Have you got a question for Heidelberg? It could be about anything from equipment to techniques to financing. Send us your questions, and we’ll forward them on to our in-house
experts. If your question is used, the reply will be posted here. So, ask your question today.
 |
| |
| Q: |
I run a press with both ink train and ink fountain roller chiller controls. What are the ideal temperature settings for the ink train and ink fountain roller chillers? I notice problems when setting the temperature below 75 degrees - which is our average ambient pressroom temperature. |
| |
| A: |
Generally, the ink temperature in the ink train is between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The ink fountain temperature control is usually chilled with the inking unit (same cycle). Some machines have a valve in the circuit, and it is common to have it cut to about 50% flow. XL 105 machines have a separate ink fountain temperature control (usually 80-85 degree set point). |
| |
Back to top |
|
|
| |
| Q: |
Six years ago I purchased new a Printmaster 2 color with an Airtech sprayer. It worked fine until just recently. There is a pulsing of air in the plastic powder bottle... and air coming out of the spray nozzles, but, no powder. Without taking this apart, I used compressed air to blow out the passages. What am I doing wrong? |
| |
| A: |
The information for preventive maintenance on your powder unit includes:
- Do not force the concentration knob past the normal stopping point
- Never use damp ’clumpy’ or coated powder in your system
- If the powder becomes contaminated, discard and wipe the inside of the powder jar with a clean dry cloth
- Periodically, clean the intake filter on the air compressor by removing it from the compressor intake outlet and blowing compressed air through the threaded fitting.
- Do not allow lubricants/solvents to drip down onto the control box or the spray bar.
These are the instructions for your powder unit, should it become clogged:
- Disconnect the black powder tube to the spray bar & blow pressurized air through the nozzle (40 psi max dry air)
- Carefully remove the "I-Tube" from the manifold of the powder jar assembly. Clear the tube by applying air pressure at tube hole. Clear the manifold by applying air pressure at the "I-Tube" orifice while the tube is removed.
|
| |
Back to top |
|
|
| |
| Q: |
We are using a Heidelberg SM-74-2 color offset. When we run the machine, after about 3 minutes, the feeder automatically cuts out and the machine slows down. There is no error showing on the console. Again in the same condition if we switch on the feeder, it does not turn on, so we need to turn the mains off and re-run the machine, where after 3 minutes, the process happens again. What could be causing this? |
| |
| A: |
This seems to be a possible electrical issue. If this press has a perfector, you might check and see if the drop sheet sensor is dirty and try cleaning it. If this does not resolve the issue, however, then you might consider calling in a technician for repair. |
| |
Back to top |
|
|
| |
| Q: |
We had a Heidelberg repairman remove the spray powder unit from a new QM 46 about 5 years ago and put it on our older QM 46. We have now scrapped the old press and attempted to put the unit back on the original press. However, the compressor for the unit does not turn on. Everything worked fine a few days ago and the installation was simple, what could be going wrong? |
| |
| A: |
I’m not sure which model spray powder unit you have, and since there were several units sold for the QM46 I will need more specific information on the type of unit you are working with. However, this issue may be related to shorts in wires, a defective HVK board on your press, a defective pump, a blown fuse on the powder unit, or a defective power switch on the powder unit.
If you can find the model # on the powder unit or send pictures of the unit I may be able to find a wiring diagram for it. Email model number and/or pictures to QM46.Hotline@heidelberg.com
|
| |
Back to top |
|
|
| |
| Q: |
I have a GTO 52 from around 1990 and I have 1 single color that will only run at a specific speed. It is running at 3500 impressions per hour and will not speed up or slow down. Any thoughts? |
| |
| A: |
The GTO 52-1 from that time frame uses variable pitch pulleys that are hand adjustable at the feeder. If you adjust the dial for the speed and you have no change, you will most likely need a new drive belt. Other possibilities are the adjusting mechanism is not working correctly or the pulleys themselves are defective. In either case a Heidelberg USA tech can diagnose and repair this very quickly with an onsite visit. |
| |
Back to top |
|
|
| |
| Q: |
I have a PM46 that is 4 years old and I’m getting sheet gripper nicks every third sheet, mainly on text weight stock. The sheet advance is set to "0." I’ve identified the offending gripper bar as the marks are across the entire sheet edge. Do you have any suggestions as to how I can fix this? I also need to clean out envelopes that have fallen inside the press. |
| |
| A: |
Have you adjusted the shims between the gripper bar and the chain? If so, and that did not help the chain delivery, the gripper bar may need to be set with the h gauge by a technician to ensure that it is opening and closing at the correct time. In order to clean out the area between the feeder and the delivery, you can access it by removing the DS cover and then remove the transformer labeled ’T2’. |
| |
Back to top |
|
|
| |
| Q: |
When running on the QMDI, the paper stopped after going through the sensor. If the sensor is removed, the paper can run. The error code we received is 11-08. |
| |
| A: |
Provided that the operator knows how to properly set the double sheet detector and properly set the feeder for different stocks of paper, then there are two other things to check:
1. The upper eye may not be in alignment with the lower eye. The spring that holds the upper eye in place is sometimes bent from frequent removal and no longer holds the eye in the correct position. Also, it could be that the guide plate that the upper eye is affixed to is loose and moving during press operation.
2. The upper eye itself is dirty, scratched or cracked. This cannot be remedied without the complete replacement of the component.
|
| |
Back to top |
|
|
| |
| Q: |
I heard about a large sucker tube for the Printmaster QM 46-2 that is used for running envelopes. Where can I buy the,m and could you please provide the part number? |
| |
| A: |
Heidelberg part description - Sucker, Tan Cupped
Heidelberg part # - SU45.22TANCUP |
| |
Back to top |
|
|
| |
| Q: |
I Have a Quickmaster 46-2. When I speed up the press to around 8000 spm, the press shuts down. This is happening both when I’m feeding sheets of paper through and not feeding sheets. |
| |
| A: |
This issue sounds like it may be related to a loose delivery chain or a safety switch on a guard vibrating open. |
| |
Back to top |
|
|
| |
| Q: |
The gauge on my press reads a little into the red after reloading the compressed air tank. I can’t find any leaks. Would I be able to increase the pressure myself? |
| |
| A: |
The FESTO air control unit is preset and it is not recommended that it be adjusted by the operator. The S27 on the tank is responsible for turning the pump on and off and the S24 on the tank is responsible for locking out the press and releasing the press. It is recommended that neither be adjusted by the operator.
In order to check the operation of S24 and S27, an accurate manometer will need to be inserted between the air tank and the FESTO unit to make sure they are switching on and off correctly. In order to check the operation of the FESTO unit, insert an accurate manometer between the FESTO unit and the air distribution manifold to make sure it is operating correctly. Estimated labor for a tech to do this is 2 hours.
|
| |
Back to top |
| |
|
