Epson Stylus Pro GS6000 ® SETUP AND USE GUIDE
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduce d, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Seiko Epson Corporation. The information contained herein is designed only for use with these Epson printers. Epson is not responsible for any use of this information as applied to other printers.
FCC Compliance Statement For United States Users This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment.
Contents Introduction Warnings, Cautions, Notes, and Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Options and Supplies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Where To Get Help. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Windows System Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Important Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
| Contents Setting Up Paper Configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Creating Paper Configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Printing a List of Your Paper Configurations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Printing Using a Paper Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pre-Printing Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adjusting the Paper Feeding Position. . . . . . . . .
Contents | 7 5 Solving Problems Diagnosing Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99 Checking Error Messages and Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 Solving Operational Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104 Improving Print Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105 Solving Media Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
| Contents 8
Introduction This Setup and Use Guide provides important information on setting up and using your printer, loading media, adjusting print quality, replacing ink cartridges, and maintaining the ink system. It also tells you how to clean and transport your printer, provides troubleshooting tips in case you have a problem, and lists your printer specifications.
| Introduction Tip: Check the Epson Pro Imaging website at www.proimaging.epson. com for accessories and options that are currently available.
Introduction | 11 Where To Get Help Tip: If you experience difficulty with the toll-free line or your Unit ID number, call (562) 276-1305. Epson provides technical support and information on the installation, configuration, and operation of professional printing products through the Epson Preferred Limited Warranty Plan. Dial (888) 377-6611, 6 AM to 6 PM, Pacific Time, Monday through Friday. Days and hours of support are subject to change without notice.
| Introduction Important Safety Instructions Before using your printer, read the following safety instructions to make sure you use the equipment safely and effectively. Setting Up the Printer • The printer weighs about 331 lb (150 kg) without ink or paper. Make sure you have sufficient assistance when lifting it. See page 17. • Select a location with adequate ventilation. • Avoid locations exposed to air that is blown directly from a fan or air conditioner.
Introduction | 13 • The printer’s power cord is designed for use with the printer only. Using it with other equipment may result in fire or electric shock. • Do not use a damaged or frayed power cord. • If you use an extension cord with the printer, make sure the total ampere rating of devices plugged into the extension cord does not exceed the cord’s ampere rating. Also, make sure the total ampere rating of all devices plugged into the wall outlet does not exceed the wall outlet’s ampere rating.
| Introduction • Keep all combustible materials or liquids away from the printer. Exposure of these materials or liquids to the heated platen may cause a fire. • Do not move the paper release lever unless instructed to do so. Moving the lever at the wrong time may cause the print head to touch the pressure rollers and cause a malfunction. • When not using the printer for one week or more, clean the print heads once a week to preserve print quality.
Introduction | 15 Handling Ink Cartridges Caution: Do not use too much force when you shake cartridges that have been previously installed. • Keep ink cartridges out of the reach of children and do not drink the ink. • Store ink cartridges in a cool, dark place. • Handle the ink with care. Avoid having the ink come into contact with your skin, eyes, and clothing, and avoid accidental ingestion. Be careful not to inhale the vapors. • If ink gets on your skin, wash well with plenty of soapy water.
| Introduction Handling Waste Ink • Before handling the waste ink, read the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for your printer. You can download it from Epson’s support website at epson.com/support (U.S.) or epson.ca/support (Canada). • The waste ink from the printer is industrial waste. Proper waste ink disposal in compliance with the industrial waste disposal laws and ordinances of your local government is required. Consign disposal of waste inks to an industrial waste disposer.
Chapter 1: Setting Up the Printer This chapter includes the following information: • Unpacking and assembling the Pro GS6000 • Installing the Auto Take-Up Reel • Removing the printer packing materials • Connecting the power cord • Installing ink • Connecting to your computer and network • Updating the printer firmware • Configuring the printer for a network Unpacking and Assembling the Pro GS6000 WARNING: Six people are required to unpack and set up the printer.
| Setting Up the Printer Unpacking and Assembling the Stand 1. Unpack the stand and make sure you have all these items. 2 cable supports Note: You also need a long-handled Phillips-head screwdriver to assemble the stand. Horizontal strut 2 legs Tank bracket 8 wing screws 8 bolts 2 bases 4 hex screws Hex wrench 2. Insert the right leg into the right base (labeled with an R) as shown. Use the hex wrench to fasten the leg with the two bolts.
Setting Up the Printer | 19 3. Assemble the left leg and base in the same way. Left leg Front of stand 4. Attach the horizontal strut as shown, then fasten it with two bolts at each end.
| Setting Up the Printer 5. Attach the bracket for the waste ink tank to the outside of the right leg using the four hex screws. Right leg 6. Make sure all of the screws are tightened securely. 7. Rotate the feet clockwise to stabilize the stand before installing the printer on it.
Setting Up the Printer | 21 Installing the Printer on the Stand Caution: Do not remove the packing tape from the printer at this point. The tape holds the printer parts in place as you complete installation. 1. Have six people lift the printer onto the stand. If you like, you can lift the printer using two 1-inch × 84-inch steel pipes (available at hardware stores). Insert the pipes into the guides beneath the printer.
| Setting Up the Printer Be careful not to damage the waste ink connector and tube hanging beneath the printer as you place it on the stand. 2. Attach the printer to the stand using the four wing screws.
