FC8600 SERIES

CUTTING PLOTTER

Setup Manual
MANUAL NO.FC8600-UM-8M1

Preface
Thank you for choosing this product.
Carefully keep this manual in a handy location for quick reference as necessity prior to use to ensure safe and
correct use and also to thoroughly understand the functions and operate them effectively.
Prior to use
Be sure to read the attached “TO ENSURE SAFE AND CORRECT USE” prior to use. Otherwise, it may cause an
unexpected accident or fire.
Notes on this Manual
(1) No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any
means, without the prior written permission of Graphtec Corporation.
(2) The product specifications and other information in this manual are subject to change without notice.
(3) While every effort has been made to provide complete and accurate information, please contact your sales
representative or nearest Graphtec vendor if you find any unclear or erroneous information or wish to make
other comments or suggestions.
(4) Notwithstanding the stipulations in the preceding paragraph, Graphtec Corporation assumes no liability for
damages resulting from either the use of the information contained herein or the use of the product.
Registered Trademarks
All names of companies, brands, logotypes, and products appearing in this manual are the trademarks or
registered trademarks of their respective companies.
Copyright
This User's Manual is copyrighted by Graphtec Corporation.
Roles of each manual
●Setup Manual (this manual) ..........Read it to understand “What is the cutting plotter?”, Displaying method for
FC8600 User's Manual, Method for connecting this machine with the PC,
Installing method for controller driver software, and to prepare for the operation.
●User's Manual (PDF data) ............Read it to thoroughly understand the functions of FC8600.
●Cutting Plotter Controller Manual (PDF data)
.....................................................Read it to run the software “Cutting Plotter Controller” for operation of FC8600
through your PC.

* P.000 describes the reference pages of User's Manual.

What is the Cutting plotter?
A machine that cuts the drawing, which was produced by the PC, through the Media (paper,
Marking film) without using the Cutter knife or Scissors.

Operation of Cutting plotter

Tool carriage

Media

The Media is fed back and forth, the tool moves the
Cutter from side to side, and the Tool carriage moves
up and down, so that the Media can be cut.
 *To avoid bodily injury, handle cutter blades with care.
Tool carriage
Blade length adjustment knob

Adjust the blade

length by turning
the Blade length
adjustment knob.

Cutter plunger

The Cutter plunger is mounted on the Tool carriage

during use. The Cutter blade is mounted on the Cutter
plunger.
Plotting pen (Water-based fiber pen) Paper
Using the plotting pen instead of a cutter
allows the drawing and illustration to be
Backing sheet
generated.
Use it for testing before cutting. Adjust the blade length to such a
degree that the trace of blade can
be made on the backing sheet.

Media

The media includes the film, paper and etc. Select it depending on the application.

Marking film

Sticker
using the Cutter

[STRUCTURE OF MARKING FILM] Marking

film

Paste

Backing sheet

Paper (Roll media)

Drawing and illustration Pattern paper

using the PEN cutting out the cut line
 Flow of cutting operation
Introduced here as an example is the process for making a sticker by using the Cutting plotter and Marking
film.

1 Create the data to be cut.

1 Prepare the data.

2 Set the Media.

3 Set the Condition.

2 Set the media on the Cutting plotter.

a Check which point on the Cutting plotter the

Stock rollers
paper should be set.
P.1-5
When Stock roller is mounted at front of main unit : Front loading
When Stock roller is mounted at rear of main unit : Rear loading

<Front loading> <Rear loading>

b Place the media on Stock tray, and set the media.
(*The illustration shows the rear loading as a case.)
P.2-6 Setting the Push Roller P.2-13

Push rollers
Fix the push rollers so that they are
positioned above both ends of media
and also grit rollers.

Grit rollers
 3 Make various settings necessary for cutting the media.

●Set the tool conditions depending on the media to be used.

*This function allows each preset condition to be memorized.

