Brother Gt3 Manual

							 
 
GT-3 Series 
2. Identifying Your Printer’s Parts
11
2-5. Upper part of the Maintenance Unit 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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No. Name Description 
1  Caps (Front: Color side)    Cover the surface of the Print Heads and absorb ink in head cleaning.   
From the left black, magenta, cyan, and yellow. 
2  Caps (Back: White side)  Cover the surface of  the Print Heads and absorb ink in head cleaning.   
From the left W1, W2, W3, and W4. 
3  Wipers (Color / White)  Wipe off the waste ink on the su rface of Print Heads. Keep them clean for print quality 
at the timing when you exchange Wiper Cleaner. See 6-1-2. Replacing the Wiper 
Cleaner and Cleaning the Caps / Wipers. 
4 Wiper Cleaner    (Front: Color side) 
5 Wiper Cleaner   (Back: White side)  Removes the waste ink on the Wiper. Exchange regularly and keep them clean for 
print quality, at the timing when you open t
he new ink cartridge or when you see the 
warning on the display of Control Panel. Remo ve the projections of both sides and lift it 
up. See 6-1-2. Replacing the Wiper Cleaner and Cleaning the Caps / Wipers. 
6  Flushing Plate Sponge  Flushing Plate Felt    Hold the flushed ink for keeping print quality. Exchange them at the timing when you 
exchange Wiper Cleaner. See 6-1-3. Replacing the Flushing Plate Sponge and 
Flushing Plate Felt. 
  
						

							 
 
GT-3 Series 
2. Identifying Your Printer’s Parts 
12 
2-6. Under the Platen 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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No. Name Description 
1 Platen Fixing Lever  Fixes the Platen.   
Tighten/Loosen this lever to install/uninstall  the Platen and to adjust the Platen height.   
 
Move the Platen Height Adjustment Lever  (2) to the A position in the right image 
and loose the Platen Fixing Lever (1). When you pull out the Lever (1), you can turn 
it with no load so that move the Lever (1 ) to easy-to-operate position. Then tighten 
the Lever (1) to fix the Platen.   
2 Platen Height 
Adjustment Lever  Adjusts the Platen height.   
Left most position A is t
he normal T-shirt position.   
Check the exact height with Platen Button  on Control Panel when you print on thicker 
material. The adequate clearance between the  Flap Sensor and the printed material is 
app. 2 mm. See 4-5. Placing the T-shirt on the Platen.   
Ink mist may spreads inside the printer If you  print with wider clearance, the ink mist will 
spread inside the printer and the printing material, and may damage the sensors. 
3  Bush Platen Shaft 
4 Platen Positioning Plate  Fixes and holds the Platen.   
 
You can use Lower-the-Platen Assy (option) when you regularly 
print thicker material, which can lower the platen by 13 mm 
than the standard height. See 4-4-3. Lowering the Platen height   
						

							 
 
GT-3 Series 
2. Identifying Your Printer’s Parts
13
2-7. Control Panel 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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No. Name Description 
1  Error Lamp  OFF: no errors  ON: one or more errors have been detected. See 7-4. Error messages.   
2  Power Lamp  ON: shows the power is ON. 
3 Head Cleaning Button  Cleans all the Print Heads with normal cleaning. (the number of cleaning depends on the 
model).  
4  Platen Button  Loads / Ejects the Platen. Press this button when you check the adequate height of the 
Platen after you change the height. See 4-5. Placing the T-shirt on the Platen 
5  Stop Button  Cancels printing or Print Head cleaning. Returns to Standby mode. 
6  Up Button  Selects the previous (upper) item. Increases a numeric value. Opens the Menu display. 
7  Down Button  Selects the next (lower) item. Decreases a numeric value. Opens the Menu display. 
8  OK Button Executes the selected command. Opens  the Menu display. Clears the error status. 
9  Back Button  Returns to the previous display. Opens the Menu display. 
10  Display Displays the Job Comment of the print  data received, the status of the printer, and the 
menu items for various settings. 
11  Print Button  Indicates the print data status and starts the print.    OFF: No print data has been received 
Flashing: Receiving a print data 
ON: Print data is ready to print.   
  
