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Aries 124

Aries 124 - Operation Guide

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  • 29 steps
  • 241 instructions
  • 5 videos
  • 5 chapters
  • Updated 2026-02-17

User manualThe full manual, beyond first setup. · All manuals

1. Pilot Software Basics

DTF Station Pilot Settings Overview and Configuration Guide

  1. 0:04Suction Settings
  2. 0:37General Print Settings
  3. 2:13Carriage Margin Settings
  4. 2:45Media Settings
  5. 3:21Confidence Strip Settings
  6. 4:54Print Overlap Settings
  7. 5:29Ink Charge Function
  8. 6:01Print Settings
  9. 7:08Global Ink Setting and Spot Color
  10. 8:29Completion
Written steps10

Suction Settings

Watch this part0:04
  1. Open DTF Station Pilot.
  2. Navigate to the Settings tab.
  3. Locate the Suction setting.
  4. Understand that suction controls the printer bed vacuum.
  5. Set suction to Off so the vacuum activates only when the carriage moves onto the media.
  6. Avoid using Open unless constant vacuum suction is required.

General Print Settings

Watch this part0:37
  1. Locate Print Speed.
  2. Select High for fastest production.
  3. Select Middle for improved print quality.
  4. Select Low if further speed reduction is needed.
  5. Locate Print Direction.
  6. Leave Print Direction set to Birect for left-and-right printing.
  7. Change Print Direction to Left or Right only if single-direction printing is required for accuracy.
  8. Locate Pre-Flashing.
  9. Set Pre-Flashing to Open to ensure ink fires correctly before printing.
  10. Locate Auto Clean.
  11. Leave Auto Clean set to Close by default.
  12. Review Auto Clean options:
  13. Clean Flush performs a brief ink purge.
  14. Clean Weak performs a standard cleaning.
  15. Clean Normal increases cap dwell time and pump pressure.
  16. Clean Strong further increases cleaning duration.

Carriage Margin Settings

Watch this part2:13
  1. Locate Carriage Margin Type.
  2. Set Type to Together.
  3. Confirm that Together limits carriage travel to the actual print width.
  4. Avoid disabling Together unless full-width carriage travel is required.
  5. Locate Auto Reset.
  6. Set Auto Reset to Yes.
  7. Confirm the carriage resets after every printed image.

Media Settings

Watch this part2:45
  1. Locate Print Start Position.
  2. Measure the distance from carriage home position to the media edge.
  3. Set Print Start Position to match the measured value.
  4. Use 50 mm as a reference value if media is loaded similarly to the example.

Confidence Strip Settings

Watch this part3:21
  1. Locate Confidence Strip settings.
  2. Enable Wedding as the minimum recommended setting.
  3. Optionally select Wedding and Status for best quality.
  4. Avoid disabling the Confidence Strip to prevent color ink drying.
  5. Set Confidence Strip Position to the side closest to carriage home (right side).
  6. Avoid selecting Both Sides unless necessary due to increased carriage travel.
  7. Set Confidence Strip Strength to Normal.
  8. Adjust Strength to Strong only if increased ink flow is required.
  9. Set Confidence Strip Width to 3 mm.
  10. Adjust width as needed based on media usage.
  11. Set Distance from print to at least 1 mm to allow clean cutting and separation.

Print Overlap Settings

Watch this part4:54
  1. Locate Print Overlap Mode.
  2. Select Light for daily production and fastest speed.
  3. Select Normal for higher resolution than Light.
  4. Select Depth for higher resolution than Normal.
  5. Select Super Occlusion only if maximum resolution is required.
  6. Locate Overlap Type.
  7. Select Fog for faster printing.
  8. Select Strong A for higher print quality.

Ink Charge Function

Watch this part5:29
  1. Locate the Ink Charge function.
  2. Use Ink Charge after initial ink filling.
  3. Use Ink Charge if the printer has been idle for an extended period.
  4. Press Ink Charge to pump ink into the waste system.
  5. Use this function to help resolve clogging issues.

Print Settings

Watch this part6:01
  1. Locate Print Settings.
  2. Select CW (Color and White) as the default setting.
  3. Select 4C only when printing color without white.
  4. Locate Color Control.
  5. Leave Color Control set to Normal.
  6. Select W only when printing white-only designs.
  7. Select Color only when printing color-only designs.
  8. Locate Ink to Deepen.
  9. Leave Ink to Deepen turned Off by default.
  10. Select Mode 1, 2, or 3 only if prints appear too light.
  11. Note that Ink to Deepen does not affect print speed.
  12. Locate Mirror Print.
  13. Leave Mirror Print disabled if mirroring is handled in DigiRIP.
  14. Enable Horizontal Mirror only if required.

Global Ink Setting and Spot Color

Watch this part7:08
  1. Locate Global Ink Setting.
  2. Enable Global Ink Setting only if increased ink density is required.
  3. Understand that doubling white ink significantly reduces print speed.
  4. Review print speed and time under Task Info when enabled.
  5. Disable Global Ink Setting to restore normal print speed.
  6. Locate Spot Color setting.
  7. Uncheck Enable for Spot Color.
  8. Click Save after disabling Spot Color.

