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Graphtec FC4100-100 Cutting Incorrectly

Lindquist

New Member
We have had an Graphtec FC4100-100 for over 8 years. In all the time I have worked with it, I have rarely encountered any problems that could not be easily solved, but last week a new problem appeared and we have been unable to fix it.

The plotter no longer cuts anything correctly. It does not matter if it is big or small (though the problem is more obvious on small pieces). We have cut simple shapes and text in various fonts. The same problem appears on all of the jobs. There is definitely nothing wrong with the actual cut files.

There are a few different errors in the cuts, though I suspect they are all related to the same problem.

1. The most common problem is that corners are "extended" - they look almost like serifs, but they appear on sans-serif fonts and shapes as well.

2. Some letters have small rounded "nubs" extending outside the usual boundaries of the letter. This is sometimes coupled with an area where the a small rounded hole is cut out of the letter along the edge. Together, it makes the letter look as if someone cut off part of the letter and pasted it on another area of the letter where it does not belong.

3. Some characters and shapes fail to connect at all. They have more-or-less the correct shape, but the beginning point and end point do not match - they aren't even close.

My initial thought was to replace the blade, but that did not solve the problem. I have also fiddled with a lot of the settings on the machine, but we have not made any progress in fixing the problem.

I took a couple pictures of a cut I made this morning that illustrate the problems (see below). Does anyone have any ideas?

k9dudi.jpg 1zxsi8j.jpg
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Lindquist

New Member
Yes, it cuts the same each time.

As for replacing the part, it's certainly a possibility. In the time I have worked with the machine, I have never replaced anything other than the blade. Honestly, I'm not 100% sure I know what part you are referring to.
 

TammieH

New Member
Do you have the manual?

Page 48 of the manual, shows the little nipply thingies on the triangle test cut...then ...

Check your cutter quality and offset page 53

If you do not have the manual, I believe you can still download it fronm Graphtec's website


Good Luck
 

CSP1985

Signage Specialist
I had this problem a few years ago. I replaced the blade holder and the problem went away for me.

Happy plotting,
Chris
 
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