HERO AS100 User manual

●
PITAGORA
●AS100
Automatic Colourant Dispenser
Automatic Shaker
USER MANUAL

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Declaration of Compliance with CE Regulations
HERO EUROPE S.r.l.
Via del Bricco, 1
12040 – Salmour (CN)
ITALY
Declares that:
The Automatic Dispenser and Automatic Shaker, model: PITAGORA AS100
Serial number:________
Is in compliance with the EC Machinery Directives:
Machinery Directive 2006/42/CEE
Low tension 2006/95/CEE
Electromagnetic Compatibility 2004/108/CEE
Is in compliance with the standardized European Regulations:
EN 292-1, EN 292-2, EN 418 & EN 1050
EN 60204-1
EN 61000-6-2, EN 61000-6-3, EN 61000-3-2 & EN 61000-3-3
HERO EUROPE S.r.l. Alessandro Sacchet
Via del Bricco, 1
12040 – Salmour (CN) Chairman
ITALY HERO EUROPE S.r.l.

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AS100 - Automatic Dispenser Chapter
Canisters and covers
Electronic control
board (open the
front panel)
Colourant
dispensing nozzles
Can loading
Nylon shelf for
positioning the paint
can

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General Conditions
By choosing the PITAGORA AS100 automatic colourant dispenser and shaker
manufactured by HERO EUROPE, you have selected a product which represents the
result of intensive research in the field of high-tech fluid dispensing equipment. Top quality
materials, modern designing tools such as the use of CAD three-dimensional parametrical
systems, together with the attention given to ergonomics, guarantee an easy to use, long
lasting machine.
The dispenser is in compliance with the 89/392/EEC directive regarding machinery, the
89/336/EEC directive regarding electromagnetic compatibility, as well as the 73/32/EEC
directive regarding electrical equipment to be used within a specific voltage range
compiled by the European Community Council of Ministers, and is provided with the EC
trademark.
The handbook explains how to install a HERO EUROPE automatic dispenser and provides
all the necessary information in order to insure easy use and proper maintenance.
It is very important to read the manual carefully and completely before completing
any task on the dispenser.
The dispenser part of AS100 uses progressive cavity volumetric pumps to dispense
colourants for the purpose of tinting paint sequentially.Do NOT run the pumps, either
manually or automatically, if there is no colourant in the canisters. Should this
occur, the pumps will be irreparably damaged.
The maximum allowable time between agitation cycles is 36 hours.
Always follow the recommended maintenance procedures and schedule to ensure the best
possible operation of the dispenser. Where and when appropriate, these procedures
should be completed by duly authorized and trained personnel. For optimum performance
the dispenser needs to be installed and operated within the following guidelines:
· Room temperature: 15-40°C
· Relative humidity: 30-90%
The dispenser must be connected to a dedicated electrical outlet with an appropriate
grounding connection.
Failure to comply with the above listed requirements will invalidate the dispenser’s
warranty.
For technical assistance, please contact the vendor’s Customer Service department.
This handbook should be kept in a safe place

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Warranty Terms
The PITAGORA AS100 automatic dispenser and automatic shaker terms of warranty are
summarized as follows:
1. HERO EUROPE provides a one year warranty on the correct functioning of the
products supplied, except for break downs due to normal usage. If a breakdown is
not covered by the warranty, the customer will be charged for the inspection,
implemented by HERO EUROPE, to determine whether the breakdown is covered
by the warranty or not. Should the breakdown be covered by the warranty, HERO
EUROPE will deliver an identical or equivalent product. The terms of warranty,
herein described, apply only if the products supplied by HERO EUROPE are used
in compliance with what is stated in the manual.The labour necessary to complete
the work related to the warranty, together with transfer time, travel, meals and
accommodation expenses will be calculated according to current rates.
2. HERO EUROPE is not obligated to honour the terms of the warranty if:
a. The product was repaired or attempted to be repaired by the customer or by
a third party without the proper authorization from HERO EUROPE, unless
HERO EUROPE previously refused to repair the product at a reasonable
price;
b. HERO EUROPE demonstrates that no defect was detected after testing;
c. The customer did not immediately and correctly communicate the breakdown
to HERO EUROPE, when possible, in writing and/or via fax, and/or did not
carefully follow HERO EUROPE’s instructions;
d. The customer used or treated the product incorrectly or differently to what
was established by HERO EUROPE;
e. The damage was originated by circumstances that occurred during transport
or installation and cannot be verified by HERO EUROPE.
3. Henceforth, the word “program” will refer to the standard computer program that
HERO EUROPE has put at the customer’s disposal, based on computer software
and relevant documents (Software handbook), including any improved or updated
versions. The word “PC” refers to the machine to which the program is associated
and should solely be used in relation to such program.
4. The customer has the right to copy the program partially or completely (up to a
maximum of two copies) for internal security reasons; the copies must bear the
same trademarks, indications pertinent to copy right and any other identification
marks present on the original version of the program.
5. The customer does not have the right to modify, translate, decode or adapt the
program to its original code unless specific written consent is granted by HERO
EUROPE. Furthermore, if requested by the customer, HERO EUROPE must
provide information on how to obtain effective program interfacing with other
software.

