PAD PRINTING MACHINE SERVICE TIPS:
Reading Your PLC's Pulse
ON THE rare occasion that your machine may not be running properly,
a good place to start in the troubleshooting process is to look at the programmable logic controller (PLC). This component is the brain center of the pad printer that sends signals to motor drives and valves, then receives signals back from switches and sensors on the machine. By systematically checking these inputs and outputs, you can read the "pulse" of your machine to narrow down the possibilities. Once the most likely fault is identified, the answer is much closer.
What It Needs Depends On What Logic State It's In
A light-emitting diode (LED) will light up to indicate each signal received as the machine cycles through the program logic. By reading these LEDs, the problem can be isolated and traced with some detective work.
For example, on a Sealcup 90, if the number 15 LED is off, the fault may be one or both of two things: (1) swing guard safety door is not properly closed or (2) ink cup is not properly locked. Once both of these are accomplished, the LED will go on and that possible fault will be eliminated.
Most issues can be easily resolved simply by cross-checking the LED number with the schematic drawing shown in the machine operator's manual. Our service technicians can then walk you through the process over the phone and thus avoid a costly service call or unnecessary downtime.
Shown below: standard Combi PLC (Keyence) located inside and to rear of machine with cover panel removed; above, standard Sealcup PLC (Mitsubishi) located at rear of machine with service drawer pulled out.
For other questions about machine service issues please contact our Service Department.
PAD PRINTING MACHINE SERVICE TIPS:
Reading Your PLC's Pulse
ON THE rare occasion that your machine may not be running properly,
a good place to start in the troubleshooting process is to look at the programmable logic controller (PLC). This component is the brain center of the pad printer that sends signals to motor drives and valves, then receives signals back from switches and sensors on the machine. By systematically checking these inputs and outputs, you can read the "pulse" of your machine to narrow down the possibilities. Once the most likely fault is identified, the answer is much closer.
What It Needs Depends On What Logic State It's In
A light-emitting diode (LED) will light up to indicate each signal received as the machine cycles through the program logic. By reading these LEDs, the problem can be isolated and traced with some detective work.
For example, on a Sealcup 90, if the number 15 LED is off, the fault may be one or both of two things: (1) swing guard safety door is not properly closed or (2) ink cup is not properly locked. Once both of these are accomplished, the LED will go on and that possible fault will be eliminated.
Most issues can be easily resolved simply by cross-checking the LED number with the schematic drawing shown in the machine operator's manual. Our service technicians can then walk you through the process over the phone and thus avoid a costly service call or unnecessary downtime.
Shown below: standard Combi PLC (Keyence) located inside and to rear of machine with cover panel removed; above, standard Sealcup PLC (Mitsubishi) located at rear of machine with service drawer pulled out.
For other questions about machine service issues please contact our Service Department.