On machine initialization these lamp s have a 30-second self check time.  
						

							 
 
GT-3 Series 
2. Identifying Your Printer’s Parts 
14 
2-7-1. Display   
 
The following image indicates that GT-3 has received a print data and ready to print. The Display indicates Job, printer status 
and the information needed for printing operations.   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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No. Item Shown Description 
1  Job Name  Shows the indentified name of the print data,  which is automatically set by Printer Driver.   
2 Job Comment  Shows the 30 characters of the Job  Comment set by the operator with Printer Driver. 
3 Amount of Ink  
Required  Shows how much ink (cc) is required for making one print of the received data. 
Shows warning message(s) if necessary. 
4 
Platen Size  Shows Platen Size set by Printer Driver. 
5 Number of Platen 
Move  Shows the number of the Platen Move (loading/unloading) in printing one print data. 
6 
Number of Print  Shows the number of prints completed of the print data.   
7 Printer Status  Shows the printer status. 
8 Amount of Ink  
Remained  Shows amount of ink remained in each cartridge, from the left, W1, W2, W3, W4 , Black 
(K), Magenta (M), Cyan (C) and Yellow (Y).   
It flashes when ink is low. Prepare the new cartridge(s).     
9 Uni-Directional Print  
Icon  Shows when the printer or the print data 
is set to uni-directional printing.     
10 Number of White 
Print Head Icon  Shows how many White Print Heads are used in printing one print data.   
11 
Resolution Icon  Shows the resolution of the print data. 
 When one or more errors  are detected, error message(s) will be displayed instead.   
  
						

							 
 
GT-3 Series 
2. Identifying Your Printer’s Parts
15
2-7-2. Menu List 
 
Push either one of the OK Button, Up Button, Down Button and Back Button to go into the Menu.   
 
Menu Content 
Head Cleaning Executes Head Cleaning of either one by
 one or of all four Print Heads.   
See 7-2-2. Cleaning the Print Heads  Normal: normal mis-firing Powerful: After cleaning the Print Head nozzles, when normal head cleaning does not work. 
Te s t  P r i n t   Prints to check mis-firing and print quality.   
Nozzle Check CMYK / W: shows mis-firing 
Standard Check CMYK / W: shows general print quality 
Whiteness: confirms the white quality 
Head Test CMYK / W: confir ms which print head is broken 
Daily Cleaning White Flushes the  thinner and white-less dull White Ink caused by sinking white pigment. See 
6-2-1. Daily Cleaning White for replacing dull White Ink.   
Print Data Load  Reads a print data (AR3 file) in USB 
flash drive. The inside folder shows with [...].   
Print Direction Sets the print direction. This setting is prior to Printer Driver setting. 
Auto ：  Default Bi-directional, Printer Dr iver setting is available.   
Always Uni-Directional: always prints uni-directionally.   
Always Bi-Directional: always prints bi-d irectionally. See 7-2-4. Changing the Print 
Direction. 
Maintenance  Goes into the Maintenance submenu.   
  White Tube Cleaning
：  Cleans the pigment in White Print Heads and Tubes.   
See 6-2-2. White Tube Cleaning. 
  Load White：   Loads White Ink into the Tubes filled with Maintenance Solution   
after White Tube Cleaning. See 6-2-2. White Tube Cleaning 
  Initial Cleaning ：  Loads ink into the empty new Tubes and Print Heads. CMYK ink   
is loaded directly into Tubes. Maintenance Solution is   
required before White ink.   
    Maintenance Parts Exchange: See 6-1-2 to 6-1-7. 
Nozzle Cleaning: Select this menu w hen you cannot solve mis-firing. See   
  7-2-6. Cleaning the Print Head Nozzles 
    CR Encoder Strip Cleaning: See 6-1-7. Cleaning the Encoder Strip. 
    Head Replacement: See 7-2-7. Replacing the Print Head 
    Color Tube Cleaning: See 7-2-7. Replacing the Print Head 
    Log Copy to USB: See 7-2-13.  Copy Log file to USB flash drive 
Printer Setting 
 Goes into the Printer Setting.   
    LCD Contrast: Adjusts the Display contrast
. See 3-4-1. Adjusting the Display Contrast 
Speaker Volume: Adjusts the speaker volume. See 3-4-2. Adjusting the Speaker Volume. 
    Temperature: Sets Fahrenheit / Centigrade. See 3-4-3. Temperature.   
    Auto Cleaning Interval: See 7-2-5. Changing the Auto Cleaning Setting . 
CR Speed Adjustment: Adjusts the increase/decrease of the Carriage speed. See    7-2-9. Adjusting the CR Speed. 
    Flushing Interval: Adjusts the number of lines (interval) to flush ink in printing. See   
7-2-10. Adjusting the Flushing Interval. 
    Flushing Volume: Adjusts the ink volume in flushing. See 7-2-11. Adjusting the Flushing    Vo l u m e  .   
(Continued on the next page) 
						

