novomatics AlphaTackPlus Owner's Manual
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novomatics AlphaTackPlus Owner's Manual

Precision tack measuring instrument
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AlphaTackPlus
Precision Tack Measuring Instrument
Owners Manual
Operation Manual
Issue: 06/2018 (c) 2016 by NOVOMATICS GmbH
NOVOMATICS GmbH
Aubachstr. 1
D-56410 Montabaur
Germany
Phone:
++(49) 26 02 – 919 9622
FAX:
++(49) 26 02 – 919 8052
solutions@novomatics.com
www.novomatics.com

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Summary of Contents for novomatics AlphaTackPlus

  • Page 1 AlphaTackPlus Precision Tack Measuring Instrument Owners Manual Operation Manual Issue: 06/2018 (c) 2016 by NOVOMATICS GmbH NOVOMATICS GmbH Phone: ++(49) 26 02 – 919 9622 Aubachstr. 1 FAX: ++(49) 26 02 – 919 8052 D-56410 Montabaur solutions@novomatics.com Germany www.novomatics.com...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    4.2.1. Instrument cables and connections .............15 Mains cable .................15 4.2.1.1. USB cable................15 4.2.1.2. Switching on the AlphaTackPlus, Start of WinAlphaTack....15 4.2.1.3. Start of a first tack measurement............16 5.1. Sample settings ................16 5.2. Program settings ................17 5.2.1. General Settings ................17 5.2.2.
  • Page 3 9.3. Diagram Files (*.w2d) ................30 9.4. Sample Operation Procedure Files (*.sop) ..........31 10. Maintenance ................. 32 10.1. Exchange of teflon piston of dispenser ..........32 10.2. Exchange of elastomer roller.............35 10.3. Approving of tack measuring sensor............36 11. Technical specification ..............37 12. Contacting Novomatics..............39...

  • Page 4: Alphatackplus Highlights

    Novomatics Operation Manual AlphaTackPlus AlphaTackPlus Highlights The AlphaTackPlus instrument allows quick tack determination of printing inks with a high degree of accuracy and reproducibility. Due to its closely controlled test conditions the AlphaTackPlus methodology offers significant advantages over the usual tack testing methods.

  • Page 5: Importance Of Tack Measurement In The Printing Ink Industry

    The AlphaTackPlus test method is a breakthrough in tack measuring technology by elimination of errors caused by these effects.

  • Page 6: Principle Of Alphatack Measurement

    Owing to its innovative technical design the AlphaTackPlus overcomes all the principle- based difficulties of the usual tack measuring method. A solid state force sensor is embedded seamlessly into the surface of driving metal roller.
  • Page 7 LineTack [N/m] and expresses the pure force for film splitting based on SI units. Consequently factors like variations of elastomer roller elasticity or ball bearing friction are eliminated and do not influence the test results anymore. That’s why the AlphaTackPlus provides uniquely accurate and reproducible measurements over the lifetime of the instrument.

  • Page 8: Principle Of Temperature Control

    So the nip temperature is stabilized with accuracy better than 0.1 °C. The AlphaTackPlus active heating and cooling systems are encapsulated in the rollers and operate without liquids for high reliability. Compared to water bath only a fracture of electrical energy is consumed, essentially lowering operational costs during the instruments lifetime.
  • Page 9 Novomatics Operation Manual AlphaTackPlus External water baths or closed cycle cooler are thermally inert and demand extra space and energy. Because of the integrated solution extra devices for temperature control are eliminated.

  • Page 10: Getting Started

    Getting Started 3.1. Safety Precautions Read this note before the instrument will be taken into operation! Before connecting the AlphaTackPlus instrument the power supply:  Ensure that the MAINS switch at the rear panel is in off position.  Ensure that the power voltage of your mains socket corresponds with the power voltage of the instrument.

  • Page 11: Advanced Safety Function For Alphatack Hs (High Speed)

    Novomatics Operation Manual AlphaTackPlus 3.2. Advanced safety function for AlphaTack HS (High Speed) The AlphaTack HS supports roller speeds up to 450 m/min. For protecting the operators coming in any touch with these fast turning rollers the AlphaTack HS is equipped with ultrasonic proximity switch for instant roller stop.

