Adkins BETA MAJOR Service manual

HEAT PRESS TECHNOLOGY
All products within the ADKINS range are labelled with CE marking and are manufactured and tested to comply with EC safety regulations.
BETA MAJOR
©2018 A. Adkins & Sons Ltd. All rights reserved. E&OE. V1.0.
All products within the ADKINS range are labelled with CE marking and are manufactured and tested to comply with EC safety regulations.
©2019 A. Adkins & Sons Ltd. All rights reserved. E&OE. V1.0.
Operators Handbook
Rev B - 29/01/19Rev B - 29/01/19

Preface
Dear User
Welcome to the growing group of Beta Major Users. The product you
have purchased has been carefully designed and manufactured to ensure
that you, the user, will gain the maximum benefit.
All Adkins 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 Major 1
1.1 What did you receive? 2
1.2 Specifications of the Beta Major 3
1.3 Safety 4
1.4 Safety tips 4
2. Installation 6
2.1 Transport instructions 6
2.2 Installing the machine 6
2.3 Electrical requirements 6
2.4 Pneumatic requirements 7
2.5 Adjusting the pressure 7
3. How to operate the Beta Major 8
3.1 Starting with the Beta Major 8
3.2 Working with heat transfer materials 8
3.3 Material fusing 9
3.4 Pressing pad assembly 9
3.5 Shutting down the machine 9
3.6 Fault diagnosis 10
3.7 Hints and tips 10
4. Maintenance of the Machine 12
4.1 Daily maintenance 12
4.2 Periodic maintenance 12
4.3 Cleaning 12
5. Machine Drawings, Diagrams and
Declaration
13
5.1 General layout 14
5.2 Control unit operation 15
5.3 Exploded diagram and parts list 16
5.4 Machine electrical schematic 17
5.5 Controller wiring diagram 18
5.6 Pneumatic schematic 19
6. Design Change 20
7. Guarantee
Declaration of Conformity
21
22

Page 1
1. Introduction Beta Major
The Beta Major is a pneumatically operated heat press for transfer
printing and material fusing. It is ideal for high volume production with
low operator fatigue.
The work area of the Beta Major is 38 x 50 cm (15 x 20 in), but
machines may have to special order, optional smaller sized
interchangeable worktables of any size and various shapes within this
table size.
The Beta Major has a heat plate which swings away from the operating
position to clear the worktable for loading and unloading. After loading
the work piece, and with the correct settings for temperature, pressure
and dwell time, the heat plate is swung to the operating position with the
handle provided. The cycle is started by simultaneously pressing the
two white buttons on the front of the head, within ½ second. The
controller operates the timer and the solenoid valve and thus the
pneumatic cylinder. When the set time elapses the table is
automatically lowered, enabling the head to be swung to the right. The
worktable may then be unloaded and reloaded ready for another cycle.
The Beta Major is produced in one version, nominally 230V AC.
It is a simple operation to remove the worktable and replace it with
one of a different size.

Page 2
1.1 What did you receive?
The Beta Major has been placed in a cardboard box, and held in place
with foam and banded onto a pallet, or as requested. The following
articles should have been delivered:
 Beta Major complete with mains cable and plug
 Beta Major Operators Handbook
 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 Major
The Beta Major is a pneumatically operated heat press for transfer
printing and material fusing. It is ideal for high volume production with
low operator fatigue.
The work area of the Beta Major is 38 x 50 cm (15 x 20 in) but
machines may have, to special order, optional smaller sized
interchangeable worktables of any size and various shapes within this
table size.
Specifications
Power consumption 2.5 kW
Power supply 230 Volts AC
Compressed air supply 7 bar max (101.5 Psi max)
Compressed air consumption 60 cu. litres/min (2 cu. feet/min)
Working temperature 70 - 235oC
Display timer range 0 – 9.59 min
Machine height 52 cm (20.5 in)
Machine width 59 cm (23.2 in)
Machine width, loading 79 cm (31 in)
Machine depth 57 cm (22.5 in)
Machine depth, loading 104 cm (41 in)
Machine working area 80(W) x 52(H) x 105(D) cm
(31.5(W) x 20.5(H) x 41.3(D) in)
N
et weigh
t
69 Kg (152 lbs.)
Gross weight 77 Kg (170 lbs.)
Press pad dimensions 38 x 50 cm (15 x 20 in)
Fuses 12.5 A
A-weighted noise level <70dB(A)

Page 4
1.3 Safety
The Beta Major 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.
c. A two button starting system ensures that the operator’s hands
are well away from the heat plate when the table rises.
d. Emergency stop button.
e. The machine table will only rise to pressing position when the
heat plate is aligned with it due to a micro switch safety
interlock
1.4 Safety Tips
Our customer service department has its own service
engineers and, if required, maintenance and advice is available
upon request.
 The Beta Major 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.
 DO NOT REMOVE THE TOP COVER UNLESS
QUALIFIED TO DO SO - touching internal parts is
dangerous and may cause shock hazard.
 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.

