate tips

General tips

Handle unprinted and printed substrates with care, and preferably with cotton gloves, to avoid fingerprints. For heavy rolls, use a forklift, and two people wearing security shoes.

Before loading a roll:

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Check that temperature and humidity in the room are within the recommended ranges for the

printer. See Environmental specifications on page 104 .

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Check that neither the roll nor its core are bent or deformed, which may cause the substrate to jam in the printer.

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If the roll has been stored in a place not offering the recommended environmental conditions, allow some time for it to adapt to the temperature and humidity of the printer's environment.

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Substrate tips

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Check which is the correct side for printing, by reading the label inside the core or the note

inserted into the package (or see Tips for specific substrates on page 23 ).

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Check that the substrate is correctly attached to the input core. Otherwise, you will see poor print quality due to substrate advance errors.

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You may find it easier to load a roll if you first move the carriage beam to its highest position.

While loading a roll, make sure the leading edge is parallel and straight across the output core, and attached evenly (start taping the substrate to the core at the center, then move towards the edges).

After you have loaded a roll:

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Make sure that the edge holders are set on both sides of the roll. Do not use any other Edge holder from another printer, only use the edge holders that came with the printer. An incorrectly loaded roll may cause waves or cockles in the substrate, leading to ink smearing and printhead crashes.

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Check the correct carriage beam position for printing: high for thick substrates, normal for others.

See Set the carriage beam position on page 25 .

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Check that you are using the correct substrate preset in the HP Internal Print Server and the correct

ICC profile and other settings in the RIP.

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HP substrates are optimized to provide the best out-of-the-box printing experience with your printer. However, you may want to modify the ink limits or the number of passes; in which case, temperature, vacuum or tensions may need to be adjusted. You can create a new substrate preset from the default preset you are using and make your changes.

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Use the HP Internal Print Server to check that any required calibrations have been done: color calibration, substrate-advance compensation, printhead alignment. See the Maintenance and

troubleshooting guide.

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For the best print quality, the substrate should stay flat and unwrinkled in the printing zone, the substrate advance should be constant and the substrate should move straight.

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Do not cut off pieces of substrate while the substrate is loaded into the printer. This may cause the remaining substrate to jam.

After printing, try to allow 24 hours before stacking, folding or rolling printed substrates.

NOTE:

Printing on porous substrates may result in visible vapor being generated from the waterbased ink.

You can find further information on the Web:

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The specifications, finishing, processing and warranty information for each individual HP substrate are available from http://www.hp.com/go/designjet/supplies/latex/ .

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HP Image Permanence information is available from http://www.hp.com/go/supplies/ printpermanence/ .

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HP offers recyclable substrates such as HP HDPE Reinforced Banner, HP Wrinkle-free Flag with liner, HP Heavy Textile Banner, HP Photo-realistic Poster Paper and HP DuPont™ Tyvek® Banner.

Recycling opportunities for these products may not exist in all areas. You should consult local recycling resources about recycling these products. For recycling in the USA, please go to the HP recycling services site, http://www.hp.com/go/recycleLFmedia/ .

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Tips for specific substrates

Substrate

HP Durable Frontlit Scrim

Banner

HP Outdoor Frontlit Scrim

Banner

HP HDPE Reinforced Banner

Printing side

Inside (smooth side)

Inside (smooth side)

Inside (matte side)

Printing tips

Use the right settings to avoid printing issues described in

Table 3-1 Substrate preset settings on page 64 .

Use the right settings to avoid printing issues described in

Table 3-1 Substrate preset settings on page 64 .

This substrate is sensitive to high temperatures. Printing and curing temperatures are set to minimize material deformation.

If the ambient temperature is high and you see excessive deformation of the substrate, raise the carriage beam to its highest position. Recyclable (see above).

Use the right settings to avoid printing issues described in

Table 3-1 Substrate preset settings on page 64 .

Use the right settings to avoid printing issues described in

Table 3-1 Substrate preset settings on page 64 .

HP Permanent Gloss Adhesive

Vinyl

Outside (glossy side)

Outside HP Permanent Matte

Adhesive Vinyl

HP Air Release Adhesive

Gloss Cast Vinyl

HP One View Perforated

Adhesive Window Vinyl

HP PVC-free Gloss Adhesive

Film

Outside

Outside

Outside

HP Wrinkle-free Flag with liner

Outside (fabric side)

HP Heavy Textile Banner

HP Light Textile Display

Banner

Inside

Both sides; inside recommended

HP Blue Black Billboard Paper Outside (white side)

HP Photo-realistic Poster

Paper

Both sides

Take care to load the substrate and select settings correctly to avoid liner delamination while printing. Recyclable (see above).

Recyclable (see above).

You are recommended to clean the platen after printing 50 m

(164 ft) of substrate.

Use the right settings to avoid printing issues described in

Table 3-1 Substrate preset settings on page 64 .

This substrate is sensitive to high temperatures. Printing and curing temperatures are set to avoid material deformation.

This substrate is recyclable: you can dispose of it together with cardboard.

HP White Satin Poster Paper

HP PVC-free Wall Paper

HP DuPont Tyvek Banner

Outside

Outside

Inside

HP Satin Canvas Outside (smooth side)

This substrate is sensitive to high temperatures. Printing and curing temperatures are set to minimize material deformation.

Recycleable (see above).

Use the right settings to avoid printing issues described in

Table 3-1 Substrate preset settings on page 64 .

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Substrate tips

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Substrate configurations

The substrate can be loaded in a variety of different configurations to suit your different needs. Before loading, you must go to the HP Internal Print Server and select Substrate > Load/Unload, then select the configuration you intend to use.

The basic configurations are illustrated below. These configurations can be used for single-roll or dualroll printing, and for porous or non-porous substrates. Porous substrates require the use of the ink collector kit: see

The ink collector kit (LX850 only) on page 28 .

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The roll-to-roll configuration is suitable when you intend to print a whole roll without cutting it until the input roll is empty. The substrate cannot be cut in mid-roll unless printing double-sided, and then it must be reloaded afterwards.

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The roll-to-free-fall configuration (LX850 only) is suitable when you want to cut and remove each print as soon as it comes out of the printer. The substrate is kept under tension between the input roll and the tension roller; but it can be cut after the tension roller because then it is no longer under tension.

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The roll-to-free-fall with collector configuration (LX850 only) is suitable when you may want to cut the substrate and remove the output roll before the input roll is empty. The substrate is kept under tension between the input roll and the tension roller; but it can be cut after the tension roller because then it is no longer under tension.

Set the carriage beam position

The carriage beam position determines the vertical distance between the printheads and the platen. If it is too great, print quality will be impaired. If it is too small, there is a risk that the printheads will come into contact with the substrate, causing smears or damage.

To set the carriage beam position, go to the front panel and select the Substrate menu , then

Substrate management, and press OK . Select Carriage beam position. You can choose the highest position, a custom position or the normal position.

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The highest position is not used for printing: it may be used for loading substrate or for maintenance tasks.

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A custom position is used for thick substrates, or for substrates that wrinkle slightly due to heating.

TIP:

Try to avoid wrinkling by using substrates that do not wrinkle, or by using a slower print mode that will allow you to lower the drying temperature.

We recommend setting the custom position to the thickness of the substrate plus two or three millimeters. The current setting is indicated in the front panel by a √ mark.

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The normal position is suitable for unwrinkled substrates up to 0.7 mm (0.03 in) thick.

WARNING!

Keep away from the printer's moving parts until the carriage beam has reached its new position.

Set the carriage beam position

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NOTE:

LX850 only: If you have installed the ink collector kit, the normal position and the lowest custom position are automatically adjusted to take account of that.