  • Page 12: Installation

    2. Login in with username and password 3. New users please fill out the registration request to receive login details 4. Download winalphatacksetup.exe 5. After downloading from Novomatics server start the program winalphatacksetup.exe manually 6. Follow the default adjustments by pressing Next 7.
  • Page 13 Novomatics Operation Manual AlphaTackPlus Figure 6 Setup Executable Run as administrator...
  • Page 14 Novomatics Operation Manual AlphaTackPlus You may see a message from ‘User Access Control’ asking ‘Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your PC? If so, click yes to continue. Press the Extract button. Follow all installation including license terms agreement acceptance shown and the driver will be automatically installed.

  • Page 15: Setting Up The Alphatackplus

    4.2.1.3. Switching on the AlphaTackPlus, Start of WinAlphaTack The AlphaTackPlus can be switched on, if all connections to the instrument are made. In the instrument display serial number, software version and operation time are shown. Start WinAlphaTack now. The connection to the AlphaTackPlus is made automatically. You indicate a fine connection when several instrument instructions are output within the communication window on lower frame edge.

  • Page 16: Start Of A First Tack Measurement

    The WinAlphaTack computer software supports the operator in data evaluation, curve overlays, automatic creation of measurement reports, data transfer to other programs etc. Open the dialog Measurement/AlphaTackPlus Sample Preparation... Enter sample names and correct sample weight. Eventually you add a comment, which is saved for later evaluation within the result file.

  • Page 17: Program Settings

    Novomatics Operation Manual AlphaTackPlus 5.2. Program settings Open the dialog measurement\programs … for checking the program settings. The WinAlphaTack software provides a maximum of flexibility for creating own measuring programs. 5.2.1. General Settings Figure 9...

  • Page 18: Basic Settings

    Novomatics Operation Manual AlphaTackPlus 5.2.2. Basic Settings For advanced testing conditions please press Basic tab in this dialog. Define sample volume, manner of ink film creation, temperature stabilization conditions within this dialog. Figure 10 5.2.3. Program steps The program run can be checked and modified at Measurement/Programs/Steps.

  • Page 19: Automatic Ink Dispenser

    Manual ink dispensing units for tack tests based on piston-tube design are known from lab practice. The AlphaTackPlus has been equipped with a similar but embedded, automated ink dispensing unit. Its dispensing volume is defined indirectly via the film thickness parameter of the selected measuring program.
  • Page 20 Novomatics Operation Manual AlphaTackPlus Before the measurement is started the operator fills up the ink with a small smooth spatula to its upper edge. During the first seconds of test the ink is continuously dispensed and in cooperation with the oscillating elastomer roller a reproducible ink film is created.

  • Page 21: Cleaning

    Novomatics Operation Manual AlphaTackPlus Cleaning 6.1. Rapid cleaning The small ink contaminated surface requires only a minimum of cleaning time. Just the metal roller has to be wiped off and so the elastomer roller and piston of embedded dispenser unit are cleared at the same time.

  • Page 22: Alphatackplus Instrument Case

    AlphaTackPlus Figure 12 6.2. AlphaTackPlus instrument case The instrument is made of stainless steel or anodized aluminum parts only that are usually compatible with standard cleaning solvents like acetone or IPA. Take care not to clean the elastomer roller with it. The force sensor within the metal roller is made of ceramics and is compatible to standard cleaning solvents also.

  • Page 23: Data Evaluation

    Novomatics Operation Manual AlphaTackPlus Data evaluation 7.1. Principles of data saving WinAlphaTack saves all measured data within a measuring files with the extension *.res. During a test all relevant data are saved within the file {install path}\last.res. After the test you are requested entering a name for data saving within a separate file.
  • Page 24 The compatibility is expressed by the parameter y = bx + c of a linear regression line. Perform a series of test with the instrument that has to be simulated and the AlphaTackPlus. Use the standard spectrum of expected tack values. Enter the results into an Excel table,...
  • Page 25 Novomatics Operation Manual AlphaTackPlus similar like the comp-inkometer-example.xls that was installed with WinAlphaTack software. Figure 15 Determine the line parameter b and c and take these over into the dialog Measurement\Data Evaluation…...
  • Page 26 Novomatics Operation Manual AlphaTackPlus Figure 16 Please note, that the compatibility mode cannot be better than the accuracy of your simulated instrument. It is like a snap shoot at a certain time. Furthermore it simulates this instrument and not necessarily this instrument type. It is known that there can be larger...

