Operation Guide for Multi-jig and Multi-task Printing

Multi-Fixture & Multi-Task Printing Operation Guide

This manual applies to UV printers equipped with a multi-fixture swapping function. It helps ordinary users quickly get started with merging multiple products into a single print run, improving production efficiency.

I. What Is a Fixture? Why Use Multiple Fixtures?

A fixture (also called a "jig") is an auxiliary tool used to hold a product in place and ensure precise print positioning.

Different products require different fixtures to hold them — for example, printing a commemorative coin and a phone case require different fixtures because of their different shapes.

Benefits of multiple fixtures:

• ✅ One machine can print many different products.
• ✅ Switching products does not require major machine re-adjustment, saving time.
• ✅ Reduces position deviation caused by improper operation.

Typical use cases:

• Printing several different items at once (e.g., commemorative coin + jigsaw puzzle + badge/pin).
• Irregular-shaped parts and cylindrical products.
• Mixed printing of products made from different materials.

II. Fixture Categories

Fixtures are mainly divided into two categories:

III. Printer Models That Support Multiple Fixtures

The following models support the fixture-swapping function:

If you are unsure whether your device supports this, please contact after-sales support to confirm.

IV. Printing a Single Product

If you only need to print a single product, operate using any of the following methods.

Method 1: Place an order via the Internet API

Suitable for merchants or developers who have integrated the system interface.

1. Log in to the open platform: https://www.colorpark.cn/admin/index/index?lang=zh-cn
2. Create an order via the API interface /api/Printer/mulPrint.
3. Operate printing in the client software (see the Direct Printing from Client steps below).

Method 2: AI photo ordering

Supports two upload methods, suitable for in-store scan-to-order self-service printing scenarios:

1. Scan to upload original image: The customer scans a QR code with their phone and uploads the original image directly.
2. Take a photo to generate a preview: After taking a photo, the customer selects an AI style; a preview effect is generated automatically and the order is submitted.

Method 3: Direct printing from the client

1. Open the printer's client software.
2. Click the "Current Fixture" button on the interface.
3. Select "No Fixture / Free Mode" and confirm.
4. Select an order from the order list.
5. Click the "Print" button at the bottom-right to start printing.

V. Merging Multiple Products into One Print Run

Merged printing = placing multiple ordered products into one fixture at the same time and completing the print in a single pass, saving time.

Step 1: Add a product on the open platform

1. The reseller logs in to the open platform (same address as above).
2. Go to Device Management → My Products → Click Add.
3. Fill in the following information:
   • Product name (e.g., "Commemorative Coin – Standard").
   • Product dimensions (width × height, in mm).
   • Custom unique product identifier (used for API integration; must be unique).
4. Click Save to complete the product addition.

Step 2: Bind the fixture to the product on the device

1. Go to Device Management → My Devices → Fixtures → Add.
2. Fill in the following information:

3. Click Confirm & Save.

Tip: The start-point coordinates determine the product's print position on the fixture. Measure accurately; otherwise, print misalignment will occur.

Step 3: Place the order (API or AI photo)

Method A: API ordering (for system integration)

Method A-1: Multiple calls, create orders separately

• Call the interface /api/Printer/mulPrint multiple times, creating one order each time.
• When creating, add the is_merge (merge flag) and unique (unique product identifier) fields.
• Then select multiple orders in the client and print them in one pass.

Method A-2: One call, create orders in bulk

• Call the interface /api/Printer/mergedPrint to create multiple orders at once.
• After selecting them in the client, print in one pass.

Method B: AI photo ordering (for in-store scenarios)

1. Contact after-sales in advance to configure the merged-printing allowlist.
2. Take a photo of the fixture and send it to after-sales to configure the device fixture template.
3. On the AI photo machine, select multiple products and place the order.

Step 4: Select orders and merged-print in the client

1. Open the client software.
2. Click "Current Fixture" → click "Refresh" to fetch the latest fixture list.
3. Select the fixture to use and click "Confirm".
4. Order selection rules are as follows:

5. After checking all the orders to be printed, click "Print" to start merged printing.

⚠️ Note: If an order cannot be checked, verify that the currently selected fixture is correct, or whether that order's product has been bound to the current fixture.

VI. Physical Fixture-Swapping Steps

Before switching products, you must first physically swap the fixture on the device, then proceed with printing.

Follow the sequence below:

Step 1: Shut down and prepare

• Pause the current print job.
• Turn off the UV light.
• Wait for the device to come to a complete stop.
• Cut off the power (safety first!).

Step 2: Remove the old fixture

• Loosen the locking screws.
• Take off the old fixture.
• Clean residual ink from the worktable and the fixture mounting surface.

Step 3: Install the new fixture

• Install the new fixture according to the device operation guide.
• Complete origin calibration (ensure the print start position is accurate; the origin is at the bottom-right corner).

Step 4: Adaptation test

• Place a test piece and run a trial print.
• Check whether the print position is correct.
• Adjust as needed based on the actual situation:
  • Printhead height (recommended around 1–2 mm).
  • Ink volume and other parameters.

Step 5: Resume production

• Fix the products to be printed in place.
• Dispatch the order from the client following the steps above.
• Click "Print" and monitor the production process throughout.

Step 6: Store the old fixture

• Clean and maintain the old fixture.
• Store it classified by type and number.
• Avoid bumps and dust contamination.

If detailed video guidance is needed, contact after-sales support for the fixture-swapping operation video.

VII. FAQ

Q1: After selecting an order I cannot print — it says the order is not selectable. What should I do?

A: Please check the following:

1. Has the current fixture been correctly switched and confirmed in the client?
2. Has the order's corresponding product been bound to the current fixture?
3. Has one instance of the same product already been checked (the same product can only be checked once)?

Q2: The print came out misaligned. How do I adjust it?

A: Misalignment is usually caused by the following:

1. Incorrect start-point coordinates → Re-measure the distance from the product to the fixture edge and correct the X/Y values.
2. Improper fixture installation → Reinstall the fixture and perform origin calibration.
3. Wrong printhead height → Adjust the printhead height to 1–2 mm.

Q3: After adding a fixture, it is not visible in the client. How do I refresh?

A: In the client, click "Current Fixture" → "Refresh" to sync the latest fixture data. If it is still not visible after refreshing, confirm the fixture was saved correctly, or try restarting the client.

Q4: When placing an order via AI photo, what are the image upload requirements?

A: Two images are required:

• Design image: The print area must be knocked out / made transparent (hollowed out).
• Mask image: The print area should be solid black. Both images must have identical dimensions and match the product's outer-frame size. Resolution is recommended at 254 DPI.

Q5: After swapping the fixture, do I need to reconfigure the print parameters?

A: Yes. After installing a new fixture, you must:

1. Complete origin calibration.
2. Place a test piece and print a test page.
3. Adjust the printhead height (1–2 mm) and ink-volume parameters; confirm the result meets standards before formal production.

Q6: What is the maximum number of orders I can merge into one print?

A: In principle it depends on the fixture's size capacity. Each product occupies only one position on the fixture, so merged order count = number of product slots on the fixture. Refer to the bound product configuration of the fixture for specifics.

Q7: Can fixtures be custom-made?

A: Yes. As long as the fixture is customized to the standard size (conventionally 184 × 140 mm) and the corresponding product information and start-point coordinates are correctly configured on the open platform, it can be used normally. For custom fixtures, contact after-sales.

After-sales support: If you encounter operational issues, contact device after-sales support for one-on-one guidance or the fixture-swapping video tutorial.