Prepare to print

The following steps that must be followed before the printer can print:

1.

Ensure that the ink collector kit is installed for porous substrates, and not installed for non-porous

substrates. See The ink collector kit (LX850 only) on page 28

.

2.

Start the printer. See

Turn the printer on and off on page 12 .

3.

Go to the HP Internal Print Server and select Substrate > Load/Unload to open the Printer

Configuration window.

4.

Select the printer configuration that you intend to use, and press Next to see the on-screen help.

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NOTE:

The Skip Substrate load check box should be checked only if the printer has just previously had the same configuration (i.e. the same substrate, same profile), and because of a severe system error, you had to restart the printer.

5.

Load the substrate. Substrate loading instructions are displayed in the HP Internal Print Server window. For more detailed instructions, see

Load a roll onto the spindle on page 33

and

Load a roll into the printer on page 38 .

6.

Press the Load button in the HP Internal Print Server to start the substrate check, then enter the substrate type in the Loaded Substrate window.

TIP:

If the printer has been idle overnight with substrate loaded, and exposed to high or low temperatures, advance the substrate 13 to 25 cm (5 to 10 in) before printing, to avoid printhead crashes or ink smears on the substrate.

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The substrate edge holders

The purpose of the substrate edge holders is to prevent the substrate edges from lifting up and jamming while printing.

Standing in front of the printer, you should see the two edge holders on either side of the top surface of the substrate. Slide the edge holders to the edges of the substrate and make sure that they are properly positioned and not bent (which could cause a carriage crash).

TIP:

The edge holders are easy to deploy with the carriage beam at its highest position.

The correct position is illustrated below, where (1) indicates the edge of the substrate. The substrate should be free to move, and should not touch the ends of the edge holder.

CAUTION:

Wrongly positioned edge holders could severely damage the printheads and carriage.

Removal and replacement

When the printer is delivered, the edge holders are already installed on the print platen, and there is no need to remove them. When they are not being used they can be pushed to the side. However, the central edge holders used for dual-roll printing must be removed for single-roll printing and for the LX

850 when printing on textiles, as the ink collector kit must also be installed.

To install an edge holder, stand at the front of the printer and attach the rear of the edge holder to the rear of the platen, then pull the front of the edge holder towards you and attach it to the front of the platen.

CAUTION:

Do not bend the edge holder. It should remain perfectly straight, otherwise it could damage the printheads and carriage.

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The substrate edge holders

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The ink collector kit (LX850 only)

Before printing on porous substrates, such as textile substrates, you must install the ink collector kit provided with your printer, to protect the printer from the ink that falls through the substrate. The kit must be removed before printing on non-porous substrates.

Kit components

1.

Ink collector container

2.

8 ink collectors with replaceable foams

Install the kit

The ink collector kit must be installed before printing on porous substrates.

WARNING!

Do not touch the internal enclosures of the printer's drying and curing modules while installing the ink collector kit: they can be hot enough to cause burns.

CAUTION:

Do not install the ink collector kit without declaring the configuration to the HP Internal

Print Server.

1.

If any substrate is loaded, unload it.

2.

Raise the carriage beam to its highest position.

3.

Remove the edge holders from the substrate path.

4.

If necessary, clean the platen and the curing plates with a cloth dampened with an all-purpose cleaner.

5.

Open the ink collector container and check that the ink collector foams are dry.

6.

Follow the instructions in the HP Internal Print Server to complete the installation. If you need further information, read the steps below.

CAUTION:

If you install the kit incorrectly, some parts of the printer may be damaged.

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7.

When the carriage beam has stopped rising, go to the rear of the printer and check the configuration of the Ink Collector, you will have to remove cut-outs from the foam material of the

Ink Collector so that the holes align correctly with the locators on the ink collector. Insert the first ink collector on the left.

There is a stop that marks the position of the first ink collector.

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The ink collector kit (LX850 only)

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8.

Moving gradually to the right, install the other ink collectors.

To install the last ink collector on the right, you have to move a blue spring-loaded clip.

9.

Check that all the ink collectors are aligned with each other and that there are no gaps between them.

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10.

Check that there are no gaps between the foams.

11.

Check that the foams fit into the spaces provided for them. If they have expanded and no longer fit, replace them.

12.

Install the two diverter rollers.

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In the roll-to-free-fall configuration, the output diverter is not needed.

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In the roll-to-roll configuration, you are recommended to use both diverters, but in some cases you may be able to minimize wrinkles by changing the position of a diverter or even by removing one or both of them.

13.

Check that the curing plates are in the correct position for the substrate you are loading (see The curing plates on page 32 ).

14.

Load the substrate, which should pass outside the input diverter and inside the output diverter.

15.

Deploy the edge holders.

16.

If you have not already done so, go to the HP Internal Print Server and select Substrate > Load/

Unload. In the load configuration, ensure that the Ink collector box is checked.

17.

Lower the carriage beam to the normal position.

18.

You may need to enter the left edge position and the substrate width into the HP Internal Print

Server, if the printer cannot detect them.

Uninstall the kit

The ink collector kit must be uninstalled before printing on non-porous substrates.

1.

Raise the carriage beam to its highest position.

2.

If any substrate is loaded, unload it. Take care that it does not touch the ink collector foams, which may be wet with ink.

3.

Remove the edge holders, and clean them if necessary.

4.

Remove the diverter rollers.

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The ink collector kit (LX850 only)

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5.

Remove the ink collectors by pressing on the grips that secure them to the printer. To remove the rightmost ink collector, first move aside the blue spring-loaded clip.

6.

Store the ink collectors correctly in their box. If you stack them in a pile, they may warp.

7.

Before lowering the carriage beam to the normal position, go to the HP Internal Print Server and select Substrate > Load/Unload. In the load configuration, ensure that the Ink collector box is unchecked.

The curing plates

For efficient drying and curing, you are recommended to keep the curing plates up (horizontal) for textile and backlit substrates, and down (inclined downwards) for all other substrates.

Textile and backlit substrates

To raise a curing plate into the horizontal position, just lift it; it clicks into place.

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All other substrates

To lower a curing plate into the inclined position, you must pull the black knobs underneath the plate.

TIP:

If you find that you cannot get sufficient curing for a particular substrate with the curing plates down, you could try raising them to the horizontal position.

Load a roll onto the spindle

Single-roll printing and double-sided printing

The spindle has a pneumatic connector at one end and a gear at the other.

1.

Rest the roll securely on the Spindle Supports.

2.

Check that the gear is on the correct side (which depends on the intended winding direction).

3.

Insert the spindle into the roll.

TIP:

The spindle is quite heavy in order to ensure stiffness and so avoid skew and wrinkles, so two people are recommended for this operation. With only one person, you are recommended to put the roll on the Spindle Supports, lift one end of the spindle and insert it into the roll, then lift the other end carefully so that the first end does not fall out, and push the spindle into the roll.

4.

Connect the air gun to the pneumatic connector on the spindle, and inflate the spindle so that it cannot move inside the roll.

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Load a roll onto the spindle

33

5.

Note the position of the end of the roll on the scale marked at the geared end of the spindle. Its position should be not less than 3.2 cm (1.25 in) on that scale, otherwise the substrate may go out of the print zone and start touching the printer covers. The input and output rolls should be positioned identically on their respective spindles.

TIP:

When loading heavy rolls of inelastic substrates that are approximately half the spindle length, you may find it useful to load the substrate closer to the center of the spindle, to reduce the risk of skew, wrinkles and telescoping.

