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Imaje s8 Contrast Manual

Small character ink-jet printing
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  • Page 2 gˆ”ˆ˜„’ u™ˆ dˆ™†˜Œ–šŒ•”@•‰@sX@c•”š˜„™š@–˜Œ”šˆ˜™ sˆ˜œŒ†Œ”Š@„”‡@š˜•›…’ˆ™‹••šŒ”Š a‡Ž›™š“ˆ”š@„”‡@˜ˆ–’„†ˆ“ˆ”š i”–›šOo›š–›š@†•””ˆ†šŒ•”™ tˆ†‹”Œ†„’@™–ˆ†Œ‰Œ†„šŒ•”™ c•”™›“„…’ˆ™ A20736 B0...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    GENERAL Contents Ink jet printing S8 Contrast printers Operator interface Description of the screen How to reach the desired function or command Presentation of the keyboard Using the keys A20736 B0...

  • Page 4: General

    General Ink jet printing Ink jet printing enables contact-free marking to identify, date or customize a product. Your printer uses the "deflected continuous jet" principle with dot-matrix type characters. Dot-matrix characters Each symbol (letter, digit, punctuation mark, etc.) is contained within a rectangular area known as a "matrix", which is divided into columns known as "trames"...
  • Page 5 General Continuous deviated ink jet printing The printer head is supplied with pressurized ink. The ink arrives in a cannon (2) with a hole "nozzle" (3) through which the ink is ejected to form a jet. The ink jet is modulated by a piezo-electric resonator (1) to form calibrated and equidistant droplets.

  • Page 6: S8 Contrast Printers

    General S8 Contrast printers Overall view This manual covers all the printers in the S8 Contrast range. Some items of equipment or software may not be present in your printer depending on its configuration. Plant air kit Operator interface ON/OFF...
  • Page 7 General Operator interface Display Large LCD screen with WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) message display, with programming and maintenance help messages. NOTE 1) The display is switched off if no keys are pressed on the keyboard for 5 minutes. It is switched back on when any key is pressed.

  • Page 8: Description Of The Screen

    General Description of the screen 1 - Title bar Menu Sub-menu 2 - Editing zone Functions (working zone) commands 3 - Description zone 4 - Help zone Title zone This zone contains the name of the menu you are in and the name of the message you are working Editing zone At the top of this zone, a menu bar shows all the available sub-menus in the selected menu.

  • Page 9: How To Reach The Desired Function Or Command

    General How to reach the desired function or command A selection of several menus is proposed. Choose the one you want. Follow the instructions. Another choice is proposed. Continue in this way until you reach the desired function or command. Menus which are grayed out are not currently accessible The items selected remain...

  • Page 10: Presentation Of The Keyboard

    General Presentation of the keyboard The keyboard comprises: • Alphabetic keys, a standard numerical keypad and certain symbols (%, $, etc.). • "ALT", "SHIFT", "CTRL", "ESC" keys, etc. • An editing pad with four arrow keys. • Keys for direct access to important functions. Using the keys Direct access keys: ON/OFF.
  • Page 11 General Other keys: Used to go back to the previous menu and/or the main menu. It can also be used to abandon the input of a value or quit parameter modification and ignore any changes made. Used to validate a choice or a menu and save current operations. Used to toggle between upper and lower case letters.
  • Page 12 General This key gives quick access to the menu items, using the upper case letter in the menu title, e.g. ALT+F for [Font]. ¦ When used with the keys, it also makes it possible to switch from the [Production] to the [Message editing] menu in order to modify the message selected for printing.
  • Page 13 Contents General appearance of the menus Detailed description of each function and command PRODUCTION menu Printer Message Status/Printhead Maintenance MESSAGE EDITING menu Message Font Variables Parameters Barcodes editing PRINTER PREPARATION menu Initialization Parameters Options Access codes SYMBOL EDITING menu Symbol Size General rules for creating one or more symbols in a font Drawing a symbol...

  • Page 14: General Appearance Of The Menus

    General appearance of the menus The main menu is split into four independent menus: They appear in the following order: • The [Production] menu, which contains all the functions and commands for day-to-day use of the printer. • The [Message editing] menu, which contains all the functions used to create and modify the messages to be printed.

  • Page 15: Detailed Description Of Each Function And Command

    Start-up Message selection Status jet(s) Clear faults Shut-down Library creation FAULTS ELV status modification Jet(s) start-up Counter display / reset Flushing Jet(s) stop Imaje SAV Start Mode MESSAGE EDITING Message Font Variables Parameters Select font Counter Message Open Select Symbols...
  • Page 16 NOTES A20736 B0...