Setting Up the Printer | 23 3. Place the waste ink tank into the bracket on the stand and close the spigot valve all the way, as shown. Caution: Make sure you close the spigot valve all the way to prevent spills. Caution: Make sure you remove the plastic from the end of the tube or waste ink may be unable to drain and may back up into the printer. Waste ink tank 4. Remove the plastic from the ends of the waste ink tube and sensor cable.
| Setting Up the Printer Installing the Auto Take-Up Reel 1. Make sure you have all the items shown below in the Auto Take-Up Reel box: Scroller bar with empty media core Cushioning roller Hex wrench Right controller bracket Left mounting bracket Ten hex bolts 2. Loosen the four screws securing the mounting plate to the right controller bracket, then remove the bracket.
Setting Up the Printer | 25 3. Install the mounting bracket on the right base of the stand and secure it with four hex bolts using the hex wrench. 4. Install the right controller bracket on the mounting bracket as shown, then tighten the screws. Tighten screws 5. Install the left mounting bracket onto the left base of the stand as shown, then secure it with four hex bolts.
| Setting Up the Printer 6. Hold the cushioning roller as shown and slide the left end onto the post on the left mounting bracket. Post Caution: Make sure the tip of the cushioning roller bracket sits between the rubber stoppers. Rubber stoppers 7. Slide the right end of the cushioning roller bracket onto the post on the right controller. Rotate the post base to align the holes, then secure the bracket using two hex bolts.
Setting Up the Printer | 27 Removing the Printer Packing Materials Now you can remove the packing materials from the printer. 1. Remove all the tape and coverings from the printer. 2. Press in on the top of the maintenance covers to open them, then lift them off of the printer, and remove the protective coverings.
| Setting Up the Printer 3. Place the maintenance cover hinges back in their slots and close the covers. 4. Remove any tape securing the back parts of the printer.
Setting Up the Printer | 29 5. Open the front cover. Then remove the tape securing the paper holder plates, and the tape and brackets securing the carriage rail. Caution: Remove the tape and brackets from the carriage rail slowly and carefully to avoid letting the tape touch any other part of the carriage. 6. Remove both the bolt and bracket securing the print head. Save the bolt and bracket in case you need to ship the printer. Caution: Be sure to remove both the bracket and the bolt from the print head.
| Setting Up the Printer 7. Attach the two cable supports to the leg of the stand as shown. 8. Rotate the feet counter-clockwise to raise them, then move the printer to the place of use. (Be sure to rotate the feet clockwise to stabilize the printer after moving it.
Setting Up the Printer | 31 Caution: The printer requires 22 Amps of power. Make sure the outlet provides that power or plug the cables into two different outlets. Do not use an outlet that is controlled by an automatic timer or wall switch. Otherwise, you may accidentally shut off the printer and cause damage. Connecting the Power Cord You need to use the two power cords that came with the printer and the third power cord that came with the Auto Take-Up Reel to power the printer. 3 power cords 1.
| Setting Up the Printer 2. Connect the two power cords to the AC inlets on the back underside of the printer. Then connect them to a properly grounded electrical outlet. 3. Turn off the Auto Take-Up Reel using the power switch on the back, then plug its power cord into its AC inlet and into an electrical outlet.
Setting Up the Printer | 33 Installing Ink Use the cleaning and ink cartridges that came with your printer for initial ink charging. 8 cleaning cartridges 8 ink cartridges During initial installation, it is normal for a significant amount of ink to be used in each cartridge. Make sure you order a set of cartridges as soon as possible. First you install the cleaning cartridges, then you remove them and install the ink cartridges when messages on the LCD display instruct you to do so. 1.
| Setting Up the Printer Caution: Be sure to install the cleaning cartridges, not the ink cartridges, at this point. Follow the instructions on the LCD display. Note: You need to be present during the ink installation process. Do not leave the printer unattended. 2. Open the packages containing the cleaning cartridges. Cleaning cartridge 3. Open both ink cartridge compartment covers on the back of the printer, insert the cleaning cartridges as shown, and close the covers. 4.
Setting Up the Printer | 35 WARNING: Before handling the used cleaning cartridges, read the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for your printer. You can download it from Epson’s support website at epson.com/support (U.S.) or epson.ca/support (Canada). The waste ink from the printer is industrial waste. Proper waste ink disposal in compliance with the industrial waste disposal laws and ordinances of your local government is required. Consign disposal of waste inks to an industrial waste disposer.
| Setting Up the Printer 8. Open both ink cartridge compartment covers on the back of the printer, insert the ink cartridges in the correct compartments as shown, and close the covers. #8 #7 #6 #5 Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black Caution: Charging takes about 18 minutes. Never turn off the printer, release the paper lever, or open the front cover while ink is charging, or you may damage the printer.
Setting Up the Printer | 37 Installing Your Software Follow the instructions in the DVD package that came with your printer to install the software included on the DVD. Connecting to Your System You can use USB and/or Ethernet network connections. For USB connection, make sure your system has the appropriate port and you have a standard, shielded cable 10 feet (6 m) long or less. Do not connect the printer until a software installation screen prompts you to.
| Setting Up the Printer Updating Your Printer Firmware To keep your printer features and functionality up to date, you should check for a newer version of firmware on the Epson support site and update your printer, if necessary. Checking the Current Firmware Version Tip: For best results, use a USB connection when you update the printer firmware. 1. Press the Menu button. 2. Press the d button until PRINTER STATUS is highlighted, then press Menu. 3.