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6. In case of a PC breakdown, the customer has the option to install the program on
another PC until the original PC is repaired, however, HERO EUROPE must be
notified within 5 days.
7. In case of a PC break down, the PC manufacturer’s terms of warranty will be
considered valid, even if the PC was supplied by HERO EUROPE.
8. Should there be a need to install the program on another PC, the customer must
ask HERO EUROPE to provide written consent, which cannot be refused on
unreasonable grounds.

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Safety Instructions
Please read the instructions carefully before installing and operating the dispenser, as a
personal safety measure as well as to avoid needless damage to the equipment.
HERO EUROPE declines any responsibility should the following instructions not be
followed:
•Do not turn on a damaged machine (for example, if the machine is damaged during
transportation). If in doubt, first contact the service department or the reseller.
•Position and connect the machine by carefully following the installation instructions
and by respecting the conditions stated in this manual.
•All the instructions and local safety regulations must be observed.
•The machine must only be connected to a wall electrical socket installed according
to regulations, with the grounding circuit and the voltage value in compliance with
what is written on the machine’s information plate.
•The user must maintain the machine in good working condition and replace any
broken components.
•Any service on the machine, other than routine, can only be carried out by a
qualified technician. Make sure that the power cable is not plugged into the
socket while the machine is being repaired.
•A standard machine is solely suited to dispensing water-based colourants into
standard paint cans.
•The elastomeric parts inside the dispensing circuits could be damaged if other
thinners, i.e., solvent-based colourants are used.
•Never run the pumps without colourant in the respective canister, otherwise the
friction within the pumps will lead to an increase in temperature capable of
damaging the pumps.

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Machine Positioning and Installation
Instructions for correct positioning
Be certain to respect the following details while positioning the machine:
•Place the machine on a steady, horizontal surface by using a level.
•The area must be well ventilated. To avoid drying of colourants, make sure the
machine is not exposed to the sun or near heaters or any other source of heat.
•The surrounding temperature should be kept as constant as possible, around 18°C
(and always between 15 and 40°C) so as to prevent variations in the specific weight
and viscosity of the colorants.
•Make sure the machine is connected only to a wall socket installed according to
regulations, with its grounding circuit and voltage value in compliance with what is
written on the machine’s information plate.
Machine unpacking
•Remove the external nylon film from the package
•Remove the fastening straps placed around the outside of the packaging box
•Remove the packaging box by lifting it above the unit
Pallet removal and machine positioning
Due to its weight, between 240Kg and 250Kg, this must be done with the support of a
traveling lift; put the fork under the basement of the machine (be careful to avoid damages
to the foot and wheels positioned under the basement of the machine). Place the
machine where it is intended to be put to use.

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Computer and Monitor Assembly
After having positioned the PC, you must connect it to the electronic card that commands
and controls the dispenser. In order to do so, you will find a USB connecting cable
included inside the package.
On one side, connect the USB cable to the appropriate socket positioned on the electronic
card in the dispenser and on the other side, connect it to one of the USB sockets on the
PC. The USB port on the PC will be configured correctly by installing the software provided
with the dispenser.

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Starting the Dispenser
Connect the AC power cords of the dispenser and the PC to a wall socket (refer to
“General conditions” and “Safety instructions” sections) then turn on the PC.
By following the instructions in the software handbook, install the software on the PC.
Load the colourants into the canisters but be careful not to overfill.
Complete the following procedure to load the colourants:
•Disconnect the power plug to the agitation motor on the lid of the canister that you
intend to fill.
•Remove the lid.
•Fill the canister, but be very careful not to spill any colourant on the central part of
the agitation paddles.
•Replace the lid once the canister has been filled. Make sure the lid is closed
properly.
•Reconnect the power plug to the lid.
After having loaded all the canisters, the calibration procedure must be completed before
being able to use the machine.
A precision scale is necessary to accomplish the calibration procedure.
Please refer to the software handbook for instructions regarding calibration.