Completion

Watch this part8:29
  1. Confirm all settings match recommended values.
  2. Save all changes.
  3. Exit the Settings tab.

2. How to Send Prints w/ NeoStampa

Sending a Print Job Using Neosta

  1. 0:00Preparing a New Print Job
  2. 0:52Importing and Adjusting Images
  3. 1:41Nesting Images
  4. 2:19Sending the Print Job
Written steps4

Preparing a New Print Job

Watch this part0:00
  1. Pin the Neosta software icon to the taskbar for quick access.
  2. Open Neosta.
  3. Click New Job.
  4. Select your printer.
  5. Select the desired print scheme.
  6. Click OK.

Importing and Adjusting Images

Watch this part0:52
  1. Click Add File.
  2. Import a single image or hold the Control key to import multiple images.
  3. Select an image that exceeds the print bounds.
  4. Use the resize controls to reduce the image size.
  5. Rotate the image if needed so it fits within the print bounds.
  6. Resize remaining images as required.
  7. To duplicate an image, select it.
  8. Click Copy.
  9. Click Paste.
  10. Repeat duplication as needed.

Nesting Images

Watch this part1:41
  1. Click the Nest icon.
  2. Set the minimal separation value to 0.25 in.
  3. Click OK.
  4. Allow Neosta to automatically align the images to reduce media waste.

Sending the Print Job

Watch this part2:19
  1. Click the Print icon at the top or bottom right.
  2. In the print dialog, confirm the connection is set to TCP/IP port.
  3. If TCP/IP is not selected, click Configure.
  4. Select TCP/IP port as the connection method.
  5. Leave file connection disabled unless saving the print file instead of sending it.
  6. Select the job processing method.
  7. Consider system RAM and performance when choosing the processing option.
  8. Leave the setting on Process and Send Simultaneously if system resources allow.
  9. Click Print to send the job.

3. How to Reduce Varnish

Reducing Varnish Output on Aries UV Printers Using DTF Station Pilot

  1. 0:00Overview of Varnish Reduction
  2. 0:31Method One: Reducing Varnish Using RIP Settings
  3. 1:13Method Two: Reducing Varnish Using Image Settings
  4. 1:54Method Comparison and Notes
Written steps4

Overview of Varnish Reduction

Watch this part0:00
  1. Understand that varnish is the clear top layer that creates a glossy finish.
  2. Note that reducing varnish will:
  3. Produce a thinner overall print.
  4. Reduce the gloss level on the final output.
  5. Choose one of two available methods in DTF Station Pilot to reduce varnish.

Method One: Reducing Varnish Using RIP Settings

Watch this part0:31
  1. Open DTF Station Pilot.
  2. Navigate to Spot Color.
  3. Check the box to Enable Spot Color.
  4. From the dropdown menu, select V for Varnish.
  5. Select RIP.
  6. Locate the Ink Amount setting.
  7. Reduce the percentage from 100% to the desired value.
  8. Use 50% as a reference starting point.
  9. Click Save.
  10. Click OK.
  11. Click the Save icon to apply changes.

Method Two: Reducing Varnish Using Image Settings

Watch this part1:13
  1. Open Spot Color in DTF Station Pilot.
  2. Select Image.
  3. Select Identical Ink.
  4. Locate the Ink Amount setting.
  5. Reduce the percentage to the desired value if not already adjusted.
  6. Click Save.
  7. Click OK.
  8. Click the Save icon to apply changes.

Method Comparison and Notes

Watch this part1:54
  1. Use the RIP method to reduce varnish through software-based image processing.
  2. Use the Image method to reduce varnish by controlling varnish nozzle output.
  3. Test both methods to determine which provides preferred results for your application.

4. How to Apply Finished Printed Transfer to a Surface

Applying UV DTF Transfers to a Mug

  1. 0:02Required Supplies
  2. 0:34Preparing the Mug
  3. 1:10Separating the Transfer Films
  4. 1:47Securing and Finishing the Transfer
Written steps6

Required Supplies

Watch this part0:02

What you need

  • Mug
  • UV DTF transfer
  • Squeegee or scraper
  • Mug holder jig
  • Blade
  • Isopropyl alcohol
  • Lint-free cloth
  • Anti-static spray (optional)

Preparing the Printed Transfer

  1. After printing is complete, press the Down button until the prints pass through the front heating roller.
  2. Turn off the printer’s takeup function.
  3. Use a blade to separate the printed transfers from the printer.

Preparing the Mug

Watch this part0:34
  1. Place the mug into the mug holder jig to keep it steady.
  2. Wipe the mug surface with isopropyl alcohol using a lint-free cloth to remove dust or debris.
  3. If working in a dry environment, lightly apply anti-static spray to reduce static cling.