Tool setting :
Set the type of tool to be used.
Setting the Force : Running Cutting Tests P.2-34
Adjust the force for holding down the tool on the media.
Run Cutting tests after making each setting,
Speed : and check actual cutting conditions.
Adjust the tool moving speed.
Acceleration :
Adjust the tool acceleration.

Adjusting the Blade Length :

Adjust the length of cutter blade protruded out of the Cutter
plunger. Offset is small Proper Offset is large
Offset :
Adjust the distance between cutter blade edge and center of Plunger.
4 Cut the Media.

Completed

4 Output the created data into the Cutting plotter, and cut the media.
a Output the data into the cutting plotter.

To stop on the way

Plotting operation will stop temporality when [STOP] key is pressed during
plotting. P.3-12

b Cut off the cut media. (Cross cut)

c Remove the unnecessary portion of cut media, and affix the
transfer sheet.
Transfer sheet
Convenient functions

Setting the tool conditions

Setting the Tool Condition P.2-24

The tool setting allows 8 settings numbered from 1 to 8 to be memorized.
First select this condition No. to set the tool conditions. Switching the
condition No. allows plotting to run immediately according to the preset
8 types of tool conditions.

Setting the Force P.2-29

This function allows cutting and plotting force to be set.
Set it with reference to the tool conditions for each media
and tool type.

Setting the Speed P.2-28

This function allows the tool speed (moving speed) for
plotting to be set.

Setting the Acceleration This function allows the acceleration for plotting to be set.

P.2-30
Corrects the offset of center point for betaken blade edge and plunger depending
Setting the Offset
on the cutter blade types to be used. The standard values are already set when the
P.2-26 blade name is selected. Besides, sensitive adjustment can be made within ± 5 range
against the standard value.

Area option

Enlarging/Shrinking P.4-8
Enlarging/shrinking for plotting can be set.
Mirror P.4-6
This function allows the reversing for plotting origin point
and coordinate axes to be set.

Rotation P.3-10
This function allows the rotation for the plotting origin
point and coordinate axes to be set.

ARMS P.5-2
A function to scan the registration mark written on the
media using sensors. The axis tilting, distance and 2
axes warp adjustment can be adjusted, besides this
function makes possible for a precise cutting when
cutting the borders of the images printed by the printer
or when cutting the media again.

Plotting range P.4-2 Set the plotting range arbitrarily. Also the origin point moves according to the
plotting range. It is impossible to plot at outside of the preset range.

Extension of plotting range Set the Increase/Decrease of plotting range based on the default value (edge at
width P.4-4 inside of push roller).

Setting the cut line pattern P.7-15 Set whether cutting is made using the solid or dotted line (cut line).

Manual positioning Manually adjust the position of the media and tool, specify the position of the
adjustment P.6-3 registration marks (adjustment marks), and adjust the tilting of the axes and
distance. When impossible to read the registration marks through the ARMS, the
precision for both cutting the borders of the images plotted by different plotter and
re-cutting the media can be improved.

Environmental setting

Dual configuration Two types of settings can be saved independently. Two-preferred sets of setting
P.4-18 can be stored separately if there are 2 operators, or 2 different settings for different
media can be stored, making a quick change when the media is switched.

Apparel (AP) Mode P.4-20 Used when this Plotter is used in combination with CAD targeted for Apparel.

Setting the Plotting quality

Distance adjustment Corrects the deviation in the length of cut or plotted line segments, which occurs
P.7-11 depending on the type or thickness of media being used.

