Formax FD 280 User manual

Formax FD 280 Double-
Head Edge Tabber
Instruction Manual

FD 280
Double-Head Edge Tabbing System
Operator Manual
10/2011 First Edition

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION ..............................................................................................1
1.1 Organization of this Operating Manual ...........................................................1
1.2 FD 280 Description.........................................................................................1
1.3 Items Included ................................................................................................3
1.4 Operating Manual Safety Terms.....................................................................4
1.5 Safety Precautions..........................................................................................5
1.6 Operating Manual Terms................................................................................5
1.7 Warranty.........................................................................................................6
2. SPECIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS ..........................................................8
2.1 Specifications..................................................................................................8
2.2 Operating Requirements.................................................................................8
3. POWER CONNECTION ...................................................................................9
3.1 Safety..............................................................................................................9
3.2 Line Voltage....................................................................................................9
3.3 Line Fuses....................................................................................................11
3.4 Accessory Fuses...........................................................................................12
3.5 Accessory Power Outlet................................................................................13
3.6 Power Cord...................................................................................................13
4. CONTROLS....................................................................................................14
4.1 Power Switch................................................................................................14
4.2 LCD Counter.................................................................................................14
4.3 Control Panel
4.3.1 Power Indicator ..............................................................................................15
4.3.2 Stop................................................................................................................15
4.3.3 Start ..............................................................................................................15
4.3.4 Tab Ready……………… ……………………………………………………… 15
4.4 Head Position Knob......................................................................................16
4.5 Tab Mode Switch..........................................................................................16
5. FEEDING DEVICES.......................................................................................17
5.1 Placing the FD 280 In-Line ...........................................................................17
5.2 ACCESSORY ITEMS ...................................................................................18
5.2.1 Fan Fold Tab Stand………………………………………………………………...18
5.2.2 FD 280 Short Cart ..........................................................................................19
5.2.3 FD 280 Long Cart………………………………………………………….………..19
5.2.4 FD 280-20 Label Delivery Module ………….…………………………………….19

6. OPERATION...................................................................................................20
6.1 Splicing Tabs................................................................................................20
6.2 Threading Tabs……………………………………………………………………21
6.3 Feeding Portrait Mail Pieces.........................................................................22
6.4 Feeding Landscape Pieces ..........................................................................24
6.5 Tabbing Mail Pieces .....................................................................................25
6.6 Adjusting Tab Position …………………………………………………………..26
6.7 Remove Waste Backing Paper…………………………………………………27
6.8 Restore Default Tab Settings……………………………………………………27
6.9 Change Piece Size………………………………………………………………27
7. MAINTENANCE..............................................................................................28
7.1 General Cleaning & Clearing........................................................................28
7.2 Replacing a Fuse..........................................................................................29
7.2.1 Line Fuse........................................................................................................30
7.2.2 Accessory Fuse..............................................................................................31
8. TROUBLESHOOTING ...................................................................................32
8.1 Troubleshooting Chart ..................................................................................32
9. CORRECTING TABBING PROBLEMS .........................................................35
9.1 No Tabs Applied To Mail Pieces
9.1.1 Tab Ready Light Off........................................................................................35
9.1.2 Mail Piece Jam........................................................................................ 35
9.1.3 Torn Backing Paper ........................................................................................36
9.2 Incorrect Threading.....................................................................................37
9.3 Poor Tab Placement or Appearance…………………………………………...38
9.3.1 Tab Placement Is Inconsistent ..................................................................38
9.4 Uneven tab Folds……………………………………………………..…………..38
9.5 Restoring factory settings ………………………………………………………..39
10. SERVICE......................................................................................................40
10.1 Service........................................................................................................40
10.2 Repacking Instructions................................................................................40

1
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Organization Of
This Operating
Manual This manual starts with a description of your FD 280,
then describes its set up, operation and maintenance.
Finally, information is offered to help you determine
what can go wrong and what to do about it. There
are many helpful tips along the way, and it is strongly
suggested that you become familiar with this entire
manual prior to operating the FD 280.
1.2 ET Description The FD 280 is an automatic tabbing machine used to
seal open mail pieces. Tabs are peeled from rolls or
fan folds of backing paper and applied to mail pieces
such as self-mailers, booklets, brochures, newsletters
and double postcards.
Mail pieces are fed into the FD 280 using a feeding
device such as the Formax FD 260-10 Feeder, a
feeder or labeler from another manufacturer. If the
FD 280 is to work correctly, mail pieces must be fed
into it correctly -- with a gap of about one inch
between mail pieces. This manual does not cover the
operation of the various feeding devices that may be
used to supply the FD 280 with mail pieces. Please
read your feeding device operating manual before
using it in-line with the FD 280.
NOTE
Some feeding devices require a stand
in order to operate in-line with the FD 280.
Check with your Formax dealer.
The FD 280 uses two tabbing heads to advance
pressure-sensitive tabs past a peel bar. Partially
peeled tabs hang from the backing paper, ready to be
peeled at the peel bar before they contact the mail
piece. Tabs are pressed and folded onto mail pieces
between a set of belts and rollers. The tabbed mail
pieces exit the FD 280 and can be collected in an
optional Catch Tray or stacked by a Formax
FD 260-20 Conveyor.

