Rio Grande NEUTEC J-2r Operator's Handbook Manual
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Rio Grande NEUTEC J-2r Operator's Handbook Manual

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™
I
!
mportant
Please read this handbook
before using your Neutec/Rio Grande™ J-2
.
r
Neutec™
J-2
r
Operator's Handbook
7500 Bluewater Road NW
Albuquerque, NM, 87121 USA
Technical Support: 505.839.3558
Neutec™ Sales: 505.839.3010 • Fax 505.839.3016
Rev. F
710-990
©2013 Neutec/Rio Grande™

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  • Page 1 ™ mportant Please read this handbook before using your Neutec/Rio Grande™ J-2 Neutec™ Operator’s Handbook 7500 Bluewater Road NW Albuquerque, NM, 87121 USA Technical Support: 505.839.3558 Neutec™ Sales: 505.839.3010 • Fax 505.839.3016 Rev. F 710-990 ©2013 Neutec/Rio Grande™...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Contents Section Six Section One Installing the Thermocouple About Your Neutec/Rio Grande™ J-2 Introduction Section Seven Site Requirements Installing the Stirring Rod Features Section Eight Section Two Operating the Temperature Controller Safety Setting the Casting Temperature Introduction Setting the Casting Balance...

  • Page 5: Introduction

    (dwt) Introduction 24KY 1,300 18KY 1,050 The J-2 from Neutec/Rio Grande™ incorporates 14KY many of the important casting features found in 10KY the Neutec™ systematic approach to casting. It is Sterling resistance-heated, meaning that it uses a low-voltage electric coil to heat the melting...

  • Page 6: Site Requirements

    Hose Connection after it is unlocked Vacuum pump hose connection point Flask Chamber Main Power Switch Swings out to accept Activates machine a flask up to 102mm power x 229mm (4" x 9") 505.839.3010 Neutec/Rio Grande™ J-2 Rev. F Page 1-2...
  • Page 7 Features (continued) • Sealing Rod Holder Holds the sealing rod assembly and thermocouple Stirring Handle Connects to the graphite stirring rod in the crucible Thermocouple Receptacle Holds the type-K thermocouple Sealing Rod Locking Collar Turns to lock collar on tube for proper sealing rod tension;...

  • Page 9: Section Two

    Section Two: Safety Safety Symbol Meanings The J-2 is specifically designed to melt Wear Protective Apron common jewelry metals (except platinum) and their alloys at or below 1200°C (2192°F) and Wear Protective Shoes to cast these metals into investment molds using the lost-wax method.

  • Page 10: Recommended Safety Gear

    Recommended Safety Gear and Devices Neutec/Rio Grande™ recommends the following safety gear and devices be used at all times to minimize the risk of injury to the operator and observers. Item Description Neutec/Rio Grande™ Order # Lightweight Face shield gives complete face and neck protection.

  • Page 11: General Safety Warnings

    Handling and Use of Compressed Gas glass while the machine is operating, you Cylinders and Pressure Regulators will be burned. Neutec/Rio Grande™ casting machines require • The parts inside the crucible and flask inert gas to provide an oxygen-free atmosphere chambers are very hot while the machine in the crucible and flask chambers.

  • Page 12: Fire Extinguisher Equipment

    (“T” handle). Before opening the tank valve, become inaccessible during a serious fire. always release the pressure adjustment valve: 1. Turn the T-handle on the regulator counter- clockwise until it turns freely. 505.839.3010 Neutec/Rio Grande™ J-2 Rev. F Page 2-4...

  • Page 13: Section Three

    Section Three: Setting Up Your J-2 When you unpack your J-2 in addition to the machine, you will find start-up items listed below (shown at right). Check these parts to be sure Pre-installed you have everything. in the machine 1. Blue plastic tubing for inert (nitrogen) gas, 6.4mm dia.
  • Page 14 Please Note: This is a metric fitting. Attach the gas inlet washer and fitting. 4. Remove the compression nut from the gas inlet fitting and slide it onto the plastic gas tubing. 505.839.3010 Neutec/Rio Grande™ J-2 Rev. F Page 3-2...