Tangent Emulation Set it when cutting the thick media. Use this function when the blade tip gets sunk
P.7-2 into the media, making the blade hard to rotate so that, the start/end points are not
consistent or the corner does not get a sharp angle.
 Before starting the Setup
Make the following preparations before starting Setup.
‘ Check that all of the items included in the package. (Please see P.1-2 in the FC8600 User's Manual (PDF).)
For the Parts Names, please see P.1-3 in the FC8600 User's Manual (PDF).
‘ Assemble the FC8600, and set up it. For the assembling procedures, see either Manual attached to the Stand or FC8600 User's Manual
(PDF). P.1-5
‘ When the previous version of Cutting Master 3 was installed, uninstall it.
‘ To use the Cutting Master 3, previously install the Design application (Adobe Illustrator or Corel Draw) that is used.
For the latest supported version, please visit our website.
‘ When there are virus detection program or system resident program, terminate them beforehand.
‘ Upon installation, be sure to log into Windows using an account with administrator privileges on your computer.

CAUTION
Usage of the software
Each of the Cutting Plotter Controller/Graphtec Studio/Cutting Master 3 software is engaged in various settings on the cutting Plotter.
Do not use them at the same time.

Flow of setup
Installing the Software
For each software of FC8600 install them using the Installer housed in
1. Starting the Installer the attached DVD-ROM.
P.09

Setting up the FC8600

2. Installing the Cutting Once Cutting Plotter Controller is installed, you can control main
P.11
Plotter Controller functions of FC8600 through the PC.

3. Installing the FC8600 Plotter The FC8600 Driver software controls the Plotter and makes plotting
P.12
Driver (Cutting Plotter Driver) according to the data created by the PC.
The procedures vary depending on the Interface.
Turn on the power source of Plotter in the middle of installing, and connect
Selection

To connect using the USB P.12

the USB cable.
To connect using the Network
Input the IP address of FC8600. P.14
cable
To connect using the RS-232C Connect the RS-232C cable after installing is finished. P.15

Install the software as necessity.

Software enabling cutting data to be created through simple
4. Setup the Graphtec Studio commands.
Create designs and edit characters/shapes using this software.
P.15

Plug-in driver that enables simple cutting through direct operation from
5. Setup the Cutting Master 3 within Adobe Illustrator and CorelDRAW. P.16

6. Install the User's Manual Installs the FC8600 User's Manual P.17

8
 Setting up the Plotter main unit
1. Setting the media (paper) Fix the media to the Plotter. P.17

2. Setting the Plotter Set the Plotter depending on the type of media. P.20

The cutter blade can replaced depending on the material or

3. Attaching the Tool thickness of the media.
P.20

4. Note on use when you mount the This section describes how to mofdify the tilting of the equipped tool . P.21
tool on the FC8600

Adjust the protruded cutter edge length and the cutting Force
5. Tool adjustment and test cutting depending on the material and thickness of the media. Make test
cutting for the set media to adjust the best condition.
P.22

Installing the Software

Install the software housed in the attached DVD-ROM into the PC that is used.
This section explains how to install the software when using a Windows 7 (32 bit) operating environment.

Note
● Upon installation, be sure to log on Windows using an account with administrator privileges on your computer.
If you have logged on using a standard user account, an [User Account Control] screen asking you to enter the administrator
account password may appear.

● Supported OS
This software supports the following OS environments:
Windows 8 (32 bit/64 bit), Windows 7 (32 bit/64 bit), Windows Vista (32 bit/64 bit), Windows XP SP3 (32bit/64bit), Mac OS X (10.5.8
or later) *1 [Intel CPU (PPC is not supported)]

● *1 : When Using Macintosh

Macintosh operating environments are supported by the following software.
Proceed with installation in accordance with your operating environment.

• Graphtec Studio : Software application that enables cutting data to be created through simple commands.
• Cutting Master 3 : Plug-in driver that can be directly operated from within Adobe Illustrator.
Note that Adobe Illustrator must be installed on your computer prior to use.
When installing the above software to your Macintosh operating environment, refer to the respective manual for each included on the
accompanying DVD-ROM.
• Open the pertinent manual on the accompanying DVD-ROM in the following sequence: [Manuals] > [English (Each Language)] >
[Manual According to Software]

1. Launching the Start Menu

After starting up Windows, insert the [USER GUIDE &
SOFTWARE DVD] provided with the FC8600 into your
computer's DVD drive.
The below screen will appear before the Start Menu launches.
Continue with installation in accordance with the following
procedures.

