Adkins Beta Cap Service manual

©2015 a.adkins and sons limited. all rights reserved
Beta Cap/ Pocket Combo
Operators Handbook

Copyrights
©2013, A. Adkins & Sons Limited, High Cross, Lancaster Road,
Hinckley, Leicestershire. No part of this publication may be reproduced
by any means without the prior written permission of A. Adkins & Sons
Limited.
Adkins Beta Cap/ Pocket Combo Press is a registered trademark of A.
Adkins & Sons Limited.
Please read this manual carefully and keep it with your machine at all
times for reference.

Preface
Dear User
Welcome to the growing group of Beta Cap/ Pocket Combo Press
users. The product you have purchased has been carefully designed and
manufactured to ensure that you, the user, will gain the maximum
benefit.
All A. Adkins & Sons Limited products are specifically designed to
ensure ease of use with particular attention to safety requirements.
Should you discover any fault or damage upon receipt of this product,
you should immediately contact your supplier.

Contents
1. Introduction Beta Cap/ Pocket Combo
Press 1
1.1 What did you receive? 2
1.2 Specifications of the Beta Cap/ Pocket Combo Press 3
1.3 Safety 5
1.4 Safety tips 5
2. Installation 8
2.1 Transport instructions 8
2.2 Installing the machine 8
2.3 Electrical requirements 8
2.4 Adjusting the pressure 9
2.5 Adjusting the time and temperature 10
3. How to operate the Beta Cap/ Pocket
Combo Press 11
3.1 Starting with the Beta Cap/ Pocket Combo Press 11
3.2 Working with heat transfer materials 11
3.3 Pressing pad assembly 13
3.4 Shutting down the machine 13
3.5 Fault diagnosis 13
3.6 Hints and tips 14
4. Maintenance of the Machine 15
4.1 Daily maintenance 15
4.2 Periodic maintenance 15
4.3 Cleaning 15
5. Machine Drawings and Diagrams 16
5.1 General layout 17
5.2 Control unit operation 18
5.3 Exploded diagram and parts list (Cap attachment) 19
5.4 Exploded diagram and parts list (Pocket attachment) 20
5.6 Machine - Electrical diagram 230 VAC 21
5.7 Machine - Electrical diagram 110 VAC 22
5.8 Controller - Electrical diagram 23
6. Design Change 24
7. Guarantee 25
Declaration of Conformity 26

Page 1
1. Introduction Beta Cap/
Pocket Combo Press
The Beta Cap/ Pocket Combo Press is a manually operated heat
press for printing caps and similar small items. This simple robust
machine is powered by a micro-processor for control of both heat and
dwell accuracy and ease of operation and requires minimal operating
space.
The work area of the Beta Cap/ Pocket Combo Press in Cap
configuration is 15 x 9 cm (6 x 3.6 in).
The maximum work area of the Beta Cap/ Pocket Combo Press in
Pocket configuration is 13 x 10 cm (5.12 x 4 in).
The Beta Combo Press is produced in two versions, nominally 230-
240 Volts AC for the `European` market and nominally 110 Volts AC
for the `American` market.

Page 2
1.1 What did you receive?
The Beta Cap/ Pocket Combo Press has been shrink-wrapped,
placed in a cardboard box and held in place with a special liner. The
following articles should have been delivered:
Beta Cap/ Pocket Combo Press complete with mains cable and
plug
Beta Cap/ Pocket Combo Press Users’ Handbook
Two Tables for the pocket attachment
1. 13 x 10 cm (5.12 x 4 in)
2. 8 x 6 cm (3.14 x 2.36 in)
Any extra items ordered
If there is any damage or any article is missing, please contact your
supplier immediately.

