FCX2000 SERIES

CUTTING PLOTTER

SETUP MANUAL

MANUAL NO. FCX2000-UM-8M2

Preface

Thank you for choosing this product. Carefully keep this manual in a handy location for quick reference as necessity prior to use to ensure safe and correct use and also to thoroughly understand the functions and operate them effectively.

Prior to use

Be sure to read the attached "TO ENSURE SAFE AND CORRECT USE" prior to use. Otherwise, it may cause an unexpected accident or fire.

Notes on this Manual

1. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of Graphtec Corporation.
2. The product specifications and other information in this manual are subject to change without notice.
3. While every effort has been made to provide complete and accurate information, please contact your sales representative or nearest Graphtec vendor if you find any unclear or erroneous information or wish to make other comments or suggestions.
4. Notwithstanding the stipulations in the preceding paragraph, Graphtec Corporation assumes no liability for damages resulting from either the use of the information contained herein or the use of the product.

Registered Trademarks

All names of companies, brands, logotypes, and products appearing in this manual are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Copyright

This User's Manual is copyrighted by Graphtec Corporation.

Roles of each manual

• Setup Manual (this manual) .......Read it to understand displaying method for FCX2000 User's Manual, method for

connecting this Cutting Plotter with the PC, installing method for driver software, and to prepare for the operation.

• User's Manual (PDF data) ..........Read it to thoroughly understand the functions of FCX2000.

indicates reference page in this Setup Manual.

Before starting the Setup

Make the following preparations before starting Setup.

• Check that all of the items included in the package. (Please see in the FCX2000 User's Manual (PDF).)

For the Parts Names, please see in the FCX2000 User's Manual (PDF).

• Assemble the stand and then install the FCX2000. See the instruction manual supplied with the stand for the assembling
• To use the Cutting Master 4, previously install the design application (Adobe Illustrator or CorelDraw ) that is used.

For the latest supported version, please visit our website.

• When there are virus detection program or system resident program, terminate them beforehand.
• Upon installation, be sure to log in Windows/Macintosh using an account with administrator privileges on your computer.

Setup flow

Setting up the Plotter main unit

1. Attaching a Tool

The cutter blade can replaced depending on the material or thickness of the media.

2. Loading the Media

Set up the media in the Plotter.

3. About the Initial Setup screen

Select "Display Language" and "Length Unit".

4. Tool adjustment and test cutting

Adjust the tip length of the cutter blade and force (pressure to cut) depending on the material or thickness of the media. By cutting to test the set media, it can be adjusted to the optimal condition.

Installing the Software

• Setup in a Windows operating environment

For each software of FCX2000, install them using the Installer stored in the attached DVD-ROM.

The FCX2000 Driver software controls the Plotter and makes plotting according to the data created by the PC.

Turn on the power source of Plotter in the middle of installing, and connect the USB cable.

2. Setup the Graphtec Pro Studio

Software enabling cutting data to be created through simple commands. Create designs and edit characters/shapes using this software.

3. Setup the Cutting Master 4

Plug-in driver that enables simple cutting through direct operation from within Adobe Illustrator and CorelDRAW.

4. Install the User's Manual

Install the FCX2000 User's Manual.

Launching the Start menu

1. Install FCX2000 Software

Installing the FCX2000 Driver (Cutting Plotter Driver)

• To connect using the USB

Install the software as necessity.

• Setup in a Macintosh operating environment

1. Setup the Cutting Master 4

Plug-in driver that enables simple cutting through direct operation from within Adobe Illustrator.

2. Setup the Graphtec Studio

Software enabling cutting data to be created through simple commands. Create designs and edit characters/shapes using this software.

Setting up the Plotter main unit

1 Attaching a Tool

Attach a tool to the plotter.

Attaching a Tool

When attaching the tool in the tool holder, please note the following.

• Push the tool all the way into the holder until its flange contacts the upper part of the holder and then tighten the screw firmly.
• To prevent injury, avoid absolutely touching the tool immediately after the cutting plotter is turned on or whenever the tool is moving.

