CARPENTER Compu-Cut 420 User manual

Operator’sManual
Model 420
Compu-Cut®
Material Cutter
Production Wire Processing Equipment
Website: www.carpentermfg.com • Email: [email protected]

Carpenter Model 420 Compu-Cut®
Carpenter Model 420 Compu-Cut® • Phone: (315) 682-9176 • Fax: (315) 682-9160
Website: www.carpentermfg.com • Email: [email protected]
Revised 07/08/2023 Page 2
Table of Contents
Introduction................................................................................................................................... 4
Important Notice........................................................................................................................... 5
Safety and Pneumatic Notices...................................................................................................... 6
Machine Disassembly Notice........................................................................................................ 7
Applications and Machine Specifications................................................................................... 8
Section 1–Keypad Display and Button Descriptions ............................................................... 9
Section 2–Machine OLED Display Examples........................................................................ 15
Basic Example........................................................................................................................... 15
Batching Example..................................................................................................................... 16
Kitting Example (Before Processing) ....................................................................................... 17
Kitting Example (During Processing)....................................................................................... 18
Section 3–Safety Guarding & Material Exit Chute Assembly Installation......................... 19
Machine Safety Guard............................................................................................................... 19
Material Exit Chute Assembly.................................................................................................. 19
Section 4–Initial Machine Setup.............................................................................................. 21
Material Setup........................................................................................................................... 22
Material Support Rod................................................................................................................ 24
Magnetic Sheet.......................................................................................................................... 25
Section 5–Programming........................................................................................................... 26
Single Cycle .............................................................................................................................. 27
Length Correction ..................................................................................................................... 27
Run Program ............................................................................................................................. 27
Stop Program............................................................................................................................. 27
Unloading Material ................................................................................................................... 27
Section 6–Machine Memory (Program Storage) ................................................................... 28
Storing Programs....................................................................................................................... 28
Recalling Programs................................................................................................................... 28
Unsaved Program Data/Changes Made to Programs................................................................ 28
Section 7–Special Features....................................................................................................... 29
Kitting........................................................................................................................................ 29
Information Needed When Setting Up the Kitting Feature................................................... 29
Processing Material with the Kitting Feature........................................................................ 29

Carpenter Model 420 Compu-Cut®
Carpenter Model 420 Compu-Cut® • Phone: (315) 682-9176 • Fax: (315) 682-9160
Website: www.carpentermfg.com • Email: [email protected]
Revised 07/08/2023 Page 3
Storing Kitting Programs....................................................................................................... 31
Recalling Kitting Programs................................................................................................... 31
Wire Marking............................................................................................................................ 32
Foot Switch On/Off................................................................................................................... 32
Wire Sensor On/Off .................................................................................................................. 32
Turn Password On/Off.............................................................................................................. 33
Store New Password.................................................................................................................. 33
Blade Change ............................................................................................................................ 34
Representatives Only................................................................................................................. 34
Reserved.................................................................................................................................... 34
Show Serial Number ................................................................................................................. 34
Section 8–Accessory Control.................................................................................................... 35
Wire Marker.............................................................................................................................. 35
Foot Switch ............................................................................................................................... 38
Section 9–Maintenance Procedures......................................................................................... 39
Material Debris Removal.......................................................................................................... 39
Blade Change ............................................................................................................................ 39
Machine Lubrication................................................................................................................. 41
Daily/Operational Machine Lubrication................................................................................ 41
Monthly/Periodic Machine Lubrication ................................................................................ 41
Feed Roller Change or Removal............................................................................................... 42
Section 10 –Recommended Spare Parts................................................................................... 44
Section 11 –Optional Accessories ............................................................................................. 44
Air Blast Kit.............................................................................................................................. 45
Material Exit Chute Assembly (Short)...................................................................................... 50
Prefeed Stop Interface (Material Jam/Overload Protection)..................................................... 51
Installing the Prefeed Stop Interface Cable Assembly (Internal).......................................... 51
Installing the Prefeed Stop Interface Cable Assembly (External)......................................... 52
Understanding the Prefeed Stop Interface............................................................................. 53
Accessory Board Kit ................................................................................................................. 54
Section 12 –Important Elements for Trouble-Free Operation.............................................. 62
Section 13 –Warranty................................................................................................................ 64