Page 3
1.2 Specifications of the Beta Cap/ Pocket Combo
Press
The Beta Cap/ Pocket Combo Press is a manually operated heat
press for transfer printing and material fusing. It is ideal for medium
volume production.
The work area of the Beta Cap/ Pocket Combo Press Cap attachment
is 15 x 9 cm (6 x 3.6 in).
Specification European Machine
(Beta Cap attachment)
Power consumption 500 Watts
Power supply 230-240 Volts AC
Working temperature 70-235oC
Machine height open 80 cm
Machine height closed 43 cm
Machine width 28 cm
Machine depth 52 cm
Net weight 14.5 kg
Press pad dimensions 15 x 9 cm
Fuses 3.15A
A-weighted noise level <70dB(A)
Specification USA Machine
(Beta Cap attachment)
Power consumption 500 Watts
Power supply 110 Volts AC
Working temperature 160-455oF
Machine height open 32 in
Machine height closed 17 in
Machine width 11 in
Machine depth 21 in
Net weight 32 lbs.
Press pad dimensions 6 x 3.6 in
Fuses 6.3A
A-weighted noise level <70dB(A)

Page 4
Specifications (cont.)
The maximum work area of the Beta Cap/ Pocket Combo Press
Pocket attachment is 13 x 10 cm (5.12 x 4 in).
Specification European Machine
(Beta Pocket attachment)
Power consumption 500 Watts
Power supply 230-240 Volts AC
Working temperature 70-235oC
Machine height open 80 cm
Machine height closed 43 cm
Machine width 28 cm
Machine depth 52 cm
Net weight 14.5 kg
Press pad dimensions 13 x 10 cm
Fuses 3.15A
A-weighted noise level <70dB(A)
Specification USA Machine
(Beta Pocket attachment)
Power consumption 500 Watts
Power supply 110 Volts AC
Working temperature 160-455oF
Machine height open 32 in
Machine height closed 17 in
Machine width 11 in
Machine depth 21 in
Net weight 32 lbs.
Press pad dimensions 5.12 x 4 in
Fuses 6.3A
A-weighted noise level <70dB(A)

Page 5
1.3 Safety
The Beta Combo Press has been equipped with various safety
features to ensure operator safety.
a. A thermal cut-out on the heating element shuts off the
power to the element if the temperature exceeds 235oC ±
15oC (455oF ±27oF).
b. The time/temperature controller has a built in facility
giving error messages in the event of faults with the element
heating and control system.
1.4 Safety Tips
If required, our customer service team can arrange maintenance
service.
The Beta Cap/ Pocket Combo Press meets the European
Legislation standard. Under normal conditions accidents are
rare. However listed below are some practical points to
ensure your safety.
Always switch off and isolate the mains supply (i.e.
remove plug) before undertaking any maintenance
work.
Keep other people away from the machine during use.
Ensure that there is sufficient space around the
machine. Cables and connections must not get jammed.
Although the heat radiation of the press is low, there
should be enough space for cooling down.
Avoid contact with the press element.
Make sure that before you change the attachments
ALL power to the machine is switched off; preferably
completely remove the plug from the mains socket.
Only when the heating element is COLD should
changing the attachments be undertaken. Carefully
unlock and unplug the lead from the base of the
machine, carefully remove the head attachment by
pulling out the safety catch* and place in a safe area,
making sure that you do not catch or scratch the
TEFLONcovered heating element.
Replace with the required new attachment (Cap or
Pocket) carefully pull out the safety catch on the head,
insert the runners and make sure that it is in its locked
position and is secure. Carefully insert the plug into its
socket and lock into place. Check that both head and
plug are secure, only then switch on the power to the
machine.

Page 6
Safety Tips (cont.)
When fitting the tables, unscrew the nut under the table
and remove, fit the required table (Cap or Pocket) and
tighten securely, making sure that the heating element
fits correctly over the pressing pad so as not to cause
any undue wear.
*(Situated on the left side of the insulation cover.)
DO NOT REMOVE THE BASE BOARD OR
CONTROLLER UNLESS QUALIFIED TO DO SO -
touching internal parts is dangerous and may cause shock
hazard. All electrical connections inside covers are live.
Never operate Press with any covers and/or guards removed.
PROTECT THE MAINS CABLE - damage to the mains
cable may cause fire or shock hazard. When unplugging,
hold by the plug only and remove carefully. Take care that
the mains cable does not come into contact with the heat
plate (or moving parts of the mechanism) during operation of
the machine.
OPERATING AMBIENT TEMPERATURE RANGE -
the operating ambient temperature range is 32oF - 104oF,
(0oC - 35oC) and humidity of 20 - 80%. This heat press is
fitted with a thermal cut out to ensure that it cannot operate
above 235oC ±15oC (455oF ±27oF).
MACHINE FUSES - type: ultra rapid (FF) fuses 1¼” 230
VAC max. 3.15 amps. (120 VAC max. 6.3 amps).
WARNING - THIS APPARATUS MUST BE
EARTHED (GROUNDED)
CAUTION
This machine gets hot whilst operating. Take care not to
touch any surfaces that are labelled “Caution this plate is
HOT”.
NEVER change attachments whilst heating elements are hot
or when the machine is switched on.
MACHINE OPERATION
Only suitably trained personnel should operate this
machine.
This machine is designed to be operated by one operator
only.
For Safety use both hands to move the handle up and down.
Do not allow the handle to move upward, by the effect of the
springs, without a hand on it.

