Hoffmann FX Series User manual

41522M | 5.2022
www.buyhoffmansteamnow.com
INSTRUCTION MANUAL & PARTS LIST
FX Series
©/TM 2023 UnityLab Corp. All rights reserved.

Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction.........................................................................................4
1.1 Precautions ......................................................................................................................................................4
1.2 Safety Nomenclature ...................................................................................................................................4
1.3 Safety Summary ............................................................................................................................................5
1.4 Summary Data and Tables.........................................................................................................................5
2.0 Installation & Startup Instructions .................................................6
2.1 General Installation Instructions...............................................................................................................6
2.2 Installation Connections.............................................................................................................................6
2.3 Locating and Leveling..................................................................................................................................6
2.4 Steam Connections (FX Series Only) .....................................................................................................6
2.5 Vacuum Connections (FX Series Only).................................................................................................. 7
2.6 Table and Backboard Mounting .............................................................................................................. 7
2.7 Start-Up Instructions (FX Series Only)................................................................................................... 7
(See Addendum for Model H for Model H Start-up Instructions)
3.0 Operating Instructions ......................................................................9
(See Addendum for Model H for Model H steam and vacuum unit operating instructions)
3.1 Operating Controls Instructions ...............................................................................................................9
3.2 Pressing Hints ................................................................................................................................................9
4.0 Maintenance & Adjustments ......................................................... 10
4.1 Head Covering .............................................................................................................................................. 10
4.2 Buck Padding................................................................................................................................................ 10
4.3 Steam Problems .......................................................................................................................................... 10
4.4 Head Valve .....................................................................................................................................................11
4.5 Buck Valve ......................................................................................................................................................11
4.6 Vacuum ...........................................................................................................................................................11
4.6.1 Air Vacuum Valve .................................................................................................................................12
4.6.2 Steam Vacuum Valve .........................................................................................................................12
4.6.3 No Vacuum On Steel Bucks ..............................................................................................................12
4.7 Shock Absorber.............................................................................................................................................12
4.8 Pressure Adjustment ..................................................................................................................................13
4.9 Lubrication ....................................................................................................................................................13
5.0 Trouble Shooting ...............................................................................13
(See Addendum for Model H for Model H steam and vacuum unit troubleshooting)
5.1 Steam Problems ...........................................................................................................................................13
5.2 Head Valve ....................................................................................................................................................13
5.3 Buck Valve ..................................................................................................................................................... 14
5.4 Vacuum.......................................................................................................................................................... 14
5.4.1 Air Vacuum Valve ................................................................................................................................. 14
5.4.2 Steam Vacuum Valve ........................................................................................................................ 15
5.5 Pressure Adjustment ................................................................................................................................. 15
6.0 Drawings & Parts List ....................................................................... 15
(See ADDENDUM FOR Model H for Model H additional drawings and parts list)
Counterbalance Spring Assemblies............................................................................................................ 19
7.0 Recommended Spare Parts List .....................................................28
Appendix A (Model H Only) ..................................................................29
Steam System Design Guidelines.................................................................................................................29

Addendum for Model H.............................................................30
1.0 Introduction.......................................................................................30
1.1 Intended Use ......................................................................................30
1.2 Registration With Local Jurisdiction .....................................................................................................30
1.3 Preliminary Delivery Inspection................................................................................................................31
1.4 Warranty Activation.....................................................................................................................................31
1.5 Safety And Precautions...............................................................................................................................31
1.5.1 Safety Nomenclature.............................................................................................................................31
1.5.2 Safety Features ......................................................................................................................................31
1.5.3 Safety Summary ......................................................................................................................................32
2.0 Installation .......................................................................................33
3.0 Operating Instructions ...................................................................34
4.0 Maintenance ....................................................................................35
4.1 Cleaning The Boiler ....................................................................................................................................35
4.2 Cleaning The Sight Glass ........................................................................................................................35
4.3 Blowing Down The Boiler .........................................................................................................................36
4.4 Cleaning The Low Water And Pump Control Probes .....................................................................36
4.5 Cleaning The Strainer...............................................................................................................................36
5.0 Troubleshooting & Servicing .......................................................... 37
5.2 Adjusting The Steam Pressure ...............................................................................................................38
5.2.1 Pressure Control ...................................................................................................................................38
5.3 Replacing The Pressure Controller........................................................................................................38
5.4 Replacing The Gauge Sight Glass .......................................................................................................39
5.5 Replacing The Heating Element............................................................................................................39
5.6 Replacing The Electric Foot Switch And/Or Cord .......................................................................... 40
5.7 Replacing The On/Off Switch ................................................................................................................ 40
5.8 Cleaning The Electric Solenoid Valve.................................................................................................. 41
5.9 Replacing The Electric Solenoid Valve................................................................................................ 41
6.0 Tables ................................................................................................42
6.1 Pressure Vs. Temperature........................................................................................................................42
6.2 Electrical Specifications............................................................................................................................43
7.0 Drawings & Parts List ...................................................................... 44