  • Page 15: Section Four

    Section Four: Installing/ Changing Crucible Chamber Parts If you are installing a crucible for the first time in a new machine, skip to page 4-2 and follow the instructions for “Install Crucible Chamber Parts. ” You must install the crucible assembly in your before operation.
  • Page 16 Remove the crucible stand. Please Note: The crucible bottom gasket must be changed when it begins to turn white. As the gasket turns white, it is less and less able to protect the crucible. 505.839.3010 Neutec/Rio Grande™ J-2 Rev. F Page 4-2...
  • Page 17 4. Wipe the new crucible inside and out 7. Install the filling cone. with a paper towel, making sure it is Please Note: The filling cone is extremely clean and free of any debris. important. It prevents casting grain from falling between the crucible and the heating coil, fusing with the coil, and causing the coil to fail.

  • Page 19: Section Five

    Section Five: 3. Always check the ceramic rod by looking through it before putting a new ball on. If Installing the Sealing Rod the hole is not perfectly straight, discard it. 4. Slide the new sealing ball on the sealing Two types of sealing rods are used in the J-2 rod to check the fit.
  • Page 20 9. Create a cement fillet around the top edge of the sealing ball. The fillet should be smooth and taper at about 45°. This helps prevent molten metal from collecting in this joint. 505.839.3010 Neutec/Rio Grande™ J-2 Rev. F Page 5-2...

  • Page 21: Removing The Sealing Rod Assembly

    Removing the Rod Assembly Neutec™ strongly recommends this procedure be done only on a cool machine. If the machine has been running, the thermocouple will be hot and could cause severe burns if you handle it without protection. Use gloves or other safety gear that will let you perform the task without burning yourself.

  • Page 22: Adjusting The Sealing Rod Tension

    4. Firmly seat the sealing ball in the bottom back on the machine. of the crucible. 505.839.3010 Neutec/Rio Grande™ J-2 Rev. F Page 5-4...
  • Page 23 5. Holding the steel tube down with one hand, squeeze the casting lever until there is a gap of about 5mm (3/16") between the bottom of the sealing rod locking collar and the top of the stirring assembly bushing. Set a 5mm gap between the locking collar and bushing. 6.

  • Page 25: Section Six

    Section Six: Installing the Thermocouple The J-2 is equipped with a special type-K NiCr/ Ni thermocouple. The temperature controller is designed and programmed to work with this thermocouple. Important! Do not use any substitute! The thermocouple must be properly seated inside the sealing rod for accurate temperature control.

  • Page 27: Section Seven

    Section Seven: Installing the Stirring Rod Your J-2 is equipped with an internal stirring rod that allows you to stir the molten metal without opening the hood door and compromising the inert gas atmosphere inside. The stirring rod is rotated in an arc around the sealing rod using the handle with the round Unplug the thermocouple.
  • Page 28 180° stirring radius. the machine. 10. Replace the hood. 11. Plug thermocouple into the machine. 12. Refer to Section 5 for adjusting the sealing rod tension. Make sure the sealing rod is facing you. 505.839.3010 Neutec/Rio Grande™ J-2 Rev. F Page 7-2...

  • Page 29: Section Eight

    Temperature Controller Check with your alloy supplier for the recommended casting temperature of the metal you’ll be using. Neutec/Rio Grande™ programs the Fuji temperature controller in your J-2 to operate • Please Note: Many variables affect the well with most jewelry alloys.

  • Page 30: Setting The Casting Balance

    (∧ or ∨) until the bAL value is the same as noted from the chart. 4. Press “SEL” for 3 seconds until the SV light comes on and the bottom row displays the casting set-point, then release the button. 505.839.3010 Neutec/Rio Grande™ J-2 Rev. F Page 8-2...

