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Load flexible media for inside printing

Introduction

When you load flexible media in the printer, such as canvas and textiles, manual feeding and the use of the tension bar are recommended. You can configure the settings for manual feeding and the tension bar in the RIP. You can also use the help of rigid media to feed the flexible media more easily in the paper path.

Follow the procedure below to attach a leading strip of rigid media to your flexible media. This technique will prevent media transportation issues.

In case you cut the media after printing, the media roll is unloaded. To print on the flexible media again you must redo the procedure to attach a leading strip of rigid media.

This procedure describes the steps for inside printing. For inside printing it is recommended to load the flexible media in position 1.

Video: How to print on flexible media (video shows outside printing).

Before you begin

Before you load a roll on the printer:

  • Make sure you have added a media profile with the correct media type via the RIP. For more information, see Configure media in the RIP.

  • Check the media width of your roll before loading. When your media width is not present in the list on the operator panel, you can type it in.

  • Put on gloves to avoid pollution of the paper by your fingerprints.

CAUTION
  • Watch your fingers when you handle the media roll.

  • Loading heavy media, 25 kg (55 lb) or more, has to be done by two people or with the help of external lifting tools.

IMPORTANT
  • Do not use dented or damaged media rolls to prevent damage to the printheads.

  • Only open the media drawer when the indicator light on the drawer is on. Do not open the drawer when the light is off, you can damage the machine.

Procedure

  1. Pull firmly to open the media drawer.
  2. Load the media roll of flexible media in position 1, with the media flap on top pointing away from you.
  3. Load a media roll of rigid media in position 2, with the media flap on top and towards you.
  4. Take the leading edge of the rigid media and tape it to the roll of flexible media.
    1. Tape first the center and the sides of the media.
    2. Then, tape along the leading edge of the media.
  5. Use both hands to turn the media roll in position 1 towards you. Add ± 80 cm (31.5 inch) of rigid media to the flexible media roll.
  6. Take a knife and cut the rigid media manually.
  7. Pull the media from the flexible media roll in position 1 until the taping position is at the media loading position.
  8. Tape the leading edge of flexible media on top of the rigid media.
    1. Tape first the center and the sides of the media.
    2. Then, tape along the leading edge of the media.
  9. Use both hands to turn the flexible media roll in position 1 backward.
  10. Take a knife and cut the media in the cutting guide to get a straight leading edge. Always use a straight cut leading edge to prevent damage to the printheads.
  11. Unload the media roll in position 2. For more information, see Unload a media roll from the drawer.
  12. Unload the flexible media roll from roll position 1.
  13. Rotate the flexible media roll and place the roll with the media flap on top pointing towards you in roll position 2.
  14. Put the feed media shaft back into the drawer with the ruler and the pins of the locking mechanism facing up to prevent damage to the media. Firmly close the clamp. Make sure you close the clamp completely until you hear a click.
  15. Use both hands to turn the flexible media roll and slide the media under the metal paper guide until the media is transported automatically. You will hear a beeping sound when the media is correctly fed and loaded.
    IMPORTANT

    Make sure media is always rolled up evenly on the core. Do not load media that is not rolled up evenly (telescoping) as it can damage the machine.

  16. Close the media drawer carefully. The operator panel displays the message that new media is detected and an icon in the top left corner indicates that a roll is loaded for inside printing. This can take 5 seconds.
    IMPORTANT

    Do not open the media drawer when the indicator light is off, you can damage the machine.

  17. On the operator panel, select the correct media type and fill in the media width.
  18. When the media you use has an upward curl select [ Upward curled media].

    This setting persists as long as the media is assigned. When enabled, the system feeds the media to the output position. You can then open the top cover and guide the media. After you close the top cover, the media is transported to the clamp. Open the top cover and guide the media again. Printing starts after these actions have been completed.

  19. Tap on [Save].
    NOTE

    For the highest output quality, it is advised to always perform a media calibration when you load a new media type or a new media width. For more information, see Calibrate the media.

What to do next

After the flexible media is loaded, a print job does not start automatically. First you have to:

  1. Feed the media. For more information see Feed and retract media manually.

  2. Transport the media on the platen to the desired position. For more information seeTransport media by distance, Transport media by manual control.