9
 1 The Windows [AutoPlay] screen will appear.
When auto play of software is not
Select [Run MultiSetup.exe] from the Windows [AutoPlay] set
screen. For Windows 7/Vista :
1.Select [Run MultiSetup.exe] from [Autoplay]
Selection menu of Windows.

When [Autoplay] Selection menu does not

appear :
* If the [AutoPlay] screen does not appear, open [Explorer] and
1. Select the DVD/CD-ROM Drive from Computer, and select
select the DVD drive containing the software to be installed. [Open] with right clicked.
Open the DVD and double-click on [MultiSetup.exe].

2 Click [Yes] if you have logged on using an administrator

account.

2. Select the [MultiSetup.exe], and double click it.

Click [Yes].

If you have logged on using a standard user account, an [User

Account Control] screen asking you to enter the administrator
account password may appear.
Enter the password, and then click [Yes].
*Also for Windows XP take the same manner.

Enter the password.

Click [Yes].

3 The [Start] will appear.  Install FC8600 Software:

"Use this menu to install the software you require to use the Install the [Cutting Plotter Controller] and [Plotter
Driver].
FC8600.
First-time users should proceed with installation by clicking on The [Cutting Plotter Controller] enables various
cutting conditions, plotter settings, etc. to be
[Install FC8600 Software]."
controlled directly from your computer.
Proceed with installation according to your operating
environment.
 Setup Graphtec Studio:
Software enabling cutting data to be created
through simple commands.
Create designs and edit characters/shapes using
 this software."

 Setup Cutting Master 3:

Plug-in driver that enables simple cutting through
 direct operation from within Adobe Illustrator and
CorelDRAW.

 Install User's Manual:

Installs the FC8600 User's Manual.

10
2. Installing the Cutting Plotter Controller

1 Click the [Install FC8600 Software] in the [Start] screen of

Installer.
CAUTION
Do not connect the Interface cable between Plotter
(FC8600) and PC before installing the FC8600
Plotter Driver.

 Select "Install FC8600

Software".

For the [Install FC8600 Software], both "Cutting Plotter Controller"

and "FC8600 Plotter Driver" will be installed.

2 Operate according to the instruction in the displayed

screen.
Corresponding PC
To use the Cutting Plotter Controller, use PC of
Windows 8/7/Vista/XP and connect using the USB/
LAN (Network)/RS-232C Interface.
The Cutting Plotter Controller is the software, which
provides the similar operation as that of control
panel of Plotter through the PC. If your Windows and
Click [Next]. Interface being used are different from the above
*To install only FC8600 Driver Software, mentioned, use the Control panel to operate.
press [Cancel].

Click [Next].

Click [Next].

Click [Finish].

11
 3. Installing the FC8600 Plotter Driver
Once installing of Cutting Plotter Controller is terminated, the
install screen of FC8600 Plotter Driver appears.

1 Operate according to the instruction in the screen.

CAUTION
Do not connect the Interface cable between Plotter
(FC8600) and PC before installing the FC8600
Plotter Driver.

Click the [OK].

Click the [Next].

Click the [Next].

To connect using the USB cable

2 Select the Interface.

Port name
Select the "Port name" depending on the Interface
that is used.
 Select "USB" from Pull
Port Next
down list. Interface
name procedure
To connect using the USB cable USB P.12
To connect using the Network
TCP/IP P.14
cable
 Click the [Next]. To connect using the RS-232C
COM1 P.15
cable
The procedures vary depending on the selected Interfaces.
To output the data for plotting into the
FILE -
file without connecting to the plotter

3 Install the Driver software.

 Click the [Install].

 Click the [CHECK BOX].