  • Page 31: Section Nine

    Section Nine: Casting With Important! Do not rotate the sealing rod and ball until the crucible chamber has been Your J-2 pre-heated. If there is solidified metal left on the sealing ball, it can score the crucible Each day, before starting your J-2 , go through seat, causing leakage.
  • Page 32 To determine the proper metal amount, consult a lost-wax casting reference. If you are using the Neutec™ NeuSprue™ system (strongly recommended), see the NeuSprue wax to metal weight conversion table in Appendix A. 505.839.3010 Neutec/Rio Grande™ J-2 Rev. F Page 9-2...

  • Page 33: Positioning The Flask

    Positioning the Flask 4. Check that the flange gasket is the right size for the flask you will use. 1. With the vacuum valve on the machine closed, turn on the vacuum pump. 5. Using flask tongs, take the flask from your burnout oven and place it in the chamber.
  • Page 34 505.839.3010 Neutec/Rio Grande™ J-2 Rev. F Page 9-4...

  • Page 35: Casting

    Please Note: Your vacuum pump will run cooler and last longer at high vacuum. Keep the flask chamber vacuum valve closed between castings while allowing the vacuum pump to run. 10. Using flask tongs, remove the cast flask. Continue through the steps above for each cast until all flasks are cast.

  • Page 36: Shutting Down

    4 lpm and let the crucible cool until it turns dark gray (about 300°C/600°F). Remember! Think safety at all times. Re-read all instructions and review all safety precautions regularly! 505.839.3010 Neutec/Rio Grande™ J-2 Rev. F Page 9-6...

  • Page 39: B Controller Parameters

    Appendix B: Open and Set dSP Factory Settings 1. Unplug the thermocouple and turn on the Controller Parameters . The SV light comes on and the set-point value is displayed. Parameters for PXR-4 Controllers 2. Press the “SEL” button for 6 seconds until: “Su-L”...
  • Page 40 The J-2 is ready for casting. Important: Remember to re-enter your casting temperature set-point and your casting balance after you have made any changes to your J-2 programming settings. 505.839.3010 Neutec/Rio Grande™ J-2 Rev. F Page B-2...
  • Page 41 Parameters for PXW-4 Controllers Open and Set dSP Factory Settings 1. Unplug the thermocouple and turn on the The following instructions apply to the Fuji . The SV light comes on and the set-point Electric PID Controller with Fuzzy Logic, Model value is displayed.
  • Page 42 Celsius or Fahrenheit. 6. Press “SEL” for 3 seconds until the SV light comes on and the row displays the casting set-point. Release the button. Neutec/Rio Grande ™ J-2 505.839.3010 Rev. F Page B-4...
  • Page 43 Verify Factory Parameter Settings 1. Press “SEL” for 3 seconds until the SV light comes on and the row displays the casting set-point. Release the button. 2. Turn the J-2 off and then on again. 3. Repeat all the above steps to check all the settings.
  • Page 45 Appendix C Consumables, Replacement Parts and Accessories Description Part Number Quantity , Series IV Casting Machine 710-040 or 1 ea. 710-040CE Busch Vacuum Pump Oil 706-016 1 quart Replacement Fuse, 16A, 250V 710-095 1 ea. O-Ring Lubricant 710-217 5.3 oz. tube Casting Crucible, 80 x 60mm;...
  • Page 47 Appendix D Alloy Compositions and Melting Points Casting Specific Melting Temp Alloy/Metal Gravity Gold Silver Copper Zinc Other Point °C/°F Brass 954°C / 1749°F Red Brass 1044°C / 1910°F Bronze 4 Tin 1060°C / 1945°F Nu-Gold 1030°C / 1886°F Copper Cu 1083°C / 1981°F Gold (Fine) Au 19.3...

  • Page 53: F Revision History

    PXR-4 controller instructions. Revision D (2003): Reformatting of the J-2 manual to portrait orientation. During reformatting, small typographical errors were corrected and several handbook sections were combined and/or rewritten to make them easier to use. 505.839.3010 Neutec/Rio Grande™ J-2 Rev. F...

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