  • Page 17: Production Menu

    PRODUCTION menu PRODUCTION Printer Message Status/Printhead Maintenance The "Production" menu is used for printer operation, message selection, printer head status and access to maintenance functions. Printer Printer Start-up Shut-down Jet(s) start-up Jet(s) stop Start Mode The [Printer] menu allows you to start and stop the printer and the jets. 3.1.1 Start-up The [Start-up] command enables you to start the printer.
  • Page 18 3.1.2 Shut-down The [Shut-down] command enables you to stop the printer at the end of production. The printer enters a 2-minute shutdown phase during which printing is impossible. The jet is then stopped automatically. The following message is displayed on the screen: PRINTER SHUTDOWN PROCESSING IMPORTANT Do not interrupt this shutdown phase.
  • Page 19 Message Message Message selection Library creation Counter display / reset The [Message] menu is used to select the message(s) to be printed, create a library and display or reset the message counter(s) during printing. 3.2.1 Message selection The [Message selection] command is used to select the message to be printed. The messages are chosen from those created and stored in the printer.
  • Page 20 3.2.2 Library creation The [Library] command allows you to preselect a maximum of 79 messages from the general message list stored in the PC board’s memory. Preselection displays the messages in selective lists, some of wich may be specific to each head . IMPORTANT The maximum number of messages in memory depends on the number of characters in each message.
  • Page 21 To create a library: 1) Set the size of the library by specifying the number of messages to be included. 2) Select the messages in the general list and store them in the library. Select the message by pressing then [Enter]. IMPORTANT Messages are stored in increasing numerical order.
  • Page 22 2) Modify the number of messages. 3) Validate. Select [Valid] and press [Enter]. To increase the size of the library: 1) Increase the number of messages. 2) In the general list, select the message to be added to the library and press [Enter]. It is added to the end of the library list.
  • Page 23 3.2.3 Counter display / reset This command is used to show changes to the counter in real time, and reset it if necessary. REMINDER You can use the direct access key. NOTE If the key combination [CTRL]+[P] is pressed in this menu, the message may also be printed if it is set to "Manual object"...
  • Page 24 Status/Printhead ² Status/Printhead or (Press to access) This menu allows you to display the main printer operating parameters. • Speed jet 1 and jet 2: speed of jet expressed in metres per second (m/s). • Phase jet 1 and jet 2: drop control or phase detection (000011110). Three or four (1) in succession corresponding to the breaking point of the ideal jet.
  • Page 25 Printer operating parameters Maintenance functions A20736 B0...
  • Page 26 Clear faults ELV status modification Flushing Imaje SAV The [Maintenance] menu enables you to temporarily override the permanent head cover presence and recuperation checks, modify the status of certain ink circuit electrovalves or start a machine drain cycle. This menu also provides a historical record of printer operating parameters.
  • Page 27 3.4.2 ELV status modification • During normal operation (no fault present) This dialogue box allows you to display: - The different phases and subphases of ink circuit monitoring. - Changes to the reservoir level, the accumulator, viscosimeter and recuperation. - The status of all the electrovalves in the ink circuit. Ink circuit check: direct ³...
  • Page 28 ) to display. This should always be 0.7 bar higher than the operating pressure (-0.1; +0.3). This check makes it possible to measure the printer input pressure which is also the Imaje plant air kit output pressure. - Divider bridge: select "Divider bridge" and confirm (by pressing ) to check that the displayed pressure is between 0.8 and 2 bars.
  • Page 29 The [Flushing] command is used to start a flush and rinse cycle and monitor its progress. 3.4.5 Imaje SAV This command is used to display a history of printer operating parameters (48 tables of 15 records at 5 minute intervals).
  • Page 30 NOTES A20736 B0...

  • Page 31: Message Editing Menu

    MESSAGE EDITING menu MESSAGE EDITING Message Font Variables Parameters This menu contains all the functions needed to create and modify messages to be printed. This includes the content, format and appearance of the message. REMINDER The size of editing zone on the screen depends on the number of jets on the print head.
  • Page 32 4.1.1 The [New] command is used to create a new message. When you choose [New], a dialog box asks you to enter a name for your message (maximum 8 characters). A flashing cursor then appears at the bottom left of the working zone, on the lowest line in the message.
  • Page 33 4.1.5 Delete This command is used to delete a message from the printer memory. IMPORTANT Once a message has been deleted, it cannot be recovered. As a safeguard, the system asks you to confirm deletion of the selected message. 4.1.6 Load printer This command is used to transfer the message being edited to the print head (e.g.

  • Page 34: Font

    Font A "Font" is a group of characters or symbols in the same style and of the same size. Font Select font Select Symbols Bolderization Tabulation Barcodes This menu contains all the functions required to choose the style of your characters or symbols to enable you to customize your messages.
  • Page 35 4.2.2 Select Symbols When this function is selected, a dialog box is displayed containing all the symbols or characters in the selected font (some fonts cannot be displayed in full, in which case the keys can be used to see all the characters). Use the keys to choose the symbols.
  • Page 36 4.2.4 Tabulation This function is used to define a blank zone between two characters or symbols, with a width different from that of the standard space in the font used. A dialog box asks you for the number of trames in this blank zone (1 to 255). To place a tab: - move the cursor to the desired position, - enter [Tabulation] mode (...

