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Home > Project workspace > Plotter and Laser instructions
Plotter and Laser Instructions

Plotters
Only print on the expensive, glossy, photo paper for final presentation materials (not drafts). If you need help changing the paper please ask for assistance. There are two plotters in the lab, the Z3200ps and the DJ500ps.

If you have questions or need help printing, be sure to ask 2009ta or 2009admin.

Z3200ps Photo Plotter
The Z3200ps Photo Plotter in 3-061 Conference Room is the newer of the two plotters.  This plotter can print on rolls of paper up to 44 inches wide.  Please check what type of paper is in the plotter before using it and only use the expensive photo paper for special jobs. Also be sure that you have the most appropriate width of roll in the plotter. The worst thing to do is print something wider than the paper.

While it is possible to print within the program you are using to view/edit the document, you might spend hours getting your print right. The easiest and most straight-forward way to do this is through HP’s Embedded Web Server. (note: this server skips the printer driver and talks directly to the printer, so you can use this to print from any computer).

The user manual for the plotter is extremely useful.

Printing from within a program

  • Make sure that the document size is set to what you want. (For example, in Photoshop, go to Image, then Image Size… Change the unit in document size to inches. The width and height of the actual document will be displayed.)
  • You can print from Photoshop, Adobe Reader, or Preview
  • Select HP Designjet Z3200ps (New Plotter) as the printer.
  • Click Properties
  • If document size is not correct, add a custom size that matches your document size and save it.
  • Select your saved document size and preview to ensure that it is correct
  • Make sure that your document is in the correct orientation (portrait vs. landscape)
  • Make sure that the document size fits on the selected paper size.
  • Print.  Please ask if you are unsure about using the plotter.

Note: if the plot is in the wrong orientation, the easiest way to fix this is to use the rotate by 90 degrees radio button to change the orientation.

Printing using the Embedded Web Server
When using the Embedded Web Server, your file should be in a JPG, PDF, TIFF, or PNG format.

To access the server, type this address into your web browser: http://18.80.1.169

  • Click on Submit Job on the left panel
  • Add your file
  • Expand Job Settings to select your print options
    • Expand Basic Settings -> Hold for Preview -> Click on the word “Default” to open a drop down menu. Change setting to Yes
    • Expand Advanced Settings
      • Paper-> Paper Size -> Click on the word “Standard” and change to Custom -> Set dimensions to match the dimensions of your file
        • Note: Paper size should be the same size or slightly larger (to account or margins) than your document.
      • Check the width of the paper roll currently in the plotter (mostly likely will be 24 in. or 44 in.)
      • If your file’s width is significantly less than the width of the paper and its length is less than the width of the paper, rotate the file to save paper
        • Roll Options -> Rotate -> Click on “Default” and select option (most likely: 90 degrees)
        • When you rotate your image, do you not need to change the paper size (ie., The paper size should reflect the original size and orientation of the file)
    • These options are the most useful, although you can always play around with Resizing, Quality (for fast prints), etc.
    • When you are done setting your preferences click Print.
      •  Note: Your job will not start printing immediately, you need to first preview it and then tell the printer to continue the printing process
  • Click on Job Queue in the left column
  • Locate your file in the queue and wait until its status changes from “Processing” to “On Hold” and a magnifying glass appears under the Preview column. It it seems to be taking a really long time, click on the “Refresh” button at the top of the queue.
  • Click on the magnifying class to view the print preview
    • If it doesn’t look right, Cancel your job and set it up again
    • If it looks exactly how you want it to print, click Continue and your file will start printing
    • Note: If you are 100% sure your print layout and set-up and don’t need to view a preview, you select “No” for “Hold for Preview”, and your file will print immediately after you click the “Print” button
  • Other things to remember:
    • Make sure that the document size is set to what you want. (For example, in Photoshop, go to Image, then Image Size… Change the unit in document size to inches. The width and height of the actual document will be displayed.)
    • Select HP Designjet Z3200ps (New Plotter) as the printer.
    • Make sure that your document is in the correct orientation (portrait vs. landscape)
    • Make sure that the document size fits on the selected paper size.
    • Make sure the resolution you are printing at is appropriate for you image. If the resolution it unnecessarily high, your print may take a very long time to finish.

