OPERATING GUIDE
MACHINE SETUP
MOUNTING:
A solid, non-vibrating base is required to secure the marking machine. Either the
relative positioning or micro-adjusting 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 offera an
adhesive designed to maximize bonding of either rubber to rubber, or rubber to metal.
Follow recommendations on adhesive bottle before using.
OPERATING CONSIDERATIONS
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:
» Lids tightly sealed; stored 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.