Page 7
Safety Tips (cont.)
Keep fingers away from trapping points in the arm - lever
toggle mechanism. Using both hands on the handle keeps the
hands safe.
Contact your print media suppliers to ascertain whether
fumes are given off during the transfer process, and if so
what precautions are needed for operator safety. These may
include air extraction and / or masks for personnel.
Please refer to page 17 for an illustration of the Beta Cap/
Pocket Combo Press machine.

Page 8
2. Installation
2.1 Transport instructions
The machine comes to you in a box or shrink-wrap. If you have to
transport the machine at any time it is recommended that you use a
similar box and packing methods. Please let the machine cool down
and lower the handle to the locked position.
2.2 Installing the machine
2.2.1 Remove all packaging from the heat press.
2.2.2 Check to ensure that no damage has been caused to the
machine during transit.
2.2.3 Place the machine on a sturdy horizontal surface that is
within easy reach of the operator and allow space for the
handle to move up to the loading position. Ensure that no
items vulnerable to heat radiation are too close to the
machine and that local lighting is adequate.
2.2.4 If necessary attach machine to base.
2.3 Electrical requirements
The Beta Cap/ Pocket Combo Press should be connected to the
mains supply, (nominally 230VAC for the European Market, or
110VAC for America) by the mains cable provided and a suitable
plug. A qualified person should carry out this work.
The press is designed for 230-240 VAC ±50/60 hertz and requires
exclusive use of a power outlet rated for at least 5 amps (Europe), or
for 110 VAC 8 amps (America).
Ensure that the supply rating on the machine specification plate
corresponds with your local supply and that the correct plug is fitted.
MAINS LEAD
The wires in this mains lead are coloured in accordance with the
following code:
Green and Yellow: EARTH (GREEN)
230 VAC Blue: NEUTRAL (WHITE) 110 VAC
Brown: LIVE (BLACK)
As the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this apparatus may
not correspond with the coloured markings identifying the terminals in
your plug, proceed as follows:-

Page 9
Electrical requirements (cont.)
1. The wire coloured green and yellow must be connected to
the terminal in the plug, which is marked by the letter E, or
by the safety earth symbol coloured green, or green and
yellow.
2. The wire coloured blue must be connected to the terminal,
which is marked with the letter N, (Neutral connector).
3. The wire coloured brown must be connected to the
terminal, which is marked with the letter L, (Live connector).
NOTE:
Replacement of the mains cable must be done by a competent
service engineer.
HEATING ELEMENT
The heating element fitted to this press is rated at 500 Watts.
Never connect to any outlet or power supply having a different
voltage/frequency from that on the machine data plate.
2.3A Wiring the plug for a 110 VAC machine.
1. The wire, which has green insulation, must be connected to
the terminal in the plug coloured green or marked GR.
2. The wire, which has white insulation, must be connected to
the terminal in the plug identified as neutral.
3. The wire, which has black insulation, must be connected to
the terminal in the plug, which is identified as live (line).
NOTE:
Replacement of the power cord must be carried out by a qualified
electrician in accordance with national and local electrical codes,
and the instructions provided with the plug.
2.4 Adjusting the pressure
This press is fitted with a pressure-adjusting unit, which enables the
heat plate assembly to be raised or lowered by use of a pressure
adjustment knob located on the top of the machine:
a) To increase pressure or to use thinner materials turn knob
clockwise.
b) To decrease pressure or to raise the heat plate assembly to
enable thicker materials to be used, turn the adjustment
knob anticlockwise.

Page 10
Adjusting the pressure (cont.)
NOTE:
DO NOT adjust the pressure when the machine is clamped shut.
CAUTION
Never increase the pressure to the extent of requiring undue force
to lower the toggle/heat plate assembly into the lock position, as
this will place excessive stress on the press frame, resulting in
permanent damage to the press.
2.5 Adjusting the time and temperature
Please refer to page 18 showing the operation of the control unit.