Carpenter Model 420 Compu-Cut®
Carpenter Model 420 Compu-Cut® • Phone: (315) 682-9176 • Fax: (315) 682-9160
Website: www.carpentermfg.com • Email: [email protected]
Revised 07/08/2023 Page 4
Introduction
Thank you for choosing Carpenter Mfg. Co., Inc. for your wire processing equipment needs. For
over 70 years Carpenter has been a leader in wire processing technology and service. As an
independently-owned, third generation company our philosophy has always been to provide the
customer with both quality products and outstanding service. We look forward to a long, healthy
relationship with you and our company.
The Model 420 Compu-Cut® can process a wide range of material, as referenced on the
following pages. These processing specifications are based upon the most commonly
manufactured materials. Special applications may arise with materials that are within the
specification limits of the machine but are very difficult or unsuccessful to process. Likewise,
materials that exceed the specified limits of the machine may sometimes be processed
successfully. Because there are many variables involved in wire processing, we strongly
recommend a free material evaluation, to be completed at our factory
(http://carpentermfg.com/wire-evaluation/). A demonstration from a Carpenter representative is
also recommended to ensure the ultimate success of your material processing application.
This operator’s manual explains how to operate the Model 420 Compu-Cut®. To ensure the best
performance of your machine, read this manual carefully until you familiarize yourself
thoroughly with its operation and features. After you have read through the manual, keep it
available for reference.
Use this manual as a quick and handy reference tool for clarifying any questions that may arise.
If you have any questions about this machine or service please let us know. Our phone number
is (315) 682-9176; we may also be reached by fax at (315) 682-9160. Visit our website
Carefully unpack the Carpenter Model 420 Compu-Cut®. We recommend that you keep the
original box and packaging as it will protect the machine for future transportation, if necessary.

Carpenter Model 420 Compu-Cut®
Carpenter Model 420 Compu-Cut® • Phone: (315) 682-9176 • Fax: (315) 682-9160
Website: www.carpentermfg.com • Email: [email protected]
Revised 07/08/2023 Page 5
Important Notice
The products in this shipment left our facility in good working condition. Their safe delivery is
the responsibility of the carrier that delivered this shipment to you. Our stated shipping terms are
F.O.B. our facility at 110 Fairgrounds Drive, Manlius, NY 13104. According to applicable laws,
the responsibility for this shipment was transferred to you as soon as the carrier accepted the
goods at our warehouse. If concealed damage is discovered after unpacking this shipment, you
must submit a damaged freight claim with the carrier. Carpenter Mfg. Co., Inc. cannot submit
your claim for you. In order for you to collect for concealed damage, the carrier must be notified
within 5 days of the date you receive this shipment. You must leave the damaged items and
packing material as is (i.e. return all merchandise and all packing material to the shipping
container) until the claim has been inspected by the carrier. It is also important to note that the
carrier will not accept a claim if the goods have been moved from the point of the carriers’
delivery to another street address. If you have any questions or problems, please give us a call at

