Ioline 300/350HF Support

300/350HF System Support

Ioline 300 System Appliqué and Sports Lettering Cutter

Tech Bulletins

Maintenance and Repair

300/350HF Carriage Replacement
File: 107693R00_300-350HF_Carriage_Replacement.pdf
300/350HF Main Logic Board Replacement
File: 107316R00_300-350HF_Logicboard_Replacement.pdf
300/350HF Tray Ruler Replacement
File: 108608_Tray_Ruler_Replacement.pdf
300/350HF Table Belt Replacement
File: 111311_Rev-0_300_350-Table belt replacement.pdf
300/350HF Add Tray Support Bar (for models without one)
File: 107736_Add Support Bar to 300_350HF.pdf
File: 107736a-Table_Support_Bracket_Templates.pdf
Applying Single Sided Backing
File: 106495_Ioline_Applying_Single-Sided_Backing.pdf
Applying Double Sided Backing
File: 111251_Ioline_Applying_Double-Sided_Backing.pdf
Remove Keypad Filter Procedure
File: 111036_Remove_Keypad_Filter_Procedure.pdf
300 and 350 Keypad Filter Replacement
File:109667_300_350HF-Logic_Board_Keypad_Filter_Replacement.pdf
300-350HF Repacking Guide in Original Box
File:110959_R00_300-350HF_Repacking_Guide.pdf
Upgrade 300 & 350HF Carriage
File:111422_Carriage_Upgrade_300-350_R00.pdf
Replace Carriage Ribbon Cable on 300 & 350HF
File:111473_Ribbon_Cable_Replacement_300-350HF_R00.pdf
Upgrade 350HF Power Supply
File:111328_Power_Supply_Upgrade_350CF_R00.pdf
Install Cutter Keypad – I/S, 300, 350HF Only
File:111040_Install_Keypad_on_Cutters_R00.pdf
Rebuild Carriage Transmission with Existing Motor (Y Axis)
File:111114_Rebuild_Trans_Assy_No-Motor_IS-300-FJEII_R00.pdf
Replace Carriage Transmission (Y Axis)
File:111115_Replace_Trans_Assy_IS-300-350HF-CP2_R00.pdf
Install Casters on a Stand
File:111170_R00_Install_Sign-CP_Casters.pdf
Replace Carriage Flexures – I/S, CrystalPress Only
File:111198_Flexure_Replacement_R00.pdf
Swapping Carriage and Paper Motors for Testing – I/S, 300, 350HF Only
File:111231_Switching_Y-X_Motors_Coldfire_R00.pdf
Upgrading a Power Supply
File:111329_Power_Supply_Upgrade_I-S-300_CF_R00.pdf
Install the Universal Power Supply
File:111427_Install_Univeral_Power_Supply_R00.pdf
Install Driveshaft – I/S, CrystalPress Only
File:111429_Universal_Driveshaft_X_Motor_Replacement_R00.pdf
Replace Driveshaft Belt (X Axis)
File:111430_Universal_Driveshaft_X_Belt_Replacement_R00.pdf
Replace Carriage Transmission Motor (Y Axis)
File:111431_Universal_Carriage_Y_Motor_Replacement_R00.pdf
Replace Carriage Transmission Belt (Y Axis)
File:111432_Replace_IS_Contour_Y-Trans_Motor_Belt_R00.pdf
Replace Carriage Belt (Y Axis)
File:111433_Universal_Carriage_Y_Belt_Replacement_R00.pdf
Remove End Covers
File:111437_Proc_Remove_End_Covers_CF_R02.pdf
Remove Bottom Cover
File:111438_bottom_covers_CF_Rev_0.pdf
Replace Rear Power and Communication Panel – I/S, 300, 350HF Only
File:111549_Universal_Rear_Panel_Replacement_R00.pdf
Replace USB/Serial Logic Board in Rear Panel
File: 109586R01_Replace_USB_PCB.pdf