  • Page 37: Variables

    Variables A "variable" is an element that varies according to time, such as date codes and shift codes, or depending on a counter. Variables Counter Time Date Postdate Postdate 2 Shift code External This menu is used to insert variable data items in your message. 4.3.1 Counter This menu is used to insert counters in your message.
  • Page 38 4.3.4 Postdate This menu is used to enter a postdate in your message. A dialog box is used to compose the [Postdate] variable using the following items: - Postday of the month. - Postday of the year. - Postweek of the year. - Postmonth of the year in digits or letters.

  • Page 39: Parameters

    Parameters parameters Message Counter Postdate Postdate 2 Shift code Barcodes This menu is used to program the parameters for the variables used in the messages and the message parameters which adapt the printer to your production line. All these parameters are specific to a message and may therefore be different for each message. 4.4.1 Message A dialog box is displayed containing all the data required to customize your message.
  • Page 40 • Head sense The value of this parameter depends on how your printer is installed on the production line and the result you require when reading the message. The table below summarizes the various possibilities. Direction in which the object moves Direction of the head...
  • Page 41 • Tacho mode: The printing speed can be continually synchronized with the speed of the objects to be printed by installing a tachometric pulse generator (tacho) on your production line. This option is particularly useful if the items do not move at a constant speed. If this box is checked, the printer follows the rate given by the tacho pulses.
  • Page 42 Select: MANUAL OBJECT or MANUAL AUTO: If you want to perform manual printing tests. - MANUAL OBJECT: Printing is triggered by pressing the space bar on the keyboard. One print is obtained every time the space bar is pressed. - MANUAL AUTO: Printing is started by pressing the space bar and continues until the space bar is pressed again.
  • Page 43 • Top filter: This parameter is the minimum duration of the object detection signal in order to be taken into account by the printer. You may increase this time if spurious messages printing occurs. The time is given in microseconds. •...
  • Page 44 4.4.2 Counter All the data needed to control the counter is displayed in a dialog box: • First digit and Last digit: These are the values between which the counter is updated. If the first digit is less than the last digit, the counter counts upwards.
  • Page 45 • Reinit./top object: Check this box if you want the counter to be reset whenever the "object pulse" signal is received. 4.4.3 Postdate/Postdate 2 A dialog box is used to enter the duration of the postdate in days or months. 4.4.4 Shift code All the data required to control the shift code is displayed in a dialog box.

  • Page 46: Barcodes Editing

    Barcodes editing If your printer is fitted with the [Barcodes] option, you can insert up to four bar codes per jet. The list of the various types of bar code is shown in the menu: MESSAGE EDITING Parameters Barcodes Whichever type of bar code is selected, a specific dialog box is displayed, limiting access to only those parameters which can be modified for that type.
  • Page 47 Narrow bars must be strictly less than Wide bars. Narrow spaces must be strictly less than Wide spaces. Height: expressed in dots, limited to the height of the fonts present. Inverse print: enables printing in reverse video. Check digit: may be present or not Optimization: Optimizes the size of the "CODE 128"...
  • Page 48 4.5.2 General rules for composing bar codes When creating or modifying a message in the [Message editing] menu: 1) Set the parameters for the type of bar code you wish to compose [Parameters, Barcodes]. 2) Compose your bar code, inserting fixed and variable elements [Font, Barcodes]. The code will be displayed with the initial parameters.
  • Page 49 4.5.3 Details of each bar code Interleaved 2/5 • Used to transcribe numerical characters only into bar code form. • These characters may be variables (counter, date, etc.). • Max. 32 characters. o o o o IMPORTANT 1) Without a check digit ( ) an even number of characters must be input.
  • Page 50 EAN / UPC • Possible choices: EAN 13, 1/2 EAN 13, EAN 8, 1/2 EAN 8, UPCA, 1/2 UPCA, UPCE, 1/2 UPCE. • Used to transcribe numerical characters only into barcode form. • 13 obligatory characters for EAN 13 and 1/2 EAN 13. •...
  • Page 51 EAN 128, Code 128 • Possible choices: EAN 128, 1/2 EAN 128, code 128, 1/2 code 128, HIBC/EAN, 1/2 HIBC/EAN. • Maximum 39 characters. • HIBC codes are only available in mode C. • The other modes have four different modes: A, B, C and auxiliary characters. •...
  • Page 52 The dialog box for other bar codes is as follows: IMPORTANT 1) Characters in reverse video A, B or C appear in the composition corresponding to codes A, B and C. 2) Whatever the number of jets in the head, a code 128 or EAN 128 code occupies the full height of the jets.