Carpenter Model 420 Compu-Cut®
Carpenter Model 420 Compu-Cut® • Phone: (315) 682-9176 • Fax: (315) 682-9160
Website: www.carpentermfg.com • Email: [email protected]
Revised 07/08/2023 Page 6
Safety and Pneumatic Notices
CAUTION
This equipment comes equipped with a safety guard and a
material exit chute assembly. Both the safety guard and the
material exit chute assembly contain a safety interlock switch.
The machine will not operate unless the guard is installed and in
the closed position and the material exit chute assembly is
attached to the Model 420.
**IMPORTANT**
Do not attempt to defeat the function or purpose of the safety
interlock switches. Serious injury to the operator’s eyes, fingers
or other body parts may result from attempts to operate this
equipment with the safety guard in the raised position or with
the material exit chute assembly removed from the machine.
This machine contains pneumatic components. It is extremely
important that this machine is connected to a clean, filtered,
and lubricated air supply.
Contaminated air may cause the machine to malfunction.
Failure to follow these installation instructions may result in
damage to the machine that will not be covered under
warranty. Refer to the Machine Lubrication subsection of the
operator’s manual regarding the use of an automatic, inline oiler.

Carpenter Model 420 Compu-Cut®
Carpenter Model 420 Compu-Cut® • Phone: (315) 682-9176 • Fax: (315) 682-9160
Website: www.carpentermfg.com • Email: [email protected]
Revised 07/08/2023 Page 7
Machine Disassembly Notice
CAUTION
Disassembling the Model 420 is not recommended.
**IMPORTANT**
Removing the Model 420 face plate without first unplugging
and removing the electronic control unit will cause serious
damage to the machine.
Please contact Carpenter Mfg. Co., Inc. directly for machine
service assistance.

Carpenter Model 420 Compu-Cut®
Carpenter Model 420 Compu-Cut® • Phone: (315) 682-9176 • Fax: (315) 682-9160
Website: www.carpentermfg.com • Email: [email protected]
Revised 07/08/2023 Page 8
Applications and Machine Specifications
Applications
The Model 420 is designed to measure and cut to length a number of different materials,
including solid wire; stranded wire; multi-conductor cable; flat cable; plastic tubing; and shrink
tubing.
Note: A motorized prefeed may be necessary to assist the Model 420, depending on application.
Contact the factory for information on available material prefeed models.
Machine Specifications
Electrical Connection
88 –264 VAC, 47 –63 Hz self-adjusting
Air Supply
80 –100 PSI (5.5 –6.9 BAR) **CLEAN, FILTERED,
AND LUBRICATED AIR ONLY**
Main Fuses
2–5 x 20mm 6.3 AMP fast-action
Maximum Cutting Width
4.000” (101.6mm)
Maximum Cutting Diameter
1.000” (25.4mm) [material dependent]
Cut Length
0.01” –9,999.99” (0.1mm –99,999.9mm) [longer lengths
obtainable in inches]
Quantity
1 –999,999 pieces
Short Exit Chute
For lengths 3.0” or less
Unit of Measure
Inches or mm, user-selectable
Transport Speeds
5 programmable
Single Program Memory
999 programs
Kitting Program Memory
500 programs
Password Protection
User-programmable
Dimensions
13.78” (W) X 11” (H) X 20.5” (D)
(350mm [W] X 279mm [H] X 521mm [D])
Weight
60 lbs. (29 kg)

Carpenter Model 420 Compu-Cut®
Carpenter Model 420 Compu-Cut® • Phone: (315) 682-9176 • Fax: (315) 682-9160
Website: www.carpentermfg.com • Email: [email protected]
Revised 07/08/2023 Page 9
Section 1 –Keypad Display and Button Descriptions
The Model 420 Compu-Cut®features an all-new, easy-to-use electronic control panel. The user-
friendly machine software and improved button layout are staples of the Model 420.
The following pages contain basic descriptions of each button.

Carpenter Model 420 Compu-Cut®
Carpenter Model 420 Compu-Cut® • Phone: (315) 682-9176 • Fax: (315) 682-9160
Website: www.carpentermfg.com • Email: [email protected]
Revised 07/08/2023 Page 10
Button
Description
This value is the overall length of processed pieces.
This feature allows the operator to input a certain number of sets of the
programmed amount to produce.
This value is the number of pieces per batch to process.
This value is the material transport speed.
This value is the correction for overall length.