Software Tips

How to Plot from Adobe Illustrator
File: Adobe_Illustrator-DXF_Export.pdf
How to Plot from CorelDraw™
File: CorelDraw-Export_to_Ioline_software.pdf
301 Stitch Density Chart
File: 301-Satin_stitch_density_chart.pdf

Technical Documentation

Ioline Syntax Guide 2008
Comprehensive list of all Ioline syntax commands for developers writing drivers for Ioline machines (except CrystalPress).
File: Ioline_Syntax_Manual_2008.pdf
Official HPGL Language Guide (1996)
The official HP/GL language guide from Hewlett Packard, last published in 1996. Contains the complete language description although only a subset of the language is supported by Ioline (see the Ioline Syntax Guide above for details). [ref link]
File: HPGL2-RTL_ReferenceGuide_5961-3526_540pages_Sep96.pdf
Ioline HP/GL Driver Guide
Guide to help developers write drivers to output HPGL formatted vector images for Ioline machines.
File: ioHPGLguide.pdf
Upgrading Ioline Firmware
Directions for updating firmware in Ioline machines made after the late 1990s.
File: inst_firmware.pdf
Terminal Communication w/ Ioline Equipment
Directions for setting up and using a terminal program to communicate with Ioline machines.
File: terminal_comm.pdf
Power Entry Module Old vs. New
Visual guide to power entry wiring layout differences 1995-present.
File: Power_Entry_Module-Old_vs_New.pdf

Compliance and Environment

Ioline ROHS Statement
Official statement of ROHS compliance for Ioline products.
File: Ioline_RoHS_Complaince_Statement_2014.pdf
Ioline REACH Statement
Official statement of REACH compliance for Ioline products.
File: Ioline_REACH_Compliance_2020.pdf
Recycle Ioline Components
The Ioline Recycle website offers options for safely and properly recycling obsolete or damaged components.

Manuals

300/350HF System Quick Start Guide
Assembly and setup directions for Ioline 300/350HF Systems.
File: Ioline_300_System_Quick_Start_Guide.pdf
Version: 8
Posted: September 10, 2019
Size: 2.3 MB
300/350HF System User Guide
File: Ioline_300_System_User_Guide.pdf
Version: 6
Posted: January 1, 2008
Size: 2.0 MB
301 Software User Guide
File: Ioline_301_Software_User_Guide.pdf
Version: 4
Posted: January 7, 2008
Size: 2.0 MB
300/350HF System Service Manual
File: 300-350_sm_r0.pdf
Version: 0
Posted: June 15, 2003
Size: 8.6 MB
Original 200/300 System Service Manual
File: 200_300_sm_r0.pdf
Version: 0
Posted: November 6, 2001
Size: 5.12 MB

Training

Vector vs Raster
Understand the basics of vector and raster graphics, and the process of scanning and digitizing images for decorated apparel.
File: vector_v_raster.pdf
CorelDraw™ page Orientation
Learn how CorelDraw and similar programs orient designs relative to how they are processed by Ioline machines.
File: Software-CorelDraw_Page_Orientation.pdf
Contour graphics with CorelDRAW!®
Lesson on how to make contour graphics for the 300 System using CorelDRAW!® that also applies to other machines.
File: contour_cuts.pdf
CorelDraw™ Node Reduction Tutorial
Fix designs that cut very slowly due to many small vectors in design outlines.
File: CorelDraw-Node_Reduction.pdf
CorelDraw™ Single/Stroke Line Fonts
Learn about making and using single line/stroke fonts in CorelDRAW!®
File: CorelDraw-Single_Line_Fonts.pdf
Split Front Garment Design
A step-by-step guide to designing a simple applique for a split front garment using for the 300 System using and CorelDRAW!®
File: splitfronts.pdf
Kiss Cutting Multi-Layer Designs
Comprehensive guide to creating multi-layer designs, cutting them on the 300, then generating a 301 stitch file.
File: Kisscuts.pdf

Using Design Software with Ioline Products

Export from Illustrator

How to export from Illustrator (CS2 and higher) to open in Ioline software.