Page 11
3. How to Operate the Beta
Cap/ Pocket Combo Press
3.1 Starting with the Beta Cap/ Pocket Combo Press
3.1.1 Plug into your supply outlet and switch supply on.
N.B. Please ensure the mains plug is easily accessible to the
operator so that in the event of a fault the machine can be
unplugged.
3.1.2 Turn on the Beta Cap/ Pocket Combo Press; the on/off
switch is to the right of the controller. Set the machine
controls as necessary. See instructions for adjusting the
pressure, page 9, and the operation of the time temperature
unit, page 18. When the set temperature is steady in the
display the machine is ready to use
3.1.3 Make sure that before you change the attachments ALL
power to the machine is switched off; preferably completely
remove the plug from the mains socket.
Only when the heating element is COLD should changing
the attachments be undertaken. Carefully unlock and unplug
the lead from the base of the machine, carefully remove the
head attachment by pulling out the safety catch* and place in
a safe area, making sure that you do not catch or scratch the
TEFLONcovered heating element.
Replace with the required new attachment (Cap or Pocket)
carefully pull out the safety catch on the head, insert the
runners and make sure that it is in its locked position and is
secure. Carefully insert the plug into its socket and lock into
place. Check that both head and plug are secure, only then
switch on the power to the machine.
When fitting the tables, unscrew the nut under the table and
remove, fit the required table (Cap or Pocket) and tighten
securely, making sure that the heating element fits correctly
over the pressing pad so as not to cause any undue wear.
*(Situated on the left side of the insulation cover.)
3.2 Working with Heat Transfer Materials
This section is divided into Transfer Marking/Transfer Printing and
Heat Bonding and Fusing.
First ascertain from the supplier of the material that it is suitable to
be used, and obtain the correct heat and time dwell setting for the
material and transfer.

Page 12
Working with Heat Transfer Materials (cont.)
Approximate settings may be as follows:-
3.2.1 Transfer Marking
NOTE: Transfer marking is usually for the marking of materials for
identification purposes and should not be confused with the
transfer printing, as mentioned in the next section.
3.2.2 Transfer Printing
NOTE: Always ascertain from the supplier of material and transfer
paper, that the material to be used is suitable for, and has
been prepared for transfer printing.
3.2.3 Heat Bonding - Fusing
3.2.4 Ensure that the heat setting and dwell time setting are
correct for the material being used.
3.2.5 Adjust the pressure setting of the machine by rotating the
adjusting knob situated at the rear of the machine. (See
exploded diagram in this manual.) Clockwise for more
pressure, anticlockwise for less pressure.
3.2.6 Adjust the position of the silicone pad table to align the cap
with the heat plate by loosening the locking knob situated
underneath the silicone pad table, positioning it as required
(front to back) and retightening the locking knob.
3.2.7 Hook the cap under the cap-tensioning arm and pull the cap
onto the silicone pad table.
3.2.8 Place the transfer in the desired position on the work.
3.2.9 Gently pull the handle forward into the lock position, using
both hands for safety and ensuring the work is firmly
clamped between the heat plate and pressure pad.
3.2.10 When the pre-set dwell time has been reached, a buzzer will
sound. The heat plate should then be lifted by pushing the
handle back to its full extent. The handle should be held until
the up position is reached to remove the possibility of injury
to the operator’s face from an uncontrolled upward
movement of the handle.
200oC (392oF) - Heat setting
3 to 5 seconds - Time dwell settin
g
190oC - 200oC (374-392oF) - Heat setting
20 to 30 seconds - Time dwell settin
g
140oC - 200oC (284-392oF) - Heat setting
5 to 15 seconds - Time dwell settin
g

