Automatic Registration Mark Sensor System (ARMS)
Graphtec’s Automatic Registration Mark Sensor system is the laser/optical eye which reads multiple registration mark patterns on pre-printed media to obtain accurate contour cutting for the production of decals, stickers, heat transfer and packaging in the print and cut operation.
This system especially benefits those who have a need for contour cutting of longer prints. The ARMS system is designed to compensate for media misalignment, material expansion/contraction, and the common media shifting that occurs during the printing process. These intelligent features assure users of unsurpassed accuracy and reliable operation for even the most intricate contour cutting applications.
The registration marks is a reference mark for the AXIS ALIGNMENT that makes precisely aligning the actual cutting line with the printed image on media. It is necessary that marks specified by GRAPTEC are printed on the media to use the ARMS.
The AXIS ALIGNMENT is a very important function that should be used when you intend to cut pre-printed media, such as stickers or decals. The AXIS ALIGNMENT function enables to electrically adjust the contour cutting data to align with the printed image using reference marks.
ARMS is an abbreviation for Advanced Registration Mark Sensing system, which uses sensors to detect registration marks and performs the AXIS ALIGNMENT. It is installed in recent cutting plotter of the Graphtec. It enables to significantly improve productivity in the Print & Cut applications that makes stickers or decals.
Available functions by model of cutting plotter
Function of ARMS varies by model and its condition. Please refer to the following list.
| Function | Cutting plotter | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FC8600 | FC8000 | CE6000 / CE6000PLUS |
CE5000 | FC2250 | FC4500 | FCX2000 | ||
| 1 | Auto sensitivity adjust | X | X | X | - | - | X | X |
| 2 | ISM (Intelligent Scan Mode) | X (*) (Firmware version 2.10 or later) |
- | - | - | - | - | X |
| 3 | Segment area compensation | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| 4 | Segment area compensation (sequential mode) | X (*) (Firmware version 2.10 or later) |
- | - | - | - | - | - |
| 5 | Auto mark detection (ver. 1) | - | X (*) (Firmware version 3.00 or later) |
- | X (*) (Firmware to version 3.80, or version 5.00 to 6.10) |
X | X | - |
| 6 | Auto mark detection (ver. 2) | X | X (*) (Firmware version 3.01 or later) |
X | X (*) (Firmware version 3.90 to 4.90, or version 6.20 or later) |
- | - | X |
| 7 | 4 marks (4-point axis alignment) | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| 8 | Multiple-mark compensation (Matrix copy) | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| 9 | Command for ARMS | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| 10 | Expanded effective cutting area | X | - | X | - | - | - | X |
| 11 | Reduce mark detection time | X | - | X | - | - | - | X |
| 12 | ARMS copy | X | - | X | - | - | X | X |
| 13 | Axis alignment by the first mark | - | - | - | - | - | - | X |
| 14 | Hood of sensor | X | X | X | - | X | - | X |
| 15 | Reverse side processing using ARMS (*1) | - | - | - | - | - | X | X |
| 16 | Crop marks (*2) | - | - | - | - | X | - | X |
| 17 | Reversal color mark | X | X | X | - | - | - | X |
(*) X : Available.
(*) This function is supported when the cutter has the specified firmware.
(*1) Cutting Master 4, Graphtec Pro Studio or Graphtec Pro Studio Plus can control this function with only FCX2000.
(*2) The Roman type is available with FCX2000. Cutting Master 4 can control this function with only FCX2000.
AUTO SENSITIVITY ADJUST (*3)
The sensitivity of the registration mark sensor is automatically set by measuring the reflective level of the marks of the actual media. The mark can be detected when the color of the mark has a reasonable contrast against the background. For example, a white mark can be detected on a colored background.
ISM (INTELLIGENT SCAN MODE) (*3)
ISM incorporates a new scanning algorithm that expands the range of compatible media. ISM increases the mark scanning success, and can also detect the registration mark on textured media, such as brushed aluminum, or glossy laminated materials.
SEGMENT AREA COMPENSATION
The 4-point axis alignment is performed for each segmented area. This is performed by reading the mark in the middle of the feeding direction for entire graphic and then cutting the entire graphic, provides high-precision alignment for long length Print & Cut applications. The cutting plotter can be configured to this condition using Graphtec software.
Supporting softwares: Cutting Master 4, Cutting Master 3 , Cutting Master 2, Graphtec Pro Studio / Graphtec Pro Studio Plus, GRAPHTEC STUDIO , Plotter Controller
SEGMENT AREA COMPENSATION (SEQUENTIAL MODE)
The 4-point axis alignment is performed for each segmented area. This is performed by reading the mark in the middle of the feeding direction and then contour cutting is performed sequentially in each segmented area. Media movement is limited to the smaller area being cut, improving accuracy and tracking for heavier media or media that is the entire graphic, provides high-precision alignment for long length Print & Cut applications. The cutting plotter can be configured to this condition using Graphtec software.
