Brady PAM 3000 User Manual
PAM 3000
Printer-Applicator-System
Operator's Manual
Edition 6/02
Identification Solutions Division
6555 W. Good Hope Road
PO Box 2131
Milwaukee, WI 53201 U.S.A.
Phone: 1-800-537-8791 Fax: 1-800-292-2289
In accordance with our policy of continual product improvement, we reserve the right to alter specifications without notice
Données technique modifiables sans prévais
Technische Änderungen vorbehalten
PAM 3000
Printer-Applicator-System
Printer-Applicator-System
Operator's Manual
Operator's Manual
All rights reserved, including those of the translations.
No part of this manual nor any translation may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, for
any purpose other than the purchaser's personal use, without the express written permission of W.H. Brady
Co.
Edition 6/02
3Printer-Applicator-System PAM 3000
Table of Contents
Table of Contents ................................................................................................................................... 4
A General Guide to the Documentation ................................................................................................ 7
Operator's Manual ............................................................................................................................. 7
Further Documentation...................................................................................................................... 7
Trademarks ............................................................................................................................................. 7
1. Product Description ........................................................................................................................ 8
General Information........................................................................................................................... 8
Characteristics of the Thermal Printhead .......................................................................................... 8
Technical Specification ...................................................................................................................... 9
Optional Features ............................................................................................................................ 11
Print Media ...................................................................................................................................... 12
Print Media for Direct Thermal Printing........................................................................................ 12
Print Media for Thermal Transfer Printing .................................................................................... 12
Label Media Specification............................................................................................................ 13
Transfer Ribbon........................................................................................................................... 14
2. General Safety Instructions .......................................................................................................... 15
3. Delivery Contents .......................................................................................................................... 15
4. Component Location .................................................................................................................... 16
Printer.............................................................................................................................................. 16
Applicator ........................................................................................................................................ 19
5. Mounting the Applicator ............................................................................................................... 20
Installation ....................................................................................................................................... 20
Slide Valve ....................................................................................................................................... 21
Pad Unit .......................................................................................................................................... 22
Blow Tube ....................................................................................................................................... 24
6. Connecting the Printer.................................................................................................................. 25
Air Connection ................................................................................................................................. 25
Interface Connections ..................................................................................................................... 26
Connection to Power Supply ........................................................................................................... 27
7. Media Loading ............................................................................................................................... 28
Preparation of the Label Supply Hub ............................................................................................... 28
Loading Labels ................................................................................................................................ 29
Loading Transfer Ribbon ................................................................................................................. 30
8. Adjustments................................................................................................................................... 31
Mechanical Adjustments .................................................................................................................. 31
Special Settings for the Operation ................................................................................................... 34
9. Control Panel ................................................................................................................................. 35
System Mode ONLINE .................................................................................................................... 35
System Mode OFFLINE .................................................................................................................. 36
System Mode PRINT....................................................................................................................... 36
System Mode PAUSE ...................................................................................................................... 36
System Mode LABEL FROM CARD ................................................................................................ 36
Printer-Applicator-System PAM 30004
10. Setup .............................................................................................................................................. 37
Start of Setup Mode ......................................................................................................................... 37
Leaving the Setup Mode .................................................................................................................. 37
Restore the Default Setting ............................................................................................................. 37
Function Keys in System Mode SETUP .......................................................................................... 37
Overview of the Setup Parameters .................................................................................................. 38
11. Printer Info Display ....................................................................................................................... 40
Viewing the Printer Info Display ....................................................................................................... 40
Definition of the Printer Info Display ................................................................................................ 40
12. Monitor Mode / ASCII Dump Mode ...............................................................................................42
Start of Monitor Mode / ASCII Dump Mode...................................................................................... 42
Representations of the Control Characters...................................................................................... 42