Setting Up the Printer | 39 Caution: Don’t turn off the printer while the firmware is updating. 5. Make sure your printer is turned on, its LCD displays READY, and it is connected to your computer or network, then choose your printer. 6. Click Browse and find the firmware file that you just downloaded and extracted. Select the file and click Choose. 7. If the firmware version of the file is newer, click Update to start the firmware updating process. (If it is the same, you don’t need to update.) 8.
| Setting Up the Printer 3. Highlight the printer that you want to configure and click Configuration to access the TCP/IP selection screen. 4. If necessary, contact your network administrator for instructions on assigning an appropriate IP address.
Chapter 2: Handling Media and Printouts The Epson Stylus Pro GS6000 prints on a variety of roll media in widths from 12 to 64 inches (300 to 1625 mm).
| Handling Media and Printouts The following table lists the paper sizes you can use: Media width 12 to 64 in. (300 to 1625 mm) wide Core diameter 3 in. core Maximum external roll diameter 6.7 in. (170 mm) Maximum roll weight 66 lb (30 kg) Maximum thickness 0.01 in. (0.3 mm); Low head height adjustment 0.05 in. (1.3 mm); High head height adjustment Always test samples of media in the printer before purchasing large quantities or printing large jobs.
Handling Media and Printouts | 43 Placing the Roll on the Printer 1. Make sure the printer is turned on. PAPER OUT. LOAD PAPER appears on the LCD display. 2. Make sure the P Power light is not flashing, then release the paper lever. LEVER RELEASED appears on the LCD display. Caution: Do not release the paper lever while the P Power light is flashing, or you may damage the printer. 3. Flip up the levers to release the roll paper holders on the back of the printer, then slide the holders apart.
| Handling Media and Printouts 4. Slide the left holder all the way left and flip the lever all the way down to lock it in place. Then place the left end of the roll media on the holder. Orient the roll based on the printable side of the media: Printable side out Printable side in 5. Slide the right holder onto the right end of the roll media as shown. Then flip the lever all the way down to lock the holder in place.
Handling Media and Printouts | 45 6. To center the roll, release both roll holder levers, move the center of the roll to the d mark on the printer, and flip the levers all the way down. Center mark 7. Open the front cover. 8. At the back of the printer, carefully feed the roll media into the slot and beneath the guides. Feed it all the way through to the front of the printer, keeping the roll tightly wound.
| Handling Media and Printouts 9. Pull the media out from the front about 3 ft (1 m). 10. Turn the roll backward using the roll paper holders to remove any slack. Also make sure the edge of the media does not extend beyond the media limit line, indicated by a row of dots on the post heater.
Handling Media and Printouts | 47 11. Check the position of both edges of the media in relation to the clear rubber pressure rollers. Each edge should be at least 0.2 inch (5 mm) away from the edge of the nearest pressure roller, as shown. Correct 0.2 inch (5 mm) Incorrect Pressure rollers 0.2 inch (5 mm) If you need to adjust the media’s horizontal position, release both roll holder levers, move the media and holders as necessary, and lock the levers in place. 12.
| Handling Media and Printouts 13. Slide the paper holder plates over both edges of the media as shown. Caution: If the paper holder plates interfere with printing, they may become deformed and cause paper jams or damage to the print head. If the plates become damaged, stop using the printer and contact Epson. Note: To secure most media, move the paper lever to the Secured position. Use High Secured only if you have problems with print quality after adjusting the paper feed position.
Handling Media and Printouts | 49 Note: To avoid denting or creasing the media, do not leave it loaded in the paper path for long periods. Remove it from the paper path and roll it up when you are not printing. After a moment, READY appears on the LCD display. 16. If you will use the Auto Take-Up Reel to roll up your printed media, go to the next section. If you will not use the reel, go to page 53 to check the print quality.
| Handling Media and Printouts 3. Move the paper lever to the Released position so you can pull the media down to the Auto Take-Up Reel. 4. If the media is not positioned in the center of the empty take-up core, adjust the core’s horizontal position using the adjustment knob on the side of the Auto Take-Up Reel controller. Turn the knob clockwise to move the core left, or counter-clockwise to move the core right.
Handling Media and Printouts | 51 Note: If you see a PAPER OUT or PAPER SKEW error due to media rolling up crooked on the Auto Take-Up Reel, try trimming the edges of the media before taping it to the core. 5. Make sure the media lays over the cushioning roller and onto the core, then tape the edge to the center of the core. Media Tape Cushioning roller 6. Flip the scroller release lever up to the FREE position.
| Handling Media and Printouts 7. Turn the scroller counter-clockwise to take up the media one and a half rotations. Turn one and a half rotations 8. Flip down the scroller release lever to the SET position, then pull the cushioning roller all the way forward.
Handling Media and Printouts | 53 9. Set the switch on the top of the reel controller to ON. 10. Set the paper release lever to the Secured position. 11. When READY appears on the LCD display, press the Menu button. 12. PRINTER SETUP is highlighted. Press Menu again. Note: Before printing without the Auto Take-Up Reel, be sure to set the AUTO TAKE-UP REEL setting to OFF. 13. Press d to select AUTO TAKE-UP REEL, press Menu, and select ON. 14. Press the Pause button to exit the menus.
| Handling Media and Printouts If you need to clean the print head, press and hold the Menu button for three seconds. The Pause light flashes and CLEANING appears on the LCD display. Cleaning is finished when the appears on the LCD display. Pause light stops flashing and READY Adjusting the Print Head Height Note: Raising the print head height may affect your print quality, so run a test print before printing any large jobs.