  • Page 53: Printer Preparation Menu

    PRINTER PREPARATION menu PRINTER PREPARATION Initialization Parameters Options Access code The [Printer preparation] menu is used to configure your printer (operator language, local time, etc.). It is therefore essential when the printer is commissioned. Initialization Initialization Language Autoclock Jet Alignment RS232 Connection PCMCIA transfer Font(s) downloading...
  • Page 54 5.1.2 Autoclock The [Autoclock] function is used to set the time and date, freeze the clock, select the date format and the date change time. When you select [Autoclock], the following dialog box is displayed: Autoclock display and printing are updated in real time.
  • Page 55 In the above example, the jet with the largest offset is jet 1.2. Therefore, the offset must be: - 3 trames for jet 1.1. for all the jets to be aligned. IMPORTANT Check the direction of printing when determining the jet to use as the reference jet.
  • Page 56 5.1.4 RS232 Connection The [RS232 Connection] function is used to configure the serial link between the printer and an external device. The dialog box displayed is used to select: • Speed (the baud rate): (4800, 9600, 19200 or 38400). • The parity: (no, even or odd). •...
  • Page 57 • To load a directory from a PCMCIA card into the printer: - Insert the PCMCIA card on the connector. - Select the directory to be loaded into the printer from the list of data ( - Select "<= PCMCIA". - All the data present in the directory is then transferred by pressing the key.

  • Page 58: Parameters

    Parameters Parameters Message Counter Postdate Postdate 2 Shift code Autodating table Barcodes This menu is used to preset the message and variable parameters for all new messages. These parameters can be modified in the [Message editing] menu to adjust them for each message. See the section discussing the [Message editing, Parameters] menu for details of these parameters.

  • Page 59: Options

    Options Options Versions Hour counter Machine options The [Options] menu is used to display data of a general nature (program versions, operating time) and to validate temporary functions. 5.3.1 Versions The [Versions] function displays the versions of the programs in your printer. 5.3.2 Hour counter The [Hour counter] function allows you to visualize:...
  • Page 60 5.3.3 Machine options The [Machine options] function is used to enable or disable temporary functions and check whether your printer is fitted with the bar code option. The following dialog box is displayed: Cable printing option: If this option is checked, the counters are incremented when an object pulse is received, whatever the jet status (even if a fault is present).

  • Page 61: Access Codes

    Access codes Access code Keyboard Security This menu is used to enter codes to deny access to certain functions. 5.4.1 Keyboard The [Keyboard] command is used to deny access to all menus available from the keyboard except the [Faults] function of the [Status/Printhead] menu, which is always accessible using the key.
  • Page 62 5.4.2 Security This command is used to deny access to the [Message editing] and [Printer preparation] menus, leaving unrestricted access to the [Production] and [Symbol editing] menus. When you select [Security] a dialog box asks you to enter a three-character code. •...

  • Page 63: Symbol Editing Menu

    The [Symbol editing] menu can be used to create your own symbol or logo. IMPORTANT The height of a symbol is defined when it is created. To enable it to be printed, an Imaje font with at least the same height as the symbol must be present in the printer. Symbol...
  • Page 64 6.1.1 The [New] command is used to create a new symbol to be stored in a font. When you select [New], a dialog box asks you for: • the name of the font (max. 8 characters). • the number of the font (210 to 255). •...
  • Page 65 6.1.5 Delete This command is used to delete a symbol or an entire font. Choose [Symbol] if you wish to delete a single symbol. Choose [Symbol font] if you wish to delete an entire font of symbols. 6.1.6 Close The [Close] command is used to leave a font in which you have just created or modified a symbol. When using [Close], the contents of the font in which you have been working are saved.

  • Page 66: Symbol Size

    Size Size Symbol size This command is used to modify the height and width of symbols defined in a font. IMPORTANT If you reduce the size, existing symbols will be truncated. If you increase the size, existing symbols will be placed at the bottom left of the definition.

  • Page 67: General Rules For Creating One Or More Symbols In A Font

    General rules for creating one or more symbols in a font To create the font: • Enter a name for the font (8 characters). • Enter a number for the font (201 to 255). • Enter a number for the symbol in the font (006 to 224). •...

  • Page 68: Drawing A Symbol

    Drawing a symbol 6.4.1 Screen After defining the font name and number and the symbol number and size, the printer displays the following screen: Font name Font number Symbol number Number of symbols in the font Cursor coordinates in the grid Zoom: Drawing mode: (Press...
  • Page 69 6.4.2 Using the keys » In dot by dot mode Move the cursor around the drawing grid in the direction shown by the arrows. Toggle the color of the dot at the cursor location. In line  mode Toggle the color of the line (white or black). Draw a line in the direction of the arrows.
  • Page 70 In zone mode Toggle the color of the zone (white or black). Press two keys repeatedly to define a zone. 6.4.3 Other keys and functions • Display the symbol at normal scale: The symbol is displayed in a window at the top right or top left of the screen depending on the cursor position.
  • Page 71 • Home function: key moves the cursor to the bottom left of the screen. keys move the cursor to the top right of the screen. • Delete symbol: key with request for confirmation. 6.4.4 Symbol display screen [Symbol, Open] This screen is used to display and select a symbol from an existing font so that the symbol, size or number can be changed if needed.
  • Page 72 Selecting a symbol: key displays the next symbol. keys move forward by 10 symbols. key displays the previous symbol. keys move backwards by 10 symbols. Enter symbol editing mode: key. A20736 B0...
  • Page 73 Contents Overall view Print modules Electronic compartments Operator interface Front compartment Rear compartment Plant air kit Characteristics Location of components Hydraulic compartment Ink circuit Diagrams Plant air kit S8 Contrast one single-jet head S8 Contrast one twin-jet head A20736 B0...