FX SERIES TECHNICAL MANUAL
©/TM 2023 UnityLab Corp. All rights reserved. | 4
1.0 Introduction
This manual contains installation, operation, maintenance & adjustment instructions, trouble
shooting guide, repair parts illustrations and lists for the FX Series Press.
The FX Series line of presses are designed with constant attention to quality, performance and
operator safety. It is constructed of highest quality materials and rigorously tested at the factory.
1.1 Precautions
It is vital that the purchaser of a FX Series line of presses read these instructions and fully
understands them before installing or operating the machine. It is also the responsibility of
the purchaser to make sure that all personnel that come in contact with this machine comply
with and understand all the safety related instructions and warnings that are in this Instruction
Manual.
1.2 Safety Nomenclature
NOTES, CAUTIONS and WARNINGS are used throughout this manual to emphasize important
and critical instructions.
Note: a note is used to emphasize operating procedures and conditions that are essential to
highlight.
CAUTION
A CAUTION IS USED TO INDICATE A HAZARDOUS SITUATION, WHICH MAY RESULT IN
PERSONAL INJURY OR DAMAGE TO THE MACHINE.
WARNING
A WARNING IS USED TO INDICATE A HAZARDOUS SITUATION, WHICH HAS SOME
PROBABILITY OF DEATH OR SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY.

FX SERIES TECHNICAL MANUAL
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1.3 Safety Summary

and therefore do not appear elsewhere in this manual. These are recommended precautions
that personnel must understand and apply during all phases of operation and maintenance.
WARNING
DO NOT OPERATE OR SERVICE THIS MACHINE BEFORE READING AND UNDERSTANDING
THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL.
WARNING
THIS MACHINE DEVELOPS HIGH TEMPERATURES AND USES PRESSURIZED STEAM AND
AIR. BEFORE SERVICING THIS MACHINE, DISCONNECT STEAM AND AIR, THEN BLEED
AIR AND STEAM FROM THE MACHINE. ENSURE THAT THE HEAD, BUCK, AND ALL HEATED
SURFACES ARE COOL AND ALL MECHANISMS ARE IN THEIR ZERO POSITION.
WARNING
IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PURCHASER OF THIS MACHINERY TO TRAIN THE OPERA TING
PERSONNEL IN THE PROPER MANNER OF OPERATION. IT IS FURTHERMORE UNDERSTOOD THAT
HOFFMAN ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR INJURY, DISABILITY, OR DEATH RESULTING FROM
IMPROPER OPERATION OF, OR REMOVAL FROM OR BYPASSING THEREOF ANY ELECTRICAL OR
MECHANICAL SAFETY DEVICES INCORPORATED IN THE DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING OF THIS
MACHINERY.
WARNING
COMPLIANCE WITH ALL FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL CODES, ORDINANCES AND LAWS
REGARDING THE INSTALLATION OF THIS MACHINE IS REQUIRED.
WARNING
OSHA’S LOCKOUT/TAGOUT STANDARD (29 CFR 1910.147) REQUIRES THAT ALL ENERGY SOURCES
BE TURNED OFF AND “LOCKED OUT” WHILE MACHINES ARE BEING SERVICED OR MAINTAINED.
WARNING
WHEN SERVICING THIS MACHINE, USE ONLY APPROVED HOFFMAN REPLACEMENT PARTS.
1.4 Summary Data and Tables
Table 1.4.1 (FX Series)
General Specications:
Steam Pressure PSI 80
Approximate Weight -Uncrated lb. 647
Approximate Weight - Crated lb. 717
Service Connections:
Steam Inlet - NPT 1/2” female
Steam Outlet - NPT 1/2” female
Vacuum - NPT 1 ¼” Female
Table 1.4.2 (Model H)
General Specications:
Steam Pressure PSI 80
Approximate Weight -Uncrated lb. (kg) 1250 (587)
Approximate Weight - Crated lb. (kg) 1450 (658)
Service Connections:
Steam Inlet - NPT N/A
Steam Outlet - NPT N/A
Vacuum power HP (kw) 1.5 (1.1kw)