							 
 
GT-3 Series 
2. Identifying Your Printer’s Parts 
16 
Menu Content 
Printer Setting     Daily Cleaning W Setting: Adjusts the amount of White Ink that is flushed in Daily 
         Cleaning White. See 7-2-12. Ad justing the amount of White Ink in Daily   
          Cleaning White.  
    Auto Job Delete: Deletes the print data automatically after the print number which    is set with Printer Driver is finished. Default is OFF.   
GT-341 mode (No White): Sets the printer to stop all the operation of White Heads.   
See 6-2-５. Required Maintenance for the Long Storage.   
Total Print  Shows the number of prints.   
Platen Reset  Restores the Platen.   
Language Sets the language shown on the display. See 3-4-4. Language. 
Version Shows versions of the firmware. 
  
						

							 
 
GT-3 Series 
3. Getting Started
17
3. Getting Started 
Before using your printer, it needs to be correctly setup as described in this chapter. 
 
 WARNING 
 Do not handle the power cord with wet hands,  otherwise it may cause electric shocks. 
 Do not set up the printer in a dusty environment. If dust  collects inside the printer, it may cause fire or 
electric shocks or problems with correct operation. 
 
 Be sure to connect the ground. If the ground connecti on is not secure, you run a high risk of receiving 
a serious electric shock, and problems with correct operation may also occur. 
 Do not bend the cords excessively or fasten them to o hard with staples or anything similar to secure 
cords, otherwise there is the danger that  fire or electric shocks could occur.   
 
  
CAUTION 
 Setting up and moving of the printer should only be carried out by a qualified technician. 
 
 The printer machine weighs approximately 111 kg ( 245 lb). Transporting and setting up of the printer 
should be held in proper way. The machine may fall down and cause injury. 
 
 The printer must be used on a suitable stable surface,  otherwise it may tip over or fall down and cause 
injury. 
Furthermore, the table that supports the printer s hould be at least 137 cm (53.9 inch) in width and 
104.5 cm (41.1 inch) in depth, and should be able to bear a weight of 150 kg (330 lb) or more. 
 Do not set up the printer in a place where it will be af fected by vibration. It may become unbalanced 
and fall down, which cause injury or damage to the printer. 
 
 Do not connect the power cord until setup is comp lete, otherwise the printer may operate if the power 
switch is turned on by mistake, which could result in injury. 
 Do not climb onto the printer or place heavy objects on top of it, otherwise it may become unbalanced 
and tip over or fall down and cause injury. 
  