12
4 Connect the Power cable of Plotter.
CAUTION
Be sure to ground the earth terminal.
If the plotter is not grounded, the operator could
suffer an electric shock in the event of current
leakage.

 Check that the Plotter power  Connect the power source

source is turned off (the "" side cable.
is pressed down).

Click the [OK].

5 Connect the Plotter to the PC using the USB cable, and

turn on the Plotter power source.

 Connect it to the PC

 Connect it to the
Plotter.

USB cable

 Press Power switch "|".

6 The Device Driver will be installed.

When normally installed
"Start" → "Control panel" → "Hardware and Sound"
Click the message. → "Graphtec FC8600" appears on "Devices and
Printer". (For Windows 7)

Click the "Skip obtaining driver

software from Windows Update".

Click the [Yes].

Click the [Close].

13
 To connect using the Network cable

2 Select the Interface.

 Select the "Standard TCP/

IP Port: (Network)" from
Pull down list.

 Click the [Next].

3 Connect the Plotter to the PC using the USB cable, and

turn on the Plotter power source.

 Connect it to the PC

 Connect it to
the Plotter.

Network
hub
Network
cable  Press Power switch "|".

4 Check the IP address of Plotter.

When IP address is not identified
The IP address may vary depending on the network

5 Input the IP address of Plotter. environment. Consult with Network administrator.

For how to check the IP address of this machine,
see "Setting Interface" in FC8600 User's Manual.
P.9-2
 Input the IP address.

 Click the [Next].

The IP address on the screen is only for reference.

When normally installed

"Start" → "Control panel" → "Hardware and Sound"
→ "Graphtec FC8600" appears on "Devices and
Printer". (For Windows 7)

Click [OK].

14
To connect using the RS-232C cable

2 Connect the Plotter to the PC using the RS-232C cable,

and turn on the Plotter power source.

 Connect it to the PC

 Connect it to
the Plotter.

RS-232C cable

 Press Power switch "|".

3 Check the machine for RS-232C setting.

Setting the port of PC
When RS-232C is used to connect, the port setting
for between PC and this machine should be
4 Select the Interface. matched. For the port setting with PC, see Help in
Windows.

 Select the "COM1:

(Communication port)"
from Pull down list.

 Click the [Next].

When normally installed

"Start" → "Control panel" → "Hardware and Sound"
→ "Graphtec FC8600" appears on "Devices and
Printer". (For Windows 7)

Click the [OK].

4. Installing the Graphtec Studio

1 Click the [Setup Graphtec Studio] on the "Start" screen of

Installer. For the Macintosh
See User's Manual contained in each language
folder inside attached DVD-ROM.

15
 2 Operate according to the instruction in the displayed
screen.

Click the [Next].

Click the [Install].

Click the [Next].

Click the [Finish].

5. Installing the Cutting Master 3

When Illustrator or CorelDRAW is

1 If you use Illustrator or CorelDRAW, click the [Setup
Cutting Master 3] on the "Start" screen of Installer. not used
No need to install

For the Macintosh

2 Operate according to the instruction in the displayed
screen. See User's Manual contained in each language
folder inside attached DVD-ROM.

Select the "Setup Cutting

Master 3".
Click the [Install].

Click the [Finish].

Click the [Next].

Click the [Next].

16
 6. Installing the User's Manual
1 Click the [Install User's Manual] on the "Start" screen of
Installer.

2 Operate according to the instruction in the displayed

screen.

Click [Finish].

Select the "Install User's

Manual".

The installed User`s manual is registered in Start menu

of Windows.
Click [Next].

Setting up the Plotter main unit

1. Setting the media (paper)
For the FC8600, the roll media and sheet media can be used. The feeding method includes rear loading (feeding
from rear side) and front loading (feeding from front side). Select it depending on the assembled way of Plotter.

