Aries 213
Aries 213 - Print Head Calibration
Written out step by step, with the videos alongside.
User manualThe full manual, beyond first setup. · All manuals
1. Step Calibration
TITLEPrint Head Calibration Overview and Step Calibration Procedure (DTF Station Pilot)
SECTION00:00:02 Calibration Overview and Requirements INSTRUCTION STEPS1) Confirm the printer is fully set up before starting calibration.2) Identify the need for calibration if prints appear blurry, fuzzy, show poor image quality, or banding.3) Understand that proper calibration includes step, channel, and bidirectional settings.4) Prepare a magnifying glass or handheld microscope for the most accurate calibration.5) If unavailable, use a cell phone camera for step, channel, and bidirectional calibration.6) Note that a microscope or magnifying glass is highly recommended for channel calibration.7) Follow along with the video during calibration, as the process can be tricky. SECTION00:01:00 Bypass Cover Sensor INSTRUCTION STEPS1) Locate the cover sensor on the printer.2) Place a magnet or piece of metal on the sensor as shown to bypass it.3) Confirm the printer can print with the cover open. CHECKLIST- This bypass is for calibration purposes only.- Close the cover during normal operation for safety.- A head carriage lock may be used as an alternative. SECTION00:01:00 Set Print Start Position and Run Nozzle Check INSTRUCTION STEPS1) Open the DTF Station Pilot program.2) Set the print start position to 100 mm.3) Click Save.4) Run a nozzle check.5) If the printer has been idle for more than 20 minutes, perform two head cleanings.6) Run the nozzle check again after cleaning.7) Navigate to the Calibration tab once nozzle check results are acceptable. CHECKLIST- Nozzle check should show patterns similar to or better than the example shown.- If coverage is below 90%, perform additional ink fills and head cleanings.- Contact DTF Station tech support if adequate coverage cannot be achieved. SECTION00:02:00 Step Calibration Overview INSTRUCTION STEPS1) Understand that step calibration ensures proper film advancement.2) Note that poor step calibration can cause banding or misaligned prints. SECTION00:02:00 Perform Step Calibration Test Print INSTRUCTION STEPS1) In the Pilot program, open the Calibration tab.2) Select the Step Calibration subtab.3) Click Test Print.4) If needed, turn off the vacuum on the print bed.5) Insert a white piece of paper under the UV DTF film for better visibility.6) Observe the printed horizontal black lines from the left and right sides.7) Review the numbers under the lines ranging from -5 to +5. SECTION00:02:38 Determine and Apply Step Value INSTRUCTION STEPS1) Identify the number where both lines overlap into one solid black line.2) Note that the ideal overlap should occur at zero.3) If the best overlap is not at zero, record the value that shows the best overlap.4) Remove the paper and turn the vacuum back on.5) Enter the recorded value into the software.6) Click Apply.7) Click Test Print again.8) Turn off the vacuum and place the white paper under the film again.9) Confirm the best overlap now aligns at zero.10) Click Save once confirmed. CHECKLIST- Example shown: - Best overlap found at -5. - Value entered: -5. - Final confirmation shows overlap at zero.- Always remove the paper and turn the vacuum back on after testing. SECTION00:03:23 Troubleshooting and Next Steps CHECKLIST- If calibration values continue to change, inspect: - Vacuum intensity on the printer bed - Film condition - Pinch rollers - Media tension- Contact DTF Station tech support for troubleshooting assistance.- Proceed to the next video for channel calibration.