  • Page 74: Overall View

    PC board Electronic compartment One main board Power supply board Control motors board Rear compartment Inputs / Outputs / Alarms Electricity supply External connections Plaint air kit Hydraulic compartment Ink circuit S8 Contrast 1 single or twin-jet head A20736 B0...

  • Page 75: Print Modules

    Descriptions of S8 Contrast printers Print modules Conduit Top cover Break point adjustment Pressurization air inlet Resonator wire protection Cannon holder(s) Cannon(s) Nozzles(s) Charge electrode(s) Detection electrode(s) Deflection plate(s) Recuperation gutter(s) Recuperation gutter closure screw Head cover Single-jet Twin-jet Type G or M...

  • Page 76: Electronic Compartments

    Descriptions of S8 Contrast printers Electronic compartments Operator interface PCMCIA card PC board WYSIWYG display Main ribbon internal V24-RS232 ribbon Keyboard Front compartment Main board Control stirrer motor card Power supply board Rear compartment Electrical connector with mains fuse Industrial interface board...

  • Page 77: Plant Air Kit

    Descriptions of S8 Contrast printers Plant air kit Characteristics The plant air kit connected to the plant’s compressed air network provides the air supply to the S8 Contrast printer. Filters ensure that the air sent to the printer is clean.

  • Page 78: Hydraulic Compartment

    Descriptions of S8 Contrast printers Hydraulic compartment Ink circuit Front view Rear view 13-14-15 10-11 Recuperation tank Additive tank Ink tank Stirrer motor Ink filter Coalescence filter Pressure sensor Viscometer ELV Viscometer Electrovalves: ink addition, additive addition Electrovalves: not used, ink transfer...

  • Page 79: Diagrams

    Descriptions of S8 Contrast printers Diagrams Plant air kit S8 Contrast one single-jet head S8 Contrast one twin-jet head A20736 B0...

  • Page 80: Plant Air Kit

    Descriptions of S8 Contrast printers Plant air kit A20736 B0...

  • Page 81: S8 Contrast One Single-Jet Head

    Descriptions of S8 Contrast printers S8 Contrast one single-jet head A20736 B0...

  • Page 82: S8 Contrast One Twin-Jet Head

    Descriptions of S8 Contrast printers S8 Contrast one twin-jet head A20736 B0...
  • Page 83 SERVICING AND TROUBLESHOOTING Contents Introduction General maintenance table Preventive maintenance procedures Stopping the printer for less than 4 days Starting the printer after a stop of less than 4 days Cleaning the head Draining/flushing the printer Ink refill and restart after drain/rinse operation Troubleshooting Introduction General printer operating parameters check...

  • Page 84: Servicing And Troubleshooting

    Servicing and troubleshooting Introduction The aim of this section is to provide all the information needed to perform servicing correctly. All the procedures given in this chapter are standard operations which must be performed correctly for optimum printer operation. General maintenance table OPERATIONS TO BE PERFORMED CIRCUMSTANCES BEFORE SHUTDOWN...

  • Page 85: Preventive Maintenance Procedures

    Servicing and troubleshooting Preventive maintenance procedures Stopping the printer for less than 4 days Stop the jet and place the head on its maintenance stand. Open the head cover and spray cleaning solution into the recovery gutter for a few seconds. Stop the printer.

  • Page 86: Starting The Printer After A Stop Of Less Than 4 Days

    Servicing and troubleshooting Starting the printer after a stop of less than 4 days Open the head cover. Remove the anti- clogging device if present. Clean the head. Open the gutter. Start the printer, with the cover open. The jets start automatically. Close the cover after the jets start and place the head on its working stand.

  • Page 87: Cleaning The Head

    Servicing and troubleshooting Cleaning the head If the head become clogged with ink, this could cause electronic faults (poor droplet detection, EHT fault, etc.) or poor printing quality (deformed or truncated characters). The cleaning procedure is as follows : Stop the jet and place the head on the servicing support.

  • Page 88: Draining/Flushing The Printer

    Servicing and troubleshooting Draining/flushing the printer • Place a tray under the additive tank, and remove the stopper from the draining tube. • Replace the stopper once the tank is empty. • Enter 1 or 2 litres (depending on the planned duration of the shutdown) of rinsing liquid into the additive tank.
  • Page 89 Servicing and troubleshooting • The rinsing liquid circulates through all parts of the ink circuit and is drained through the ink tank. • Flushing stops automatically when the additive tank is empty. • Close the recuperation gutter. • Clean the print head. •...