Page 5
Safety Tips (cont.)
 OPERATING AMBIENT TEMPERATURE RANGE - the
operating ambient temperature range is 0oC - 35oC,
(32oF - 104oF) 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. 12.5 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”.
 MACHINE OPERATION
Only suitably trained personnel should operate this
machine.
This machine is designed to be operated by one operator
only.
If any hissing noises of pneumatic leaks occur the machine
must be immediately shut down for investigation.
If the air pressure is lost the table will lower. The machine
should be switched off immediately or the situation could arise
of the table rising under power without the operator’s hands
being safely on the two start buttons.
Contact your print media suppliers to ascertain whether fumes
are given off during the 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 14 for an illustration of the Beta Major
machine.

Page 6
2. Installation
2.1 Transport instructions
The machine comes to you in a cardboard box, and held in place with
foam and banded onto a pallet. 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 remove the swing head
handle.
2.2 Installing the machine
Take the machine out of the box, due to the weight of the machine we
recommend that this be a 2-person task. Put the machine on a sturdy
worktable close to a suitable electric socket and compressed air supply
connection point within easy reach of the operator. There must be
sufficient space for the machine’s head to swing to the right until it hits
the built in stop and back to the pressing position without creating
trapping points against adjacent articles. Screw into place the head
swing aside handle, which comes taped to the machine for safety during
transport. (See Page 14 for the position of the handle). Ensure that no
items vulnerable to heat radiation are too close to the machine.
2.3 Electrical requirements
The Beta Major should be connected to the mains supply (nominally
230V AC) by the mains cable provided and a suitable plug. A qualified
person should carry out this work.
The press is designed for 230V AC 50/60 hertz and requires exclusive
use of a power outlet rated for at least 13 Amps.
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
230 VAC Blue: NEUTRAL
Brown: LIVE

Page 7
2.3A Wiring the mains plug
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:-
1. The wire that is coloured green and yellow must be connected
to the terminal in the plug that 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 that
is marked with the letter N, (Neutral connector)
3. The wire coloured brown must be connected to the terminal
that is marked with the letter L, (Live connector)
NOTE: Replacement of the mains cable must be done by a competent
service engineer
2.4 Pneumatic requirements
The Beta Major and Minor should be connected through a filter
regulator to a compressed air supply capable of delivering 60 cu.
litres/min at a pressure of 3.5-7 bar max. (2 cu. ft./min at 50-101.5 psi.).
The press will not operate if the pressure drops below 3.5 bar (40 Psi.).
Double hose clips should be used on the delivery hose.
2.5 Adjusting the pressure
This press is fitted with a manually adjustable pneumatic pressure
regulator on the right hand side of the front of the base. To adjust the
operating air pressure, and therefore the pressure exerted by the press on
the work, the regulator is unlocked by pulling forward the black plastic
knob. Turning the regulator knob clockwise will increase the air
pressure; turning anticlockwise will decrease the pressure. When the
desired pressure is achieved the regulator is locked by pushing the knob
back in.

Page 8
3. How to Operate the Beta
Major
3.1 Starting with the Beta Major
3.1.1 Turn on the Beta Major; the on/off switch is on the left side
of the front of the swing head. Set the machine controls as
necessary. See instructions for adjusting the pressure, 2.5, and
the operation of the time temperature unit, Page 15. When the
set temperature is steady in the display the machine is ready to
use.
3.2 Working with Heat Transfer Materials
3.2.1 Ascertain from the supplier of the transfer paper and/or the
suppliers of the material, that the material to be used is suitable
and has been prepared for transfer printing.
3.2.2 Obtain from the supplier of the transfer paper, or material to
be used, the recommended temperature, time and pressure
settings for the material to be worked on.
Approximate settings are usually within the following:-
180oC - 200oC (350oF - 400oF) Heat Setting
10 - 30 seconds Time Dwell Setting
3.2.3 Wait until the set temperature has been reached, signalled by
the temperature on the controller display becoming steady at
the desired figure. Swing the heat plate assembly to the right,
using the handle on the left of the machine. Place the work
piece on the pressure pad, removing all wrinkles. Place the
transfer in the desired position. Swing the heat plate into the
pressing position, to the stop, to ‘make’ the micro switch will
enable the machine to cycle.
3.2.4 Start the sequence by pressing the two white buttons
simultaneously (within ½ second). The worktable
automatically rises up to the heat plate. (The process can be
stopped at any time by using the “EMERGENCY STOP”
button on the top of the press. This will automatically lower
the worktable).
3.2.5 At the end of the set time, the worktable lowers to the loading
position, allowing the head to be swung aside to permit
unloading.