Handling Media and Printouts | 55 3. To raise the print head, flip the blue head height adjustment lever up to the position shown. The highest lever position is directly horizontal and the normal position is not quite vertical. Do not place the lever in any other position. Highest position Normal position 4. When you finish printing on the affected media, return the head height adjustment lever to the normal position. 5. Close the front cover.
| Handling Media and Printouts Setting Up Paper Configurations Before printing on your loaded media, create a paper configuration (a group of print settings) for the media type. Create a configuration for each media type you use (up to 30 types) and select the desired configuration whenever you print on that media. This ensures that the printer uses optimum print quality settings on all your custom media.
Handling Media and Printouts | 57 6. Perform the following adjustments to fine-tune printing for your media: • PAPER FEED ADJUST (see page 59 for instructions) • HEAD ALIGNMENT (see page 61 for instructions) 7. When done, press the Pause button. After creating your paper configurations, you can print out a list of them. Printing a List of Your Paper Configurations You can print a list showing the settings for all your paper configurations.
| Handling Media and Printouts Pre-Printing Checklist Whenever you print on a new media type, follow these guidelines to configure the media for printing: • Check the media packaging for print requirements, such as heating temperatures. • Select a paper configuration number (1 to 30) for the media in the printer’s menu system.
Handling Media and Printouts | 59 Adjusting the Paper Feeding Position If you notice any overlap or white lines in your printed images, you should adjust the paper feeding position to correct it. You may need to adjust the feeding position differently for different types of media.
| Handling Media and Printouts 7. Press u or d to select the distance you measured, then press the button. 8. Press u to return to the Paper Feed Adjust menu. 9. Press u or d to select PRINT SAMPLE PATTERN, then press Menu. 10. Press the button to print sample patterns like the ones to the right: 11. Cut off the printed patterns so you can more easily examine them. See page 62 for instructions. 12.
Handling Media and Printouts | 61 Aligning the Print Head Aligning the print head is the most important thing you can do to ensure the best print quality. If banding appears on your prints, if they look grainy or blurry, or if you see misregistration or “ghosting,” you need to align the print head for each print mode you use. Note: You can also align the print head using the EPSON LFP Remote Panel utility.
| Handling Media and Printouts 9. Examine the patterns and determine which number in each set has the smallest gaps in the lines. Press the u or d button to select the number for the first set, then press . 10. Repeat step 9 for the rest of the pattern sets. 11. When you are finished, press the Pause button to exit. Cutting Off Prints When you finish printing and need to remove your printouts, follow the steps below to cut off the prints. 1. Make sure READY appears on the LCD display. 2.
Handling Media and Printouts | 63 WARNING: Do not place your fingers in the path of the cutting tool to avoid injuring yourself. 5. Using a razor blade or other cutting tool, cut off your print by guiding the tool along the cutting groove in the post heater as shown. 6. If you are using the Auto Take-Up Reel, the scroller rotates to take up your printed media. To stop media take-up, set the switch on the top of the reel controller to OFF.
| Handling Media and Printouts Removing Prints From the Auto Take-Up Reel After cutting off your prints as described in the previous section, you can remove the roll media from the Auto Take-Up Reel. 1. Make sure the reel controller is set to OFF. 2. Flip the scroller release lever up to the FREE position. Scroller release lever 3. Lift the entire scroller bar off of the printer. 4. Remove the paper holders from one end of the scroller bar. 5. Remove the media and core from the scroller bar. 6.
Handling Media and Printouts | 65 7. Place the right end of the scroller bar (the end with the metal collar) down between the rollers in the right controller. Then place the other end between the white rollers on the left mounting bracket. Make sure the scroller bar rests between the rollers at each end. Metal collar 8. Flip down the scroller release lever to the SET position.
| Handling Media and Printouts Replacing Roll Media When you run out of media or need to change the type of media you are using, follow these steps: 1. Make sure the P Power light is not flashing, then release the paper lever. LEVER RELEASED appears on the LCD display. Caution: Do not release the paper lever while the P Power light is flashing, or you may damage the printer. 2. Turn the roll backward using the roll paper holders and remove any remaining media from the feed slot. 3.
Handling Media and Printouts | 67 4. If necessary, release the left roll paper lever and remove the holder from the other end of the roll. 5. Place a new roll on the printer as necessary. See page 43 for instructions.
| Handling Media and Printouts 68
Chapter 3: Maintaining the Printer The Epson Stylus Pro GS6000 requires regular maintenance to keep it working at its best. Regular maintenance also reduces the amount of ink required for cleaning cycles and reduces printer “downtime”.
| Maintaining the Printer Checking the Ink Status Before you begin a large print job, you should check your ink levels. If a cartridge is low, it is best to replace it before starting a large print job. However, if ink is expended after printing for a few minutes, you can replace the necessary cartridges (“hot swap” them) and continue printing. The easiest way to check ink levels is from the control panel LCD display.
Maintaining the Printer | 71 • Print job history information • Total number of pages printed • Status of the EDM feature You can print out a status sheet (described in the next section) or view the printer’s status on the LCD display (see page 71). Printing Status Information In addition to the information listed above, the status sheet lists the current printer and network settings. 1. Make sure media is loaded in the printer. 2. Press the Menu button. 3.
| Maintaining the Printer 3. Do one of the following: • To check the firmware version, press Menu again. When done, press the l button. • To check the number of pages that can be printed with each ink cartridge, press d to highlight PRINTABLE PAGES, then press Menu. Press d to view the number of pages remaining for each cartridge. When done, press l. (This option must be enabled using maintenance mode on the printer’s control panel to display information. See page 120 for instructions.