If the roll media is used Media

Explained here is the operation method that is used for rear loading. For use in The setup methods vary depending on the media
front loading, see the column shown at right. type, width and loading method. See the page
stated in the "Next procedure" of the following
conditions table.
Media Loading Next
Media width
type method procedure

Roll 160 to 540mm F/R P.18

media 540mm or over F/R P.19

Sheet 100 to 160mm F/R P.19

media 160mm or over F/R P.19

17
 1 Lower the Media set lever to raise the push rollers.
For front loading
Media sensor

Media set lever

Push roller
Media set lever

The Stock tray is mounted at front side.

 Lower the
Media set
lever.

Once the Media set lever is lowered, "LOAD

MEDIA!" appears on LCD.

2 Insert the media through the bottom of push roller.

For front loading
Raise the Media lock, (), put the roll media so that the extracted Media lock
portion faces up (), and extract the media to such a degree that it
covers the top of media sensor. ()
* Cutting media should be placed above media censor at any time.
Media lock
Media sensor

 Raise the Media lock

(lock).

 Put the Roll media on

the Media bracket.
 Extract the Media. Media lock
Media bracket
A stopper, which is used to prevent the stock rollers
from rotating when setting the roll media. The media
lock ensures that the media is pulled straight out
from the roll.

When the media width is 160 to 540 mm

3 Set the positions of two push rollers.

 Position of Push roller
Push both ends of media so that it comes over the media sensor, and For the adjustment of Push roller position, see
set the push rollers so that they comes over the grit rollers. () Move the "Aligning the Push Roller" in FC8600 User's Manual.
push rollers, that are not used, to the Standby position. () P.2-13

Push roller
 Standby position
Push roller For the standby position, see "Standby of Push
Roller" in FC8600 User's Manual. P.2-13

Media Standby position

Grit roller Media sensor

After setting, go to the procedure 4.

18
When the media width exceeds 540 mm  Position of Push roller
For the adjustment of Push roller position, see

3 Set the positions of three push rollers. "Aligning the Push Roller" in FC8600 User's Manual.
P.2-13
Push both ends and center of the media so that it comes over the media
sensor, and set the push rollers so that they comes over the grit rollers.
 Standby position
() Move the push rollers, that are not used, to the Standby position. ()
For the standby position, see "Standby of Push
Push roller
Roller" in FC8600 User's Manual. P.2-13

Media Switching the pressure of push

rollers
When you cut with 3 or more push rollers, switch
the center push roller .Refer to FC8600 user`s
Grit roller Media sensor manual. P.2-13

4 Take up the slack of roll media, and fix it with the Push
rollers. For front loading
Media lock

Media set lever

 Raise the Media set lever.

Media
set
lever
 Lower the Media
 Pull the edge to take up the slack.
lock (Cancel).

The MEDIA FEEDING METHOD

SELECTION screen appears.

If the sheet media is used

1 Lower the media set lever to raise the Push rollers. (See "If
the roll media is used".)

2 Insert the media through the bottom of Push roller. (See "If
the roll media is used".)

When the media width is 100 to 160mm

 Position of Push roller

3 Set the positions of two Push rollers.
For the adjustment of Push roller position, see
Push both ends of media so that it comes over the top of Media sensor, "Aligning the Push Roller" in FC8600 User's Manual.
and position the Push rollers while the left edge of grit roller is being set P.2-13
as the starting point so that the Push roller come over the lengthy grit
rollers at right edge. () Move the Push rollers, that are not used, to the
Standby position. ()  Standby position
Origin point For the standby position, see "Standby of Push
Push roller  Set the Media and Roller" in FC8600 User's Manual. P.2-13

Push rollers on the

lengthy Grit roller. When the media width exceeds
Media sensor 161mm
 Move away the Push See "If the roll media is used".
roller that is not used.

19
Media Grit roller
 4 Take up the slack of roll media, and fix it with the Push
rollers. (See "If the roll media is used".)

2. Set the media type into the Plotter.

Set the media type into the Plotter depending on the preset media.