Page 9
3.3 Material Fusing
3.3.1 When the press is to be used for the fusing of fusible
interlining/heat bonding etc., ascertain from the supplier of the
material to be used, the correct settings for time and
temperature for the process.
Approximate settings are usually within the following:-
110
oC - 170oC (250oF - 340oF) Heat Setting
5 - 30 seconds Time Dwell Setting
The method of operation for fusing is the same as for transfer
printing.
During the fusing operation it will be found to be
advantageous to lay a piece of PTFE cover material (the same
size as the table), over the article being fused. This will act as
an anti-stick barrier to prevent strike through of any surplus
adhesive from the fusible materials adhering to the heat plate
of the press.
Note: It is not advisable that this PTFE cover material be
used when the press is being used for transfer printing.
3.4 Pressing Pad Assembly
The pressing pad normally supplied with this machine is silicone
rubber. Alternatively a pad of foam with a NOMEX® cover may be
supplied to special order. 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.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The pressing pad supplied with the machine is of the correct thickness.
Using a thicker pad may invalidate your warranty.
3.5 Shutting Down
To shut down the machine when a cycle is finished, turn off the green
illuminated rocker switch on the operator’s left side of the machine
head.
To temporarily interrupt the cycle, press the mode release button
once.

Page 10
Shutting Down (cont.)
To shut down in an emergency, press the red button on top of the
machine head. If the emergency stop button is actuated, it will need to
be unlocked by turning it anticlockwise before the machine will run
again.
3.6 Fault Diagnosis
This machine has a built in fault diagnosis. The display may show the
following:
1. H-F
If the element of the heat press, or the thermal cut-out go open
circuit, after approximately 20 minutes the display will show
“H-F”, and a buzzer will sound. If this display is seen, contact
your machine supplier immediately.
2. P-F
If the probe goes open circuit, the display will show “P-F”
immediately, and a buzzer will sound. Contact your machine
supplier immediately.
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.
3.7 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.

Page 11
Hints and Tips (Cont.)
2. Article having transfers applied is locked in contact between
pressing pad and heat plate.
3. Pressing pad is in good condition, is flat 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 12
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 the heat plate is hot and is not in use, keep in the open position
away from the silicone pad.
4.2 Periodic Maintenance
The grease nipples (No. 35 on the exploded diagram) in the rear of the
swing head (No. 12 on the exploded diagram) need to have a small
amount of molybdenum grease pumped into them annually.
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 13
5. Machine Drawings and
Diagrams
On the following pages are the schematic diagrams for the Beta Major
machine.
5.1 General Layout…………………………….. Page 14
5.2 Control Unit – Operation…………………. Page 15
5.3 Exploded Diagram and Parts List………… Page 16
5.4 Electrical Diagram…………………………. Page 17
5.5 Controller Electrical Diagram……………. Page 18
5.6 Pneumatic Schematic………………………. Page 19

5.1 General Layout of the Major and Minor Machine
Page 14
EMERGENCY STOP TWO PUSH BUTTON
CONTROL TO OPERATE
MACHINE
HEAD SWING
AWAY HANDLE
TIME/TEMP
CONTROL UNIT
AIR
PRESSURE
ADJUSTMENT
PRESSURE GAUGE

5.2 Operation Of Control Unit, Setting Time and Temperature
(The table must always be in the down position before the controller is set)
Page 15
ACT
ACT
TEMP
TEMP
SET
SET
TIME
TIME
ACT
ACT
TEMP
TEMP
SET
SET
TIME
TIME
Setting Temperature
Setting Time
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Switch on Press; Display and
'TEMP' indicator will light up.
Press 'MODE' button to select 'Set'
on indicator.
The Display will start flashing.
Use the 'UP' and 'DOWN' arrow
buttons to set the required
temperature.
When you have set the required
temperature the Display will stop
flashing and the 'SET' indicator will
go out.
Press the 'ON/OFF' button to start
the Press heating to the selected
temperature. The 'ACT' indicator will
light up.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Switch on Press; Display and
'TEMP' indicator will light up.
Press 'MODE' button twice to select
'SET' and 'TIME' on indicator.
The display will start to flash.
Use the 'UP' and 'DOWN' arrow
buttons to set the required time.
When you have selected the
required time the Display will stop
flashing and the 'SET' and 'TIME'
indicators will go out.
Press the 'ON/OFF' button to start
the Press. The 'ACT' indicator will
light up.