HPDJ500 plotter
The HPDJ500 plotter in the Pappalardo lab is the older of the two plotters and is located in the north conference rooms. It can print rolls up to 42 inches wide. Please check what type of paper is in the plotter before using it and only use the expensive photo paper for special jobs. Also be sure that you have the most appropriate width of roll in the plotter. The worst thing to do is print something wider than the paper.

  • Make sure that the document size is set to what you want. (For example, in Photoshop, go to Image, then Image Size… Change the unit in document size to inches. The width and height of the actual document will be displayed.)
  • Select HP DJ 500 42 (plotter) as the printer.
  • Click on Properties...
  • Make sure that Paper is set to Roll and 42 inch roll. (This should already be set as default). You can set the paper size to match your document size and then choose the scale to fit option. Under the scale option you will again need to set the paper size. Although bizarre, this seems to be the most reliable way to obtain a plot of the correct size.
  • Set preferred Quality and Orientation.
  • Print.

 

Laser
There is a small 20W epilog laser in the Pappalardo lab.

Tips Before Use

  • If you have never used this laser cutter before or if you need help, please ask the staff for assistance.
  • Never leave the laser cutter running unattended. Fires are always a possibility.
  • Never touch the optics.  If you notice that the optics is dirty please notify the TAs.  The lens is normally orange/yellow in hue.
  • Never cut PolyCarbonate (Lexan) or PVC (vinyl) as they release poisonous gasses.
  • Acrylic (PMMA, Plexiglass) and ABS are good plastics to cut with the laser.  Plywood is hard to cut as it has many layers of glue.
  • If you see smoke or fire hit “STOP” immediately and notify the staff.
  • If the laser did not cut through the first time, try not to move the material and run the job again with a slower speed setting.
  • Try to save material by putting parts close together on a sheet and salvaging material that has usable space

Getting Started

  • Turn on the laser cutter with the air compressor.  These should be connected to the same power strip and should go on together.  The air compressor is on the floor next to the laser cutter and keeps the material from overheating and catching on fire while cutting.
  • Make sure the vent is open.  This is the duct behind the laser cutter that draws away the fumes.

Creating a Job

  • Open CorelDRAW on the computer.
  • Create a new document.
  • Set “paper” size to 24” width by 12” height  (this corresponds to the laser cutter bed size).
  • Import a line drawing or create a drawing in Corel .
  • To cut through the material, the lines must be vector and “hairline.” Select all of the lines and change the pen thickness to “hairline” (Double click the pen icon on the bottom right corner of the screen).  You can also Raster drawings with the laser which cuts partially through the material.  See manual for more details.

Print Settings

  • Go to Print Setup and select Legend Engraver Win32.
  • Click Properties.
  • Change the Job Type to “Vector” for all through cuts.
  • Edit Piece Size to 24” by 12” to match the paper size.
  • In “Vector” settings, set power and speed according to your material.  For 1/8” Acrylic (Plexiglass, PMMA) use 25 Speed and 100 Power to cut through cleanly. Lower speed for thicker materials and raise the speed for thinner material and for paper products.
  • In “Options” turn on AutoFocus

Loading Material

  • If your material is thicker than 1/8”, before putting the material into the laser cutter, lower the bed of the laser by clicking “Focus” on the machine and turning the knob until the bed is low enough to support the material thickness.  Click “Reset” when the bed is appropriately lowered.
  • Put your material into the bed of the laser cutter and use the raised mesh bed when possible (material smaller than 24”x12”).

Cutting and Finishing

  • Click print on the computer and it will send the file to the laser cutter.
  • On the laser cutter, go to “Jobs” and click “enter.”
  • Select your job (newest jobs go to the top of the list).
  • Click “Run” to start the job.
  • When finished wait 30 seconds before opening the lid so the fumes can evacuate properly.  
  • Remove your part and your scrap
  • Turn off laser cutter and compressor simultaneously with the power strip button.