Issue description

This guide addresses misaligned or shifted inkjet print patterns that may occur during the operation of xTool M1 Ultra with xTool Electrostatic Mat.

• Specifically, when using your xTool Electrostatic Mat to secure materials during Inkjet Printing Mode on xTool M1 Ultra, you might notice that the actual printed output doesn't align with the intended design shown in xTool Creative Space (XCS) canvas. This guide provides troubleshooting steps to resolve this issue.

Possible causes

1. Uncalibrated Ink Module – The ink module itself has not been properly calibrated.
2. Material Movement – The material shifted during processing.
3. Electrostatic Adsorption Not Activated – The Electrostatic Mat's adsorption switch was not pressed.
4. Electrostatic Protection Sheet Not Used or Dirty – The absence of or dirt on the sheet compromises adsorption.
5. Adsorption Failure – The electrostatic film is not functioning properly.
6. Incorrect Parameter Settings – Excessive pressure or high processing speed can cause material displacement.
7. Incompatible Material – The material used is not suitable for electrostatic adsorption.

Troubleshooting flowchart

This flowchart provides a visual overview of the troubleshooting process.

Pattern Misalignment? 

→ Check for Material Movement → Use Electrostatic Protection Sheet 

→ Still Misaligned? → Clean Protection Sheet 

→ Still Misaligned? → Ensure Electrostatic Adsorption is Activated 

→ Still Misaligned? → Verify Adsorption Functionality 

→ Still Misaligned? → Adjust Processing Parameters 

→ Still Misaligned? → Use Compatible Materials 

→ Still Misaligned? → Calibrate Ink Module

Troubleshooting

STEP1: Use the electrostatic protection sheet

• Check if you have placed the electrostatic protection sheet on the mat before placing the material.
• Position your material on top of the protection sheet.
  • If resolved: Proceed with printing. Troubleshooting is complete.
  • If unresolved: Proceed to STEP2.

STEP2: Clean the electrostatic protection sheet

Tools Needed: Lint-free cloth & isopropyl alcohol

• Inspect the electrostatic protection sheet for dirt, dust, or residue.
• If dirty, clean it using a lint-free cloth dampened with anhydrous ethanol.
• Allow it to dry completely before reuse.
• Reinstall the protection sheet and test printing.
  • If resolved: Resume work. Troubleshooting is complete.
  • If unresolved: Proceed to STEP3.

STEP3: Activate electrostatic adsorption

• Ensure the adsorption button is pressed after placing the material.
  • Indicator: Solid green light confirms adsorption is active.
• Test printing.
  • If resolved: Resume work. Troubleshooting is complete.
  • If unresolved: Proceed to STEP4.

STEP4: Test electrostatic adsorption functionality

Tools Needed: A4 White Paper

• Test adsorption effectiveness with a sheet of standard A4 white paper.
• Press the electrostatic absorption switch to test if the A4 paper adheres securely.
  • If the sheet adheres firmly: Adsorption is functional. Troubleshooting is complete.
  • If the sheet slips: Contact xTool Customer Service at support@xtool.com for further assistance. Provide a detailed description of the troubleshooting steps you have completed.
• If functional but misalignment persists: Proceed to STEP5.

STEP5: Adjust pressure & speed settings

• Check if pressure settings are too high or processing speed is too fast.
• If necessary, reduce the pressure or speed to prevent the material from shifting during printing.
• Perform a test print.
  • If resolved: Continue with adjusted settings. Troubleshooting is complete.
  • If unresolved: Proceed to STEP6.

STEP6: Confirm material compatibility

• Verify whether your material is compatible with electrostatic adsorption.
  • Incompatible: Fabric, most leathers, paper heavier than 300gsm.
  • Compatible:
    • Paper (less than 300gsm):
      • Cardstock
      • Kraft paper
      • Textured paper
      • Stickers
      • Heat-fusible ink paper
      • Printing paper
      • Photo paper
    • Vinyl:
      • Heat transfer vinyl
      • Sticky vinyl
      • Printable vinyl
    • Acrylic with Protective Paper

• If incompatible:
  • Replace with an electrostatic-friendly material or use the fabric grip-cutting mat in pink.
• If compatible: Proceed to STEP7.

 

STEP7: Calibrate the ink module

• Follow the M1 Ultra Ink Module Calibration Guide: How to Calibrate M1 Ultra's Ink Module
• Key steps:
  • Open XCS software → Device settings → Calibration → Ink module calibration.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions.
• Test printing post-calibration.
  • Still experiencing issues?
  • If the issue persists after completing all troubleshooting steps, contact xTool Customer Service at support@xtool.com for further assistance. Describe the steps you have already taken to resolve the problem.