Example of ASCII Dump Mode........................................................................................................ 43
13. Operation ....................................................................................................................................... 44
Positioning of the Labels ................................................................................................................. 44
Switch on the Printer ....................................................................................................................... 45
Standard Operation ......................................................................................................................... 46
Special Operation with the Pre-dispense Key .................................................................................. 47
14. Optionen ........................................................................................................................................ 48
Keyboard Adapter ............................................................................................................................ 48
Installation of the Keyboard Adapter ............................................................................................48
Key Assignment ........................................................................................................................... 49
Special Key Functions ................................................................................................................. 49
Memory Cards ................................................................................................................................. 50
Preparing the Memory Card ........................................................................................................ 50
Installation of the Memory Card ................................................................................................... 50
Formatting the Memory Card....................................................................................................... 51
Writing on the Memory Card ........................................................................................................ 51
Printing from a Memory Card ...................................................................................................... 52
Warning Light .................................................................................................................................. 53
Warning Sensors ............................................................................................................................. 54
Warning Sensor Ribbon End .......................................................................................................54
Warning Sensor Label End .......................................................................................................... 55
Service Unit for Compressed Air ................................................................................................ ..... 56
Antistatic Brush ............................................................................................................................... 57
Appendices
Appendix A - Error Messages / Problem Solution.............................................................................A-1
Error Messages .............................................................................................................................. A-1
Correctable Errors ...................................................................................................................... A-1
Irrecoverable Errors.................................................................................................................... A-2
Errors During System Test .........................................................................................................A-2
List of Error Messages ......................................................................................................... ...... A-3
Problem Solution ............................................................................................................................A-6
Appendix B - Maintenance / Cleaning ............................................................................................... B-1
General ..........................................................................................................................................B-1
Cleaning the Printhead ................................................................................................................... B-1
5Printer-Applicator-System PAM 3000
Appendix C - Pin Assignment of the Interface Connectors ............................................................ C-1
Pin Assignment of the Serial Interface Connector ......................................................................... C-1
Pin Assignment of the Parallel Interface Connector....................................................................... C-3
PLC Interface Port ......................................................................................................................... C-4
Pin Assignment ......................................................................................................................... C-4
Circuit Diagrams of Inputs and Outputs..................................................................................... C-5
Explanation of the Signals ......................................................................................................... C-6
Scanner Connector ....................................................................................................................... C-8
Pin Assignment ......................................................................................................................... C-8
Circuit Diagrams of Input and Output ........................................................................................ C-8
Explanation of the Signals ......................................................................................................... C-9
Example of a Circut Diagram .................................................................................................... C-9
Appendix D - Setup Selectable Character Tables ............................................................................ D-1
Appendix E - Spare Parts (Extract) .....................................................................................................E-1
Index
Manufacturer's Declaration
Printer-Applicator-System PAM 30006
A General Guide to the Documentation
Operator's Manual
The present manual contains information on the characteristics, features, functions, and use
of the Printer-Applicator-System PAM 3000.
The manual covers general information which is necessary for operating the printer as well as
information about accessibility to different components of the printer.
Furthermore the loading of media and ribbon and the configuration in setup will be explained.
In the appendices, you will find useful additional information, such as internal character sets of
the printer, interface specifications, comments on possible error messages and printer
maintenance.
Note the directions for use on recommended material and comments on maintenance in order
to avoid damage and premature failure of your printer.
Every effort has been made in the creation of this manual to provide as much information as
possible in an understandable manner.
We welcome your comments and suggestions regarding additions or corrections to improve
future editions of this manual. Please, let us know if you have any questions.
Important information contained in this manual is marked as follows:
WARNING !
Impending danger!
May cause death or physical injuries.
CAUTION !
Dangerous situation !
May cause equipment/material damage or data loss.
NOTICE !
Helpful additional information and tips for use.
Further Documentation
The programming of the PAM 3000 printer is completely compatible to the programming of the
PAM 2000. Therefore it is possible to use the information, that can be found in the manual
"Programming Instructions - Apollo".
Detailed information about service and maintenance are included in the "Service Manual" of
the PAM 3000. (e.g. replacement of components, adjustment instructions, spare parts lists,
etc.)
Trademarks
Centronics ® is a registered trademark of Centronics Data Computer Corporation.
Macintosh-Computer is a product of Apple Computer, Inc.