Carpenter Model 420 Compu-Cut®
Carpenter Model 420 Compu-Cut® • Phone: (315) 682-9176 • Fax: (315) 682-9160
Website: www.carpentermfg.com • Email: [email protected]
Revised 07/08/2023 Page 11
Button
Description
This button allows the operator to process material in either
inches or millimeters.
This section of the machine display alerts the operator to
which program is being used; whether or not the kitting
function is being used; or if there are unsaved data for the
current program.
Neither a wire stacker nor a wire coiler is to be used with
the Model 420. Therefore, this section of the machine
display will not read “S” or “C” at any moment.
The value for feed pressure is not displayed on the Model
420. This section of the machine display will read “N/A”.
When a wire marker is correctly connected to the machine,
this section of the machine display alerts the operator that
the wire marker is turned on in the Model 420 menu.

Carpenter Model 420 Compu-Cut®
Carpenter Model 420 Compu-Cut® • Phone: (315) 682-9176 • Fax: (315) 682-9160
Website: www.carpentermfg.com • Email: [email protected]
Revised 07/08/2023 Page 12
Button
Description
When the batching feature is on, this section of the
machine display alerts the operator to which batch
number is currently being processed out of the total
number of batches.
The 0–9 buttons are used to enter numerical data
values when processing material. Some of these
buttons may also be necessary for certain screen
prompts.
This button is used to erase data when programming
material values; when creating new programs; or
when navigating the machine menu.
The machine’s universal ENTER button.

Carpenter Model 420 Compu-Cut®
Carpenter Model 420 Compu-Cut® • Phone: (315) 682-9176 • Fax: (315) 682-9160
Website: www.carpentermfg.com • Email: [email protected]
Revised 07/08/2023 Page 13
Button
Description
Selecting this button allows the operator to either store programs to or recall
programs from the machine’s memory.
Selecting this button enters the operator into the machine menu.
Selecting this button allows the operator to clear the loaded material out of
the machine.
Selecting this button allows the operator to load the material into the
machine.

Carpenter Model 420 Compu-Cut®
Carpenter Model 420 Compu-Cut® • Phone: (315) 682-9176 • Fax: (315) 682-9160
Website: www.carpentermfg.com • Email: [email protected]
Revised 07/08/2023 Page 14
Button
Description
Selecting this button will process one complete test piece, according to the
programmed settings.
Selecting this button will start the processing cycle. The programmed
batch amount is processed.
Selecting this button will immediately stop the processing cycle.

Carpenter Model 420 Compu-Cut®
Carpenter Model 420 Compu-Cut® • Phone: (315) 682-9176 • Fax: (315) 682-9160
Website: www.carpentermfg.com • Email: [email protected]
Revised 07/08/2023 Page 15
Section 2 –Machine OLED Display Examples
Below are several examples of the OLED display with detailed notes.
Basic Example
•Processing material in inches (“IN”)
•Cut length per processed piece is 6.00”
•Material feed speed is 5
•Running program 006 from memory (“P006”)
•Cutting (5) pieces (this number decreases with each cycle)

Carpenter Model 420 Compu-Cut®
Carpenter Model 420 Compu-Cut® • Phone: (315) 682-9176 • Fax: (315) 682-9160
Website: www.carpentermfg.com • Email: [email protected]
Revised 07/08/2023 Page 16
Batching Example
•Processing material in millimeters (“MM”)
•Cut length per processed piece is 254.0 mm
•Material feed speed is 2
•Running program 010 from memory, but with unsaved program data/changes made to
program 010 (“!010”)
•Batching feature is on and active (“B”)
•Cutting (35) pieces in the current batch (this number decreases with each cycle)
•The first (001) batch of the total (008) batches is being processed

