Large Format Printer Introduction
This page is INCOMPLETE and still missing some important information before it can be used as a resource. Please use the "Discussion" feature above or talk to one of the tutors if you would like to help improve it. Thanks!
This is the content required for an introduction to our Large Format Printer - reading this does NOT replace the mandatory session with a tutor! It will make it a lot quicker though ;-)
If you are ready for this introduction, please reach out to the following tutors:
Let's begin! First off, make sure you have read the machine's wiki page and manual (German and English language manuals are linked on the machine's wiki page).
Safety
Personal protection: No specific personal protection equipment needed
| Dangers | Precautions |
|---|---|
 |
DO NOT change or touch the lightbulb |
 The printer has a built-in cutter knife to automatically cut roll paper after the print is finished. |
DO NOT open the printer door whilst the printer is printing and for about 1 min after the print is finished.
Note: the cutting option can be disabled to prevent the print from falling onto the floor and to allow for manual cutting. |
Suggested Reading
For the EPSON Stylus Pro 7800:
- The manual's paper handling pages are a must-read, really: p56 for roll paper and p64 for cut sheets
- load roll paper: p58-61
- remove roll paper: p62
- load sheet paper: p65
- load small cut sheet paper: p66
- load posterboard or any media thicker than 0.5 mm: p67-70
Demonstration
The tutor will show you these steps in detail:
- how to access the manual and especially the instructions for handling paper
- structure and content of the Large Format Printer wiki page
- explain paper types
- only use paper suitable for pigment inks
- never use paper for solvent-/alcohol-based inks (e.g. PVC); ink will not dry and can cause damage to the printer
- adjust drying time (may be necessary for certain media)
- depending on paper type, the printer's built-in cutter may introduce paper dust inside the printer or blunt the cutter knife turn off the cutter function if you're using: fine art paper, vinyl, matte board or any other heavyweight paper
- explain paper weight
- maximum paper weight so not to damage the printer and cutting knife
- suction level may need to be adjusted for heavy and lightweight papers
- things that can damage the printer:
- NEVER manually move the printer head
- NEVER manually move the cutter knife
- NEVER pull the power plug whilst the printer is still turned on
- do not remove, change or replace inks yourself (contact a manager) – this can damage the ink cartridge seal, introduce air and cause nozzle damage
- always operate the printer via its interface
- practical demonstration
- how to insert sheet paper
- how to insert roll paper
- use the correct paper setting ("sheet", "roll" or "roll + scissors")
- practical demonstration and software workflow (Photoshop Elements) with roll paper:
- create a canvas size of 60 cm (full roll width) and the intended length (so not to waste paper)
- disable printer cutter function
- explain print dialogue options
- paper media type and size
- colour and quality settings
- colour profile as suggested by paper manufacturer
- do a small test print in vertical format (= more space for final print in the next step)
- manually rewind paper
- position final print to a blank area on the paper (move horizontally)
- cut print manually with scissors (= less paper dust inside the printer)
- clean up after usage
- cover printer again to protect it from getting dusty