Page 13
Working with Heat Transfer Materials (cont.)
3.2.11 For safety reasons, it is necessary to push the handle into the
locked position after it is lifted. This will ensure against the
accidental lowering of the heat platen handle.
3.3 Pressing Pad Assembly
The pressing pads normally supplied with this machine are silicone
rubber. The pressing pad must be maintained in good condition at all
times and replaced when showing signs of wear. A worn pressing pad
will always affect the quality of printing/fusing. Do not insert items
into the machine, which would tend to cut the pressing pad, i.e.
buttons, pins, press-studs or zips.
Never allow the hot heat plate to rest on the pressing pad when the
press is not being used as the pad may be damaged.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The pressing pad supplied with the machine is of the correct
thickness. Using a thicker pad may invalidate your warranty.
3.4 Shutting Down the Machine
To shut down the machine, turn off the ON/OFF switch on the right
of the machine. The handle should be in the up position.
After shutting off the machine, it should not be switched on again
for 30 seconds.
3.5 Fault Diagnosis
This machine has a built in fault diagnosis. The display may show the
following:
1. Heat Fault
If the element of the heat press, or the thermal cut-out go
open circuit, after approximately 20 minutes the display will
show “Heat Fault”. If this display is seen, contact your
machine supplier immediately.
2. Probe Fault
If the probe goes open circuit, the display will show “Probe
Fault” immediately. Contact your machine supplier
immediately.

Page 14
Fault Diagnosis (cont.)
3. “CAL” Fault
If “CAL” appears in the controller display the controller
will need to be recalibrated. Switch off the machine and
contact your supplier for an instruction sheet.
CAUTION
In all fault conditions switch off the power to the machine and
unplug the machine from the electrical supply before contacting your
machine supplier.
3.6 Hints and Tips
Transfer Printing
Extra care should always be taken to ensure that transfer paper is
placed print down onto the article, as mistakes will result in the heat
plate becoming soiled with ink and spoiling following work.
When transfer printing, it may be found advantageous to cover the
press pad with paper to prevent strike-through of surplus ink,
particularly when printing thin material as surplus print on the
pressing pad cover can also strike back on the following work.
Transfer Paper/Motifs Fail to Print Out Correctly
Check:-
1. Heat and time dwell settings are correct.
2. Article having transfer applied is locked in contact between
pressing pad and heat plate.
3. Pressing pad is in good condition, and making complete
contact over the whole area of the heat plate. See Pressing
Pad details.
“Ghosting” (Double Image) of Transfer Prints
Check:-
1. Material being used has been correctly heat set for transfer
printing.
2. Material being used does not shrink during printing process,
i.e. measure material before and after printing.
3. Transfer paper does not move after printing process upon
lift off of the heat plate.
4. If possible, use adhesive coated paper, particularly to
overcome fabric shrinkage.
5. By pre-shrinking of material in press before transfer
printing.

Page 15
4. Maintenance of the Machine
4.1 Daily Maintenance
For good press results it is important to keep the press surfaces
clean. Wipe the surface of the heat plate with a dry non-abrasive cloth
before use when the plate is cold.
When heat plates are hot and not in use, keep open position away from
the silicone pad.
4.1.1 Make sure that all attachments not being used are carefully
stored. The TEFLONcovered heating element should be
‘bubble wrapped’ or similar for protection and to prevent
marking. Unless the element is free from marks and scratches
you will not get good transfer results. (Undue damage to the
heating element is not covered by the machine warranty).
4.2 Periodic Maintenance
Put a few drops of oil onto the various pivot pins and the pressure
adjusting screw every three months.
Periodically clean the TEFLONcoated heat platen with a non-
abrasive piece of cloth. Stubborn stains may be cleaned, when platen
is cool, with mineral spirits.
4.3 Cleaning
First unplug the machine. Clean the outside of the machine
frequently with a clean, moist cloth. This may conveniently be carried
out when the machine is cold.
To prevent soiling of substrate, periodic wiping of entire exterior
machine, including platens, with a clean rag is recommended. If
necessary, use mineral spirits for cleaning a cold machine. Since
mineral spirits are flammable, use precautions at all times and keep
away from sparks, flames or hot heat platen

Page 16
5. Machine Drawings and
Diagrams
On the following pages are the schematic diagrams for the Beta
Cap/ Pocket Combo Press machine.
5.1 General Layout…………………………….Page 17
5.2 Control Unit – Operation…………………Page 18
5.3 Exploded Diagram and Parts List
(Cap attachment)………………………….Page 19
5.4 Exploded Diagram and Parts List
(Pocket attachment)……………………….Page 20
5.5 Machine – Electrical Diagram 230 VAC...Page 21
5.6 Machine – Electrical Diagram 110 VAC...Page 22
5.7 Controller - Electrical Diagram……...…...Page 23