Microsoft ® is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
Bitstream ® is a registered trademark of Bitstream, Inc.
Speedo is a registered trademark of Bitstream, Inc.
TrueType is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.
7Printer-Applicator-System PAM 3000
1 Product Description
General Information
The Printer-Applicator-System PAM is especially developed for automatic labelling.
The system is composed of two main parts: printer module and applicator module.
The printer module PAM 3000 is equipped with a high-class 300 dpi printhead to print texts,
bar codes and graphics quick, brilliant and tidy.
The print mechanism is aligned to dispense labels. The transport system guarantees a high
precision in printing and applying labels independent from the size of the label supply roll. For
the receipt of the print data PAM 3000 has a serial RS-232-interface.
The printer is designated to work in the dispense mode. In this mode only each one label is
printed after the receipt of an start signal. The label is peeled-off from the backing paper by
moving back the peel-off table and taken by the pad. After removing the dispensed label the
peel-off table is moved back in the printing position. So the printing of the next label may be
started at the front label edge.
The applicator module PAM 3002 performs the transport of the labels from the peel-off
position (starting position) to the product (labelling position). The labels are transferred with a
pad, by two compressed-air driven pneumatic cylinders. A lift cylinder carries out the vertical
movement of the pad between the starting position and the labelling position and the turn
cylinder provides the turning movement of the pad between the 0°-position and the 90°position.
The labels could be applied parallel to the print line (0°-position) as well as across to the print
line (90°-position).
For the external control of the labelling process the PAM 3000 is equipped with a PLC
(programmable logic control) interface with potential free inputs and outputs. This interface is
especially used to start the printing and applying of the labels.
The PAM 3000 is an innovative label printer and applicator system which may be used in
either direct thermal or thermal transfer mode.
The double lined LCD display keeps the operator constantly informed about the current status
of the printer. The setup menu allows easy configuration changes whenever desired.
There are offered varied options to complete the print system.
Characteristics of the Thermal Printhead
CAUTION !
The thermal printhead is the most sensitive part of your printer.
Pay special attention to the following guidelines :
1) The glass cover on the printhead must not be touched with the hand. Do not use any sharp
items, such as knives or screwdrivers, to clean the printhead.
2) During printing, always take care that there is no dirt or foreign objects on the labels in order
to avoid impurification of the printhead. This way, the printhead might be damaged.
3) Use proper label material with a smooth surface only.
A rough surface will affect the printhead and may cause damage and reduce its operating
life.
4) Clean the printhead regularly with a special printhead cleaning pen, or an isopropyl alcohol
soaked cotton swab.
5) Print with the lowest possible printhead temperature.
Careful use will allow you to print approximately between 30 to 50 km of print media before
the printhead needs replacing.
Improper usage can cause damage to the printhead.
Printer-Applicator-System PAM 30008
Technical Specifications
Type : Direct thermal / Thermal transfer printer
Printhead : Thin film transfer printhead
Resolution: 300 dpi = 12 dots / mm
Number of dots/ line : 1280
Print width : 108 mm
Print speed : 66, 100, 133, 166, 200 mm/s
Available fonts : 5 Bitmap fonts incl. OCR-A and OCR-B
2 scaleable fonts (Speedo) - internally
Speedo and TrueTypefonts - to load externally
Character sets : Windows 95/98/NT4.00/2000, Windows 1252/1250, IBM Codepage 850/852,
ISO 8859-1, ISO 8859-8, EBCDIC, Macintosh
Supports all Western and Eastern European Latin characters
Character size : 0.9 - 128mm
For scaleable fonts : width and height are individually changeable
