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HP Designjet 400 Series Printers - Cutter Issues

	Required parts (part numbers are subject to change)
	Troubleshooting steps
	Accuracy calibration

Document number: BPP90098

Last updated: 10-Jan-2003

Minimum skill level: 2

The Cutter does not cut properly, takes a long time to cut after a print, or does not cut at all. Common causes are the Cutter is turned off, thick media, a worn cutter, drying time after the print, or the cutting wheels have reversed. Use the steps listed in this document to accurately determine the cause of the failure and replace the appropriate parts.

Required parts (part numbers are subject to change)

Part description	Model numbers - C4713A, C4715A, C6080A, C6082A	Model numbers - C4714A, C4716A, C6081A, C6083A
Cutter (Required) See note below	C4713-60040	C4713-60040
Anderol Oil (Required)	6040-0858	6040-0858
Carriage Assembly (Required)	C4713-60039	C4713-60039
Encoder Strip (Required)	C4713-60098	C4714-60098
Trailing Cable (Required)	C4713-60181	C4714-60181

NOTE: The HP Designjet 400 series printers have a high rate of Cutter assembly failure. Because of this, the Cutter assembly must be replaced during any on-site repair (refer to pg. 8-21 of the HP Designjet 400 Series Service Manual for teardown procedures). If the cutter appears to be in good condition, it still must be replaced at some point during the service call.

Troubleshooting steps

If parts are replaced or fixed in any of the steps listed below, attempt to verify printer functionality by turning the printer on and successfully printing internal test prints. If functionality is verified, do not replace additional parts.

1. Make sure "roll paper" is selected on the front panel.

NOTE: The Cutter automatically turns off when "sheet" is selected.

2. Ensure the Cutter is turned on through the print driver.
3. Press the FORM FEED key to see if printer cuts roll media.
4. If cutter still won't cut, load an 8.5 by 11-inch sheet of media in portrait orientation.
5. Press SETUP button.
6. Verify that the bold oval in front of the Cutter is Enabled.
7. If DISABLED, darken oval for ENABLED and reload Setup page, printed side down. Press SETUP again.
8. If issue is time-related (for example, if the cutter works), check which media type and print quality are selected. The printer has specific, built-in drying times based on both print quality and media type.

NOTE: Pressing the FORM FEED key following a print will override set drying times.

9. Check for use of unsupported media, or media that is too thick. If being used, try supported HP media.
10. Turn the printer off.
11. Lift the Top cover and check for a media jam or other physical obstructions to the Cutter or Carriage path.
12. If a jam occurred, lower the media lever and remove media.
13. Completely remove all small pieces that may be in the media path.

NOTE: A manila file folder may be inserted into the media path to clear any unseen obstructions.

14. Use a lint-free cloth to wipe all foreign materials from the Carriage slider rod. Apply two or three drops of lubricant to a lint-free cloth and wipe the top and back of the entire length of the slider rod.
15. Manually move the Cutter and Carriage along slider rod to lubricate bushings of both assemblies.
16. Move the Cutter and Carriage assemblies back to their respective home positions (Carriage far left, Cutter far right).
17. Manually move carriage to the right to engage the cutter. Move the Carriage/Cutter to left to ensure both the engaging arm on Carriage and engaging tab on cutter is intact and working properly.
18. Gently clean the Encoder strip with a lint-free cloth, dampened with water (do not have customer perform this step).

WARNING: The Encoder strip is very sharp. Use caution when cleaning.

19. Replace the Encoder strip if worn or damaged (refer to pg. 8-15 of the HP Designjet 400 Series Service Manual).

NOTE: If removal and replacement instructions are needed for reference during any repairs performed, refer to the HP Designjet 400 Series Service Manual available on the Partner Care Web site for review or download.

20. Open the Top cover and trip the Top cover sensor using a small piece of media.
21. Ensure the Front panel ribbon cable is not loose and obstructing cutter movement. Fix as needed.
22. Turn the printer On.
23. Watch the Carriage and Cutter assemblies during initialization. If problems are noticed, replace as needed (the Trailing cable should be replaced during a Carriage assembly replacement). Refer to pg. 8-21, 8-37, and 8-34 of the Service Manual.
24. Following replacement, perform an Accuracy calibration (listed below) and verify functionality.

Accuracy calibration

1. Place a sheet of polyester film over the top of the printer for approximately 10 minutes to let it stabilize to the environmental conditions. Use a sheet of approximately D-size (24 x 36 inches/ 61 x 91 cms). Roll media may also be used. When using polyester film, load it with the matte (dull) side down.

NOTE: If a polyester or matte film is not available, use HP coated media when performing an accuracy calibration.

2. Turn the printer off.
3. Press and hold the MEDIA SOURCE key and turn the printer on (entering Service Mode 2).
4. Set the MEDIA TYPE on the front panel to COATED PAPER.
5. Load the film with the matte (dull) side down, in portrait orientation.
6. When the Ready LED lights up, press the REPRINT key.

NOTE: The Ready LED will begin to flash. Allow several minutes for the printer to complete the calibration print.

7. The printer will eject the sheet, and the Load Media LED will light up.
8. Unload the sheet from the printer.
9. Wait until the ink on the sheet is dry.
10. Cut the sheet along the dotted line and reload facedown into the printer in the direction indicated by the arrows on the calibration plot.

NOTE: The Ready LED will begin to flash. The printer takes less than 10 minutes to read the calibration sheet, calculate the calibration data, and save the data in the EEROM.

11. Unload the sheet from the printer.
12. The accuracy calibration is now complete.
13. Turn the printer off then on, and verify printer functionality.

Copyright Hewlett-Packard Co. 2001
This information is subject to change without notice and
is provided "as is" with no warranty.
Hewlett-Packard shall not be liable for any direct,
indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages
in connection with the use of this material.

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