TIP:

If the substrate is telescoped on the input roll, there is a risk of substrate jams and damage to the printheads. Try to straighten the edges of the substrate to minimize telescoping on the input roll before loading it into the printer.

TIP:

Check that the substrate is attached to the input core.

The roll is now ready to be loaded into the printer.

TIP:

If you are a regular user of different substrate types, you can change rolls more quickly if you preload rolls of different substrate types on different spindles. Extra spindles are available for purchase, see

Accessories on page 99

.

Dual-roll printing

You can print on two rolls at the same time by using the dual-roll spindles provided with your LX850 printer or available as accessories for your LX820 printer.

The dual-roll spindle is marked to assist you in positioning the differential hub.

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Loading the dual-roll spindles

1.

With the spindles inserted into the Spindles Supports, Ensure that the differential hubs on the input and output spindles are aligned with each other.

2.

When both differential hubs are correctly positioned, use an Allen key 4 to tighten the screws and secure them in place. If a differential hub is loose, the substrate could become skewed during printing.

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TIP:

You should tighten the screw until the washer touches the bolt. If you can still see the yellow spring, tighten the screw further.

TIP:

It will be easier to load the roll onto the spindle if you lock the differential.

Load a roll onto the spindle

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3.

At each end of the spindle, unscrew and remove the outer parts of the hub, using an Allen key 4.

4.

Unscrew and remove the inner part of each hub.

5.

Insert the first roll on the spindle.

6.

Replace the hub, and secure it with the Allen key.

7.

Insert the second roll on the spindle.

8.

Replace the hub, and secure it with the Allen key.

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9.

Ensure that the end of the right-hand roll is located within the maximum allowed distance from the right-hand end of the spindle: it should be between the gear and the dashed line.

10.

Ensure that the roll core fits tightly on the hub.

11.

Ensure that the roll core fits tightly on the differential hub.

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12.

Load the spindle at the rear of the printer, and secure the spindle latches.

13.

Use the same process to load the output spindle at the front of the printer, but load the spindle with two empty cores to receive the printed substrate.

Load a roll onto the spindle

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Load a roll into the printer

The objective when loading substrate is to get a uniform tension across its width and along the substrate path to minimize the risk of skew, wrinkles and telescoping. There are three configuration of loading the substrate into the printer:

●

Roll-to-Roll configuration

●

Dual Roll-to-Roll configuration (LX850 only, an accessory for the LX820)

●

Roll-to-Free-Fall configuration (LX850 only)

In each of these types of configuration there is a Substrate Loading Tool available that will help

you to load the substrate quicker and easier, refer to Load a roll with the 'Substrate Loading Tool' on page 56

Load a roll (roll-to-roll configuration)

The substrate roll is mounted on the rear spindle and will be collected on the front spindle. The substrate goes from the rear spindle (1) over the main roller (2), over the platen (3), over the front roller (4) and then to the front spindle (5).

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NOTE:

The above illustration shows the substrate loaded with the printed face outwards on both input and output rolls. You can also load substrate with the printed face inwards on either or both rolls, in which case the spindle will turn in the opposite direction. The printer asks you for the winding direction if it cannot detect it automatically.

Each of the spindles has its own motor. The motors maintain tension on the substrate. Some vacuum is applied at the level of the platen to keep the substrate flat. The substrate is moved forwards by the drive roller motor, on which there is a pinch mechanism to stop the substrate from slipping. The pinches must be up when moving the carriage beam, and down when printing or checking the substrate, otherwise a message is displayed. The accuracy of the advance is controlled by the substrate-advance sensor, or, for substrates that the sensor cannot see, by tracking the main roller movement.

Before loading a roll into the printer, you must have a roll loaded onto a spindle (the input roll) and an empty core loaded onto another spindle (the output roll). See

Load a roll onto the spindle on page 33 .

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NOTE:

For the output roll, use a single empty core the same length as the input core. Do not place two or more shorter cores on the same spindle, which could cause substrate-advance problems.

TIP:

The spindle by itself is quite heavy, and a roll of substrate can be much heavier. You are recommended to use a forklift or some other equipment to move it into position; otherwise, lift one end into the printer, and then the other end.

1.

Go to the HP Internal Print Server and select Substrate > Load/Unload, then select the correct configuration.

2.

Remove the substrate edge holders in the print platen, or move them aside, so that they do not get in the way while loading the substrate.

CAUTION:

Loading the substrate on top of the edge holders could severely damage the printheads and carriage.

3.

Lift the substrate pressure handles at the rear of the printer.

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4.

Go to the front panel and select Carriage beam position > Move to highest position.

The printer raises the carriage beam, making it easy to insert the substrate. This process takes about two minutes to complete. During this period, you can load the input and output rolls.

NOTE:

While the carriage beam is rising, you can stop it by pressing the Cancel key.

TIP:

If you use the Substrate loading tool, you do not need to raise the Carriage beam.

5.

Bring the new roll on its spindle to the rear of the printer, with the geared end of the spindle on the left.

6.

Rest the ends of the spindle on the platforms provided at the rear of the printer; plastic pads are provided to absorb the impacts.

Load a roll into the printer

39

7.

Open the latches at both ends of the spindle (if they were closed) and push the roll on its spindle into the printer.

8.

Close the latches to secure the spindle in place.

TIP:

If you cannot close the gear side latch, try sliding the spindle towards the side plate to make sure the end flange is not sitting on the bearings.

9.

In the same way, load the spindle with the empty core into the front of the printer. In this case, the geared end of the spindle should be on the right.

10.

Check that the printer has finished raising the carriage beam.

11.

Check that the curing plates are in the correct position for the substrate you are loading (see

The curing plates on page 32 ).

12.

Pass the leading edge of the substrate through the printer to the output roll.

40 Chapter 3 Handle the substrate ENWW

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13.

Once in front of the printer, if you find that you haven't unrolled enough substrate, select Start

main roller motion from the front panel to unroll some more. The substrate unrolls only when you pull it.

14.

If you are loading a vinyl substrate on an LX850 printer, you are recommended to use the output diverter from the ink collector kit, to minimize wrinkles.

15.

At the rear of the printer, measure the distance between the printer's left side plate and the left edge of the substrate. This distance should be at least 145 mm (5.7 in), otherwise the edge of the substrate may go out of the print zone and start touching the printer covers.

16.

At the front of the printer, the right edge of the substrate on the empty core should be at the same distance (A) from the right side plate as the distance measured on the input side.

NOTE:

When loading non-elastic substrates, a difference of 2-3 mm (0.01 in) between the measurements from the rear side plate and front side plate may be acceptable without problems of skew or wrinkles.

Rear Front

TIP:

It is important that tension is uniform across the width of the substrate. One way of achieving this is to take the front substrate edge by its center and shake it alternately to right and left several times while at the same time pulling the substrate until it reaches the core on the output spindle.

17.

When the substrate is evenly tensioned, attach it to the empty core with adhesive tape. Tape it first in the center, and then at the left and right sides, making sure not to pull the substrate excessively or leave it wrinkled.

Load a roll into the printer

41

18.

Go to the front panel and select Carriage beam position > Move to printing (normal) to lower the carriage beam into its normal position, close to the substrate. This process takes about two minutes to complete.

NOTE:

The Move to printing (custom) position allows you to set the printhead-to-substrate distance for thick substrates or substrates that may wrinkle in the print zone, to avoid ink smearing.

Be aware that raising the printhead from the substrate may give poorer print quality.

WARNING!

Do not insert your hands or anything else into the printer while the carriage beam is descending.

19.

Lower the substrate pressure handles at the rear of the printer. If you forget to do this, an alert will remind you.

20.