For Bitmap fonts : the size is selectable up to a factor of 10
Font style : bold, italic, underlined, mirror-inverted, outlined, revers, grey
Font rotation : Bitmap fonts/Bar codes : 0°, 90°, 180°, 270°
Scaleable fonts : optional, texts in circular format
Speedo and TrueTypefonts : alignment degree for degree, text in circular
format and mirror-inverted
Bar codes : Linear codes :
Code 39, Code 93, Code 128, Codabar, FIM, HIBC,
Interleaved 2/5, Ident-/Leitcode der Deutschen Post AG,
MSI, Plessey, Postnet, EAN-8, EAN-13, EAN-128, EAN/UCC 128,
EAN/UPC App 2, EAN/UPC App 5, JAN-8, JAN-13, UPC-A, UPC-E
2-D codes :
Data Matrix, PDF417, UPS-Maxicode
Bar code height, modul width, and ratio are variable, with/without check digit,
human readable character, start/stop character
Graphic elements : Line, box, circle, ellipse, fill-in segment, arrow
Graphic file type: .PCX, .IMG, .BMP, .TIF, .GIF and .MAC files
Processor : 32 Bit, Motorola
Memory : Internal memory 2 MB
Interfaces : serial : RS-232, RS-422, RS-485, 1200-57600 Baud, 8 Data Bits, even parity
parallel : Centronics
9Printer-Applicator-System PAM 3000
Peripheral ports : PLC-interface for the control of the labelling process
Interface for connecting the scanner
Interface for connecting the warning sensor label end
Interface for connecting the warning sensor ribbon end
Interface for connecting the warning light
Test feature : System test when switching on
Material recognition : Gap sensor (See-trough), adjustable from 3 until 48 mm in the width
Control features : Print stop and error message at the LCD display at
- Paper out
- Ribbon out
- Transport system open
- Applicator errors
Control panel : 4 Function keys with LED display
Backlit LCD with 2 lines of text, 16 characters per line
LCD can be set to display in 9 different languages
Dimensions : Height : 420 mm
Width : 290 mm
Length : 530 mm
Weight : 35 kg
Operating voltage : Switcheable between 230 V A.C/ 50 Hz or 115 V A.C/ 60 Hz
Maximum 1.5 A (at 230 V) / 3 A (at 115 V)
power input :
Circuit protection : T 4 A (at 230 V) / T 6.3 A (at 115 V)
Compressed Operating pressure : 5 bar
air supply : Air connector : Push-in fitting for a 8 mm tube
Filter : 5 µm
Environment : Operation at 10° to 35°C at a humidity of 30 to 85%
Transport at -25° to +70°C at a max. humidity of 95%
non-condensing
Storage at 5° to 40°C at a humidity of 5 bis 85%
Tolerance of the print : +/- 0.3 at a print speed of 66 mm/s and 100 m media roll
increasing with the size of the media roll
Tolerance measure : 0.6 mm at a print speed of 66 mm/s and 100 m media roll
0.8 mm at a print speed of 66 mm/s and 150 m media roll
1.0 mm at a print speed of 66 mm/s and 180 m media roll
Measures determinded with material of the manufacturer according to the
conditions of the manufacturer.
Demand mechanism : "Shuttle"
Patent-No. : 5,300,160
Patent date : Apr. 5, 1994
Peel-off table dim. : Length : 120 mm
Width : 20 mm
Printer-Applicator-System PAM 300010
Label material : Thermal paper, Velin paper, Thermal transfer paper
Various synthetics including : PE, PP PVC, Polyamid, Polyimid
Liner width : 25 mm until 120 mm
Label height : 3,5 mm until 80 mm
Supply roll diameter : max. 200 mm
Core diameter : 76 mm
Optional Features
Keyboard Adapter
The keyboard adapter allows you to connect your PAM 3000 to a MF-2 compatible PC
keyboard using the serial interface. This will allow you to modify variable data stored on a
memory card.
PC Memory Card
PAM 3000 includes an option for using memory cards in order to permanently store graphics,
fonts, databases or whole label formats.
The data can be downloaded via interface. Alternatively, the printer is able to read cards
which were on using PC card drives of computers, lap-tops, etc.
PCMCIA 2.1 conforming sRAM cards or Flash-EPROM cards are accepted.
The maximum capacity for PAM 3000 is 4 MegaByte.
Using a memory card, the printer can be operated without being connected to a computer
which represents a great advantage regarding the flexibility.
Interface Cable
The delivery program of the PAM 3000 includes a serial and a parallel interface cable for data
transfer as an option. The standard length of each cable is 1.50 m.
