What are the steps to do a test cut?

  • This FAQ shows you the procedures to perform a test cut by setting the cutter and sheet to the plotter. Be sure to confirm that the cut is accurate by performing a test cut before cutting the actual material. Follow the procedures below to perform a test cut.

Steps to take before test cutting


 

1. Adjust the blade protrusion
Please refer to the following video to confirm how to adjust the blade length.

Mimaki CG-AR Series Tool set up, plug-in the machine (0:00~1:45)

Key points for adjusting the blade length 

- The amount of blade extension should be around = (label film thickness + mounting paper thickness)/2 

- Reference value: 0.2 to 0.5mm 


Reference: Please check the types of blades in the video "Mimaki CG Series Introduction of 6 blade types".

2. Set up the tool
Please see the video below for how to adjust the blade length.

Mimaki CG-AR Series Tool set up, plug-in the machine(1:46~2:26)

 
3. Set the sheet
Please see the video below for how to set the sheet.
* In the video, the sheet is referred to as "media".

Mimaki CG-AR Series Media set and Test cut (0:00~1:35)

Key points for setting the sheet 

- To prevent the sheet from slipping, arrange the pinch rollers at as equal intervals as possible. 

- The pinch roller pressure (pressure to hold down the sheet) can be set to "high" or "low,"

   but be sure to set the rollers at both ends to "high". If the pressure of the rollers at both ends is different, it can cause the sheet to slip. 

- If you want to reduce the marks left by the roller in the center of the sheet, set the middle

  roller to "low" or lift it up (however, this may cause the sheet to slip). 

 


- How to change the pinch roller pressure


- How to lift up the middle pinch roller
* Be sure to tilt the clamp lever backwards and lift the pinch roller before performing this operation.


Reference: Please refer to the Operation Manual for the settable sheet width and the cutting range (effective cutting area).

4. Test cut
Please see the video below for how to set the tool conditions (speed, pressure, offset) and test cutting method.

Mimaki CG-AR Series Media set and Test cut (1:36~End)

Key points for test cutting 

- The right amount of pressure is when the blade leaves an indentation on the mounting paper after peeling off a test cut.  
   Reference of cutting pressure 

 
PVC sheet  50 [g] ~
Film type  30 [g] ~

 * If the test cut cannot be removed or there are no blade marks on the mounting paper,

     increase the pressure by 5g at a time and try again. 

Reference:
- Please refer to the FAQ section "How do I verify whether the test cut is being property executed?" for instructions on how to confirm the test cutting result.
- The recommended speed, pressure, and offset settings for each type of blade can be found in the video "Mimaki CG Series Introduction of 6 blade types".

This concludes the preparation of the plotter before test cutting.
Please proceed to cut the data using cutting software such as FineCut.


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