If you intend to use full bleed, do not use the substrate edge holders, but use Move to printing

(custom) to raise the carriage. Do not remove the edge holders; just move them aside at each end of the platen.

21.

If you do not intend to use full bleed, use the substrate edge holders to prevent the substrate edges

from lifting up and jamming while printing. See The substrate edge holders on page 27

.

22.

Go to the HP Internal Print Server and press the Load button. The printer rotates both rolls to check their diameters, and it also checks the width of the roll, the winding direction, the vacuum and the substrate advance calibration (this takes 1–2 min).

NOTE:

Some substrates (such as transparent substrates) cannot be measured by the printer in this way. In such cases, you will be asked to enter the required information manually. Use the scale on the curing module to see the value for the right-hand edge that must be entered manually in the HP Internal Print Server.

42 Chapter 3 Handle the substrate ENWW

23.

In the HP Internal Print Server, choose from the list of substrate types the type that you have loaded.

The contents of the Loaded Substrate window are determined automatically when the substrate is loaded and checked. However, if the printer is unable to detect the edges of the substrate (for instance, in the case of a transparent substrate), you will have to measure the distance of the left edge from the printer's side plate, and complete the Left Edge and Width fields yourself.

For more information on when you might want to change the carriage beam position, see

Substrate tips on page 21 .

An alert regarding substrate advance tracking may appear at this point. For more information on

when you might want to turn off automatic tracking, see Fine-tune the settings in your new preset on page 67

and the Maintenance and troubleshooting guide.

The printer is now ready to print.

Load a roll (dual roll-to-roll configuration)

The two substrate rolls are mounted on the rear dual-roll spindle and will be collected on the front dualroll spindle. The substrate goes from the rear spindle over the main roller, over the platen, over the front roller and then to the front spindle.

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Load a roll into the printer

43

NOTE:

You can load substrate with the printed face inwards or outwards on the spindle, in which case the spindle will turn in the opposite direction. The printer asks you for the winding direction if it cannot detect it automatically.

Before loading two rolls into the printer, you must have both rolls loaded on the rear dual-roll spindle and two empty cores loaded on the front dual-roll spindle. See

Load a roll onto the spindle on page 33 .

1.

Go to the HP Internal Print Server and select Substrate > Load/Unload, then select the correct configuration.

2.

Remove the substrate edge holders in the print platen, or move them aside, so that they do not get in the way while loading the substrate.

CAUTION:

Loading the substrate on top of the edge holders could severely damage the printheads and carriage.

3.

Lift the substrate pressure handles at the rear of the printer.

4.

If you need to raise the carriage beam, go to the front panel and select Carriage beam

position > Move to highest position. This process takes about 2 minutes to complete.

The printer raises the carriage beam, making it easy to insert the substrate. This process takes about 2 minutes to complete. During this period, you can load the input and output rolls.

NOTE:

While the carriage beam is rising, you can stop it by pressing the Cancel key.

5.

You may find it helpful to lock the differentials on the input and output spindles while loading.

44

6.

Bring the new rolls on their spindle to the rear of the printer, with the geared end of the spindle on the left.

Chapter 3 Handle the substrate ENWW

7.

If the two rolls are of unequal lengths, the longer roll should be on the right as seen from the front of the printer; on the left as seen from the rear.

8.

Rest the ends of the spindle on the platforms provided at the rear of the printer; plastic pads are provided to absorb the impacts.

9.

Open the latches at both ends of the spindle (if they were closed) and push the roll on its spindle into the printer.

10.

Close the latches to secure the spindle in place.

TIP:

If you cannot close the gear side latch, try sliding the spindle towards the side plate to make sure the end flange is not sitting on the bearings.

ENWW

11.

In the same way, load the spindle with the empty cores into the front of the printer. In this case, the geared end of the spindle should be on the right.

12.

Check that the printer has finished raising the carriage beam.

Load a roll into the printer

45

13.

Pass the leading edges of both rolls through the printer to the output spindle.

TIP:

Two people are recommended for this operation (one per roll).

14.

Once in front of the printer, if you find that you haven't unrolled enough substrate, select Start

main roller motion from the front panel's Substrate menu to unroll some more. The substrate unrolls only when you pull it.

15.

Before taping the leading edges of the two substrate rolls to the empty cores on the output spindle, check by measurement that they are in the same positions on the output spindle as on the input spindle.

16.

Tape the leading edges of both rolls to the empty cores on the output spindle.

17.

Install the four edge holders. See The substrate edge holders on page 27 .

46 Chapter 3 Handle the substrate ENWW

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18.

Unlock the differentials on the input and output spindles.

19.

Go to the front panel and select Carriage beam position > Move to printing (normal) to lower the carriage beam into its normal position, close to the substrate. This process takes about 2 minutes to complete.

NOTE:

The Move to printing (custom) position allows you to set the printhead-to-substrate distance for thick substrates or substrates that may wrinkle in the print zone, to avoid ink smearing.

Be aware that raising the printhead from the substrate may give reduced print quality.

WARNING!

Do not insert your hands or anything else into the printer while the carriage beam is descending.

NOTE:

If you are printing on a heavy roll, such as Self Adhesive, in order to reduce the risk of substrate jam, we recommend adding an output diverter and increasing the vacuum level.

20.

Go to the HP Internal Print Server and press the Load button. The printer rotates the rolls to check their diameters, and it also checks the width of the roll, the winding direction, the vacuum and the substrate advance calibration (this takes 1–2 min).

NOTE:

Some substrates (such as transparent substrates) cannot be measured by the printer in this way. In such cases, you will be asked to enter the required information manually. Use the scale on the curing module to see the value for the right-hand edge that must be entered manually in the HP Internal Print Server.

Load a roll into the printer

47

21.

In the HP Internal Print Server, choose from the list of substrate types the type that you have loaded.

The contents of the Loaded Substrate window are determined automatically when the substrate is loaded and checked. However, if the printer is unable to detect the edges of the substrate (for instance, in the case of a transparent substrate), you will have to measure the distance of the left edge from the printer's side plate, and complete the Left Edge and Width fields yourself.

For more information on when you might want to change the carriage beam position, see

Substrate tips on page 21 .

An alert regarding substrate advance tracking may appear at this point. For more information on

when you might want to turn off automatic tracking, see Fine-tune the settings in your new preset on page 67 and the Maintenance and troubleshooting guide.

The printer is now ready to print.

Load a roll (roll-to-free-fall configuration) (LX850 only)

The substrate roll is mounted on the rear spindle; the printed substrate will be deposited on the floor in front of the printer. The substrate goes from the rear spindle (1) over the main roller (3), over the platen, over the front roller (5) and then to the tension roller (7), after which it continues to the floor. The diverter rollers (2 and 6) and the ink collectors (4) are installed when printing on porous substrates.

48 Chapter 3 Handle the substrate ENWW

NOTE:

You can load substrate with the printed face inwards or outwards on the spindle, in which case the spindle will turn in the opposite direction. The printer asks you for the winding direction if it cannot detect it automatically.

Before loading a roll into the printer, you must have a roll loaded onto the input spindle. See

Load a roll onto the spindle on page 33 .

TIP:

The spindle by itself is quite heavy, and a roll of substrate can be much heavier. You are recommended to use a forklift or some other equipment to move it into position; otherwise, lift one end into the printer, and then the other end.

1.

Go to the HP Internal Print Server and select Substrate > Load/Unload, then select the correct configuration.

2.

Remove the substrate edge holders in the print platen, or move them aside, so that they do not get in the way while loading the substrate.

CAUTION:

Loading the substrate on top of the edge holders could severely damage the printheads and carriage.

3.

Lift the substrate pressure handles at the rear of the printer.