5.3 Exploded Diagram and Parts List
Page 16
No. Description Part No. Qty.
1 Emergency stop button complete AME340 1
2 Cycle start buttons AME311 2
3 Instrument cover AME111 1
4 Controller complete BMC322/COMP 1
4a Front controller LED (buzzer board) BMC322/A 1
4b Back controller power board BMC322/B 1
4c Controller back plate AM628/C 1
4d Green button controller BM322/YF 1
5 Green rocker switch BM448 1
6 Overlay R/H Adkins Major fascia BM629 1
7 Pivot post top cap AMC106 1
8 Micro switch cam AMC373 1
9 Pivot "o" ring AMC204 2
10 Swing arm handle BMC508 1
11 Arm AMC110 1
12 Swing head AMC103 1
13 Micro switch AM312 1
14 Pivot post stop colar AMC107 1
15 Insulation cover dark grey AMC27 1
16 Terminal box BMC460/3 1
17 Terminal box gland and nut BMC460/2 1
18 Standard fuse holder BMC468 2
19 1/8 standard BSP grease nipple BMC201 2
20 Overlay L/H touch pad fascia AM628 1
21a PTFE ring probe FP3057/5 1
21b PTFE bullet probe BM478/PTFE 1
22 Thermal cut out BM338 1
23 PTFE pillar AMC207 4
24 Guide post insulator BM247 1
25 Hollow guide post AMC332 1
26 Yoke AMC108 1
27 Yoke pin BMC22/C 1
28 Adaptor plate AMC353 1
29 15 x 20 Heat plate (inc loom) BMC460/COMP 1
30 Non adhesive silicone pad 38 x 50 cm BMC341 1
31 Mains lead Maxi/Major 2 pin BMC619 1
Mains lead Maxi/Major 3 pin BMC617 1
32 Major table 15 x 20 AMC113 1
33 Socket for mains lead BMC426 1
34 Base AMC101 1
35 Quick release socket check unit AMC352/O 1
36 Fibre washer AM342 1
37 Capacitor AM323 1
38 Solenoid valve comp with fitting AMC352/D 1
39 Table spigot AMC114/ME 1
40 Compression spring AMC201A 3
41 Anti rotation pin AMC117 1
42 Olite bush BMC321/S 1
43 Piston and sleeve AMC104 1
44 Piston "o" ring AMC203 2
45 Piston bore sleeve AME112 1
46 Cylinder end cap AME105 1
47 Base board BM335 1
48 Rubber foot SW33 4
49 Foam gaiter AM327 1
50 Gauge AMC352/C 1
51 Regulator AM352U/A 1
52 Exhaust valve AMC352/M 1
53 Bulk head AMC352/I 1
54 Male adaptor AMC352/N 1
55 Emergency stop plastic label AM325 1
56 Live electric connections label MPC6549 1
57 Caution live fuse label BMC470 1
58 Caution hot label MPC6548 1
59 Max pressure label AMC326 1
60 12.5 Amp fuse BM356 2
* Parts for older machines
* Controller complete
37
34
SMC
MPA
psi
35
38
14
12
1
8
10
11
7
2
9
5
18
13
59
49
57
56
19
ACT
ACT
TEMP
TEMP
SET
SET
TIME
TIME
50
36
54
53
51
55
47
46
48
44
45
41
39
40
43
33
42
32
30
31
27
23
17
22
29
28
21a
25
24
16
15
58
52
6
4a
4b
4c
3
26
60
20
4
4d
21b
UK
EU
31

5.4 Electrical Diagram
Page 17
BN
ES = Emergency Stop PB = Push Button Cycle Start SW 1 = Mains On/Off Switch SW 2 = Swing Arm Switch T.T.U. = Time. Temperature. Unit
BU
BN
SW 1
ES 1
BU
GN/Y
GN/Y
F1=(8 OR 12.5 AMPS.)
F2=(8 OR 12.5 AMPS.)
1 2
3
4
240 V
Element
Probe
W W
Thermal
Cut Out N.C.
GN
W
BU BU
T.T.U. Live In
LIVE IN
T.T.U. Neutral In
NEUTRAL
IN
Earth On T.T.U.
Main Earth Stud On Fabrication
T.T.U. Live Out T.T.U. Neutral Out T.T.U. RT + T.T.U. RT - T.T.U. DI 2 T.T.U. GND
(J4) (J7) (J5) (J6)
SW 2PB 2
Y Y
T.T.U. DI 1 T.T.U. GND
PB 1