Machine Setup
Mounting
A solid, non-vibrating base is required to secure the marking machine. The relative positioning bracket should be used. Should it be desired to directly mount the machine to the main frame a provision should be made to allow the marking head to be adjusted up and down to position the marking head with the surface being marked. Should either of the mounting brackets be selected the following procedures will outline the proper way to position the marking head:
- First insure that the mounting bracket is assembled with all adjustment ranges in their center position and each adjustment tightly secured.
- Mount the bracket securely onto the main frame of the machine and then secure the mounting bracket to the main mounting surface.
- Extend the marking head fully and check for side to side parallel alignment and adjust bracket accordingly. Next check for front to rear alignment and adjust bracket accordingly.
- Finally use a piece of paper under the marking head and cycle the marking head while adjusting the bracket from the up position to the down position to ultimately make a light surface contact.
NOTE: Do not adjust position of marking head with cylinder piston rod
Should it be desired to mount the machine in the upside down position to mark the "up" position an inverted ink reservoir should be used.
Quick Starting Ink Distribution
- Fill the ink bottle and then twist on reservoir with ink pad installed.
- With pad up and tilted away from face, squeeze gently on bottle to force ink into the pad. Squeeze enough ink to flood the ink pad. Releasing the ink bottle will cause a vacuum action that will draw any excess ink back into the bottle.
- Place the ink bottle reservoir assembly into the frame with the marking head retracted. Lock into place with only a slight pressure forcing the ink pad to contact the rubber dies on the marking head.
Adhering Rubber Cushion / Type Holder
Some customers will prefer to operate with a rubber cushion between the marking head and the type holder, while others will prefer to mount the type holder directly to the marking head. Whichever preference, the adherence of the rubber should be done with care to insure the surfaces are clean and a good bond is made. Sprinter offers an adhesive designed to maximize bonding of either rubber to rubber, or rubber to metal. Follow recommendations on adhesive bottle before using.
Operating Conditions
Air Pressure
Air pressure should always be regulated to recommended levels necessary to operate the marking head thru the extended to retracted cycle. Normally this is about 20 psi line pressure. A regulator and filter in the air supply line is recommended. It is necessary that the machine be operated with flow controls. Adjust flow controls to control the marking head speed for a "soft touch" mark and quick return.
Cycling
The machine should be setup to cycle no more than the maximum speed specified. The actual cycle should be accomplished in the shortest possible time to minimize open time of the ink pad since quick drying inks are often used. The cycle of the marking head from the inking position to the marking position should be made using the full range of the piston stroke to insure the marking head can turn over and extend fully so as to lightly "touch mark" the surface. Signaling the marking head to complete the cycle can be accomplished by one of these general techniques:
- Timer Switch
- Mechanical / electronic sensor
Retracting the marking head can be accomplished by one of the following techniques:
- Reed / Hall Effect Switch (not available on Model 22 / 28)
- Pressure Switch (a micro-pilot actuator is available)
- Timer
Electrical wiring diagrams for the Reed / Hall switch and micro-pilot switch are supplied with the switches.
Inks
Recommended general practices:
- Tightly seal lids; store away from light sources and at room temperature.
- Shake well before filling or installing reservoir assembly.
- Store any flammable inks away from heat sources.
- Consult MSDS for specific conditions in addition to those above.
Rubber Type
Do not mix worn type with new type as uneven character heights can cause poor print impressions.
Operating Supplies
For optimal results always use Sprinter ink, rubber type, rubber type holder, and ink pads.
Maintenance Considerations
Changing the Ink Pad
The ink pad should give many cycles of use. Under normal operating conditions where the machine is run around the clock at moderate speeds the pad is normally changed once per day. To change a pad it is suggested that the ink bottle be refilled, then the pad replaced. Care should be taken when installing not to break any edges and insure it is positioned securely against the back surface of the reservoir.
Changing the Ink Bottle
The ink bottle should be changed when there is a slight amount of ink still visible in the bottle. After removing the reservoir refill the depleted bottle ink. If the pad has not been changed (with the ink pad in the up position) squeeze the bottle to force some air out to insure a vacuum before replacing. If the pad is also being replaced use the quick start procedures recommended above.
Changing the Air Cylinder
Replacement cylinder order should specify cylinder number and Sprinter machine model number. Consult Sprinter for changing procedures to insure proper operation.