ENWW

4.

Go to the front panel and select Carriage beam position > Move to highest position.

The printer raises the carriage beam, making it easy to insert the substrate. This process takes about 2 minutes to complete. During this period, you can load the input roll.

NOTE:

While the carriage beam is rising, you can stop it by pressing the Cancel key.

5.

Bring the new roll on its spindle to the rear of the printer, with the geared end of the spindle on the left.

6.

Rest the ends of the spindle on the platforms provided at the rear of the printer; plastic pads are provided to absorb the impacts.

Load a roll into the printer

49

7.

Open the latches at both ends of the spindle (if they were closed) and push the roll on its spindle into the printer.

8.

Close the latches to secure the spindle in place.

TIP:

If you cannot close the gear side latch, try sliding the spindle towards the side plate to make sure the end flange is not sitting on the bearings.

9.

Check that the printer has finished raising the carriage beam.

10.

Go to the rear of the printer and ensure that the tension roller lever is raised.

50

NOTE:

The tension roller lever should always be raised unless the tension roller is in use.

Chapter 3 Handle the substrate ENWW

11.

Pass the leading edge of the substrate through the printer, over the main roller and the front roller to the tension roller.

12.

Once in front of the printer, if you find that you haven't unrolled enough substrate, select Start

main roller motion to unroll some more. The substrate unrolls only when you pull it.

TIP:

When passing the substrate's leading edge behind the tension roller, it is important to have no excess substrate between the front roller and the tension roller, although you can leave excess substrate before the front roller at this stage. Once the leading edge has been passed behind the tension roller, you can roll a stiff substrate downwards at the front roller or pull a flexible substrate from under the tension roller through the holes provided in the substrate guide around the roller.

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13.

At the rear of the printer, measure the distance between the printer's left side plate and the left edge of the substrate. This distance should be at least 145 mm (5.7 in), otherwise the edge of the substrate may go out of the print zone and start touching the printer covers.

14.

At the front of the printer, the right edge of the substrate on the tension roller should be at the same distance (A) from the right side plate as the distance measured on the input side.

NOTE:

There is a square indentation in the right side plate in front of the tension roller. You should measure the distance between the substrate edge and the inside of this indentation.

NOTE:

When loading non-elastic substrates, a difference of 2-3 mm (0.01 in) between the measurements from the rear side plate and front side plate may be acceptable without problems of skew or wrinkles.

Load a roll into the printer

51

Rear Front

15.

When the substrate edge is correctly positioned and the substrate is evenly tensioned, lower the tension roller lever.

16.

Go to the front panel and select Carriage beam position > Move to printing (normal) to lower the carriage beam into its normal position, close to the substrate. This process takes about 2 minutes to complete.

NOTE:

The Move to printing (custom) position allows you to set the printhead-to-substrate distance for thick substrates or substrates that may wrinkle in the print zone, to avoid ink smearing.

Be aware that raising the printhead from the substrate may give poorer print quality.

WARNING!

Do not insert your hands or anything else into the printer while the carriage beam is descending.

17.

Lower the substrate pressure handles at the rear of the printer. If you forget to do this, an alert will remind you.

52 Chapter 3 Handle the substrate ENWW

18.

If you intend to use full bleed, do not use the substrate edge holders, but use Move to printing

(custom) to raise the carriage. Do not remove the edge holders; just move them aside at each end of the platen.

19.

If you do not intend to use full bleed, use the substrate edge holders to prevent the substrate edges

from lifting up and jamming while printing. See The substrate edge holders on page 27 .

20.

Go to the HP Internal Print Server and press the Load button. The printer rotates the input roll to check its diameter, and it also checks the width of the roll, the winding direction, the vacuum and the substrate advance calibration (this takes 1–2 min).

NOTE:

Some substrates (such as transparent substrates) cannot be measured by the printer in this way. In such cases, you will be asked to enter the required information manually. Use the scale on the curing module to see the value for the right-hand edge that must be entered manually in the HP Internal Print Server.

21.

In the HP Internal Print Server, choose from the list of substrate types the type that you have loaded.

The contents of the Loaded Substrate window are determined automatically when the substrate is loaded and checked. However, if the printer is unable to detect the edges of the substrate (for instance, in the case of a transparent substrate), you will have to measure the distance of the left edge from the printer's side plate, and complete the Left Edge and Width fields yourself.

For more information on when you might want to change the carriage beam position, see

Substrate tips on page 21 .

An alert regarding substrate advance tracking may appear at this point. For more information on

when you might want to turn off automatic tracking, see Fine-tune the settings in your new preset on page 67

and the Maintenance and troubleshooting guide.

The printer is now ready to print.

Load a roll (roll-to-free-fall with collector configuration) (LX850 only)

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Load a roll into the printer

53

This configuration is similar to the roll-to-free-fall configuration, but with the addition of a collector roller and loop shaper.

The following illustration shows a completed configuration with a single roll of porous substrate, so the ink collector kit has been installed.

54

TIP:

Do not try to load or unload the collector while printing.

Before starting to load the substrate, select a loop shaper of the correct length to match the substrate width. The following tubes are supplied so that you can make up loop shapers of many different lengths.

●

One 152-mm (6-in) tube

●

Two 203-mm (8-in) tubes

●

One 305-mm (12-in) tube

●

One 610-mm (24-in) tube

●

Two 1067-mm (42-in) tubes

●

Two end flanges, to be placed at each end to avoid lateral displacement of the loop shaper during printing

For example, you can make up the following loop shapers.

●

914 mm (36 in): 610-mm (24-in) and 305-mm (12-in) tubes

●

1016 mm (40 in): 610-mm (24-in) and two 203-mm (8-in) tubes

●

1270 mm (50 in): 1067-mm (42-in) and 203-mm (8-in) tubes

●

1372 mm (54 in): 1067-mm (42-in) and 305-mm (12-in) tubes

●

1524 mm (60 in): 1067-mm (42-in), 305-mm (12-in) and 152-mm (6-in) tubes

●

1829 mm (72 in): 1067-mm (42-in), 610-mm (24-in) and 152-mm (6-in) tubes

●

1981 mm (78 in): 1067-mm (42-in), 610-mm (24-in) and two 152-mm (6-in) tubes

●

2032 mm (80 in): 1067-mm (42-in), 610-mm (24-in), 203-mm (8-in) and 152-mm (6-in) tubes

●

2489 mm (98 in): two 1067-mm (42-in), 203-mm (8-in) and 152-mm (6-in) tubes

Chapter 3 Handle the substrate ENWW

●

2642 mm (104 in): two 1067-mm (42-in), 305-mm (12-in) and 203-mm (8-in) tubes

●

3200 mm (126 in): two 1067-mm (42-in), 610-mm (24-in), 305-mm (12-in) and 152-mm (6-in) tubes

1.

Follow the whole loading procedure for the roll-to-free-fall configuration.

2.

Load an empty substrate core onto the collector spindle. For dual-roll printing, load two cores of the same diameter onto a single spindle (it is not recommended to use a dual-roll spindle as the collector).

3.

Use the buttons on the front panel to advance the substrate's leading edge until it reaches the core on the collector.

4.

Tighten the substrate so that it is evenly tensioned, then attach the leading edge to the core with tape, first at the center and then at the sides. There should be no wrinkles or slackness across the substrate.

5.

Use the buttons on the front panel again to advance the substrate so that a substrate loop is produced between the tension roller and the collector.

6.

Place the loop shaper into the substrate loop.

ENWW

NOTE:

Loop detection is done on the right-hand side of the printer; so avoid putting your foot or any other object under the collector on the right-hand side.

7.