Warning Light
By using the warning light it is possible to recognize the state of the printer with one view.
Warning Sensors
The sensors recognize, when the diameter of the label supply roll respectively the transfer
ribbon roll decreases below a preset thresould value.
The messages of the sensors are only intended to inform the operator. They do not influence
the operation of the PAM 3000, i.e. the operation is not interrupted.
The messages will be shown by switching on the yellow lamp of the warning light (option).
The signals also can be sent to a control system by using the peripheral interface.
Air Service Unit
PAM 3000 includes an option for adjusting and filtering the compressed air.
Antistatic Brush
By using the antistatic brush option it is possible to reduce the electrical charge in the print
area.
11Printer-Applicator-System PAM 3000
Print Media
PAM 3000 can be operated in direct thermal as well as thermal transfer mode.
For direct thermal mode, only use print material with a thermal-reactive coating.
The print image is transferred by heating the material at the printhead, causing a reaction on
the surface of the paper and, consequently, darkening the material.
In thermal transfer mode, not only standard paper labels are needed but also the thermal
transfer ribbon with a color surface. The printout is created by heating the transfer ribbon,
causing a transfer of color particles onto the label.
PAM 3000 allows to regulate the heat level and also the print speed. Thus, the printer offers a
wide range of opportunities for usage.
PAM 3000 is able to print on labels with a maximum supply roll diameter of 200 mm and a
core diameter of 76 mm.
The ability of label edge recognition, which guarantees the precise position of the printer
output, is accomplished by a photocell. This sensor is controlled by the processor of the
PAM 3000 and ensures recognition for different sorts of material. There is no need for additional electronic adjustment.
On the following pages, you will find detailed information and specifications concerning
suitable materials.
Print Media for Direct Thermal Printing
The print material must correspond to several important specifications, in order to ensure high
quality printing, and to avoid damage to the printhead or early wear.
Using labels which we have tested and which we recommend to our customers, will guarantee
a gentle treatment of the printhead. If you want to use material by another supplier, please
note the following requirements regarding the condition of thermal printer paper :
To avoid damage to the printhead, the surface coating must cover the thermal-reactive
layer. If the coating is too thin, this may cause a 'pitting' effect on the printhead, i.e. very
small explosions during the chemical reaction of the thermal coating quickly resulting in
damage to the printhead.
The surface of the labels should be very smooth to avoid a 'sandpaper' effect on the
printhead.
Always choose material which can be printed on with the lowest possible heat level. The
greater the heat level, the shorter the life of the printhead. Moreover, with highest heat
levels the phases of heating up and cooling down extend. This may have a negative effect
on the print quality, especially if a high print speed is required.
Print Media for Thermal Transfer Printing
In thermal transfer mode, a wide range of different label materials may be used. (e.g. normal
paper, tag stock, a variety of synthetic material such as polyester foil, etc.)
NOTICE !
The print quality greatly depends on the right combination of label material and
transfer ribbon. The surface of the labels determines which ribbon material may be
used. Unsuitable ribbons may cause an extremely poor print image.
Printer-Applicator-System PAM 300012
Label Media Specifications
Label media to be used for the PAM 3000 can be found in the table below. Note this
information before ordering your labels.
E
D
F
G
H
K
I
C
A
B
Fig. 1 Label formats
Index Characteristics MIN. (mm) MAX. (mm)
A Label width 5 115
B Width of silicon liner 25 120
C Label length 3.5 80
D Gap between label 2 546
E Label thickness 0.1 0.25
F Thickness of silicon liner 0.05 0.10
G Distance of the first printing point
from the edge of silicon liner 2
H Distance of the label sensor
from the edge of silicon liner variable
I Width of the perforation mark 5 -
K Height of the perforation mark 2 5
Table 1a Label formats in mm
13Printer-Applicator-System PAM 3000
Transfer Ribbon
The choice of a suitable transfer ribbon is important for the print quality of your printer as well
as the useful life of the printhead.
CAUTION !
Transfer ribbons of inferior quality may cause premature deterioration of
the printhead !