  • Page 90: Ink Refill And Restart After Drain/Rinse Operation

    Servicing and troubleshooting Ink refill and restart after drain/rinse operation • Replace the ink filter cartridge (procedure on following pages) if the machine is stopped for more than 15 days. • Enter half a litre of new ink in the ink tank. •...

  • Page 91: Troubleshooting

    Servicing and troubleshooting Troubleshooting Introduction This chapter is a troubleshooting guide which enables any user to locate the origin of a fault logically and quickly. Using the simple fault diagnostics, the search will narrow down to the part at fault without having to disassemble the machine.

  • Page 92: Preliminary Checks

    Servicing and troubleshooting Preliminary checks All troubleshooting operations should begin with the preliminary checks. These are used to spot problems such as soiled parts, ink leakages or faulty electrical or hydraulic connections with the naked eye. Stop the printer and unplug it from the mains. Check the points below: Check Type of problem sought Console and operator interface Dents or cuts...

  • Page 93: Help With Diagnostics

    Servicing and troubleshooting Help with diagnostics 4.4.1 Introduction This chapter contains tables with the following two columns: • Anomalies observed (by the operator) or displayed (by the printer) • Solutions Each anomaly is identified in the tables by a number in bold. Each anomaly may be resolved by several "Solutions".
  • Page 94 Operator interface display not lit. 2a- Stop and restart the printer. Printer starts. 2b- The front panel board is at fault. Contact Imaje Technical Assistance. Operator interface indicators and 3a- Stop and restart the printer. display not lit. Printer does not start.
  • Page 95 9b- Check that the fan at the bottom of the cabinet is connected and rotates. This fan should run continuously as soon as the printer is switched on. 9c- The Main board may be faulty. Contact Imaje Technical Assistance. 10- Temperature 10a- The ambient temperature in the room where the printer is installed is too high, resulting in a temperature above 70°C in...
  • Page 96 Contact Imaje Technical Assistance. 15- Regulator fault 15a- Operate the regulator electrovalve. Cancel the fault with the STAT function 15b- If the fault remains, contact Imaje Technical Assistance. 16- Ink fault 03 16a- Operate the electrovalves: - Ink addition. - Air transfer.
  • Page 97 20b- Operate the electrovalves: - Discharge. - Equi. air. 20c- .Cancel the fault with the STAT function . If the fault remains contact Imaje Technical Assistance. 21- Stop fault 13 21a- Operate the electrovalves: - A/P. - Visco. 21b- Cancel the fault with the STAT function .
  • Page 98 2a- Clean the head electrodes and dry them carefully. 2b- Check the electromagnetic environment around the head (interference). 2c- The main board is faulty. Contact Imaje Technical Support. Jet n: Recuperation 3a- Restart the jets and watch them. If one of the jets is unstable or deviated (outside the gutter), validate the [Intro.
  • Page 99 2a- The fault occurs after the conveyor has been stopped for a long time during message printing. Restart message printing. 2b- The fault persists after attempting to print the message at constant speed. The main board is faulty. Contact Imaje Technical Support. Printing speed 3a- Modify the [Tacho division] or [Printing speed] parameters.
  • Page 100 4e- Check the viscosity reference time displayed on the printer and the theoretical viscosity given on the ink data sheet. The head requires mechanical and/or electronic adjustment. Contact Imaje Technical Support. 4g- The main board is faulty. Contact Imaje Technical Support. Example 3: Example 4: A20736 B0...
  • Page 101 ADJUSTMENT AND REPLACEMENT Contents Adjustment procedures Jet break-off point adjustment Adjusting the jet in the gutter Inlet pressure adjustment Vacuum adjustment Replacing procedures Replacing the mains fuse (4 A delayed-action fuse) Ink replacement Replacing the ink filter cartridge Replacing the coalescence filter A20736 B0...

  • Page 102: Adjustment And Replacement

    Adjustment and replacement Adjustment procedures Jet break-off point adjustment Special tools: - Bifocal lens (eyeglass). - Insulated screwdriver. PREPARATION Place the head on the maintenance stand. Start the jets and leave them running for at least half an hour. Remove the upper cover and removable cover. For a multi-jet head, each jet has its own potentiometer (right-hand jet = right-hand potentiometer, etc.).
  • Page 103 Adjustment and replacement CHECKS AND TESTS Close the head cover. Clear any faults. Perform some printing tests and readjust if necessary. Figure 1: Adjusting the break-off point Location for screwdriver (potentiometer) Eyeglass Rotation of screwdriver Jet seen through eyeglass Satellite drop CORRECT SETTING Charge electrode A20736 B0...