Maintaining the Printer | 73 Checking the Print Head Nozzles If your printed image shows a color shift or horizontal lines, you should check the print head to see if any nozzles are clogged or deflected. If necessary, you can run a cleaning cycle to clear the nozzles or set the printer to automatically clean the nozzles at regular intervals. You can also set the printer to automatically check the nozzles periodically or before each print job so you can always tell if the print head is clean or not.
| Maintaining the Printer Cleaning the Print Head Note: It is best to clean the print head if you have not used the printer for at least one week to maintain print quality. If you notice gaps, lines, or color shifts in your printouts, or a nozzle check reveals clogged or deflected nozzles, you should clean the print head.
Maintaining the Printer | 75 7. When cleaning is finished and the P Power light stops flashing, print a nozzle check pattern to confirm that the print head is clean (see page 73). Note: You must use at least a 10× eye loupe to examine the nozzle check pattern for deflected nozzles. For effective cleaning, always run a nozzle check between cycles. If the pattern is still missing segments or has deflections after cleaning, clean the print head again using a higher level cleaning cycle.
| Maintaining the Printer 1. Before replacing ink cartridges, make sure the printer is turned on. 2. Note the color of the cartridge that is low or expended so you know where to replace the cartridge. Caution: Leave the expended cartridge in the printer until you are ready to replace it. To prevent ink reporting errors, never replace the ink cartridges with the printer turned off. WARNING: Do not shake the expended cartridge, or ink may leak out.
Maintaining the Printer | 77 5. Vigorously shake the new ink cartridge in its package for about five seconds, then remove it from its package. Note: If you can’t insert the cartridge smoothly, you may have the wrong cartridge. Check the package and product code. If the Check H ink light remains on after installing the cartridge, it may not be inserted fully. Caution: Do not remove and re-insert cartridges more often than necessary.
| Maintaining the Printer Disposing of Waste Ink WARNING: Before handling the waste ink, read the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for your printer. You can download it from Epson’s support website at epson.com/support (U.S.) or epson.ca/support (Canada). The waste ink from the printer is industrial waste. Proper waste ink disposal in compliance with the industrial waste disposal laws and ordinances of your local government is required. Consign disposal of waste inks to an industrial waste disposer.
Maintaining the Printer | 79 2. When all the waste ink has drained, close the valve on the spigot. 3. Wipe the mouth of the spigot on the waste ink tank with a cloth. 4. Dispose of the waste ink and the cloth in compliance with industrial waste disposal laws and local government ordinances as required in your area. See the warning on page 78 for details.
| Maintaining the Printer 1. Turn on the printer. 2. Press the Menu button. 3. Press the d button to highlight MAINTENANCE, then press Menu. 4. Press d to highlight CARRIAGE MAINTENANCE, then press Menu. 5. Press . The print head moves to the left, the cleaning wiper moves forward, and OPEN MAINT COVERS appears on the LCD display. Caution: Do not place any supplies on the open maintenance cover or it may fall off. 6.
Maintaining the Printer | 81 7. Put on a plastic glove, then use a cleaning swab to clean ink and dust from both sides of the cleaning wiper as shown. Wipe back and forth on the outside surface, and up and down on the inside surface. Also clean excess ink from the top of the capping assemblies and their rubber surrounds. Caution: Do not touch the cleaning wiper or any other internal part with your hands to prevent oil from your skin interfering with head cleaning operations.
| Maintaining the Printer WARNING: Before handling the ink cleaner, read the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for your printer. You can download it from Epson’s support website at epson.com/support (U.S.) or epson.ca/support (Canada). 9. Put on a plastic glove and pour ink cleaner into the plastic cup up to the 10 ml line. Make sure your workspace is well ventilated and free of any open flame before opening the ink cleaner. Keep ink cleaner out of the reach of children.
Maintaining the Printer | 83 Caution: Do not touch the print head or the tip of the swab with your hands to prevent oil on your skin from damaging the print head. 14. Use a flashlight and the reflective base of the maintenance bay to check if there is any dust or ink on the casings surrounding the print heads. You can clean the areas on the underside of the print heads, shown in gray below. Do not moisten the cleaning swab with water or it may damage the print head.
| Maintaining the Printer 16. If ink has hardened on the print head casings and cannot be removed with a dry cleaning swab, you need to clean them using the optional Print Head Cleaning Kit. Follow step 9 and step 10 to moisten the cleaning swab, then clean the print head casings again, as described in step 15. 17. Dispose of the used ink cleaner, swabs, and gloves in compliance with industrial waste disposal laws and local government ordinances as required in your area. 18.
Maintaining the Printer | 85 Place your used gloves and flushing pad in the metal tray when you are finished to avoid getting ink on any of the printer parts; this may damage the plastic. 1. Turn on the printer. 2. Press the Menu button. 3. Press the d button to highlight MAINTENANCE, then press Menu. 4. Press d to highlight CARRIAGE MAINTENANCE, then press Menu. 5. Press . The print head moves to the left, the cleaning wiper moves forward, and OPEN MAINT COVERS appears on the LCD display. 6.
| Maintaining the Printer 8. Install the new flushing pad where you removed the old one with the tab facing forward. Press it down until it clicks into place. 9. Close the maintenance cover and press it until it locks in place. WARNING: Before handling the waste ink, read the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for your printer. You can download it from Epson’s support website at epson.com/support (U.S.) or epson.ca/support (Canada). The waste ink from the printer is industrial waste.