FX SERIES TECHNICAL MANUAL
©/TM 2023 UnityLab Corp. All rights reserved. | 6
2.0 Installation & Startup Instructions
2.1 General Installation Instructions
All machines are tested and adjusted with steam, air, etc. before leaving the factory.
2.2 Installation Connections
Figure 2.1 illustrates the location of various supply connections.
2.3 Locating and Leveling
Remove press from shipping container and locate with approximately 24 inch clearance
all around. This will simplify maintenance and servicing when necessary. Position the press
with illumination from either side, not the front or back. Level the press so that it is stable and
cannot rock or vibrate. Cedar shingles make excellent wedge type shims. The press can be

the press base.
When shipped, the press is locked in a closed position. Remove the paper wrapping from the
buck and press the head down manually. Carefully remove the block and allow the head to
open.
2.4 Steam Connections (FX Series Only)

steam supply line with a pressure regulator, globe valve and a union near the press. Be sure
connection to the main is off the top. (See Fig. 2.1) Pitch all supply lines upward to the press;
this allows condensation to drain back to the boiler.


This trap should discharge into a vented receiving tank of a condensation return system. A
common return line for several presses is recommended, providing each press is trapped
individually. A defective trap would only affect one press, while a common trap on the main
line would affect all the presses on the line.
CAUTION
NEVER EXCEED THE PRESSURE STAMPED ON THE PRESS NAMEPLATE.

FX SERIES TECHNICAL MANUAL
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2.5 Vacuum Connections (FX Series Only)
The air or steam vacuum valve is usually located on the left side of the press.
Connect the air vacuum valve to a vacuum unit header with I ¼ inch pipe. A union as near the
valve as possible will aid in servicing the valve when required.
If the vacuum unit is servicing more than one press, check the manufacturers
recommendations for the number of presses and pipe sizes. The vacuum unit should provide a
minimum of 2.8 inches of mercury of vacuum for each press per operation.
The steam vacuum valve should be connected with I ¼ inch pipe to a 20 gallon discharge tank

vacuum. The discharge end, or tank inlet, should be pitched at least 3 inches lower than the
vacuum valve, to allow condensation to drain. A discharge tank must be vented and have a
drain valve. Depending upon usage, the tank will have to be drained several times daily.
A proportionally larger discharge tank and a common vacuum line can be used for several
presses providing that a I ¼ inch check valve is installed as near the press as possible. The

2.6 Table and Backboard Mounting
Remove units from shipping container, lay table upside down, remove wood screws from
cleats on the smaller section and separate the table.

in position with the lower lip under the table. Locate the smaller table section and align the
mounting holes, and backboard holes. Secure the table to the frame with four round head
carriage bolts. The two rear bolts will go through the table, the lower lip of the backboard and
the frame. The two front bolts go through the slots in the table support angle across the front
of the frame. Secure the backboard to the table with additional carriage bolts in the remaining
holes. Replace wood screws previously removed in the cleats to fasten the table sections
together. (See Fig. 2.2)
2.7 Start-Up Instructions (FX Series Only)
(See Addendum for Model H for Model H Start-up Instructions)
1. Open any shut off valves in the steam return line.
2. Open the steam inlet valve slowly, allowing the steam to gradually enter the press. Rapid
inlet of high-pressure steam can cause damage or even crack a head or buck.
3. When operating pressure is reached, open the press drain valve, located below the return

freely, then close the valve tightly. On presses with large heads and bucks opening the trap

is closed tightly as soon as the head and buck are hot.
4. Open any vacuum shut off valves.
This press is now ready for operation.