  • Page 104: Adjusting The Jet In The Gutter

    Adjustment and replacement Adjusting the jet in the gutter Special tools: - Cannon orientation tool, ring spanner. - Bifocal lens (eyeglass). - Head cleaning kit. - Protective goggles. - 1.5 mm Allen key. - Tweezers. CAUTION To avoid ink splashing into your eyes, goggles must be worn during these operations.
  • Page 105 Adjustment and replacement Loosen the cannon-holder locking screws (see Figure 1). Bring the jet close to point A or point A’ by pivoting the cannon in the cannon-holder with an orientation tool placed at the top (see Figure 2). CAUTION Rotate in the direction shown on the diagram to avoid unscrewing the cannon nut.
  • Page 106 Adjustment and replacement Center the jet in the charge electrode by sight using the lower cam (see Figure 3). CAUTION Do not force the cams. Use the locking screw to loosen or tighten the cannon holder movement. Position the jet in the gutter using the upper cam: - in the center of the gutter (see Figure 4).
  • Page 107 Adjustment and replacement FINAL OPERATIONS 11- Tighten the two cannon-holder locking screws, without forcing them. 12- Stop the jets. Clean the head and reconnect the resonator wires. Replace the protective cover. Close the head cover. 13- Start the jets. 14- Check the break-off point, and adjust if necessary. 15- Clear any faults.

  • Page 108: Inlet Pressure Adjustment

    Adjustment and replacement Inlet pressure adjustment The inlet pressure is the pressure necessary at the inlet to the S8 Contrast printer, i.e. at the outlet of the Imaje plant air kit. This pressure must be 0.7 bar (+ 0.3 - 0.1) greater thant the printer’s operating pressure at correct viscosity.

  • Page 109: Replacing Procedures

    Adjustment and replacement Replacing procedures Replacing the mains fuse (4 A delayed-action fuse) With the printer stopped and the power cable unplugged: Unscrew the power socket protective cover. Disconnect the power cable from the printer. Using a screwdriver, remove the fuse-holder from adjacent to the mains socket. Change the fuse and replace the fuse-holder.

  • Page 110: Ink Replacement

    Adjustment and replacement Ink replacement Frequency: see ink technical sheet. When the same ink is regularly used in the printer without additions of new ink, the physical and electrical characteristics might be altered. Do not forget to check the expiry date on the ink tank label. Drain the printer as follows, printer on: Drain the additive tank.
  • Page 111 Adjustment and replacement Refill the tank with ink (max. 1/2 tank). Start-up the printer, check head cleanliness, clean it if required. After 30 minutes of operation, check the jet break-off point. It might be necessary to adjust it after ink replacement. Ink tank draining tube Additive tank draining tube Figure 1...

  • Page 112: Replacing The Ink Filter Cartridge

    Adjustment and replacement Replacing the ink filter cartridge This operation should be performed every 2000 hours of operation and/or every 6 months. Stop the printer. Place a recuperation tray under the filter and unscrew the lower carter. Unscrew the cartridge base. Remove the cartridge and O-ring.

  • Page 113: Replacing The Coalescence Filter

    Adjustment and replacement Replacing the coalescence filter Operation to be carried out every 2,000 hours. Special tools: - Wrench. Shut down the printer. Open the door of the hydraulic compartment. Move out the ink circuit to access the filter (Figures 1 and 2). Undo all nuts on the filter side fully.
  • Page 114 Adjustment and replacement Replace the ferrules (Figure 1). Push in the tube as far as it will go inside the connector. Do up the nut by hand and then tighten a further three quarters of a turn. TESTS 10- Pull the filter to make sure there is no free play inside the connector. 11- Start up the printer and make sure there is no air leakage.
  • Page 115 INPUT / OUTPUT CONNECTIONS Contents Industrial Interface board Inputs Object detection cell Object detector inhibit Tachometric generator Data Transmission Inputs by the Parallel Interface ("Message selection" mode) Absolute limit values for inputs Outputs General alarm output Jet alarm output Electrical characteristics of the outputs Printing start output Timing diagrams DTOP and VALIMP...

  • Page 116: Input / Output Connections

    Input / Output Connections Industrial Interface board The rear access door must be opened to connect accessories. To do this: • Unscrew the two quarter-turn screws located on either side of the rear door. • Gently pull the door open (see Figure 1). The four connection terminal blocks on the Industrial Interface board are organized as follows: •...
  • Page 117 Input / Output Connections Connector B1:CPU RS232C asynchronous serial link Program output - counter reset. DO NOT USE -TXDOUT Transmit Data RTSOUT Request To Send DTROUT Data Terminal Ready -RXDIN Receive Data RS232C Link CTSIN Clear To Send DSRIN Data Send Ready DSR- Photocoupled DSR input DSR+...
  • Page 118 Input / Output Connections Connector B2: Head 1 printing + 24V T1 + 24 V power supply, max. 300 mA, not galvanically isolated (not present when machine stopped) COMDTOP1 Object pulse common Terminals for connecting object detection cell DTOP1 Object pulse COMVALIMP1 VALIMP common -VALIMP1...
  • Page 119 Input / Output Connections LEDs BY1 and BY2 BUSY 1 and 2 (printing start on parallel bus, head 1 and 2) RC1 and RC2 Activate counter 1 and 2 reset input General alarm T1 - T2 Fault, head 1 and 2 TOP1 - TOP2 Activate DTOP 1 and 2 inputs TAC1 - TAC 2...