Maintaining the Printer | 87 Before you wash the ink system, gather the following supplies: Caution: Washing the ink system takes around 33 minutes. Carefully follow all the instructions on the LCD display to avoid errors. If you see a DRAIN TANK FULL error, empty the waste ink tank. If you see a COVER OPEN error, close the indicated cover.
| Maintaining the Printer 88
Chapter 4: Cleaning, Storing, and Transporting the Printer The Epson Stylus Pro GS6000 requires periodic cleaning. You may also need to prepare the printer for storage, moving, or transportation. • Cleaning the printer • Storing the printer • Moving or transporting the printer Cleaning the Printer To keep your printer working at its best, clean it if it becomes dirty. 1. Remove any loaded media from the printer (see page 66). Caution: Be careful not to touch the gears inside the printer.
| Cleaning, Storing, and Transporting the Printer Caution: Do not use tools such as compressed air to clean away dust or dirt. It may blow debris into the printer. 5. Remove any paper dust or dirt from the clear rubber pressure rollers with a soft brush. 6. Use a slightly dampened soft cloth to clean the platen and the post heater. 7. If the outer case is dirty, close the front cover and clean the case with a soft, clean cloth dampened with mild detergent.
Cleaning, Storing, and Transporting the Printer | 91 Storing the Printer If you will store the printer and not use it for a long time, follow these steps to prepare it for storage: Caution: Do not remove the ink cartridges or leave the print head uncapped when storing the printer; otherwise the print head may dry out and be unable to print properly. Never turn off the printer by disconnecting the power cord or turning off power to the electrical outlet.
| Cleaning, Storing, and Transporting the Printer Moving the Printer on the Stand Caution: Do not remove the ink cartridges or leave the print head uncapped when moving the printer; otherwise the print head may dry out and be unable to print properly. Never turn off the printer by disconnecting the power cord or turning off power to the electrical outlet. Do not tilt the printer, stand it on end, or turn it upside down when moving it, or ink will leak and you may damage the printer.
Cleaning, Storing, and Transporting the Printer | 93 Preparing the Printer for Shipment Before shipping the printer, you must carefully prepare it for shipment. How you do this depends on how long the printer will be idle: • Less than 1 week • 1 or 2 weeks • More than 2 weeks Less than 1 week preparation 1. Open the right maintenance cover and make sure the print head is on the right side (in the capped position).
| Cleaning, Storing, and Transporting the Printer 5. Reinstall the bolt and bracket securing the print head that you removed during setup. 6. Close any open covers on the printer and tape them shut. 7. Follow the steps on page 96 to remove the printer from the stand. When you set up the printer again, follow the steps in Chapter 1 to attach the printer to the stand, install the Auto Take-Up Reel, remove the print head bracket and bolt, and connect the power and interface cables.
Cleaning, Storing, and Transporting the Printer | 95 6. Carefully follow the instructions to drain and wash the ink system as they appear on the LCD display. Follow the instructions to the point where you remove the cleaning cartridges and drain the cleaning fluid. After draining the cleaning fluid, press the P Power button to turn off the printer. Do not install new ink cartridges. 7. Dispose of any waste ink in the waste ink tank (see page 78).
| Cleaning, Storing, and Transporting the Printer More than 2 week preparation If the printer will be transported and idle for more than 2 weeks, follow the steps above to prepare it for transportation. However, when you set up the printer again, you may need to contact Epson (see page 11) for additional instructions on preparing the ink system for printing using a new set of cartridges. Removing the printer from the stand 1.
Cleaning, Storing, and Transporting the Printer | 97 Caution: Do not lift the printer from beneath the black plastic areas in back; lift it from the metal area in the middle. 3. Have six people lift the printer off of the stand. If you like, you can lift the printer using two 1-inch × 84-inch steel pipes (available at hardware stores). Insert the pipes into the guides beneath the printer. WARNING: Six or more people are required to lift the printer. Carrying bar method 4.
| Cleaning, Storing, and Transporting the Printer 98
Chapter 5: Solving Problems As you use your printer, you may occasionally experience a problem. You can diagnose the problem following the guidelines in this chapter or check the FAQs at www.proimaging.epson.com. Then try the most likely solutions until the problem is fixed.
| Solving Problems Checking Error Messages and Lights The control panel includes various lights and an LCD display to indicate the status of the printer: Paper and ink Check lights Enter button Paper feed backward button Menu or cleaning button High Heat button and light Power button and light Low Heat button and light Pause/resume or delete button and light LCD display Heater Type button Paper feed forward button Error alert lamp Control panel When your media runs out, ink is low, or a pr
Solving Problems | 101 The following table lists the messages in alphabetical order and includes an explanation and instructions for correcting the problem. Message Explanation Response CARRIAGE LOCKED The print head is locked. Remove the bracket securing the print head; see page 27. You may be using the wrong printer driver. Press and hold the Pause button for three seconds to cancel the print job. Make sure you installed the correct driver for your printer.
| Solving Problems Message Explanation Response INK CARTRIDGE ERROR There is a problem with the installed cartridge. Remove the cartridge and make sure there is no condensation on it. Leave the cartridge uninstalled for four hours or more before reinstalling it. REPLACE CARTRIDGE If you reinstall the cartridge and still see this error message, install a new cartridge. See page 75 for instructions. INK COVER OPEN The indicated ink covers are open. Close the indicated ink covers.