1 Select the type of the loaded media.

To change the loading method
Use the keys numbered [1] to [4] of Control panel to select. It is set to rear loading in the initial setting. If setup
was made according to Front loading, change the
Plot starting with the edge of media. [1]
Roll media loading method. For the change of loading method,
Plot starting with the preset position. [2] see "Setting Feeding Method" in FC8600 User's
Sheet media [3] Manual. P.2-19

When similar media is reset [4]

Display of "CONTINUE"
Once the media is set, the next screen appears. Depending on the status of Plotter, the fourth option
"CONTINUE" may appear.

The MEDIA FEEDING METHOD

SELECTION screen appears.

To reset the similar media and to continue the same

setting as is during plotting, select the "CONTINUE".
It appears when Media set lever is raised/lowered
after setting the media.

2 Wait until the Plotter detects the media size and setting
completes.
Ready status
The "READY" appears on LCD when PC data
receiving enabling status is achieved in Plotter.
Once completed, the next screen appears.
Default screen
When power source of main unit is turned on, the
"READY" appears.
screen after version displayed is called "DEFAULT
This screen is called as "Ready status".
SCREEN".

3. Attaching the Tool

Attach a tool (cutter plunger, plotter pen) to the Plotter. It is explained here using cutter plunger as an example.

1 Loosen the Tool holder screw.

CAUTION
Do not touch the Tool edge when power is turned on
or during operation.

20
2 Attach the tool on the Tool holder.
CAUTION
While pushing the Tool holder in the upward direction, push the tool all When pushing the Tool holder with your fingers, the
the way into the holder until its flange contacts the upper part of the Tool blade tip may be protruding. Take care not to cut
holder. your fingers.
For half cutting
Upper part of Flange
(innermost side: Tool 1) Half cutting and Cutting out
Tool holder The cutting operation is different depending on the
position of Tool holder where the Tool is inserted.
Mainly, the forward side is used for Cutting out, and
innermost side is for Half cutting.
For Cutting out and Half cutting, see "Attaching a
Tool" in FC8600 User's Manual. P.2-4

For cutting out (forward side: Tool 3)

3 Fix the Tool.

CAUTION
Make sure that the Tool bracket is engaged on the tool's flange, and Do not over tighten the screw during fixing. When
then tighten the screw. the screw is loosened and disconnected, connect it
again.
The pouncing pen (option) should be connected on
Flange the Tool 1 by all means.

Bracket to hold
tool

4. Note on use when you mount the tool on the FC8600

The tool may be tilted when mounted.
In this case, please follow right procedure to mount the tool correctly.

1 Screw the tool holder screwloosely.

2 Pull up the tool while turnit one-quarter to mount it

vertically.

3 Tighten the tool holder screw after the tool is mounted

vertically

21
 5. Tool adjustment and test cutting
After setting the Tool/Speed/Force/Acceleration, make test cutting, and repeat until optimal condition is
achieved.

1 Press the [CONDITION] key in the Default screen.

CAUTION
Do not touch the Tool edge when power is turned on
or during operation.
CONDITION screen (1/3) appears.

2 Set the Tool conditions (Tool, Speed, Force, Acceleration).

Setting the Tool conditions
For detailed setting methods of each plotting
condition, see "Selecting Tool conditions" in FC8600
eg.) Screen for Tool setting User's Manual. P.2-24

Press the [ENTER].

To make 1 cut with set value

3 Make test cutting for one piece while Tool conditions are
being set.

CONDITION screen (1/3) appears.

 Press the POSITION [◄] key.

 Press the POSITION (▲▼◄►) key so that the Tool carriage moves
to the location you wish to perform the test cutting.

Tool carriage

Press the [ENTER] key.

To make 3 cuts with set value and ±1 of set value

3 Make test cutting for three pieces while Tool conditions are
being set.

CONDITION screen (1/3) appears.

22
  Press the POSITION [►] key.

CUT TEST screen appears.

