Technical guide for your Locor/ GraphKing Large Format Printer (XP600 series)
This technical guide for your Hongcai / GraphKing Large Format Printer (XP600 series) summarizes the critical steps from the manufacturer’s manual. Following these ensures your machine starts correctly and remains under warranty.
1. Critical Environment & Safety
- Grounding is Mandatory: Because of the sensitive CPU and printhead electronics, the machine must be connected to a ground electrode to prevent static electricity from damaging the mainboard.
- Climate Control: Maintain a temperature between 18°C – 26°C and humidity between 38% – 60%. Avoid direct sunlight on the machine to prevent ink from drying in the nozzles.
- Stable Power: Use a dedicated outlet. Avoid sharing a circuit with air conditioners or duplicators that switch on and off frequently.
2. Mechanical Setup & Head Installation
- Head Height: The distance between the printhead and the media must be exactly 2mm.
- Static Protection: Before touching the printhead or cables, touch a grounded metal object or wear an anti-static wristband.
- Initial Inking:
- Fill the ink bottles.
- Use the menu:
Menu > Maintenance > Inking. - Run a Nozzle Test (
Menu > Maintenance > Nozzle Test) to confirm all channels are firing perfectly before starting a job.
3. Computer & Software Connection
To get the computer communicating with the printer, you must set static IP addresses:
PC Network Card Settings: * IP Address:
196.12.0.188Subnet Mask:
255.255.255.0
- Printer IP (Default):
196.12.0.25 - Calibration Tool (ATool): Open the tool and click “Connect.” A successful connection is required before you can RIP files from Maintop.
4. Maintop RIP Software Basics
- Install Driver: Open Maintop > File > Printer Setup > Install Custom Driver.
- Port Setting: Ensure the print port is set to the correct network path or “Print to File” depending on your manager setup.
- Calibration: For high-quality output, you must perform Alignment (Bi-directional and Step calibration) to ensure ink drops land in a perfectly straight line.
5. Daily Maintenance Checklist
| Action | Frequency |
| Nozzle Test | Every morning before printing. |
| Encoder Strip | Weekly: Clean with a cotton swab and alcohol. |
| Guide Rail | Every 1–2 months: Apply lubricating oil or grease to the slider. |
| Maintenance Station | Daily: Ensure the wiper and cap top are clean of dried ink. |
| Ink Bottles | Every 2 months: Empty and clean thoroughly to prevent sediment buildup. |
6. Troubleshooting “Stop” Procedures
- Never pull the carriage manually while the machine is on; let it return to the home position (capping station) automatically.
- Capping: Never leave the printhead exposed to air. If the machine is off, ensure the head is “capped” to prevent the ink from drying inside the nozzles.
- Emergency Power Down: Always use the rear power switch. Do not pull the cord while the machine is printing, as this can fry the mainboard.
Sourceprinting Pro-Tip: The “Inking” and “Cleaning” functions are powerful, but don’t over-use them as they consume a lot of ink. If a nozzle is blocked, a simple “Manual Clean” or “Wipe” is often better than a deep “Inking” cycle.