Carpenter Model 420 Compu-Cut®
Carpenter Model 420 Compu-Cut® • Phone: (315) 682-9176 • Fax: (315) 682-9160
Website: www.carpentermfg.com • Email: [email protected]
Revised 07/08/2023 Page 17
Kitting Example (Before Processing)
•Processing material in inches (“IN”)
•Cut length per processed piece is 6.00”
•Material feed speed is 5
•Kitting feature is setup and ready to process (kitting program also ready to be saved to
memory [“K!!!”])
•Cutting (4) pieces in the first kit member (this number decreases with each cycle)

Carpenter Model 420 Compu-Cut®
Carpenter Model 420 Compu-Cut® • Phone: (315) 682-9176 • Fax: (315) 682-9160
Website: www.carpentermfg.com • Email: [email protected]
Revised 07/08/2023 Page 18
Kitting Example (During Processing)
•Processing material in inches (“IN”)
•Cut length per processed piece of current kitting member number is 10.00”
•Material feed speed is 3
•The current kitting member number is 02 (“MBR02”)
•Processing the first kit number (001) out of four total kits (004)
•Cutting (10) pieces in the current kitting member (this number decreases with each cycle)

Carpenter Model 420 Compu-Cut®
Carpenter Model 420 Compu-Cut® • Phone: (315) 682-9176 • Fax: (315) 682-9160
Website: www.carpentermfg.com • Email: [email protected]
Revised 07/08/2023 Page 19
Section 3 –Safety Guarding & Material Exit Chute Assembly
Installation
Machine Safety Guard
The Model 420 is equipped with a safety guard. The PN 8292 guard assembly contains a safety
interlock switch. The machine will not operate unless the safety guard is installed and in the
closed position.
Do not attempt to defeat the function or purpose of the safety interlock switch. Serious injury to
the operator’s eyes, fingers or other body parts may result from attempts to operate this
equipment with the machine safety guard in the raised position.
Note: If the safety guard is not in the closed position when the machine is powered on,
“PLEASE CLOSE GUARD THEN PRESS ENTER”.
Material Exit Chute Assembly
The Model 420 is equipped with a material exit chute assembly. The material exit chute
assembly contains a safety interlock switch. The machine will not operate unless the material
exit chute assembly is attached to the Model 420.
Do not attempt to defeat the function or purpose of the safety interlock switch. Serious injury to
the operator’s eyes, fingers or other body parts may result from attempts to operate this
equipment with the material exit chute assembly removed from the machine.
Follow the below steps to properly install the material exit chute assembly onto the Model 420:
1. Insert the PN 3926 material exit chute assembly dowel pin into one of the material exit
chute assembly alignment holes located on the PN 6495 front support.
2. Insert PN 6024 guard chute adjustment knob assembly into the PN 6015 brass sleeve
above the dowel pin holes. Push the knob and the chute toward the machine face plate;
this will engage the spring-loaded PN 6094 chute pivot rod under the material exit chute
assembly.
3. Line up the PN 6094 chute pivot rod with the PN 7528 bronze bearing on the PN 6003
back support.
4. Push and turn the PN 6024 guard chute adjustment knob assembly clockwise until the
threads catch, then lock into position.
Note: If the material exit chute assembly is not properly installed when the machine is powered
on, the OLED display will read “PLEASE INSTALL CHUTE THEN PRESS ENTER”.

Carpenter Model 420 Compu-Cut®
Carpenter Model 420 Compu-Cut® • Phone: (315) 682-9176 • Fax: (315) 682-9160
Website: www.carpentermfg.com • Email: [email protected]
Revised 07/08/2023 Page 20
Never use the material exit chute assembly as a handle when moving the Model 420. Doing
so may damage the machine.
Figure 1: Material Exit Chute Assembly Setup
PN 3926 Material Exit Chute Assembly Dowel Pin
PN 6495 Front Support
PN 6094 Chute Pivot Rod
PN 6024 Chute Adjustment
Knob Assembly
PN 6015
Brass Sleeve
PN 6003 Back Support
PN 7528 Bronze
Bearing
Material Exit Chute
Assembly Alignment Holes
PN 6523 Material Adjustment Rod
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