Supporting softwares: Cutting Master 3 , Graphtec Pro Studio / Graphtec Pro Studio Plus, GRAPHTEC STUDIO
AUTO MARK DETECTION (V.1)
The first registration mark is automatically detected within search area; this eliminates the need to manually move the sensor near the registration mark position. It improves the operation of the registration mark searching.
AUTO MARK DETECTION (V.2)
The first registration mark is automatically detected within a wide search area including the negative area from the starting point; this eliminates the need to manually move the sensor near the registration mark position. It improves the operation of the registration mark searching.
4-POINT AXIS ALIGNMENT
This feature compensates for any distortion in printed graphics to ensure precise contour cutting. The axis alignment using 2-point and 3-point that are faster with limited compensation are also available.
MULTIPLE-MARK COMPENSATION
When the design is printed with the matrix copy condition using RIP software, the action of reading the mark and contour cutting is repeated for each copy. It significantly improve productivity for Print & Cut applications. The cutting plotter can be configured to this condition using Graphtec software.
Supporting softwares: Cutting Master 4, Cutting Master 3 , Cutting Master 2, Graphtec Pro Studio / Graphtec Pro Studio Plus, GRAPHTEC STUDIO , Plotter Controller
SUPPORTS ARMS CONTROL COMMANDS
The special command for controlling the registration mark sensing system (ARMS) is supported. The setting parameter for ARMS can be set from the PC using the software.
Supporting softwares: Cutting Master 4, Cutting Master 3 , Cutting Master 2, Graphtec Pro Studio / Graphtec Pro Studio Plus, GRAPHTEC STUDIO , Plotter Controller
EXPANDED EFFECTIVE CUTTING AREA
In case of ARMS 4 or before, the cutting area is up to the area enclosed by the registration mark. In case of ARMS 5 or later, the cutting area is expanded to outside of the area enclosed by the registration mark. This increases the production efficiency by reducing media waste.
REDUCE MARK DETECTION TIME
Sequence of scanning the mark is changed for significantly reducing the mark detection time. This function is available in ARMS 5.0 or later.
ARMS COPY
After data is sent the first time, it can be copied multiple times without a PC. It enables to improve the work efficiency of Print & Cut applications.
NEW! AXIS ALIGNMENT BY THE FIRST MARK
After data is sent the first time, it can be copied multiple times without a PC. In case of ARMS 6.0 that is available on FCX2000, the first four marks are scanned on the first sheet, and only the first mark in subsequent sheets. This improves productivity by shortening scan detection time. The cutting plotter can be configured to this condition using Graphtec software.
Supporting softwares: Cutting Master 4, Graphtec Pro Studio / Graphtec Pro Studio Plus
HOOD OF SENSOR (MEDIA HOLDER)
The hood incorporates to the mark sensor part. It has a function of holding the media to the panel for preventing the lifting of the media. It also prevents the influence of ambient light. It can read the mark in stable.
NEW! REVERSE SIDE PROCESSING BY USING ARMS
Cutting and creasing of printed graphics is possible even on the reverse side of the media. This prevents any scratches or damage to the printed graphic. In case of ARMS 6.0 that is available on FCX2000, operation is very simple when Graphtec software is used.
Supporting softwares: Cutting Master 4, Graphtec Pro Studio / Graphtec Pro Studio Plus
NEW! SUPPORTED THE STANDARD CROP MARKS
The axis alignment can be performed using by printed industry standard crop mark for shear. Adding special marks with Graphtec software is not necessary. The FCX2000 supports also the Roman type. In case of ARMS 6.0 that is available on FCX2000, operation is very simple when crop mark information is entered within Cutting Master 4 (*4) software when it is used with Adobe Illustrator.
SUPPORTED REVERSED COLOR MARK
The sensitivity of the registration mark sensor is automatically set by measuring the reflective level of the actual media. The mark can be detected when the color of mark has a reasonable contrast against the background. For example, the mark can be detected with a white mark on a colored background, on a textured media such as brushed aluminum, or on a glossy laminated media.In case of using the Graphtec software, reversed color mark can be easily created.
Supporting softwares: Cutting Master 4, Graphtec Pro Studio / Graphtec Pro Studio Plus
(*3) Mark may not be detected due to poor printing quality or media surface.
(*4) Only for FCX 2000.