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Canister Replacement
WARNING: Ensure that the machine is turned off
•To disconnect the machine’s power supply, pull the power plug out of the socket
•Disconnect all the cables from the covers and remove all the covers
•Remove the upper front cover of the nozzle assembly, the canister plate that
surrounds all of the canisters and open the front panel
•Pull the appropriate nozzle away from the dispense head

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•Remove the wing nut that holds the canister, located under the lower canister
support plate
•Disconnect the canister power cable from the electronic board and pull the canister
away from its seating
•Disconnect the cable connector from the electric stepper motor located in the lower
part of canister and pull the thin agitation cable out of its hooks on the side of the
canister
•Connect the cable to the electric stepper motor of the new canister and insert the
cable into its hooks on the canister

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•Cut the tubing at the proper length and attach it on the canister by screwing the
metal ring nut on the nipple
•Insert the spring and screw the other stainless steel nut onto the nozzles
•Put the new canister in its appropriate place and lock it in place by tightening the
wing nut
•Insert the nozze into the dispense head
•Reconnect the cable to the electronic board
•Replace the upper canisters plate
•Replace the upper front cover of the nozzle assembly
•Place the lids on the canisters and reconnect the cables
•Close the front panel
•Add colourant to the new canister
•Start the canister’s pump through the Manual Commands screen in order to release
the air which is present within the new tubing and pump. Continue the process until
a solid flow of colourant comes out of the nozzle

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Canister/Pump/Stepper Motor Assembly
Canister drain plug
Stepper motor
connector
Electric stepper
motor
Pump nipple
Hook for agitation
motor power cable
Agitation
paddle
Hook for agitation
motor power cable

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Power Supply Replacement
WARNING: Ensure that the machine is turned off
•To disconnect the machine’s power supply, pull the power plug out of the socket
•Remove the rear cover
•Remove the screws on the sides of the power supply with a wrench
•Remove the power supply, take note of which colored wire is connected to which
terminal and disconnect the wires
•Install the new power supply ensuring that each wire is connected to the correct
terminal
67VDC 24VDC
•Secure the new power supply to the machine with the original screws
•Replace the rear cover

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Electronic Board Replacement
WARNING: Ensure that the machine is turned off
•To disconnect the machine’s power supply, pull the power plug out of the socket
•Open the front panel by removing the screws
•Disconnect all the cables and remove the electronic board
•Install the new electronic board and connect the cables following the number
markings on the board and on the cables

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Automatic Cap Replacement
WARNING: Ensure that the machine is turned off
•To disconnect the machine’s power supply, pull the power plug out of the socket
•Remove the upper front cover of the nozzle assembly and open the front panel
•Unplug the connector on the harness that leads to the cap
•Pull forward (towards you) on the complete cap assembly or housing to release it
from the chassis

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•Install the new cap by inserting it into the proper slots on the chassis
•Connect the cable from the cap to the appropriate wiring harness
•Replace the upper front cover of the nozzle assembly and close the front panel

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Automatic Cap
The dispenser is equipped with an automatic cap,
that helps prevent the drying of colourants in the
nozzles. The “pull back” function within the
software parameters must be set correctly, to avoid problems of contamination or dripping
of colourants. The cap opens automatically before each dispense and also closes
automatically after dispensing; with this device the possibility of colourants drying in the
nozzles is greatly reduced. The part of the cap containing the sponge is easily removed to
facilitate cleaning, as shown in the pictures below.
Inside the cap housing there are two micro-switches that control the two positions of the
automatic cap; closed and opened. The automatic cap was designed to be replaced easily
and quickly. To replace, unplug the power supply connection and pull the cap towards the
front of the dispenser; the attachment hooks will release and the cap will slide out. Now the
new automatic cap can be installed and connected without using any tools.
It is very important to keep the sponge clean and wet to allow for proper and
trouble-free dispensing, so it is advised that the sponge be cleaned and kept wet on
a regular basis.
Power supply
connection
Attachment hooks
Cap closed
Cap open

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Equipment Specifications
Description: PITAGORA AS100 Automatic Colourant Dispenser
Capacity: Up to sixteen (16) 2lt canisters
Pumps: Each canister is fitted out with a progressive cavity pump.
The pump rotors are made of metal treated with a
hardening chroming so as minimize wear. The stators are
made of Viton elastomer. The materials used for the
pumps are compatible with water-based colourants.
Pump speed: Variable and to be established depending on the
colourants and ambient conditions. Maximum speed is
0,2 litres/min.
Nozzle cleaning: Colourant pull-back system after dispensing, to minimize
drying of colourants in the nozzles. Automatic humidifying
cap.
Canister agitation: Each canister is provided with a lid that includes a motor,
which rotates agitation paddles inside the canister.
Can sensor: Reflection-photocell detects the can on the shelf.
Power supply: Variable from 110 to 240 Volts AC with a 50 or 60 Hz
frequency.
Suggested Spare Parts
•Complete canister/stepper motor assembly
•Canister lid with agitation motor
•3 m of flexible tubing for outlet lines from pumps to nozzles
•Set of nozzles (8 pieces)
•Canister power cable
•Electronic board
•Power supplies (24VDC and 67VDC)