  • Page 120: Inputs

    Input / Output Connections Inputs Object detection cell • Role: The object detector is connected to the "DTOP" and "COM DTOP" terminals on the industrial interface board. When it is activated by an object, the detector sends a signal to the printer which starts printing. To avoid spurious signals, the DTOP input is filtered to a minimum of 100 µs (programmable value).

  • Page 121: Data Transmission Inputs By The Parallel Interface ("Message Selection" Mode)

    Input / Output Connections Data Transmission Inputs by the Parallel Interface ("Message selection" mode) • Role: Inputs "D0, D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6, D7" on the industrial interface board are used to transmit message numbers for the print head. Parallel transfer enables the message selection option to be used with the message library.

  • Page 122: Outputs

    Input / Output Connections Outputs General alarm output • Role: This output signals a printer malfunction which does not stop printing. This alarm is generated to warn the operator to correct the cause of the anomaly. Two types of contact are available for this output: an "Inactive" (normally closed) dry contact or an "Active"...

  • Page 123: Printing Start Output

    Input / Output Connections Printing start output • Role: The industrial interface terminals "-BUSY-1" and "COM BUSY1" for head 1 and "-BUSY-2" and "COM BUSY2" for head 2 provide a synchronization signal that a message is being printed. This enables the message to be viewed stroboscopically during continuous printing or signals that message printing has finished.

  • Page 124: Timing Diagrams

    Input / Output Connections Timing diagrams DTOP and VALIMP DTOP VALIMP TOPIMP ≥ 1 µs If t > filter value => Message printed ≤ filter value If t => No message printed A20736 B0...

  • Page 125: Dtop, Message Printing And Busy

    Input / Output Connections DTOP, message printing and BUSY 4.2.1 Printing : "Object mode" DTOP B C D Printing MESSAGE BUSY A = TOPIMP > filter value = from 0 to 700 µs if "Run/Stop" option set to Run B = CPU/IMP communication = 0 if "Run/Stop"...
  • Page 126 Input / Output Connections NOTES A20736 B0...
  • Page 127 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS A20736 B0...
  • Page 128 Technical specifications • Physical description • Dimensions : - Control cabinet: 1051 mm x 463 mm x 340 mm (41.4" x 18.2" x 13.4") - Single-jet and twin-jet print head: 225 mm x 44.5 mm x 47.5 mm (8.8" x 1.7" x 1.9") •...
  • Page 129 - 1 to 2 jets per printer - One single or twin-jet head per printer - Character height depends on head type and options - contact Imaje - Choice of character fonts: 5, 7, 9, 11, 16, and 24 dots...
  • Page 130 Technical specifications • Ink • Color: - See ink catalog • Standards compliance • EMC: - Emission EN55011 - Class B FCC - Class B - Immunity IEC 1000-4-2 (10 Kv) IEC 1000-4-3 (10 v/m) IEC 1000-4-4 (2 Kv) IEC 1000-4-5 (2 Kv) •...
  • Page 131 CONSUMABLES Contents Consumables Definition Sales units Labeling Consumables and the application Consumables and the printer Ink usage specification Consumption Consumables and safety Consumables, the printer warranty and public liability A20736 B0...

  • Page 132: Consumables

    Its composition prevents the ink drying within the cannon during a printer shutdown. Sales units Depending on the type of ink and additive, Imaje offers packs of 4 or 6 units and starter kits containing ink and additive. A20736 B0...

  • Page 133: Labeling

    Consumables Labeling Labeling serves three purposes: • Identify the supplier, giving the address and contact details. • Inform the user about the product. - article reference, - manufacturing batch number: this should be quoted if you need to contact our Technical Support department, - expiry date: date guaranteeing original product quality.

  • Page 134: Consumables And The Application

    The customer is solely responsible for qualifying the intended application. To help existing and prospective customers qualify their applications (including the ink, ink jet equipment, nature of surfaces, manufacturing process, printing specifications, etc.), Imaje makes a wide range of printers and inks available for producing print samples.

  • Page 135: Consumables And Safety

    Consumables Consumables and safety Safe use of Imaje consumables implies knowledge of some of the corresponding physical and chemical properties as well as the safety recommendations for storing, handling and using the products. All this information is available on a safety data sheet, available by request from our sales offices.

  • Page 136: Consumables, The Printer Warranty And Public Liability

    The use of any consumable products other than those supplied by Imaje shall render the equipment warranty null and void and result in the exclusion of any claims concerning impaired performance potentially causing production stoppages.
  • Page 137 Tél.: (33) 04 75 75 55 00 Fax : (33) 04 75 82 98 10 http://www.imaje.com Imaje S.A. reserves the right to modify the technical characteristics of the product without prior notice. Reproduction, in whole or in part, is prohibited. English edition...
  • Page 138 11/2002 A20736 B0...

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