FX SERIES TECHNICAL MANUAL
©/TM 2023 UnityLab Corp. All rights reserved. | 8
Figure 2.1.1 - Installation and Location (FX Series Only)
Figure 2.1.2 - Installation and Location (Model H Only)
Figure 2.2 - Table and Backboard
DRAIN
VALVE
OPTIONAL

FX SERIES TECHNICAL MANUAL
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3.0 Operating Instructions
(See Addendum for Model H for Model H steam and vacuum unit operating instructions)
This section contains instructions and information required to operate the press. Before
operating the press, it is important that the operating personnel become thoroughly familiar
with the operating instructions. (See ADDENDUM FOR Model H for Model H steam and vacuum
unit operating instructions)
3.1 Operating Controls Instructions
To close the head, pull down on the handle above the head. As the head comes in contact

head in a closed position. (See Section 5.5 for pressure adjustment).
The locked head is released by depressing the release lever located just behind the right end
of the closing handle.
Depressing the head valve handle controls head steam. This is located just behind the center
of the closing handle. Head steam is usually applied during the downward motion of the head,
to moisten the work being pressed.
The pedal located to the right of the main pedal controls Buck steam. Buck steam is used to
soften the garment for shaping before applying head pressure.
The pedal located to the left of the main pedal controls vacuum. Vacuum is used to dry and
cool the garment before removing from buck.
3.2 Pressing Hints
Finishing a garment on a pressing machine is a craft which depends on a knowledge of

tailoring detail. During normal wear some parts of a garment are stretched, resulting in a

press operator must reshape the garment by shrinking in the stretched areas.
Most materials become slightly plastic when subjected to the heat and moisture of steam.
In this condition the press operator can mold the garment and return it to its original shape.
The heat and pressure, exerted by the head when brought into contact, sets the fabric. The
air drawn through the fabric by the vacuum removes residual moisture and cools the area
preventing distortion when the garment is moved from the buck.
The following suggestions are offered as a guide to good pressing results:
1. A void excessive pressure - too much pressure causes “shine”.
2. Do not lock head on soft or napped fabrics - pat the fabric with the head using head steam.
3. Shape garment carefully using buck steam before applying pressure.
4. Shrink in fullness - do not stretch to smooth out.
5. Use vacuum freely to cool and dry garment before making next lay.
6. Keep buck padding soft and resilient.
7. Keep head and buck surfaces clean.

FX SERIES TECHNICAL MANUAL
©/TM 2023 UnityLab Corp. All rights reserved. | 10
4.0 Maintenance & Adjustments
This sections contains information and instructions required for periodic inspections,
lubrication and adjustments of the press.
4.1 Head Covering
Depending on the model, the head pressing surface may be a polished casting requiring no



hold a standard grid plate snug against the head.

an aluminum grid plate.
NOTE: KEEP HEAD CLEAN.
Clean cast aluminum heads with “Glass Wax”, use mild soap and water on grid plates.
Depending on use, heads should be cleaned approximately weekly. Use a soft cotton rag and
be careful not to scratch the pressing surface.
4.2 Buck Padding
Depending on the particular model buck, the padding may be a spring pad, a rubber pad

inspected weekly. Hard, burned, powdery, worn or uneven padding should be replaced.
When replacing buck padding use identical padding to the original factory installation. Care
should be taken to tighten cover strings and attach springs with the head down, to hold the
padding in place. Open the head, smooth wrinkles and draw strings tight. Tie securely and tuck
under edges.
4.3 Steam Problems
Generally steam problems can be traced to clogged valves, traps, elbows, etc. in the press
and the condensate return line. In the manufacture of a pressing machine, sand is used in
casting the head or buck, machining leaves small chips, and pipes are assembled with pipe
dope which acts as a glue. During the assembly, testing, warm-up and operation of the press


remove all these particles we cannot be I 00% successful.
Clogged valves in the return line will impede steam circulation and condensate lowering their
temperature and producing a wet steam spray.
The only solution is to open the drain valve (if equipped) and blow down the press daily for

elbows weekly or as wet steam appears.