For details, see “Attaching a Tool” in the FCX2000 User’s Manual.

It is explained here using cutter plunger as an example.

CAUTION

When pushing up the tool holder with your fingers, the blade tip may be protruding. Take care not to cut your fingers.

1 Loosen the tool holder screw.

Bracket to hold tool

2 While pushing up the tool holder, push until its flange completely touches

the upper part of the holder.

Bracket to hold tool

CAUTION

When pushing up the tool holder with your fingers, the blade tip may be protruding. Take care not to cut your fingers.

3 Make sure that the tool bracket is engaged on the tool's flange, and then tighten the screw.

Bracket to hold tool

Removing the tool

When removing the tool, turn it counterclockwise to remove the tool.

2 Loading the Media

• This plotter is available with a vacuum suction writing panel, a electrostatic writing panel, or an magnetic writing panel.

Note that the media is loaded differently depending on the media hold-down method.

• There are media that cannot be held down by any method. Please test before use.
• Antistatic-treated media cannot be held down in electrostatic writing panel.
• If air gets in between the writing panel and the media during loading, force out the air and ensure that the media is securely attached to the writing panel before cutting.
• When cutting a media that doesn’t come with a backing sheet on the electrostatic writing panel/magnetic writing panel, spread a vinyl backing sheet or something similar on the panel before cutting. Replacement of damaged lighting panel is available for a fee.
• When loading a media that cannot be securely attached using the normal hold-down method, reinforce adhesion by using tape on all four sides.
• When using the electrostatic writing panel, do not use a spray glue and a spray glue remover directly on the writing panel.
• When the media is changed to a different type, we recommend that you perform the registration mark sensor sensitivity adjustment. (See “Setting the Registration Mark Detection Judgment Level” in the User's Manual (PDF).)

Vacuum suction

1. Place the media on the writing panel.
2. Turn on the blower's power supply.

• The blower is not supplied as a standard accessory. It must be purchased separately.

Electrostatic adhesion

1. Make sure that the [CHART HOLD] key is turned off.
2. Place the media on the writing panel.
3. Press the [CHART HOLD] key (to hold-down the media) next to the control panel.
4. The green [CHART HOLD] key lamp (to hold-down the media) lights to indicate that the media is being held by electrostatic adhesion.

Press the [CHART HOLD] key (to hold-down the media) again to release the electrostatic adhesion. The green lamp will no longer be lit.

It may take some time to be able to hold-down the media by pressing the [CHART HOLD] key (to hold-down the media) depending on operating environment.

After the media has been held for a while by electrostatic adhesion, it may become charged with static electricity and therefore be harder to remove from the writing panel. There is nothing abnormal about this phenomenon.

Magnetic

1. Place the media on the writing panel.
2. Secure the edges of the media with the sheet holder plates which are supplied with your plotter as standard accessories.

3 About the Initial Setup screen

The Initial Setup Screen appears only when powering up the machine for the first time after purchase. Here, you can set the display language and length unit. You can also enter the menu select from the READY status after a setup. (See “Display Language Settings (Language)” and “Display Length Unit Settings (Length Unit)” in the User’s Manual (PDF).) See “Connecting to the Power Supply” in the User’s Manual (PDF) for turning on the power.

1 Once the machine is powered on (" | " side) a message will be displayed after the version will be displayed.

Here, DISPLAY LANGUAGE setting screen is displayed.

2 Use the POSITION (

) keys to select the language. (This manual assumes you chose the English language setting.)

3 Press the [ENTER] key.

After the DISPLAY LANGUAGE is selected, the LENGTH UNIT screen will appear.

4 Press the [1] key (METRIC) or the [2] key (INCH) to select the length unit setting. 5 Confirm the setting and press the [ENTER] key.

Setting will be set, and it will return to default screen.

