Reference: Official MACH 7 User Guide / ColorMax9 Operator Manual (March 2025)
Overview
Identical SP Series Windows driver and HP FI-1000 OEM print engine. Works with Word, PowerPoint, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat, or any Windows app. No plugins needed.
1. Install the Printer Driver (Required First Step)
- Download latest SP Series Driver:
• Quadient: kb.quadient.com → MACH 7 → Software and Drivers
• Formax: formax.com/drivers → ColorMax9 - Run Winsetup.exe as Administrator (User Guide p.29).
- USB (p.29-31): Do NOT connect USB cable until prompted. Select USB, connect, reboot PC.
- Network (p.32-34): Set static IP on printer touchscreen first (Menu → Network Settings). Select Network, choose printer or enter IP, reboot PC.
- Open AstroMachine SP Series Toolbox (Start menu) — printer must show “Idle” (p.35).
2. Printer Preparation (Touchscreen)
- Media Thickness (p.36): Menu → Media Setup → set thickness (0.1–12.5 mm) → Apply. Set 12.5 mm before opening clamshell.
- Load Media & Feed Setup (p.37-39): Center media, adjust side guides & separator (slight bow), align feeder rail, run “Feed One” to test.
- Exit Sensor (p.40): Enable for light-colored, full-length media; disable for dark media, windows, or cutouts.
3. Printing from ANY Software
- Create document at exact media size (e.g., #10 envelope = 4.125″ × 9.5″).
- File → Print → select MACH 7 or ColorMax9.
- Click Properties / Preferences.
Media Tab – Critical Settings (p.41-44)
- Size: Match document (or Custom / Manage Media)
- Media Profile: Match loaded stock (Plain Paper, Matte Coated, Envelope, etc.)
- Print Mode: Production (faster) or Best Quality
- Color Selection: Color (CMYK), Composite Black, or Black Only
- Orientation, Alignment (Left/Center/Right), Rotate 180°, Mirror
- Printing Adjustment: Width/Length offsets (default 2.0 mm for full bleed)
- Save as My Print Settings preset
Maintenance Tab (p.45)
Enable Purge Bar for long runs (size, placement, frequency). Recommended for production.
Color Tab (p.47)
Leave defaults unless adjustment needed. Reset to zero.
4. Toolbox & Test Prints
- Launch from Start menu.
- Use Test Print (p.72) for alignment/nozzle checks (A4/Letter landscape).
- View System Status, Ink Levels, Maintenance (cleaning cycles).
Software-Specific Tips
- Word / PowerPoint: Envelopes tool or Custom Page Size, minimal margins.
- Illustrator / InDesign: Exact artboard size, CMYK mode, add bleed.
- Best Practice: Export to PDF first, print from Acrobat for precision.
Troubleshooting (Section 5, p.84+)
- Printer not detected → Reinstall driver.
- Alignment off → Adjust Media Tab offsets + Toolbox test print.
- Feeding issues → Recheck thickness & separator (p.85).
- Color off → Confirm Media Profile.
- Nozzle problems → Run purge from Maintenance Tab or Toolbox clean.
Full Manual: Provided with printer or download from Quadient KB / Formax site. Optional MACH Color RIP for advanced VDP/color work.
Last updated: March 2026