How to Enable the Auto-Cutter on M1630 PRO DTF Printer (Lancelot Software Guide)

In daily Direct-to-Film (DTF) production, frequent manual trimming is not only time-consuming and labor-intensive, but it can also lead to uneven edges, affecting the premium look of your finished products.

The M1630 PRO DTF Printer features a built-in, high-efficiency automatic cutter. Once properly enabled, the printer will automatically slice the film after a print job is completed, achieving a truly automated "print-and-cut" production workflow.

⚠️ Important Note for Beginners: For shipping safety, the auto-cutter function on the M1630 PRO DTF Printer is disabled by default before leaving the factory. After unboxing and setting up your new machine, you must manually enable it in our official control software, Lancelot, by following this guide!

In this blog post, we will walk you through the step-by-step process to unlock the auto-cutter feature of the M1630 PRO using the Lancelot software.

Step 1: Enable "Automatic Cutter" in Lancelot Software

Open your Lancelot print control software and follow these three simple steps:

1. Access the Maintenance Menu: Click on the Maintenance button in the top navigation bar.
2. Locate Cutter Settings: Hover over or click Cutter Setting in the dropdown menu, then select Automatic Cutter from the secondary menu.
3. Activate Auto Mode: In the third-level menu, click On.

The auto-cutter function is now successfully activated on the software side!

Step 2: Hardware Preparation Before Printing

Once the software is configured, you must ensure the DTF film is loaded correctly to prevent media jams and guarantee smooth cutter operation. Follow these hardware standards:

• Secure the Film: Load the DTF printing film evenly and tighten the inner fixing rings on both sides.
• Align with the Scale: Feed the film from the left side, ensuring the film edge aligns perfectly parallel with the white alignment line on the machine.
• Engage the Pinch Rollers: Press down the pinch rollers and install the left and right media clamps so they firmly secure the edges of the film.
• Vacuum & Film Feeding: Turn on the vacuum function and set it to 100%. Press the Down key on the control panel to feed the film forward, ensuring it extends past the front vacuum zone.

Step 3: Streamline Your Workflow with "Print & Cut"

With everything configured, you can now send a multi-pattern gang sheet print job.

As soon as the M1630 PRO finishes printing the final pattern, the Lancelot software will automatically calculate the safety margin and advance the film to the cutting line. With a clean mechanical slice, the built-in cutter will glide horizontally across the film, delivering a perfectly straight cut. This hands-free automation massively boosts your collection efficiency!

Troubleshooting & Maintenance FAQ

Q: Do I need to reconfigure the auto-cutter every time I power on the printer?

A: The Lancelot software typically saves your last configured settings. However, if you notice it fails to cut automatically, we highly recommend checking the software path (Maintenance → Cutter Setting → Automatic Cutter) at the start of your daily production routine to ensure it is set to On.

Q: What should I do if the M1630 PRO cutter jams or gets dull over time?

A: Regularly inspect the cutter groove for any accumulation of TPU hot melt adhesive powder. This powder can become sticky under heat and hinder the cutter's movement. To clean it, turn off the printer power and use a cotton swab dipped in a small amount of isopropyl alcohol to wipe down the cutter track.

Conclusion

Enabling the auto-cutter on your M1630 PRO DTF printer is one of the easiest and most effective ways to boost your DTF printing studio's productivity. Backed by the intelligent automation of Lancelot software, your professional setup will deliver maximum output with minimum effort.

If you encounter any issues during the setup process, please do not hesitate to contact our technical support team. Our experts are available 24/7 to assist you.