4 Tool adjustment and test cutting

After setting the Tool/Speed/Force/Acceleration, make test cutting, and repeat until optimal condition is achieved.

1 Load the media for test cutting in the plotter. 2 Press the [COND/TEST] key in the default screen.

CAUTION

Do not touch the Tool tip when power is turned on or during operation.

CONDITION setting screen (1/4) is displayed.

3 Set the Tool conditions (Tool, Speed, Force, Acceleration).

Setting the Tool conditions

See “Selecting Tool Condition” in the User’s Manual (PDF) for more information on how to set the various cutting conditions.

To make 1 cut with set value

To make 3 cuts with set value and ±1 of set value

4 Make test cutting for one piece while Tool conditions are

4 Make test cutting for three pieces while Tool conditions

(1) Press the POSITION ( ) key (CUT TEST).

(1) Press the POSITION ( ) key (CUT TEST).

CUT TEST screen is displayed.

(2) Press the POSITION ( ) keys to move the tool carriage to the location you wish to perform the test cutting.

(2) Press the POSITION ( ) keys to move the tool carriage to the location you wish to perform the test cutting.

(3) Press the [1] key (FORCE).

3 cutting test patterns are cut, with current FORCE in the center, and 1 each of FORCE increased and decreased for 1.

Setting values

4. Press the [ENTER] key after completion. It will return to CUT TEST menu screen.

Press the [ENTER] key.

1 cut test pattern is cut.

5. Press the [2] key (CUTTER OFFSET). 3 cutting test patterns are cut, with current CUTTER OFFSET in the center, and 1 each of CUTTER OFFSET increased and decreased for 1.

CAUTION

When the [ENTER] key is pressed, the tool carriage will start moving, so take care not to cut your fingers.

6. Press the [ENTER] key after completion. It will return to CUT TEST menu screen.

5 Check if the cut test is appropriate.

Confirm the cutting test results, and adjust to optimal setting. Repeat cutting test and adjustment until optimal cut is achieved.

Adjustment of Offset

Check the corners of the triangles and rectangles. See "Setting the Tool Condition" in the User’s Manual (PDF) and adjust the offset value if the corner is not cut or if it is cut too much.

Adjustment for Half Cutting

Peel off the triangle area, and adjust so it cuts slightly into the backing sheet.

If the backing sheet has been cut through, either the FORCE setting is too high or the cutter-blade tip is extended too far. If the backing sheet shows only a few traces of the cutter blade, either the FORCE setting is too low or the cutter blade tip is not sufficiently extended.

See “Adjusting the Blade Length” and “Setting the Force” in the User’s Manual (PDF) and adjust the settings.

Adjustment for Cutting Out

Adjust so the media is completely cut out.

If the media is not completely cut, either the FORCE setting is too low or the cutter blade tip is not sufficiently

See “Adjusting the Blade Length” and “Setting the Force” in the User’s Manual (PDF) and adjust the settings.

Adjustment When Using Plotting Pen

Adjust the FORCE so there will be no faint lines. To prolong the pen life, set the FORCE to the lowest setting without any faint lines. See "Setting the Force" for the FORCE setting and adjust the settings.

How to check offset

Check if the offset value is set correctly by following.

Not enough adjustment. Increase the offset value.

Too much adjustment. Decrease the offset value.

Installing the Software

Install the software stored in the attached DVD-ROM into the PC that is used.

This section explains how to install the software when using a Windows 10 (64-bit) operating environment.

• Upon installation, be sure to log in Windows using an account with administrator privileges on your computer.

If you have logged on using a standard user account, an "User Account Control" screen asking you to enter the administrator account password may appear.

• Supported OS

This software supports the following OS environments: Windows 10 (32-bit/64-bit), Windows 8.1 (32-bit/64-bit), Windows 8 (32-bit/64-bit ), Windows 7 (32-bit/64-bit ) (Plotter driver also supports Windows Vista.)

Mac OS X 10.11 to 10.7 (Graphtec Studio also supports Mac OSX 10.6.)