Export from CorelDraw

How to export from CorelDraw (Any Version) to open in Ioline Software.

Hand Trace a bitmap in CorelDraw

How to hand-trace a bitmap in CorelDraw using the Bezier Curve Tool.

KISS-Cutting on the 300/350HF Systems using CorelDraw

From setting up the 300 cutter to designing a KISS-Cut in CorelDraw. Then sending the cut file to the machine and finally creating a Stitch file in Ioline 301 software.

KISS-Cutting on the 300/350HF Systems using Illustrator

How to design a KISS-Cut in Adobe Illustrator CS6. Export the file as a DXF file and open in the 301 software to cut on the 300 Cutter.

 

Downloads

Software

301 Software
Digitizing software & driver for the 300 System. Create sew disks with outline stitch instructions for appliqué designs and cut graphics on the 300 System. English/Español version.
Download: 301_setup_full.exe
NOTE: A password is required to download the 301 software and was included on a card in the accessory kit with your machine. Contact Ioline customer service if you need a new password.
Upgrade: Request the latest 301 version by calling 1.800.598.0029.
Latest Version: 11.2
New features include USB support, a stitch count estimator, the ability to rename layers and a thicker decorative “Bean” placement stitch. Release 11.2 also features stitch editing, stitch quality and automatic trimming enhancements.
OS: Microsoft Windows® (x32 and x64): Win7, Win8.1, Win10
Release Notes: What’s New list
ReadMe: Contact Ioline Customer Service to request this software, get an upgrade kit, or check if the required firmware is installed for this version.
301 Software – Demonstration Version
Learn how to import designs, set cutting parameters, and specify sew disk instructions. This demo version of 301 Software R11.2 is fully functioning, but does not print, plot, or save.
Download Free Demo: 301_setup_full_demo.exe
Version:11.2 – English
OS: Microsoft Windows® (x32 and x64): Win7, Win8.1, Win10
Posted: November 16, 2015
Size: 79 Mb
Release Notes: What’s New list
301 v8 & v9 Windows® Vista & Windows 7 Patch
Automatically update revision 8 or 9 Ioline 301 software for Windows® Vista & Windows® 7 compatibility.
Download: Install301_Vista_upgrade.exe
Revision: 0
OS: Windows® Vista (32-bit Editions) – Windows 7®
Posted: May 8, 2007
Size: 10 Mb

Release Notes:

Control Center Software
Interface for adjusting plotter parameters for the 600Ae, 600AeX, 28Ae, Stylist Ae, Studio A, 200, 300, 350HF, 100, SmarTrac I/S, SmarTrac Contour, and CrystalPress.
Download: windowsCC_setup_full.exe
Latest Version: 16
Posted: 2015.11.16
Size: 24 MB
OS: Microsoft Windows® (x32 and x64): Win 7, Win 8.1 and Win 10
Release Notes: What’s New list
To install: Running the installer might display a warning if much older previous versions are installed. Remove all previous versions before installing this version. The equipment User Guide has directions for using the Control Center.
Previous Version: If the new Control Center fails to connect, please download and install the previous version 12.4.
Please contact Ioline Customer Service to obtain the latest firmware for your plotter.
Hardlock Drivers
For Ioline software like 301 and CrystalStudio licensed through a security key that requires drivers.
Download: HASPUserSetup.exe
Latest Version: 7.92
Posted: 2019.08.12
Size: 17.9 MB
OS: Microsoft Windows® (x32 and x64): Win 7, Win 8.1 and Win 10
IMPORTANT NOTE: Perform these steps BEFORE inserting the security key for the first time. Download the driver file linked above to the computer that will run the software. Install the driver files by double clicking on the downloaded file. Follow the installation steps and wait for the installation to finish. Once installation is complete, reboot the computer if asked then connect the security key to an open USB port. Allow the key drivers to recognize the new key. Once the process is complete, run the Ioline software to test for correct installation.
USB Drivers
For the Ioline 100, 300, 350HF, FlexJet E, StudioJet, 600Ae, SmarTrac I/S & Contour, and CrystalPress equipped with a USB port.
Only for equipment manufactured on or after January 1, 2008
Download: CDM21228_Setup.exe
Latest Version: 2.12.28 (need to check your current version?)
Posted: 2018.05.02
Size: 2.4 MB
OS: Microsoft Windows® (x32 and x64): Win 7, Win 8.1 and Win 10
Read Me: On most Windows based computers, Ioline USB drivers will upgrade automatically through the Windows Update service. Use the file shown above to manually update the USB drivers if desired. Please refer to the USB Installation Guide for more information.
NOTE: If an error appears about “elevation”, run the file by right-clicking on it and choosing “Run as Administrator” instead of left-double-clicking on it.
Install: Download the driver file to the computer that is/will connect to the machine. Power off any connected Ioline machines then install the drivers by double clicking on the downloaded file. Once installation is complete, reboot the computer then connect and power on Ioline equipment to start using the new driver. Windows may go through a ‘New Driver Found’ installation process which is normal.
Firmware upgrades
Please contact Ioline Customer Service to obtain the latest firmware for your plotter.