2
Tab quality is as important as mail piece quality. Poor
quality tabs and mail pieces take longer to run, jam
often and produce poor results. Only genuine
Formax brand tabs are 100% guaranteed to run on
Formax Tabbers. Imitation tabs can be run on Formax
Tabbers, but are not guaranteed to run problem-free.
The FD 280 depends on a smooth flow of both tabs
and mail pieces. This flow is monitored by a set of
sensors and a microprocessor. As with most
microprocessor-controlled machines, the FD 280
needs a few seconds to get itself ready to run. When
you turn the power on, the FD 280 takes 5 seconds to
boot up. During this time the tab ready light flashes
and the control panel is inoperative.
Signals from sensors and the encoder are fed to the
microprocessor which monitors the length of pieces
fed and calculates the average length of the piece.
Without correct measuring, the FD 280 will not tab.
The FD 280’s sensors work like all other electric eyes.
When an object breaks the beam of light (the
SENSOR BEAM) between them, an electrical signal
is generated. It is imperative that this SENSOR
BEAM PATH be maintained in its proper condition
and alignment at all times.
Debris and stray tabs can become caught in the
paper path and sensor beam. Rough, careless
handling of the FD 280 can cause the sensors to
become mis-aligned. Both of these conditions must
be prevented. The FD 280 requires periodic cleaning
and reasonable handling. Paper dust build-up or
abuse will bring the successful operation of the FD
280 to an end. Take care of your FD 280 by following
the set up, operation and maintenance instructions in
this manual.

3
Figure 1.1 –Formax FD 280 with FD 280-10 High Volume Feeder and stand.
1.3 Items Included
The following items are shipped together in one box.
Take note of each as you unpack the box.
FD 280 Tabber with input shafts
Power cord
Catch Tray
2 Magnetic Tab Guides
Operating Manual
WARNING
THE FD 280 IS A HEAVY MACHINE.
USE PROPER LIFTING TECHNIQUES
TO SET IT ON A WORK SURFACE.

4
1.4 Operating
Manual Safety
Terms The following highlighted blocks are used throughout
this manual to emphasize important information.
Pay careful attention to this information.
WARNING
ALERTS YOU TO ACTIONS OR CONDITIONS
THAT MAY PRESENT HAZARDS OR CAUSE
INJURY TO PERSONNEL.
CAUTION
ALERTS YOU TO ACTIONS THAT MAY CAUSE
LOSS OF MATERIALS (MAIL PIECES AND TABS)
OR DAMAGE TO EQUIPMENT.
NOTE
Draws your attention to an important
statement or action.
TIP
A suggestion to enhance the
FD 280’s productivity.

5
1.5 Safety
Precautions Observe the following safety precautions and
warnings when operating, cleaning or repairing the
FD 280. Failure to do so may result in physical injury
or damage to the FD 280. The manufacturer
assumes no liability for your failure to comply with
these requirements.
WARNING
NEVER CLEAN, CLEAR OR DISASSEMBLE THE
FD 280 WITHOUT FIRST UNPLUGGING THE
POWER CORD.
WARNING
KEEP LOOSE CLOTHING, TIES, SCARVES AND
HAIR AWAY FROM ALL MOVING PARTS.
WARNING
DO NOT PLACE FINGERS OR TOOLS BETWEEN
OR NEAR MOVING PARTS.
OBSERVE ALL POSTED WARNING DECALS
1.6 Operating
Manual Terms
The following terms are used throughout this manual:
input end where mail pieces enter
output end where mail pieces exit
operator side side where the controls are
located
non-operator side opposite the operator side

6
1.7 Warranty NOTE
Your FORMAX FD 280 is covered under warranty
by the dealership from which you purchased it.
Formax warrants your FD 280 against defects in
materials and workmanship for a period of six months
from the original ship date when used in accordance
with the operating instructions in this manual. This
warranty covers the cost of parts when the machine is
presented by its original purchaser to an authorized
FORMAX Service Center. Should warranty repairs
become necessary, the service provider, at his/her
option, will repair or replace such parts required to
restore the FD 280 to serviceable condition.
This warranty does not cover consumable parts such
as belts, rollers and sweeps used to contact and
transport mail pieces and tabs. This warranty does
not extend to incidental or consequential damages
arising out of a warranty claim, or to costs associated
with maintenance of the equipment. This warranty
does not cover damages resulting from shipping,
accident, misuse, abuse, neglect, mishandling,
alteration or modification. Your rights under this
warranty may vary from state to state.