Go to the HP Internal Print Server and press the Enable collector button.

8.

Select the winding direction: Outwards is recommended, as it permits an output roll up to 230 mm (9 in) in diameter. If you select Inwards, the diameter of the output roll is limited to 150 mm

(5.9 in).

NOTE:

The winding direction cannot be changed on the fly: the collector has to be deactivated and reactivated.

Load a roll into the printer

55

Load a roll with the 'Substrate Loading Tool'

The Substrate loading tool enables you to load a substrate into the printer quicker as the Carriage

Beam does not need to be raised. In the example described here the substrate is loaded through the path, but the tool can also be used to load the substrate through the Roll-to-free-fall configuration.

1.

Use the buttons on the front panel to advance the substrate's leading edge until it reaches the ground.

2.

On the loading tool are substrate flaps held with magnets, open the flaps and insert the leading edge of the substrate into the flaps.

3.

Close the flaps over the leading edge of the substrate.

56

NOTE:

Ensure the Substrate Edge Holders are moved to the side before pushing the substrate through the substrate path.

Chapter 3 Handle the substrate ENWW

4.

Insert the tab of the Substrate Loading Tool into the substrate path and keep pushing it until it emerges on the other side. You can advance some more substrate using the Move substrate key or by turning the substrate input spindle manually.

5.

Pull the tab of the Substrate loading Tool through the substrate path, and the substrate will follow.

If more substrate is required to pull it through using the Move substrate key to advance more substrate.

WARNING!

Do not pull the tool using the hole in the tab, grasp the edges.

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Load a roll with the 'Substrate Loading Tool'

57

6.

Pull the tab of the Substrate loading Tool through the substrate path. Once the substrate is fully pulled through the printer's substrate path, open the magnetic substrate flaps to release the substrate.

The Substrate Loading Tool can be stored under the printer.

Double-sided printing

Selecting the double-sided printing option will provide you with guidance and help specific to doublesided printing during the load process.

The roll-to-roll configuration is recommended for double-sided printing. You cannot perform doublesided printing if the dual-roll spindle or the ink collector kit is in use.

A double-sided job must be defined as a pair of images.

●

Side A is the first image to be printed.

●

Side B is the second image to be printed, on the reverse of Side A.

On Side A, after each row of images a black continuous line called a “registration line” is automatically printed: (a) and (b) below. These registration lines are used while printing Side B to minimize any registration errors in the direction of substrate movement.

When the whole of Side A has been printed, a space (c) is normally left blank for calibrations (the substrate is already warmed up), and a further space (d) is left blank so that the substrate can be loaded for printing Side B. However, these blank spaces are optional: you can turn them off.

58 Chapter 3 Handle the substrate ENWW

Side A: Load and print

1.

Load the Roll-to-Roll configuration: see

Load a roll (roll-to-roll configuration) on page 38 .

NOTE:

Neither the dual-roll spindle nor the ink collector kit can be used while printing doublesided jobs.

2.

Before printing Side A we recommend performing the standard calibrations such as the Substrate

Advance Calibration and the Dynamic Color Registration (refer to the Maintenance and

troubleshooting guide).

3.

Define side A preferences (see

Double-sided on page 89

) and select the Print button.

4.

Before unloading the substrate, select the Load/Unload button in the IPS, select How to

unload side A and follow the on-screen instructions.

ENWW

NOTE:

Jobs must be defined for double-sided printing, side A and side B, this information is available while a job is printing in Print Properties.

NOTE:

Selecting the check boxes Side B: loading space and Side B: Calibrations space is highly recommended, refer to

Define double-sided job on page 90 .

Double-sided printing

59

Side A: Unload

1.

Cut the substrate close to the output roll.

2.

Collect substrate onto the output spindle. Check the substrate is collecting correctly on to the spindle to avoid telescoping.

3.

Remove the input spindle.

60 Chapter 3 Handle the substrate ENWW

4.

Remove the output spindle (1), carry it around to the input side with the same orientation (2) and install it into the input position (3). Maintain the same orientation: Left edge always on the left, as indicated below with the colors blue and red.

5.

When completed, click Done in the IPS window to confirm.

Side B: Load and print

1.

Load Roll-to-Roll configuration

Load a roll (roll-to-roll configuration) on page 38

.

NOTE:

By default the left edge of the substrate is detected to minimize registration errors along the scan axis when printing double-sided. When printing on translucent substrates or types of substrate with irregular edges you can disable this option by clicking Substrate Edge

Detection.

ENWW

2.

Align the registration line with the beginning of the platen.

●

If Side B: Calibration space was selected:

◦

Align the dotted line.

Double-sided printing

61

◦

Perform the calibrations: Dynamic Color Registration and Substrate Advance

Compensation (Refer to the Maintenance and Troubleshooting Guide)

●

Align the Image Registration Line (continuous line).

NOTE:

To help make the alignment we recommend making a mark with a pen or pencil at the registration line (1), but on Side B (2). Do not make a mark by cutting with scissors as this can cause the substrate to come into contact with the printheads.

3.

Define Side B (refer to Double-sided on page 89 ) and press the Print button.

NOTE:

Before pressing Print, ensure that the correct side is selected.

The printer will automatically detect the Image Registration Line and the Side B image will be positioned to minimize registration errors. This detection occurs automatically after each row detected and an adjustment is made accordingly.

4.

Unload the roll (see next).

Unload a roll

1.

Go to the HP Internal Print Server and select Substrate > Load/Unload > Unload.

2.

Lift the substrate pressure handles at the rear of the printer.

62 Chapter 3 Handle the substrate ENWW

3.

If you need to raise the carriage beam, go to the front panel and select Carriage beam

position > Move to highest position. The printer raises the carriage. This process takes about 2 minutes to complete.

TIP:

If you feel that the carriage beam is high enough, you can press the Cancel key at any time to stop the movement.

TIP:

This step is optional. It may be feasible to unload some substrates without raising the carriage beam.

4.

When the carriage has been raised, cut the substrate

5.

At the front panel, select Turn output spindle to wind the substrate onto the output roll. Press the Cancel key to stop winding.

6.

Open the front latches and remove the output roll from the printer.

7.

Remove the spindle from the roll.

8.

At the front panel, select Turn input spindle to rewind the substrate onto the input roll. Press the

Cancel key to stop rewinding.

9.

Open the rear latches and remove the input roll from the printer.

10.

Remove the spindle from the roll.

The printer is now ready for new input and output rolls to be loaded.

View information about the substrate

Information about the loaded substrate is displayed at the bottom of the main screen of the HP Internal

Print Server.

To see more information, select the Substrate menu and then Settings.

Substrate presets

Each supported substrate type has its own characteristics. For optimum print quality, the printer changes the way it prints on each different substrate type. For example, some may need more ink and some may require higher temperatures for drying and curing. So the printer must be given a description of the requirements of each substrate type. This description is called a substrate preset. The printer is supplied with substrate presets for some specific substrate types, and also with presets for some generic types. Each generic preset comes in three variations: with 100%, 150%, and 250% ink density.

As it is inconvenient to scroll through a list of all substrate types available, your printer contains substrate presets for only the most commonly used substrate types.

For your convenience, substrate settings from many substrate vendors have been collected at http://www.hp.com/go/LX850/solutions/ and http:// www.hp.com/go/LX820/solutions/ . You can check substrate availability using the Media Finder application that you will find there.

To install a new substrate preset that you have downloaded, go to the HP Internal Print Server and select Substrate > Presets management.

ENWW

View information about the substrate

63

Create a new substrate preset

Whenever you load a new substrate type into your printer, you must choose a substrate preset for it.

1.