Solving Problems | 103 Message Explanation Response PAPER ERROR Printer cannot detect paper. Make sure the roll is cut evenly. LOAD PAPER PROPERLY PAPER JAM REMOVE PAPER PAPER OUT LOAD PAPER PAPER SKEW Release the paper lever and reload paper. See page 43 for instructions. Paper has jammed in the printer. Release the paper lever and remove the jammed paper. Turn the printer off and then back on; see page 107 for more information. Paper ran out or has not ejected properly.
| Solving Problems Solving Operational Problems If you can’t turn the printer on, if it stops printing unexpectedly, or if nothing prints, check the following: • The printer is plugged securely into a working electrical outlet that’s not controlled by a switch or timer. • The interface cable is securely connected to the printer and your system. • The voltage supplied by the electrical outlet matches the voltage on the printer’s rating label.
Solving Problems | 105 Improving Print Quality Try the solutions in the following table if you need to improve print quality. Problem Solution Your print is grainy, has misregistration or ghosting, or has banding. ◗ Check the ink indicators and light to see if you are low on ink. Replace ink cartridges if necessary, as described on page 75. ◗ Run a nozzle check and cleaning cycle. See page 73 for instructions. ◗ Align the print head; see page 61.
| Solving Problems Problem Solution Your print appears blurry or smeared. ◗ Try adjusting your paper configuration settings. See page 56 for instructions. ◗ Your media doesn’t meet the required specifications or wasn’t stored in a dry, humidity-free environment. Load new media. ◗ Check that the heater settings are correct for your media; see page 118. ◗ Ink has leaked into the paper path or onto the pressure rollers. See page 89 for cleaning instructions.
Solving Problems | 107 Clearing Media Jams When media gets jammed in the printer, printing stops and you see a PAPER JAM message on the LCD display. Follow these steps to clear a jam: 1. Turn off the printer. 2. Open the front cover. 3. Slide the print head to the right and off of the jammed media. 4. Release the paper lever.
| Solving Problems WARNING: Do not place your fingers in the path of the cutting tool to avoid injuring yourself. 5. Using a razor blade or other cutting tool, cut off the media by guiding the tool along the cutting groove in the post heater as shown. 6. Turn the roll backward using the roll paper holders and remove any remaining media from the feed slot. 7. Remove any remaining pieces of torn or jammed media from the printer. 8. Close the front cover. 9.
This Appendix identifies the printer parts (below), summarizes the functions of the control panel’s lights and buttons (see page 110), describes the messages and icons you may see on the LCD display (see page 113), and lists the available menu settings (see page 114) and Maintenance Mode settings (see page 120).
| Printer Parts and Controls Summary Control Panel Buttons and Lights paper and ink Check lights Enter button Menu or cleaning button Paper feed backward button High Heat button and light Power button and light Low Heat button and light Pause/resume or delete button and light LCD display Heater Type button Paper feed forward button Error alert lamp (if flashing, an error has occurred) Control panel Buttons Button Description P Power Turns the printer on and off Pause Stops printing tem
Printer Parts and Controls Summary | 111 Button Description d Paper Feed forward Feeds the media forward Changes setting parameters within menu mode u Paper Feed backward Enter Feeds the media backward Changes setting parameters within menu mode Executes setting changes within the menu system High Heat Increases the preset temperature of the currently selected heater type (selected with the l Heater Type button and indicated on the LCD display) Low Heat Decreases the preset temperature of the cur
| Printer Parts and Controls Summary Status of High Heat and Low Heat lights when the printer is in a READY or WARMING UP state: High Heat light Low Heat light On On All three heaters have reached their preset temperature Flashing Off At least one of the heaters is warming up to its preset temperature Flashing Flashing A heater error has occurred Off Off All three heaters are turned off Description Status of High Heat and Low Heat lights when selecting a preset temperature for a heater (
Printer Parts and Controls Summary | 113 LCD Display Icons Printer status messages Selected media type number Ink status icons Pre, platen, and post heater temperature icons Ink cartridge slot numbers Platen gap icon Heater type diagram The table below describes the icons that appear on the LCD display: Icon Description Ink icons or Plenty of ink is available or or Ink is getting low; make sure you have a new cartridge Flashing Ink is low (example shows the yellow cartridge) Ink is expended (e
| Printer Parts and Controls Summary Menu Setting Summary Press the Menu button to enter menu mode and select the settings summarized here. Menu setting Description PRINTER SETUP menu SIDE MARGIN Selects the margins for the left and right sides. 0.20inch to 1.00inch (5mm to 25mm) PAPER SIZE CHECK Selects whether the printer checks to see if the width and top edge of the loaded media matches data for your print job (ON is recommended to avoid ink overspray).
Printer Parts and Controls Summary | 115 Menu setting Description PAPER ORIGIN SETUP Selects the beginning point (origin) for printing (horizontal) 0.00inch to 32.00inch (0mm to 800mm) AUTO TAKE-UP REEL Controls media feeding when using the Auto Take-Up Reel. ON prevents feeding the media backward from the Auto Take-Up Reel OFF to turn off this function if you remove the Auto Take-Up Reel HEAD FAN Controls operation of the head fan. Leave this setting turned ON.
| Printer Parts and Controls Summary Menu setting Description CLEANING (HEAVY) Starts the strongest print head cleaning cycle when a MEDIUM cleaning cycle does not unclog the print head fully (uses more ink than MEDIUM cleaning cycle); see page 74 for details. HEAD WASHING Starts the print head washing cycle using the cleaning cartridges; see page 86 for details. CARRIAGE MAINTENANCE Moves the print head to the maintenance position so you can clean its cleaning wiper; see page 79 for details.