FAQ

Overview
I hear appliqué is difficult and time-consuming.
At one time, this was true. With the 300 system, though, much of the process is automated, ensuring accuracy and speeding production-to the point that if you don’t offer appliqué, you’re probably losing profit. Jan Calahan with Oak Tree Embroidery discovered this when producing booster jackets. Read about her experience.
What’s the difference between the 300 System and the 350HF?
The 300 and 350HF Systems are nearly identical. The 350HF is engineered with higher down-force, enabling it to cut thicker materials such as chenille board, soft PVC, thicker leathers and virtually any fabric up to .16 inch (4 mm) thick.
If the 100 System cuts twill, why would I need a 300 System?
While the roll-fed 100 System is designed to cut light-weight materials (such as vinyl and heat-transfer), the flatbed 300 and 350HF Systems can handle thicker, denser materials that are tougher to cut.

If you plan to cut primarily heat-transfer material, vinyl and the occasional piece of twill, the 100 System may be ideal for your needs. However, if you are in the business of doing team uniforms, twill or other specialty corporate or promotional products, you will likely be dissatisfied with a roll-fed cutter and would want a 300 or 350HF System.

It all comes down to workflow, production efficiency and cost. Roll-fed cutters are not designed for dense materials nor volume twill production. They also lack digitizing software for creating embroidery sew disks, which can run several thousand or more dollars. The 300 and 350HF both come with Ioline’s 301 Software for creating sew disks. In addition, roll-fed cutters lack the ability to kiss-cut graphics. In terms of production time and embroidery set-up, kiss-cutting is a huge time-saver.

The blades on roll-fed cutters dull faster and must be replaced more often when cutting twill. And you must purchase twill with a backing that’s stiff enough to feed through the drive shaft. Backed twill or “CAD-cut” material is more expensive and is offered in a limited number of colors. This can create a problem when matching team colors.

The 300 and 350HF Systems are designed for much higher volume twill production. They both cut unbacked twill—offering a significant savings in material costs—and have the flexibility to cut a wider range of materials, such as heat-transfer, vinyl, cottons, sequin stretch, leather, fleece, etc. The high-force (“HF”) 350HF System can handle thick leather, chenille, industrial and other dense materials as well. In that respect, either system can help you break into niche markets and grow your business.