 Press the POSITION (▲▼◄►) key so that the Tool carriage moves
to the location you wish to perform the test cutting. (See the case
when test cutting is made for the preset value or one piece)

 Press the [1] key (FORCE).

Three cut test patterns, where the FORCE increased/decreased by 1
each time is added, will be cut with a focus on the current Force.
-1 Set value +1
 Press the [ENTER] key after completion.
Go back to the TEST CUT MENU screen.

 Press the [2] key (CUTTER OFFSET).

Three cut test patterns, where the Offset value increased/decreased by
1 each time is added, will be cut with a focus on the current Offset value.

 Press the [ENTER] key.

4 Check if the cut test is appropriate.

Checking methods for offset
Check if the offset value is set correctly with
Rough standard of half cutting reference to the following.
Peel off the corners of the triangle(s). Ideally, only slight traces of the
cutter blade should remain on the backing sheet. If the backing sheet
has been cut through, either the FORCE setting is too high or the cutter-
Not enough adjustment. Increase the
blade tip is extended too far. If the backing sheet shows only a few offset value.
traces of the cutter blade, either the FORCE setting is too low or the
cutter blade tip is not sufficiently extended.

Rough standard of cutting out

Ideally, the backing sheet should be cut out completely. If the backing Optimal offset value.
sheet is not completely cut, either the FORCE setting is too low or the
cutter blade tip is not sufficiently extended.

Rough standard of Plotting Pen Too much adjustment. Decrease the

offset value.
Adjust the speed so there will be no faint lines. To prolong the pen life,
set the FORCE to the lowest setting.

5 Repeat the setting and test cutting until optimal cut is achieved.

Blade adjusting function

To set the optimal blade length, test cutting should be done several times. This function enables the blade
length to be easily adjusted.

1 Control the panel according to the following procedures.

CAUTION
Press the [CONDITION] key in the Default screen. Do not touch the Tool edge when power is turned on
or during operation.
Set the cutter plunger in a tool 1.
CONDITION screen (1/3) appears.

Press the POSITION [▲]key.

Press the [4] key (BLADE ADJUST).

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 2 Turn the Blade length adjustment knob of Cutter plunger to
the left to fully retract the blade.
CAUTION
To avoid bodily injury, handle cutter blades with care.

Cutter blade Plunger

Blade length adjustment knob
Adjust the blade length by turning the Blade length
adjustment knob. To protrude the blade, turn in
the direction of "A". To retract the blade, turn in
the direction of "B". When the knob is turned by
Plunger-cap Blade length one scale unit, the blade moves approximately
adjustment knob 0.1 mm. One full turn of the knob moves the blade
(Blue : For 0.9 mm
approximately 0.5 mm.
diameter blades)
(Red : For 1.5 mm Cutter blade moves
diameter blade) approximately 0.1 mm
turning one scale unit
Scale

Scale

3 Control the panel according to the following procedures.

Press the [ENTER] key.

BLADE LENGTH setting screen appears.

Press the [1] key (BLADE LENGTH TARGET).

CAUTION
When the [1] key (BLADE LENGTH TARGET) is
BLADE LENGTH TARGET screen appears. pressed, the Tool carriage will start moving, so take
care not to cut your fingers.

Press the POSITION [▲▼] key to increase or decrease the setting value.

It will get set and return to BLADE LENGTH setting screen by pressing
the POSITION [◄] key (PREVIOUS).

Press the [2] key (CHECK).

CAUTION
When the [2] key (CHECK) is pressed, the Tool
The amount and direction for turning the carriage will start moving, so take care not to cut
adjustment knob are displayed. your fingers.

4 Turn the Blade length adjustment knob to adjust the cutter

blade length.
Current blade length is displayed by pressing the [2] key
(CHECK), so adjust the blade length until it matches the
thickness of the media.
Press the [3] key (END).

Press the [CONDITION] key.

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