The ribbon material must be antistatic, because the extremely thin surface coating of the
thermal printhead can be damaged by electrostatic discharge.
Also, the material must be extremely resistant to high temperatures to avoid melting the ribbon
with the printhead.
The heat which arises during printing must be carried off by the label and by the transfer
ribbon itself. Transfer ribbons of inferior quality are often poor heat conductors. This may
cause overheating of the printhead in spite of electronic protection.
Poor transfer ribbons also tend to lose parts of the coating which leads to accumulating dirt on
the printhead and the sensors. With some ribbons the color rubs off and soils the printhead.
All of these effects contribute to poor print quality.
We have carried out numerous tests with many different ribbons and we recommend you use
transfer ribbons made by well-known/ brand manufacturers only. Depending on the label
material, several transfer ribbons may be suitable.
The quality of print is determined by the right combination of these materials.
The recognition of the transfer ribbon is sensed by the rotation control of the transfer ribbon
unwinder, rather than by photocell sensors. As a result, ribbons with a thinner coating or those
with a colored coating can be used safely. To be able to print all labels up to the exact end of
the transfer ribbon, the length of the uncoated trailer is limited.
NOTICE !
When buying transfer ribbons, make sure that the trailer of the ribbon has a
maximum length of 150 mm. Also note that the trailer easily can come loose from
the cardboard core.
Index Characteristics MIN. (mm) MAX. (mm)
A Width 25 114
Length - 360
Core diameter 25 25
Inking external
Table 1b Ribbon formats in mm
Printer-Applicator-System PAM 300014
2 General Safety Instructions
CAUTION !
Pay special attention to the following safety guidelines :
- The PAM 3000 printer is built exclusively to print labels and tags, continuous paper, etc. Do
not use other materials than listed in chapter 1.
- Connect the printer only to an outlet with the correct voltage !
The printer is configured for either 230V or 115V power supply, which can be switched
using the input voltage selector at the right side of the printer.
Connect only to a power outlet with a grounded contact.
- The printer must only be connected to devices which have extra low voltage.
- Power must be OFF before plugging in any accessory or connecting the printer to a
computer, etc. Also switch power off on all appliances before disconnecting.
- Do not expose the printer to any moisture, or use in damp or wet areas.
- In operation, moving or rotating parts are easily accessible. Therefore, keep long hair,
jewelry, loose clothes away from the these parts.
- During the print process the printhead will become hot. Use extra caution when touching
the printhead.
- Before starting any maintenance, switch the printer OFF and disconnect it from the power
supply.
- Only qualified trained service technicians should attempt to repair your printer if damaged
or in need to repair.
3 Delivery Contents
Inspect the packaging and contents immediately after receipt for possible damage caused by
shipping.
The supplied equipment depends on the requested options.
Compare the delivered accessories with your order.
NOTICE !
Please keep the original packaging in case the printer must be returned.
15Printer-Applicator-System PAM 3000
4 Component Location
Printer
1112131415
1
2
3
4
5
Fig. 4a Front view
1 - Display
2 - Function keys with indicator LEDs
3 - Ribbon take up hub
4 - Ribbon supply hub
5 - Print mechanism
6 - Guide roller
7 - Media rewind hub
8 - Knurled knob
9 - Adapter
10 - Flange
11 - Media supply hub
12 - Swing arm with guide roller
13 - Pre-dispense key (for applicator)