Printer Parts and Controls Summary | 117 Menu setting Description EDM STATUS Displays whether the EDM system is disabled or enabled, and the date and time the EDM status was last uploaded. See www.myepsonprinter.com for more information. NETWORK SETUP menu NETWORK SETUP Select to enable or disable network printing. IP ADDRESS SETTING Select to set the IP address automatically (AUTO) or manually (PANEL). IP, SM, DG SETTING Enter the IP address settings, if selecting the address manually.
| Printer Parts and Controls Summary Option and parameters Description HEAD ALIGNMENT BI-D ALL Adjusts the alignment of the print head to help eliminate vertical misalignment. See page 61 for details. PRE HEATER OFF Sets the temperature of the heater that heats the media before printing. See the instructions that came with your media to select the correct temperature for the pre heater.
Printer Parts and Controls Summary | 119 Option and parameters Description POST HEATER OFF Sets the temperature of the heater that dries the printout. See the instructions that came with your media to select the correct temperature for the post heater. 30°C to 50°C (86 °F to 122 °F) Post Heater M/W ADJUSTMENT (MicroWeave adjustment) LOW A to B Minimizes the affect of the MicroWeave adjustment. Select LOW B if white lines or uneven print density is evident in prints using LOW A.
| Printer Parts and Controls Summary Option and parameters Description CARRIAGE MOVEMENT DATA WIDTH Sets the print head to move only to the width of the print data to improve print speed. PRINTER FULL WIDTH Sets the print head to move the maximum width at all times to improve print consistency for certain types of images. PRINT MULTIPLE LAYER OFF Sets printing to overwrite lines a select number of times for greater density (also called “multiple hit”).
Appendix B: Specifications Environmental Temperature Operation Storage 68 to 90 °F (20 to 32 °C) 14 to 104 °F (–10 to 40 °C) (4 days at 90 °F [32 °C]) Print quality guarantee: 72 to 90 °F (22 to 32 °C) Note: We recommend that you use genuine Epson cartridges and do not refill them. The use of other products may affect your print quality and could result in printer damage. Yields vary considerably based on images printed, print settings, paper type, frequency of use, and temperature.
| Specifications Dimensions and Weight Specification Description Height 49.9 inches (1267 mm) Width 106.2 inches (2698 mm) Depth 37.1 inches (943 mm) 41.1 inches (1045 mm) with Auto Take-Up Reel Weight (without ink cartridges) 331 lb (150 kg) printer 75 lb (34 kg) stand 42 lb (19 kg) Auto Take-Up Reel Printer Interfaces • USB (1.1 and 2.0 compatible) • Ethernet 10/100/1000 BaseT Safety Approvals Safety standards UL 60950-1 CSA 22.2 No.
Specifications | 123 Ink Cartridges Colors Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, Light Cyan, Light Magenta, Green, Orange Cartridge life See production date on package, if unopened Within 6 months after opening package Temperature (storage) Uninstalled: –4 to 104 °F (–20 to 40 °C) 1 month at 104 °F (40 °C) Installed: 14 to 104 °F (–10 to 40 °C) 4 days at 90 °F (32 °C) Capacity: 950 ml Dimensions (W × D × H) 2.09 × 12.4 × 5.75 inches (53.1 × 316.1 × 146.
| Specifications 124
Index A Accessories, 10 Aligning print head, 61 to 62 Assembling Auto Take-Up Reel, 24 to 26 printer, 17 to 23 stand, 18 to 20 Auto Take-Up Reel, see Take-Up Reel, Auto B Banding, 105 Bracket, shipping installing for transport, 94, 95 removing, 29 Buttons, control panel, 100, 110 to 111 C Cables power, 31 to 32 printer, 37 problems, 104 requirements, 11 Cartridges, see Ink cartridges, or Cleaning cartridges Check ink light, 70, 77, 100 Check paper light, 100, 108 Checking error messages, 100 to 103
| Index Ethernet connecting, 37 port specification, 122 requirements, 11 F Feeding position, adjusting, 59 to 60 Firmware, updating, 38 to 39 Flushing pad, replacing, 84 to 86 Ink system maintaining, 69 to 87 washing, 86 to 87, 95 Ink, waste see Waste ink Interface specifications, 122 J Jams, media, 107 to 108 Job history, 72 H L Head washing, 86 to 87, 95 Heaters buttons, 100, 110 to 112 cleaning, 90 electrical specifications, 121 icons, 113 lights, 100, 110 to 112 location, 109 safety instructi
Index | 127 Menus Maintenance, 74, 80, 85, 115 Network Setup, 117 Paper Setup, 56 to 58, 117 to 120 Printer Setup, 114 to 115 Printer Status, 38, 71 to 72, 116 setting summary, 114 to 117 Test Print, 71, 73, 116 Messages, control panel, 100 to 103 Moving printer, 91 to 92 N Network configuring software, 39 to 40 connection, 37 Network Setup menu, 117 Nozzle Check, 53, 73 O Operation problems, 104 Options and accessories, 10 P Pad, flushing, replacing, 84 to 86 Paper holder plates, 48 Paper lever, 43, 48
| Index Problems (continued) diagnosing, 99 media, 106 to 108 misalignment, 105 nothing prints, 104 operational, 104 print quality, 105 to 106 printing stops, 104 solving, 99 to 108 R Registering media, 56 to 58 Replacement core, Auto Take-Up Reel, 10 Requirements, system, 11 Rolls, replacing, 66 to 67 S Safety approvals, 122 instructions, 12 to 16 Shipping bracket installing, 94, 95 removing, 29 Shipping printer, 93 to 95 Software, installing, 37 Specifications dimensions and weight, 122 electrical,