If possible, select a preset for the specific substrate type that you intend to load.

2.

If no specific preset is available, select a generic preset that corresponds to the specific type that you intend to load. You may be able to get better results by creating a specific preset for your substrate type.

3.

If no specific nor generic preset matches your substrate, select whatever preset seems to resemble it most closely. You will probably get better results by creating a specific preset for your substrate type.

Creating a new preset has several purposes.

●

You can assign a name of your own choice to a particular substrate.

●

You can adjust the preset to suit the precise characteristics of your substrate.

●

You can adjust the preset to your intended use of the substrate, which may range from highestquality printing to fast production output.

NOTE:

You can change only the presets that you have created yourself. The presets supplied by HP cannot be changed.

Before creating a new preset, it is useful to understand a little about how the printer works. Here are some of the available settings.

Table 3-1 Substrate preset settings

Setting

Number of passes

The number of passes specifies how many times the printheads will print over the same area of substrate.

Curing temperature

Curing is needed to coalesce the latex, creating a polymeric film which acts as a protective layer, while at the same time removing the remaining co-solvents from the print. Curing is vital to ensure the durability of the printed images.

Drying temperature

The heat applied in the printing zone removes water and fixes the image to the substrate.

If too low

The printer cannot deposit enough ink over a given area, so colors are muted.

Because larger substrate advances are required and ink has to be placed faster on the substrate, the boundaries between passes are more visible and may be seen as horizontal lines across the image. However, printing speed is relatively high.

The print may emerge not fully dry, so that the ink smears when rubbed with a finger. The print may appear dry immediately after printing and then become wet to touch some seconds later. If the curing temperature is very low, the latex film is not created, in which durability is drastically reduced.

Print quality defects such as bleeding and coalescence may occur. Boundaries between colors are not well defined.

Single-color area fills are not uniform: ink is concentrated at the edges or in clusters within the area fill.

If too high

Colors are vivid, print quality is high, and printhead health is well maintained.

However, printing speed is relatively low.

The substrate may wrinkle on the platen, causing vertical banding or ink smears, with substrate jams in extreme cases.

Fragile substrates may be damaged.

Thermal marks may be seen on the substrate; they may appear as vertical bands in some colors. The substrate may wrinkle on the platen, causing vertical banding or ink smears, with substrate jams in extreme cases.

64 Chapter 3 Handle the substrate ENWW

Table 3-1 Substrate preset settings (continued)

Setting

Substrate tension

Tension is applied at the input and the output side. It needs to be evenly distributed along the whole width of the substrate, thus substrate load is a critical operation.

TIP:

Input tension should be higher than output tension.

If too low If too high

The substrate may be poorly wound onto the output roll, with sagging and skew, in which case it is likely to become increasingly wrinkled in the printing zone. Also, substrate advance could be irregular, resulting in horizontal bands.

The substrate may be permanently deformed or damaged.

TIP:

Output tension should be increased whenever vacuum pressure is increased.

Airflow power

The airflow generated by the fans in the curing module is split into two air layers, one reaching the print zone and the other at the end of the curing zone. This is needed to help remove the moisture and co-solvents while the substrate is being heated by the drying and curing modules.

Vacuum pressure

The printer will be less able to dry the ink. In certain printing conditions (fast print modes with fewer than 5 passes and ink densities below 150%), there could be print-quality defects such as bleeding and coalescence and/or incomplete drying of the prints.

The substrate can lift up off the platen and touch the printheads. This can smear the printed image, cause a substrate jam or even damage the printheads.

The vacuum applied to the substrate in the printing zone helps to hold the substrate down on the print platen, keeping the distance to the printheads constant.

Ink restrictions

A way of specifying the maximum amount of each color of ink that can be laid down on the substrate.

Carriage beam position

The distance between the printing heads and the substrate is a critical determinant of print quality. It can be adjusted by modifying the height of the carriage beam above the platen.

Some colors may be too pale.

The substrate may touch the printheads.

This can smear the printed image, cause a substrate jam or even damage the printheads.

With certain substrates and printing conditions, an excessive airflow in the print zone could cause print-quality defects such as vertical banding. Also, with some substrates, too high an airflow could prevent the printer from reaching the drying and/or curing target temperatures, causing potential system power errors.

Vertical bands can appear in some colors. Also, for sticky substrates, friction could be too high and substrate advance irregular, resulting in horizontal bands.

The print may suffer from coalescence, wrinkles and insufficient curing, depending on the substrate and the other settings.

Print quality defects such as graininess, shadows and worm-shaped dark areas may occur.

Prepare the printer for a new substrate

1.

Whenever possible, try to ensure that your printer is in an optimum state before you create a new preset: run any pending maintenance task, in particular printhead checks and alignment.

2.

Stop the print queue and wait for the printer to finish the current job. No jobs should be sent to the printer until the new substrate preset is complete.

3.

Load your new substrate. The process of loading a substrate into the printer has been designed to be completely independent of the substrate type. When loading, follow the correct procedure and ensure that the roll width is specified, either automatically by the printer or by yourself. You may

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Create a new substrate preset

65

not experience the best possible results if there are significant differences between the specified and the actual roll width.

NOTE:

You are recommended to use the roll-to-roll configuration when creating a new preset.

4.

Choose a suitable carriage beam printing position: see

Set the carriage beam position on page 25 .

Create and name the new preset

To create a new preset, you must copy an existing preset, then rename and modify it.

1.

Select Substrate > Create in the HP Internal Print Server.

2.

Choose a name for your substrate.

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TIP:

To avoid confusing other users, it is a good idea to use the substrate's commercial name.

TIP:

If you plan to use more than one ink density with this substrate, or more than one number of print passes, include the ink density and/or number of passes in the name.

Chapter 3 Handle the substrate ENWW

3.

Select the parent substrate. Show details can help you to choose one that's similar to the new substrate. If you choose a generic substrate, select the ink density according to the expected behaviour and applications for your substrate.

TIP:

Use 100% ink density for substrates such as PVC Scrim Banner Frontlit, Green Banner,

Vinyl-Calendared, Vinyl-Cast, Blue back and Scrim banner.

TIP:

Use 150 or 250% ink density for substrates such as PVC Scrim Banner Backlit, Perforated

Vinyl, Polyester Film, Polyester Fabric, Canvas Polyester and Tyvek.

4.

You can now press the Create button to create a new entry in the substrates list, in the Custom

substrates category, with all its characteristics inherited from the parent substrate. Press Finish if you do not plan to modify any substrate setting for now.

Consider how you plan to use your new substrate. If you require high-quality printing, you will need more passes; if you require fast printing, you will need fewer passes. Make a list of the print modes you are most likely to use.

Fine-tune the settings in your new preset

In the Settings pane you can modify various settings used in the printing process.

NOTE:

The changes in the Settings pane apply only to the highlighted print mode, so you must adjust each print mode independently. Any setting you have changed is indicated by an asterisk (*).

1.

Select the number of print passes that you want to use. Color calibration uses six passes with

100% ink density, eight passes with 150% ink density, or fourteen passes with 250% ink density.

You are recommended to create a preset suitable for color calibration; for normal printing, you may want to create other presets with different numbers of passes.

The recommended print modes for normal printing are as follows.

Maximum ink density

250%

Print quality

High quality plus

High quality

Production plus

Passes

18

14

10

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Maximum ink density

150%

100%

85%

70%

Print quality

High quality plus

High quality

Production plus

High quality plus

High quality

Production plus

Production

Billboard plus

Billboard

Draft

2

1

4

3

6

5

6

8

Passes

10

8

50%

2.