14 - Electronic connector for the applicator
15 - Air connectors for the applicator
10
9
67 8
16 Printer-Applicator-System PAM 3000
1
2
3
4
5
67 981011
Fig. 4b Detailed view of the print mechanism
1 - Adjusting plate
2 - Printhead
3 - Print roller
4 - Feed roller
5 - Pinch roller
6 - Transport locking lever
7 - Peel-off table
8 - Label edge sensor
9 - Brake
10 - Media guide axle
11 - Media guide
17Printer-Applicator-System PAM 3000
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Fig. 4c Side view
1 - Connector for the compressed air
2 - Power connector with power switch
3 - Parallel interface port
4 - Serial interface port
5 - Scanner connector
6 - Connector warning sensor transfer ribbon end
7 - Connector warning sensor label end
8 - PLC interface port
9 - DIP switches
10 - Connector warning light
11 - Silencer
12 - Memory card module slot
12
11
11
10
9
18 Printer-Applicator-System PAM 3000
Applicator
6
5
12
Fig. 4d Front view
1 - Connector for the electronics
2 - Pad holder
3 - Pad
4 - Turn cylinder
5 - Slide valve
6 - Lift cylinder
4
3
19Printer-Applicator-System PAM 3000
5 Mounting the Applicator
Installation
1
2
1
1
4
3
1
Fig. 5a Installing the applicator
1. Put the applicator at the left side of the PAM 3000 printer using the four holes (1).
2. Fasten the applicator by screwing the four screws (4) including the washers.
CAUTION !
Make sure that the two bolts at the rear side of the applicator are inserted into the
long hole (2) and the guide hole (3) on the side of the printer.
4
5
6
7
8
Fig. 5b Connecting the applicator
3. Plug the connector of the applicator's electronic system (7) in the peripheral port (6) of the
PAM 3000 printer.
4. Push the compressed air tubes of the applicator (5) into the appropriate push-in-fittings (8)
on the top of the PAM 3000 printer. The appropriate tubes and fittings are marked by
figures.
20 Printer-Applicator-System PAM 3000
Slide Valve
The lift cylinder (1) is equipped with a slide valve (2), which can only be actuated manually.
By delivering the slide valve is closed so it is possible to keep the compressed air in the lift
cylinder. That way the pad (3) is hold in its upper position.
By opening the slide valve (slide the ring upwards to the position "bleed") it is possible to
remove the pad from its upper position as the compressed air supply is closed and the
applicator is switched off.
But the slide valve should only be opened (bleed) if it is necessary to move the pad for
mounting or service for example cleaning the pad, or removing fragments of labels.
1
2
2
3
Fig. 5c Slide valve at the lift cylinder
CAUTION !
Pay attention to the pad while opening the slide valve.
It should be swung away from the peel-off edge of the printer (90°-position).
CAUTION !
The slide valve must be closed during operation.
Otherwise the lift cylinder can be moved without control, which can cause
damages.
21Printer-Applicator-System PAM 3000
Pad Unit
Versions
The pad unit consists of the pad holder, the pad and the blow tube. The format of the pad
holder and the pad depends on the label format.
So there are two different versions of the pad holder, the small format (type 1200) and the
large format (type 1100).
The small format is recommended for use of small labels with a height up to 25 mm.
The pad is specific designed for each label format which is used.
When applying large labels it is necessary to mount a blow tube additionally.
Small format
1
2
Fig. 5d Front view pad holder (1) and pad (2)
Small format
Large format
Large format
1
2
1
2
Fig. 5e Side view pad holder (1) and pad (2)
22 Printer-Applicator-System PAM 3000
1
2
Mounting
Normally all supplied label applicators have passed a previous run at the factory. Therefore all
units including the pad holder and the pad which are necessary for the operation of the device
are mounted.
But it is possible to dismantle the pad holder and the pad without effort when the label format
is changed. Following it is very easy to mount the new pad holder or pad.
Small format Large format
Fig. 5f Changing the pad
Changing the pad :
1. Remove the vacuum tube (2) from the pad (3).
2. Loosen the screw on the lower side of the pad (3).
3. Remove the pad (3).
4. Attach the new pad to the pad holder (1).
5. Fasten the new pad on the pad holder (1) using the screw.
6. Attach the vacuum tube (2) to the new pad.
Small format Large format
4
1
23 32
4
1
15
Fig. 5g Changing the pad holder
Changing the pad holder :
1. Dismount the pad (3).
2. Loosen the screw on the lower side of the cover (4).
3. Remove the cover (4).
4. Loosen the screw (5) at the pad holder (1).
5. Remove the pad holder (1).
6. Attach the new pad holder to the bolt.
7. Fasten the new pad holder by screwing the screw.
8. Mount the cover.
9. Mount the pad.
23Printer-Applicator-System PAM 3000
Blow Tube
It is necessary to mount a blow tube when applying large labels. This way the label is additional blown against the pad with an air current coming from the blow tube. The air current
supports the take-over of the label by the pad.
