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Print double-sided with manual cut

Introduction

Colorado M-series offers the possibility to print on the inside as well as on the outside of the media, which indirectly provides the user a way to print double-sided. For this you need the license Print inside and double sided.

To print double-sided you print on the inside of the media.

Video: How to print double-sided.

Before you begin

RIP

  • In [Media Characteristics], set automatic advance correction (AAC) to [Enhanced] to achieve an optimal x-registration.

    AAC prints yellow, white, or black markers on the media that the printer uses as guidance to optimize the media step accuracy. See "Change the media settings" in the operation guide.

  • In [Placement strategy]  → [General], make sure that the left and right are identical.

  • In [Placement strategy]  → [Options], make sure that the space between copies values are 0.

Printer

  • Use the tension bar (locked).

    In case the media is normally (single-sided) printed without tension bar, switch to the locked tension bar mode.

    You can change this tension bar setting for the media type in the RIP. Change from [No tension bar] to [Locked tension bar].

  • Use a matte print mode, preferably the same mode for both sides.

  • Do not enable automatic media advance or moist sensitivity settings.

  • If necessary calibrate the media.

Tools

  • A media suitable for double sided printing.

  • 2 empty cores with the same width as the media you want to use.

  • A roll of tape.

Print side 1

Print side 2

Strip

Function

Length of the strip

1

Leading strip

1600 mm (63 inch)

2

Lead-in image

250 mm (9.84 inch)

3

Lead-out image

250 mm (9.84 inch)

4

Trailing strip with a cutting line

1600 mm (63 inch)

5

Leading strip

1600 mm (63 inch)

6

Lead-in image

250 mm (9.84 inch)

Be aware you have to rotate the job for the inside 180 degrees.

The lead-in and lead-out images are used by the AAC to measure and correct for additional media step errors caused by the ink layer of side 1, while printing side 2.

Procedure

  1. Load a media roll on position 2 in the media drawer, with the flap pointing towards you.
  2. Pull the media towards you.
  3. Uncurl the media using an empty roll.
  4. Turn the media back onto the roll in the drawer.
  5. Load the media in the inside printing manner, see Load flexible media for inside printing.
  6. Place a new empty take-up roll core and push the media shaft back on the winder.
  7. On the operator panel tap on the [Media] icon.

    Select the required media and media width.

  8. On the operator panel tap on the [Default settings][System] icon and change the leading and trailing edge length to 1600mm (63 inch).
  9. Prepare a nest of prints for the outside of the media in one of the supported RIP software applications.

    In ONYX the nesting function is called [Group jobs]. Change the group setting from [Conserve media] to [Group jobs together]. The RIP will not change the order of the images and will treat all jobs in the group as 1 image.

    The nest includes:

    • a lead-in image (in any color)

    • the user images

    • a lead-out image (in any color)

    NOTE

    Please note that when you apply additional space between the separate images, you have to subtract this additional space from the 1600 mm (63 inch) at the trailing edge.

  10. Submit the job to the printer and follow the instructions on the operator panel to print the first side.
  11. Tape the media to the empty take-up media roll core.
  12. Place the tension bar.
  13. Lock the tension bar.
  14. Adjust the position of the media guides on the left and right side.
  15. On the operator panel tap the [Completed] when you are ready to start the print job.
  16. Cut the media manually beneath the printed line when the print is completed and follow the instructions on the operator panel.
  17. Remove the take-up media roll from the winder, see Unload a take-up media roll from the roll winder in the operation guide.
  18. Cut the media precisely on the printed line. Do this outside of the printer.
  19. Place a new empty take-up roll core and push the media shaft back on the winder.

    This ends the printing procedure of side 1.

  20. Prepare the nest of prints for side 2 of the double-sided print in one of the supported RIP software applications.

    The nest includes:

    • a lead-in image (in any color)

    • the user images

    NOTE

    Depending on the application you may need to rotate or mirror the images for side 2.

  21. Load the media roll for inside printing on position 2 in the media drawer, with the flap pointing towards you.
  22. Load the media in the inside printing manner.
  23. On the operator panel change the trailing strip to 250 mm (9.84 inch) in the [Default settings].
  24. Submit the job to the printer and follow the instructions on the operator panel to print the second side.
  25. Repeat the actions of step 11 to 15 you did for printing side 1.
  26. Remove the take-up media roll from the winder.