Separating the Transfer Films

Watch this part1:10
  1. Peel away the bottom A film, which is the adhesive layer.
  2. Confirm the printed design remains on the B film, the laminating layer.
  3. If the design does not stay on the B film:
  4. Increase the UV varnish layer.
  5. Verify the heating roller properly sealed the transfer so the A and B films fused correctly.

Positioning the Transfer on the Mug

  1. Position the B film with the printed transfer onto the mug surface.
  2. Use a laser tool or paper guide if needed to mark alignment points.
  3. Depending on the transfer size, start application from the center or from an edge.
  4. Slowly press the transfer down to avoid air bubbles or misalignment.
  5. Take time during placement, as the transfer cannot be repositioned once adhered.

Securing and Finishing the Transfer

Watch this part1:47
  1. Use a squeegee or scraper to press firmly from the center outward.
  2. Ensure even adhesion across the entire transfer.
  3. Keep the corners of the B film slightly lifted to aid removal.
  4. Slowly peel off the B film starting from a corner.
  5. Inspect the final application for proper adhesion and alignment.

5. A Deep Dive into NeoStampa

Neosta Advanced Functions: Job Management, White Ink Control, Color Adjustment, and Color Matching

  1. 0:00Importing, Modifying, and Saving Image and Job Files
  2. 4:38Adjusting White Ink Amount and Choke
  3. 6:24Adjusting Image Colors
  4. 7:39Color Matching and Color Replacement
  5. 8:21Printing a Color Chart for Color Matching
Written steps5

Importing, Modifying, and Saving Image and Job Files

Watch this part0:00
  1. Click New Job.
  2. Select your printer and scheme.
  3. Import images using one of three methods:
  4. Click Add File and select an image.
  5. Drag and drop an image from the desktop.
  6. Click Open Job and select an image.
  7. Observe that each import method creates a new job tab.
  8. Select the first job tab.
  9. Resize images as needed.
  10. Make copies of images if required.
  11. Click Nesting.
  12. Set the margin to 0.25.
  13. Click File.
  14. Click Save.
  15. Save the job as a CPS file to the desktop.
  16. Close the job tab.
  17. Select the second job tab.
  18. Import a new image.
  19. Resize and rotate the image.
  20. Use Ctrl + C and Ctrl + V to copy and paste images.
  21. Click Nesting and adjust the margin.
  22. Click Print to save the job as a PRT file.
  23. Confirm the PRT file is saved to the desktop.
  24. Note that PRT files can only be opened in DTF Station Pilot.
  25. Doubleclick the CPS file to reopen it in Neosta.
  26. Verify images load correctly and can still be edited.
  27. Confirm the correct scheme is selected before reprinting.
  28. Click Print to generate a PRT file.
  29. Wait for PRT files to fully process before using them.
  30. Do not attempt to open PRT files in Neosta.

Adjusting White Ink Amount and Choke

Watch this part4:38
  1. Select an individual image.
  2. On the right side, click White Effect Layer.
  3. Under Method set to Flat, locate the Intensity percentage.
  4. Reduce the percentage if too much white ink is present.
  5. Click Save to update the setting.
  6. To adjust white ink globally, click the three-dot icon.
  7. Select the correct profile next to the five-color option.
  8. Click the White Ink icon.
  9. Increase the Intensity percentage if white ink is insufficient.
  10. Click OK.
  11. Locate the Choke setting.
  12. Rightclick the unit and change it to millimeters.
  13. Adjust the choke value to reduce white ink edge pickup.
  14. Use 1 mm as a reference starting point.
  15. Click OK.
  16. Click Save.
  17. Select Yes when prompted to apply changes to all images.

Adjusting Image Colors

Watch this part6:24
  1. Select an image.
  2. Click Color Adjustments on the upper right.
  3. Adjust Brightness.
  4. Adjust Contrast.
  5. Adjust Saturation.
  6. Preview the changes.
  7. Click Apply.
  8. Repeat for each image as needed.
  9. Click the three-dot icon.
  10. Select Advanced.
  11. Click Input Defaults.
  12. Enable color adjustments.
  13. Adjust values as desired.
  14. Click OK.
  15. Click Save.
  16. Select Yes to apply settings globally.

Color Matching and Color Replacement

Watch this part7:39
  1. Select the Color Replacement tool on the left.
  2. Click on the target color in the image.
  3. Review the existing RGB values.
  4. Adjust individual RGB values to correct color output.
  5. Click OK to apply the replacement.
  6. Confirm Neosta replaces the selected RGB values during output.
  7. Remove color replacement if it interferes with gradients.

Printing a Color Chart for Color Matching

Watch this part8:21
  1. Open the Color Replacement tool.
  2. Select the target color again.
  3. Click Variations.
  4. Adjust Deviation and Steps values as needed.
  5. Click OK to generate the color chart.
  6. Rotate the chart if necessary.
  7. Delete any unused images.
  8. Click Nesting.
  9. Click OK.
  10. Print the color chart.
  11. Identify the preferred RGB value.
  12. Adjust the original graphic color based on results.

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