There is an equipment (1) at the front side of the printer to attach the blow tube.
1
32
Fig. 5h Installing the blow tube
1. Screw the blow tube into the equipment (1) on the front side of the printer.
2. Turn the drillings of the tube (3) to the dispense edge of the printer.
3. Hold the slotted screw (4) with a screwdriver and fix the tube by tightening the counter
nut (2).
4. Slide the DIP-switch 4 on the side of the printer to the position "OFF" (see page 34).
4
24 Printer-Applicator-System PAM 3000
6 Connecting the Printer
Air Connection
1
Fig. 6a Air connection
PAM 3000 needs for operation the connection to a compressed air supply. It is very important
to guarantee an operating pressure of 5 bar with a tolerance of plus/minus 5 % .
The air connector (1) is located at the side of the printer. The push-in-fitting is suitable for a
8mm-tube.
CAUTION !
Make sure that the compressed air supply is switched off while connecting the
printer.
Insert the tube of compressed air supply into the push-in-fitting (1). Insert the tube firmly.
Adjust the required operating pressure.
CAUTION !
Use only filtered compressed air to operate the printer.
Guarantee an operating pressure of constant 5 bar during operation.
25Printer-Applicator-System PAM 3000
Interface Connections
1
2
3
4
1 - Parallel interface port
2 - Serial interface port
3 - Interface port for scanner
4 - PLC interface port
Fig. 6b Interface ports
PAM 3000 is equipped with three serial interfaces, these are RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485, all
of them using the 25 pin interface connector (2).
In most cases, you can use the RS-232 interface for the connection to the computer. If your
computer is located more than 15m away from the printer you should use the RS-422
interface.
The RS-485 interface is provided for using the printer as part of a networked system.
In addition to the serial port, the printer also provides a parallel (Centronics) interface which
offers a faster transfer of data than the serial interfaces. Therefore, we recommend to use the
parallel interface for those applications where a large number of loadable fonts or complex
graphics have to be printed.
For the Centronics interface use the 36 pin interface connector (1).
Additionally PAM 3000 has a PLC interface with 25 pin connector (4). This interface is needed
for embedding the printer in the process control of a higher system and is especially used to
start the printing and applying of the labels.
PAM 3000 is also equipped with a 9 pin connector (3) to connect a scanner. This way it is
possible to check a printed bar code immediately after printing and before applying. If the
scanner sends the goodread-signal then the label can be applied.
If there is no scanner connected it is necessary to simulate the goodread-signal. This can
be realized by a plug. An example for the circuit diagram of this plug you can find in
appendix C page C-9.
The interfaces are to connect with suitable cables.
CAUTION !
Make sure that all connected computers and their connecting cables are correctly
grounded.
26 Printer-Applicator-System PAM 3000
Connection to Power Supply
1
2
3
4
Fig. 6c Power supply module
The PAM 3000 is designed for use with 230V A.C/ 50Hz (standard) or 115V A.C/60Hz.
CAUTION !
Before connecting the printer to the power supply, make sure that the voltage
selected on the power supply module of the printer is the same as your main
power supply !
1 - Voltage selector
2 - Voltage selector cover
3 - Power switch
4 - Power supply connector
To change the voltage setting, open the cover (2) and remove the voltage selector from the
power unit.
CAUTION !
If you have changed the operating voltage of your printer the fuses need replacing
as stated below !
230 V - 2 x T 1.5 A 115 V - 2 x T 3 A
When delivered, the correct fuses for the pre-selected operative voltage are installed. You will
find the necessary fuses for the other voltage in the accessories package.
Slide the voltage selector back into the power supply module so that the correct voltage is
visible in the lid window.
Connect the printer to a grounded outlet using the power cable supplied in the accessories
package.
27Printer-Applicator-System PAM 3000
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