• When Using Macintosh

Macintosh operating environments are supported by the following software. Proceed with installation in accordance with your operating environment.

: Software application that enables cutting data to be created through simple commands.

• Cutting Master 4 : Plug-in driver that can be directly operated from within Adobe Illustrator.

Note that Adobe Illustrator must be installed on your computer prior to use.

When checking the manual in the Macintosh operating environment, open the pertinent manual on the accompanying DVD-ROM in the following sequence: [Manuals] > [English] > [Manual According to Software].

Setup in a Windows operating environment

Launching the Start Menu

After starting up Windows, insert the [USER GUIDE & SOFTWARE DVD] supplied with the FCX2000 into your computer's DVD drive.

The below screen will appear before the Start Menu launches.

Continue with installation in accordance with the following procedures.

1 The start-up message of DVD drive is displayed. Click on the message.

• When setting up the DVD in the computer, this message will disappear after a few seconds.

2 DVD operation screen is displayed.

Select the “Run MultiSetup.exe” from the DVD operation screen.

• If the DVD operation screen is not displayed, select the set DVD drive from the Explorer.

Then, select the “MultiSetup.exe” in the DVD and double-click on it.

3 The [User Account Control] screen is displayed.

Click on [Yes] if you have logged in using an administrator account.

If you have logged in using a standard user account, an "User Account Control" screen asking you to enter the administrator account password may appear. Enter the password, and then click on [Yes].

4 The [Start] screen will appear.

Use this menu to install the software you require to use the FCX2000.

First-time users should proceed with installation by clicking on [Install FCX2000 Software].

Proceed with installation according to your operating environment.

1. Install FCX2000 Software:

Install the [Plotter Driver].

2. Setup Graphtec Pro Studio:

"Software enabling cutting data to be created through simple commands. Create designs and edit characters/shapes using this software."

3. Setup Cutting Master 4:

Plug-in driver that enables simple cutting through direct operation from within Adobe Illustrator and CorelDRAW. Adobe Illustrator or CorelDRAW must be installed on your computer prior to use.

4. Install User's Manual:

Installs the FCX2000 User's Manual.

1. Install FCX2000 Software

If you are using the FCX2000 for the first time, click on [Install FCX2000 Software] to install the device.

FILE

: Selected to save outputted data (plot data) to a file. Standard TCP/IP Port : Connect using a LAN cable.

This operation will install the [Plotter Driver].

Supplement (When selecting the COM1)

Do not connect the accompanying USB cable yet. Doing so may prevent the [Plotter Driver] from being installed properly. Refer to the procedures in this User's Manual when connecting the USB cable.

To select "COM1" in "Selecting Port Name", do the installation according to the message.

(For more information about connecting the RS-232C cable, see "Connecting the computer" in User's Manual (PDF).)

Supplement (When selecting the Standard TCP/IP Port)

When selecting the "Standard TCP/IP Port" in the "Select port name", install it according to the message.

Installing the [Plotter Driver]

Connect the network cable after installing it. (See “Connecting to the Computer” in the User’s Manual (PDF) for more information on how to connect the network cable.)

1 Click on [Install FCX2000 Software].

After a while, the "Setup" screen of "Graphtec FCX2000 driver" will be displayed.

IP address depends on the network environment. Please consult your network administrator. See "Setting the Interface" in the User’s Manual (PDF) for more information on how to check the IP address of this device.

5 The "Windows Security" screen will appear momentarily.

Click on [Install] to install the [Plotter Driver].

2 Next, check to make sure the FCX2000 is not connected

to your computer, then click on [Next].

6 Next, the "Graphtec FCX2000 driver installation

completed" screen will appear.

Click on [OK] to reboot your computer.

3 Click on [Next] again.

This concludes the installation of the [Plotter Driver].

4 Select the [Port Name] to be used.

After rebooting your computer, follow the below procedures to connect the USB cable.