Press the Print test button with the printer adjustments inherited from the parent substrate. Look for any potential problems during printing, such as:

●

Potential head crashes or ink smears between the carriage and the substrate. Cancel the job and/or turn off the printer if necessary to avoid damaging the printheads or any other sensitive printer components.

●

Potential substrate deformation and/or wrinkles caused by too much heat.

TIP:

In order to see better what is happening in the printing area, stand behind the printer, and look towards the print platen through the pinch wheels: you will find it easy to see wrinkles, risk of ink smearing or substrate deformation.

3.

Wait five minutes after the last part of the sample emerges from the printer.

4.

Evaluate the sample, directly from the output area:

68 Chapter 3 Handle the substrate ENWW

●

Brush your fingertip over the full squares in the upper part of the sample to check that the ink is dry and firmly bonded to the substrate.

●

Look for coalescence problems in the middle part of the sample (see the Maintenance and

troubleshooting guide).

●

Look for ink bleeding problems in the lower part of the sample (see the Maintenance and

troubleshooting guide).

You are recommended to check the sample for problems and make adjustments to the settings in the following sequence. After making any adjustment, reprint the sample to see the current situation.

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1.

If an alert tells you that the substrate advance cannot be tracked automatically with the current substrate, select Substrate > Settings and set the Automatic tracking (OMAS) field to Off. You will need to adjust the substrate advance manually (see the Maintenance and troubleshooting

guide).

NOTE:

This alert may appear if the substrate-advance sensor is dirty. See the Maintenance and

troubleshooting guide.

Create a new substrate preset

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70

2.

If you experience printhead crashes, ink smears, substrate deformation, wrinkles or cockle, try these adjustments in this order:

a. Check that the substrate is correctly loaded.

b. LX850 only: If there are wrinkles on self-adhesive vinyl substrates, install the Output

Diverter Roller.

c.

Decrease the curing and drying temperatures. Use the following table as a guide.

Curing (°C)

Drying (°C)

80

55

80

60

85

55

85

60

90

55

90

60

95

55

95

60

100 100

55 60

d. Increase the Vacuum and/or the Tension settings.

If you increase the vacuum pressure, also increase the tension. The input tension should be the output tension + 15 N/m.

i.

Try increasing the Vacuum setting by 10 mmH

2

0.

ii. Try increasing the Tension settings by 10 N/m.

iii. Try increasing the Tension settings by another 10 N/m.

iv. Try increasing the Vacuum setting by another 5 mmH

2

0.

e. Set the carriage beam to its highest position.

3.

If the sample is damp or easily scratched, try these adjustments in this order:

a. Check that the ambient temperature is within the optimal range. See

Environmental specifications on page 104 .

b. Increase the curing and drying temperatures, unless you have already decreased them in a previous step. Use the following table as a guide.

Curing (°C)

Drying (°C)

80

55

80

60

85

55

85

60

90

55

90

60

95

55

95

60

100 100

55 60

c.

Decrease the airflow in increments of 20%. If the edges of the substrate are still not fully cured, turn off the curing fans using the switch at the side of the fans.

d. If your current ink density is 150% or above, decrease airflow in steps of 20%.

Chapter 3 Handle the substrate ENWW

e. If all test sample blocks are damp in the 100% to 80% columns, adjust the total ink limit in the RIP, or use the ink restrictions in the Color pane.

f.

If any test sample block is damp in the 70% to 10% columns, increase the number of passes.

g. Decrease the ink density by adjusting the total ink limit in the RIP, or using the ink restrictions in the Color pane.

4.

If you see ink bleeding or coalescence, such as the coalescence shown below, try these adjustments in this order:

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a. Check that the ambient temperature is within the optimal range. See

Environmental specifications on page 104 .

b. Check that the curing temperature has not been wrongly set.

c.

If the curing fans were turned off at the switch by the side, turn them on now. If the airflow is not already at 100%, increase the airflow in increments of 20% and check the status of the curing after each increment.

d. Increase the drying temperature in steps of 5 degrees, unless you have already decreased it in a previous step.

e. If your current ink density is 100%, increase airflow in steps of 20%.

f.

Increase the number of passes.

g. Decrease the ink density by adjusting the total ink limit in the RIP, or using the ink restrictions in the Color pane.

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71

5.

If you see vertical banding, try these adjustments in this order:

a. Decrease the Vacuum setting in steps of 5 mmH

2 a previous step.

0, unless you have already increased it in

b. Decrease the drying temperature, unless you have already increased it in a previous step.

c.

Decrease airflow in steps of 20%, unless you have already decreased it in a previous step.

6.

If you see horizontal banding, check the substrate advance pattern in the test sample (the fine horizontal lines).

72

●

If you see magenta above the black lines, press the Print adjustment button in the Create

Substrate window and increase the substrate-advance setting.

●

If you see magenta below the black lines, press the Print adjustment button in the Create

Substrate window and decrease the substrate-advance setting.

●

If the lines are simply black, proceed to the next step.

7.

If you see irregular horizontal banding, try these adjustments in this order:

a. Decrease the Vacuum setting in steps of 5 mmH

2 a previous step.

0, unless you have already increased it in

b. Adjust substrate tension according to the following recommendations:

●

The input tension should be the output tension + 15 N/m.

●

First increase tensions by 20 N/m. If results are unsatisfactory, decrease tensions in steps of 10 N/m.

c.

Increase the number of passes.

8.

If colors are misaligned, try realigning the printheads manually. See the Maintenance and

troubleshooting guide.

When you have adjusted the settings for one print mode, you can proceed to other print modes.

However, it's not necessary to deal with them all at once: you can edit the substrate preset at any time by selecting Substrate > Edit in the HP Internal Print Server.

TIP:

Note the settings that you used with the first print mode. You can probably use the same settings for other modes.

There is also a possibility to change the different settings while printing (in case the substrate preset selected is a custom one). This can be done while printing, click the Print Adjustment button, and then the different settings can be fine-tuned. Note that some changes might take some time to have an impact (for example: increases or decreases in temperature).

Chapter 3 Handle the substrate ENWW

Adjust the printing workflow for optimum color performance

1.

Check your substrate's color calibration status and calibrate it if recommended, by selecting

Substrate > Color calibration in the HP Internal Print Server. See the 'Printer calibration' chapter in the Maintenance and troubleshooting guide for more information.

2.

Create ICC profiles for your substrate; see your RIP documentation for instructions. Normally, the procedure includes setting the total ink limit as well as creating the profiles. When setting the total ink limit in the RIP, bear in mind the basic problems to be avoided: ink bleeding and coalescence, and damp prints caused by incomplete curing.

Export your new preset and profiles

Your substrate has been fully characterized from both the printer and the RIP points of view: a substrate preset is present in the printer, and one or more ICC profiles are present in the computer hosting your

RIP. To export the ICC profiles, see your RIP documentation. To export your substrate preset, go to the

HP Internal Print Server and follow these steps:

1.

Select Substrate preset management.

2.

Select the Export tab. A file with the extension oms will be saved, which can be imported by another printer.

To import your substrate preset into another printer:

1.

Select Substrate preset management.

2.

Select the Import tab, then select the correct file with the extension oms.

Edit a substrate preset

To edit the technical characteristics of a custom substrate type, go to the HP Internal Print Server and select Substrate > Edit. This allows you to change the settings in the substrate preset, exactly as when creating a new preset. See

Fine-tune the settings in your new preset on page 67 .

NOTE:

Only custom substrates can be edited.

Remove a substrate preset

To remove a substrate preset from your printer, go to the HP Internal Print Server and select Substrate

> Remove. Then select the category and type of the substrate you wish to remove from a list of removable substrates.

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