How does it cut? Is it a laser cutter?
The 300 System is a knife cutter. Its carbide-tip blade offers equal or better cutting quality and accuracy than a laser cutter at about one-third the cost. It’s also much easier and less expensive to install and maintain.
How does the 300 System work?
The 300 System includes a cutter and an easy-to-use digitizing program-301 Software-that provides basic stitch editing and sew disk functionality for generating placement and outline stitches. It is not a drawing program. And it does not do fill stitches. But, it works with industry-standard drawing programs and all major embroidery systems to provide you with the ability to create entirely custom designs. Learn how in five easy steps.
I use pre-cut letters now. What could I expect to gain in terms of cost- and time-savings using the 300 System?
The savings can be significant. If you pay a service bureau more than $138 per month for pre-cut letters or graphics, you’re losing profit. A 300 can save over $10,000 per year if all of your lettering and sew disks are currently outsourced. Not to mention faster lead times and higher output. Running a typical 25 sweatshirt job with letters cut on a 300 System can save two hours compared to the same embroidery-only design!
How long has the 300 System been on the market?
The predecessor to the 300 System, the Appli-K, was introduced in 1997. We increased the tray size and added productivity-enhancing features to the Appli-K System, then re-introduced it as the 300 System in 1999.

Ioline was established in 1984 and has over 20 years’ experience manufacturing CAD/CAM equipment. Time and again, our systems are cited by industry professionals for their reliability, durability and ease of use.

Is it hard to learn? Do you offer training?
The 300 System is very easy to learn. Using it is not unlike printing a document, except that you also adjust the blade depth to your material prior to cutting. There’s a simple test cut button on the keypad to help you adjust the blade. Then, you import your design, set the margins, specify the number of copies, and send the graphic to the cutter.

Sew disks are just as simple to create-especially if you’re already familiar with embroidery terminology and procedures. First, you specify a placement stitch that will show you exactly where to position the graphic on the garment during sew-down. Then, you set the decorative stitch and width, and export the file to use with your sew software. Fill stitches, if desired, can be applied with your embroidery software.

Most customers find that the demo video and Quick Start Guide that ships with the 300 System are all they need to get going. If you find you need a bit of extra guidance, just give our Customer Service team a call. Support is free. We also offer free training in our corporate headquarters in Woodinville, Wash., outside Seattle.

You can use stock designs with the 300 System and never have to learn how to use a drawing program. But, to get the most out of your investment, we’d highly recommend that you learn how to make at least basic design changes to stock art using a third-party vector drawing program such as CorelDRAW!®. If you’ve never used design software, there can be a short learning curve. Although, if you’re familiar with editing on your embroidery system, you’ll find that you will ramp up quite quickly.

There are some free training tools on the Web and numerous third-party professional training classes available. Because so many drawing programs are used with the 300 System, we do not offer training on third-party software. However, if you’d like help finding a class, please contact Ioline Sales.

Cutting & Design Capabilities
What materials does it cut? Does it do vinyl? Chenille? Leather?
The 300 System cuts virtually any fabric up to .09 inch (2.286 mm) thick. That includes vinyl and heat-transfer materials and thin (e.g. glove) leather. For chenille and thicker leathers, you would need to use the 350HF System, which has higher down-force pressure for cutting tough materials.

If you have any question about the system’s ability to handle particular materials, we’re happy to test-cut samples prior to purchase. Simply contact Ioline Sales and arrange to submit your materials for testing. This can also help alleviate concerns if you are considering using the system in an industrial application rather than for decorative apparel.

Will it work with my embroidery system?
The 300 System is compatible with all major embroidery systems. If your system is not listed, but can write files in any of the listed embroidery system formats, then it is compatible. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Ioline Sales.
Can I create designs with 301 Software?
301 Software is not a drawing program. It digitizes completed designs to create placement and outline stitches for your embroidery system, and instructs the cutter on how to cut graphics. In order to edit or create entirely custom designs, you will need a vector-based drawing program such as CorelDRAW!® or Adobe Illustrator®.
Do I need to know how to draw to use the 300 System?
Not at all. You could simply purchase a collection of stock designs that are optimized for appliqué, if you wish, and never have to use a drawing program.

With some very basic instruction, though, you can quickly learn how to modify existing designs in CorelDraw!® or another program. For instance, to change a font or add a tail.