Clicking on [Next] will begin the driver installation process. USB : Selected when a USB cable is used for connection. COM1 : Selected when an RS-232C (serial) cable is used for connection.

Connecting the USB Cable

3. Connect the USB cable.

7 First, make sure that Windows 10 has been launched

1. Connect to your computer.

Next, ensure that the FCX2000 is turned off and then connect the USB cable supplied with the FCX2000 to your computer.

1. Ensure that the Plotter's power is turned off ("
2. Connect to the Cutting Plotter.

8 Turn on the FCX2000 unit.

2. Connect the power cable.

9 Installation of the device starts.

After a while, the printer icon of FCX2000 will be added in the "Devices and Printers" screen.

• To display the "Devices and Printers" screen, display the "Control Panel" screen from the Start menu and then click on the [Devices and Printers] in the [Hardware and Sound].

This concludes the installation of the driver software.

Next, please install the software applications.

Install the software in accordance with your operating environment.

2. Setup Graphtec Pro Studio

2 The following screen will be displayed

Graphtec Pro Studio is the application software that enables you to create and edit text and graphics.

You can change the display language by selecting the language at the bottom of the screen.

Installing "Graphtec Pro Studio"

• The computer to be installed must be connected to the Internet.
• Email address for the account registration is required.

1 Start the browser from the computer, enter "www.

saicloud.com" in the address bar, and then press [Enter] key.

3 Enter the activation code of Graphtec Pro Studio in the

7 Enter the necessary information. The “*” indicates the

Click on the [Activation] after entering it.

Click on the [Create Account] after entering them.

4 Select the “I am new to the SAi Cloud”.

Enter the Email address for the product registration.

Click on the [Create Account] after entering it.

8 Click on the [I Accept the Terms and Conditions].

• When you already acquired the SAi account, select the “Account has been registered”.

Enter the “Email” and “Password” and then click on the [Login].

Go to Step 10.

9 Click on the [Activate Now].

5 The following screen asking for the confirmation of

received Email will be displayed.

10 Operation of the activation is complete.

6 Open the Email sent to the specified Email address and

then access to the provided URL.

11 Click on the “Setup Graphtec Pro Studio”.

15 Click on the [Finish].

Install it according to wizard.

12 Click on the [Browse] when you want to change the

16 Click on the [Yes].

Click on the [Next].

17 Click on the [Finish].

13 Leave the initial values for the check boxes.

Click on the [Next].

This concludes the installation of [Graphtec Pro Studio].

Model selection method of "Graphtec Pro Studio"

1 Double-click on the “Graphtec Pro Studio Production

Manager x.x” icon that has been created on the desktop.

2 Select the model to be used and click on the [Next].

14 The screen to enter the activation code will be displayed

at the end of the installation.

Enter the activation code that you entered in Step 3 in [Activation] item.

Click on the [Next].

3 Select the connection method to be used and click on

Now, the model selection of the "Graphtec Pro Studio" is complete.

3. Set Up Cutting Master 4

6 Click on the [Finish].

Cutting Master 4 is a plug-in driver that can output directly to the cutting plotter from Adobe Illustrator / CorelDRAW.

Installing "Cutting Master 4"

• The computer to be installed must be connected to the Internet.
• Email address for the account registration is required.

1 Click on the [Cutting Master 4].

Install it according to wizard.

7 Restart the computer.

8 Click on the “SAi Cloud Connect” icon from the “Task

9 "SAi Cloud Connect" screen will be displayed

2 Click on the [Browse] when you want to change the

Click on the [Need an account? Sign Up] item.

• When you have already acquired the SAi account, enter the “Email” and “Password” and then click on the [Sign In]. Go to Step 17.

Click on the [Next].

3 Leave the initial values for the check boxes.

Click on the [Next].

10 Enter the Email address for the product registration.

Click on the [Sign up] after entering it.