2. Color Calibration
TITLEChannel Calibration Procedure (DTF Station Pilot)
SECTION00:00:02 Channel Calibration Overview and Preparation INSTRUCTION STEPS1) Understand that channel calibration ensures consistent, sharp colors and reduces print fuzziness.2) Use a magnifying glass or microscope for this process.3) If magnification tools are not available, leave all channel values at zero to avoid errors.4) Pause the video as needed to follow each step carefully.5) Note that channel calibration aligns all color nozzles horizontally.6) Ensure the varnish channel is also aligned with color channels for easy peeling and durable transfers. SECTION00:00:37 Start Left Direction Channel Calibration INSTRUCTION STEPS1) Click Calibration in the Pilot software.2) Select Channel Calibration.3) Click the Calibration button under the Left Direction tab.4) Allow the printer to print alignment bars.5) After printing, place a white sheet of paper under the printer bed for better visibility. SECTION00:01:11 Understanding the Alignment Bars INSTRUCTION STEPS1) Observe that eight channels are printed.2) Note that each channel contains five nozzle bars.3) Review both left and right sides of each channel.4) Identify whether the zero bar is aligned or doubled.5) Determine which bar shows the cleanest, most accurate overlap. CHECKLIST- Goal is for all channels to align at zero after calibration.- If zero is not the best alignment, select the bar that looks best. SECTION00:01:46 Determine Optimal Channel Values (Left Direction) CHECKLIST- Channel 1: Best alignment at -1- Channel 2: Best alignment at -2- Channel 3: Base channel, must remain at 0- Channel 4: Best alignment at -1- Channel 5: Best alignment at 0- Channel 6: Best alignment at -1- Channel 7: Best alignment at 0- Channel 8: Best alignment at 0 SECTION00:02:21 Enter Left Direction Values (H01) INSTRUCTION STEPS1) Remove the white paper from under the printer bed.2) Turn the vacuum back on.3) Return to the Pilot software.4) Locate the row labeled H01.5) Enter the determined values for each channel.6) Since Pilot starts all values at zero, input the values directly: - CH1: -1 - CH2: -2 - CH4: -1 - CH6: -17) Leave all other channels at zero.8) Save the settings.9) Run the channel calibration again to verify alignment. SECTION00:03:09 Right Direction Channel Calibration INSTRUCTION STEPS1) Click the Right Direction tab.2) Click Calibration.3) Review the printed alignment bars.4) Identify any channels that do not align best at zero. CHECKLIST- Example result: - Channel 2 aligned best at -1 - All other channels aligned at 0 SECTION00:03:09 Enter Right Direction Values and Verify INSTRUCTION STEPS1) Enter -1 for Channel 2 under right direction.2) Save the setting.3) Run another test print.4) Confirm all channels now align at zero. CHECKLIST- After every value change, a test print must be run.- Repeat adjustments until alignment is correct.
3. Bi-Directional Calibration
TITLEBidirectional Calibration Procedure (DTF Station Pilot)
SECTION00:00:02 Bidirectional Calibration Overview INSTRUCTION STEPS1) Confirm all previous calibrations have been completed.2) Understand that bidirectional calibration is the final calibration step.3) Identify symptoms of poor calibration such as blurry prints or a doubling effect.4) Note that prior calibrations were unidirectional.5) Understand that bidirectional calibration combines left and right unidirectional patterns to improve print speed while maintaining accuracy.6) Perform this calibration periodically, especially when film thickness changes or when environmental factors change, such as a print head replacement. SECTION00:00:34 Generate Bidirectional Test Print INSTRUCTION STEPS1) Navigate to the Calibration menu in the Pilot software.2) Select the Bidirectional Calibration tab.3) Tap Test Print to generate the calibration pattern.4) Observe the printed pattern: - Dark black bar at the top - Dark black bar at the bottom - Lighter black bar in the center SECTION00:01:06 Identify Optimal Overlap INSTRUCTION STEPS1) Examine the printed bars closely.2) Identify the bar where the dark and light patterns overlap perfectly.3) Confirm the goal is to have the best overlap align at bar zero after adjustment.4) In this example, the best overlap is at +4. SECTION00:01:06 Calculate and Apply Calibration Value INSTRUCTION STEPS1) Return to the Pilot software.2) Locate the current value displayed next to the print test.3) Add the identified overlap value to the current setting.4) In this example: - Current value: 14 - Adjustment: +4 - New value: 185) Enter the new value into the field.6) Click Save.7) Advance the film by pressing the down arrow icon on the control panel.8) Tap Test Print again. SECTION00:01:49 Verification and Completion INSTRUCTION STEPS1) Review the new test print.2) Confirm that bar zero is now the best overlap.3) If zero is not the best overlap, repeat the calibration steps.4) Complete calibration once zero is confirmed.
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