						

							 
 
GT-3 Series 
3. Getting Started 
18 
3-1. Placing Your Printer 
Uncrate and Setting the printer by following the steps in Uncrate Manual , which is packed with the printer. Locate your printer 
taking the following into account  z  Environmental conditions are suitable. 
z   Avoid direct sunlight, dust and extremes of humidity. 
z   Never use an extension cable. 
z   A working space must be left around the printer.   
Minimum space of 100 cm (39.4 inch) on the front and the ri ght. Keep away from the right side of the Exhaust Fan   
at least by 20 cm (7.9 inch).   
z   Body size is app. 137 cm (53.9 inch) x 104.5 cm (41.1 inch) x 66 cm (26.0 inch) and weighs app. 111 kg (245 lb).     
z
  The table that supports the printer should be at least 137  cm (53.9 inch) in width and 104.5 cm (41.1 inch) in depth, 
and should be able to bear a weight of 150 kg (330 lb) or more. Its tabletop must be level.   
 
Unit:cm 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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GT-3 Series 
3. Getting Started
19
3-2. Turning On/Off Your Printer 
  
Before you connect the power cord, make sure: 
z  The Ink Cartridges, Wiper Cleaners and Flus hing Sponge et al. are adequately installed. 
z   Waste ink tube is properly set the Waste Ink Tank*.   
(* See 1-3-5. Consumable Requirements and Options for part code.) 
z   The Rear Cover is mounted.   
z   Keep the front space approximately 30 cm (12 inches) on t he front as the Platen slides out when operating, and the 
right space at least 20 cm (7.9 inch) for exhaus ting air from the Exhaust Fan for exhausting air.   
 
3-2-1. Turning On Your Printer 
(1)  Hold the White Ink Cartridges upside down from the  inserting position and shake them back and forth beforehand 
(30 seconds to 1 minute for each). 
(2)   Connect the power cord (included) to the AC cord socket of your printer. 
(3)  Connect the power plug to the power outlet.  Ensue the printer is connected to a suitable earth point 
(4)  Press the Power Switch to turn ON your printer.  Your printer turns on, lights up the Error Lamp and the Print Button while initializing.     
The initialization requires approx. 40 seconds. When  it finishes, the machine goes to [standby] mode. 
  
						

							 
 
GT-3 Series 
3. Getting Started 
20 
3-2-2. Turning Off Your Printer 
When you have finished using your printer, follow the instructions below to turn it off. 
(1)  Make sure that your printe r is [standby] or [ready] mode.   
(2)  Select [Platen Reset] in Menu to  store the Platen in the printer.   
(3)  Press Power Switch to turn OFF your printer. 
(4)  If you are planning not to use your printer for over-two-w eek periods of time, disconnect the power plug from the power 
outlet. 
  
z   As for GT-381 and GT-361, do not leave the White ink insi de the printer. White pigment precipitates and may cause 
serious damage to your printer. Before you start your job,  shake the cartridges for 30 seconds to 1 minutes and execute 
[Daily Cleaning White] to flush the white-less White In k. Clean the tubes once a week with Maintenance Solution. 
Follow the steps of 6-2-1. Daily Cleaning White for replacing dull White Ink and “6-2-2. White Tube Cleaning . 
 
z   Do not turn off your printer when it is operating. It may caus e serious damage to your printer. If you turn off your printer 
accidentally during the operation, immediately restart it, and t hen turn it off correctly following the steps described in this 
section. If the power supply stops in printing by accident and will not recover soon, then turn OFF the printer and apply 
the Print Head Protection Films packed in the Print Head to cover the nozzles of the Prin t Heads so that the Films 
should protect the nozzles from drying. Wash the surfac e of the Print Head Protection Films with either the 
Maintenance Solution or Wash Liquid to protect the Print Head  Nozzles from dust. After the power supply is available, 
remove the Print Head Protection Films and turn ON  the printer for initialization and do Head Cleaning.   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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z   If the printer is unused for a long time we recommend turn ing on your printer once a week and press the Head Cleaning 
Button to protect the Print Heads and Maintenance Unit from  drying and clogging. This ensures the ink is kept free 
flowing. As for White Print Heads, do the po werful cleaning with maintenance solution.   
If you are planning not to use your printer for more t han two weeks, follow “6-2-5. Required Maintenance for the Long 
Storage to prevent ink clogging.