  • Page 27: Definition Of Variables

    Novomatics Operation Manual AlphaTackPlus Definition of variables 8.1. Pressure Distribution Function The pressure distribution function reflects the real pressure vs. rotation angle at a certain point on surface. It is measured for every roller turn. In first part their course depends on applied conditions like line force, elasticity of elastomer roller but also on friction of applied ink.

  • Page 28: Definition Of Variables

    8.2. Definition of variables The AlphaTackPlus measurement system operates with a set of independent and dependent variable. Independent variable can be defined in a measurement program and will apply to the sample during the measurement. The dependent variables will be quantified during measurement and depend on sample itself and applied independent variables.

  • Page 29: Dependent Variables

    Novomatics Operation Manual AlphaTackPlus 8.2.2. Dependent Variables Pressure related variables These variables correspond to the first part of the measured pressure distribution function. They are essentially up from applied line force, inner friction of ink and dynamic mechanic properties of elastomer roller.

  • Page 30: Data Objects And Files

     Information of the used AlphaTackPlus instrument During test the running measurement can be saved explicitly by clicking File/Save Online As... After a test a File Saving Box is opened automatically for saving the online data in a measurement file.

  • Page 31: Sample Operation Procedure Files (*.Sop)

    Novomatics Operation Manual AlphaTackPlus 9.4. Sample Operation Procedure Files (*.sop) A program file is a binary file and contains all the information of the used sample operation procedure (SOP). WinAlphaTack supports up to eight pre-selectable programs for direct access. Using the combo box within the measurement control bar placed on top of WinAlphaTack mainframe for program selection.

  • Page 32: 10. Maintenance

    AlphaTackPlus 10. Maintenance The AlphaTackPlus instrument was designed for easy maintenance by the operators themselves. Instrument parts, which are exposed to a stronger wearing, can be exchanged or replaced within a few minutes. Only in exceptional cases a service technician must inspect the instrument.
  • Page 33 Novomatics Operation Manual AlphaTackPlus Insert new teflon piston from top side, arrange position of its mounting hole, when there is a colour marked point set it to front side Insert new teflon piston form top side, arrange position of its mounting hole...
  • Page 34 Novomatics Operation Manual AlphaTackPlus There are minor mechanical tolerances from piston to piston. These tolerances can cause that the new piston is either too high or to low at top position. That’s why the top position has to be re-tuned.

  • Page 35: Exchange Of Elastomer Roller

    Only in case of massive surface wearing the roller has to be exchanged. The second need of roller substitution is the change of ink type. Novomatics offers suitable elastomer materials for conventional and uv inks.

  • Page 36: Approving Of Tack Measuring Sensor

    Novomatics Operation Manual AlphaTackPlus 10.3. Approving of tack measuring sensor The tack measuring sensor embedded into metal roller is usually stable over life time. Nevertheless it can be approved periodically for granting the accuracy of measurement. Figure 19 Tack sensor calibration The AlphaTack supports tack sensor any time the operator requests.

  • Page 37: 11. Technical Specification

    Novomatics Operation Manual AlphaTackPlus 11. Technical specification Conception Two slim - roller measurement system. Robust metal case consisting of anodized aluminum and stainless steel components. Sensitive measurement devices are completely encapsulated. User friendly measurement control by WinAlphaTack PC-software via USB interface.
  • Page 38 100 - 250 V, 50 – 60 Hz Power consumption < 200 VA dimensions, weight L x W x H 36 x 28 x 27 ccm Weight 20 kgs computer Interface to AlphaTackPlus USB 2.0 Operating system Windows 10 software WinAlphaTACK provided with the measuring system...

  • Page 39: 12. Contacting Novomatics

    Novomatics Operation Manual AlphaTackPlus 12. Contacting Novomatics Please don’t hesitate to contact your local distributor or Novomatics for any further information. Europe USA/Canada Novomatics GmbH Go Technology Co., Inc. Aubachstr. 1 148 E. 24 Street D-56410 Montabaur Holland, MI 49423...

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