4 Click on the [Install].

5 Click on the [Yes].

11 The following screen asking for the confirmation of

16 Enter the registered “Email” and “Password” and then

12 Open the received Email and access to the provided

17 The screen indicating that it is in the sign-in will be displayed.

received Email will be displayed.

click on the [Sign In].

URL.

13 Enter the necessary information. The “*” indicates the

Click on the [Create Account] after entering them.

This concludes the installation of [Cutting Master 4].

Model selection method of "Cutting Master 4"

1 Double-click on the “Cutting Master 4 x.xx” icon that has

been created on the desktop.

2 Select the model to be used and click on the [Next].

14 Click on the [I Accept the Terms and Conditions].

3 Select the connection method to be used and click on

15 The following screen will be displayed..

Now, the model selection of the "Cutting Master 4" is complete.

4. Install User's Manual

2 When this screen appears, click on [Finish].

Follow the below procedures to install the FCX2000 User's Manual (pdf format).

Adobe Reader must be installed on your computer in order to read the manual.

This concludes the installation of the [User's Manual].

The newly-installed [User's Manual] will be registered under your Windows Start Menu.

1 Click on [Install User's Manual].

The"FCX2000 User's Manual Setup" screen will appear momentarily.

Setup in a Macintosh operating environment

1. Set Up Cutting Master 4

4 Click on the [Continue].

Cutting Master 4 is a plug-in driver that can output directly to the cutting plotter from Adobe Illustrator.

Installing "Cutting Master 4"

• The computer to be installed must be connected to the Internet.
• Email address for the account registration is required.

5 Enter the “User name” with the administrator privileges

1 Set up the “USER GUIDE & SOFTWARE DVD” in the

and “Password” and click on the Install Software.

2 Open “Cutting Master 4” folder in the DVD and double-

click on the “Cutting Master 4_signed.pkg” file.

Install it in accordance with the wizard from here.

6 Enter the “User name” with the administrator privileges

3 The following screen may be displayed.

and “Password” and click on the [OK].

Click on the [OK].

7 Click on the [Yes].

13 The following screen to confirm the Email will be

8 Click on the [Close].

14 Open the received Email and access to the provided

URL.

9 Restart the computer.

10 Start the “SAi Cloud Connect”.

Click on the “SAi Cloud Connect” icon from the menu bar.

15 Enter the necessary information. The “*” indicates the

Click on the [Create Account] after entering them.

11 “SAi Cloud Connect” screen will be displayed. Click on the “Need an account? Sign Up” item.

• When you have already acquired the SAi account, enter the “Email” and “Password” and then click on the [Sign In]. Go to Step 19.

16 Click on the [I Accept the Terms and Conditions].

12 Enter the Email address for the product registration in

Click on the [Sign Up] after entering it.

17 The following screen will be displayed.

18 Enter the registered “Email” and “Password” and then

4 Select the connection method to be used and click on

click on the [Sign In].

• The port to be used must have been previously connected to the FCX2000.

19 The screen indicating that it is in the sign-in will be

5 Check the “Device setting” and click on the [OK].

Now, the model selection of the "Cutting Master 4" is complete.

This concludes the installation of [Cutting Master 4].

Model selection method of "Cutting Master 4"

1 Double-click on the “Cutting Master 4” icon that has been

created on the desktop.

2 Select the model to be used and click on the [Next].

3 Check the “Device setting name” and click on the [Next].

2. Setup Graphtec Studio

Model selection method of "Graphtec Studio"

Graphtec Studio is the application software that enables you to create and edit text and graphics.

No special setting is required because the USB/RS-232C connection or the specified model with IP addresses is recognized automatically.

1 Set up the “USER GUIDE & SOFTWARE DVD” in the

Now, the model selection of the "Graphtec Studio" is complete.

2 Open the “Graphtec Studio” folder in the DVD and

double-click on the “GS_Vx.x.xxx.xxx_xxx.dmg” file.

3 Drag the "Graphtec Studio" icon to the "Applications"

This concludes the installation of [Graphtec Studio].