Maintaining A Photopolymer Processor
Orbital X Maintenance – The Orbital X Photopolymer Process requires basic maintenance on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. Following a few simple steps will allow the Orbital X to perform at an optimum level over many years. The equipment is fairly simple and general maintenance and be done in a minute a day.
Photopolymer Equipment Maintenance
Daily
- Drain the water out of the washout tank and refill with clean water. Always keep the brush submerged in water.
- Cover the sticky mat on the washout platen with a piece of Mylar after use.
Weekly
- Thoroughly clean the washout tank and brush. Always refill the washout tank and keep the brush submerged in water.
- Perform an exposure test with the 21 Step UV Stouffer Scale to ensure the proper amount of UV output. Adjust exposure time accordingly to achieve a solid 16 on the Stouffer Scale.
Monthly
- Apply a small amount of lubricating grease to the leveling pads on the washout platen.
- Replace the vinyl cover sheet in the main exposure draw.
Annually
- Replace the bulbs in both the main exposure draw and the post-exposure draw.
*Refer to equipment manual if necessary or contact Nova Polymers Technical Support with questions.
Photopolymer Equipment Maintenance Lamp Replacement for the Orbital X
NOTICE: Disconnect the electrical power from the unit before replacing lamps.
- Standing in front of the unit, remove the 2 screws from under the front lip located at the edge of the washout section. Then remove the 4 screws from the vacuum drawer panel (drawer handle will need to be removed).
- Locate the black knob on the rear of the unit and completely unscrew it.
- From the front, pull the drawer towards you for access to the lamp and ballast section. Lamps are located on the underside of the drawer.
- Replace/change the lamps and reverse the above procedure.
Note:
- If using shield lamps, make sure the shield faces away from the exposure/vacuum plate.
- For removal of the Post and/or Detack lamps, remove 5 screws from the front panel above the Post/Detack drawer. Pull the drawer forward towards you.
- The lamps will be accessible from the underside of the drawer. Replace the lamps and reattach the front panel.