Many newbies have learned how to tweak art and create custom designs with great success. If you have a comfort level with embroidery software, Windows® and a mouse, you should pick up the design basics quickly.

Drawing programs can seem complex, but fortunately, you really only need to know about 20% of the program to get it to do what you need. We’d encourage you to get your feet wet and learn some drawing basics, as it is a skill that can help you gain more control over lead time and expenses, not to mention influence customer satisfaction.

There are some free training tools on the Web and numerous third-party professional training classes available. Because so many drawing programs are used with the 300 System, we do not offer training on third-party software. However, if you’d like help finding a class, please contact Ioline Sales.

What design software will the 300 System work with?
The 300 is compatible with CorelDRAW®!, Adobe Illustrator®, EasySIGN®, FlexiSign®, Signlab®, Signwizard®, CoCut® and other vector-based drawing programs, as well as most embroidery software.
Can I cut any stock art on the 300?
The 300 System only cuts vector art.
Does it cut sports letters?
Yes. Any design you can create or import from a stock design, the 300 System can cut out of heat-transfer, twill or a variety of other materials.
Can it do split-fronts?
Yes. We’ve created a tip & trick bulletin to step you through the process. Read it now.
What size material will it cut?
The tray size is 18 in x 30 in. The 300 System cuts to within ½ inch of each side.
How fast does it cut? What’s the throughput?
Cutting full trays of twill 3-inch letter “E”s, you can yield about 700 pieces per hour.
How many layers can it kiss-cut?
The number is dependent upon the material and thickness. For instance, the 300 System can cut up to nine layers of twill.
How does the sew disk work? What does it do?
If you’ve ever ordered cut graphics and a sew disk from a service bureau, you know how expensive it can be. The 300 System eliminates these costs and the 2-week lead time. With the 300, you can create sew instructions in seconds.

The sew disk creates highly accurate instructions for your embroidery system, telling it where and how to stitch the appliqué graphic. Within 301 Software-the digitizing and production software that comes with the 300 System-you specify a placement stitch (which shows you where to place the cut graphic on the garment) and the type of decorative outline stitches you desire (e.g. zigzag, tack-down, satin or bean stitches). You can also specify stitch width, and reduce trims and color changes.

301 Software then creates a file that you import into your embroidery software. If desired, you can further edit the stitches in your sew software.

Maintenance & consumables
What’s involved with maintaining the 300 System?
The 300 System is nearly maintenance-free. There’s no lubrication nor periodic adjustments required. Simply keep it clean. And, never use adhesive spray near the machine, as it can penetrate and clog the drive assembly.
What consummables are used with the system? What do they cost?
The 300 System uses carbide-tip blades and sticky sheets that hold material in place on the cutting tray. The blades cost under $15 apiece. Sticky sheets run under $13 each.
How long does a blade last?
This, of course, depends upon the types of materials that you cut. As a guideline, figure on 4,000 3-inch twill letters per blade or $.0037/letter.
How long do the adhesive (sticky) sheets last?
For twill, you can cut about 4,000 3-inch letters, using both sides of the sticky sheet. That works out to about $.0032/letter. For materials with heavy nap, such as felt, fibers can be washed off with warm, soapy water to help extend the life of the sheet.
Hardware, installation & warranty
What are the hardware and electrical requirements?
The 300 System runs on a PC running Windows® 7, 8.1, and 10. In terms of electrical requirements, the 300 System needs about the same amount of power as an office printer.
Will it work with a MAC?
The 300 System is compatible with Windows® PCs only.
What’s involved with installing the 300 System?
Installation is nearly identical to that of an office printer. The 300 System sits on a table and plugs into the PC via a serial or USB cable. Install the 301 Software that comes with the cutter, and you’re done.
What’s the warranty?
One year full warranty on parts & labor.

Contact

Order parts, request service or product support

Please phone 1-425-398-8282
or request technical support by email »

Support phone hours are Monday – Friday from 8 am to 4 pm, (Pacific Time, U.S.A.)