M&R Chameleon CHAM1-4-4 User manual

$35.00
Part No. MAN-CHAM
090302MS
M&R Printing Equipment, Inc.
www.mrprint.com
Toll Free 1-800-736-6431
International 1-630-858-6101
Chameleon
Operator’s Manual
Patent No. 5,845,569

A publication of M&R Printing Equipment, Inc. All information contained herein is derived in part from proprietary and
patent data of M&R. This publication may not be reproduced, copied, or transmitted in any form without prior permis-
sion from M&R. Printed in the U.S.A. All Rights Reserved. 2002
IMPORTANT!
The product described in this publication may employ hazardous voltages or might cre-
ate other conditions that could, through misuse, inattention, or lack of understanding,
result in personal injury, or damage to the product or to other equipment. It is imperative,
therefore, that personnel involved in the installation, maintenance, or use of this product
understand the operation of the product and the contents of this publication.
This document is based on information available at the time of its publication. While
efforts have been made to be accurate, the information contained herein does not pur-
port to cover all details or variations in hardware, software, features or specifications, nor
to provide for every possible contingency in connection with installation, operation and
maintenance. Features may be described herein which are not present in all variations of
this product. M&R Printing Equipment, Inc. (M&R) assumes no obligation of notice to
holders of this document with respect to changes subsequently made.
M&R makes no representation or warranty, expressed, implied or statutory with respect
to, and assumes no responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, sufficiency or useful-
ness of the information contained herein. No warranties of merchantability or fitness for
purpose shall apply.
i
IMPORTANT!

The information listed below will prove helpful when ordering replacement parts,
requesting service or repairs. Please fill in the following information. The Model
No., Serial No., Schematic No. and Machine No. are all located on the
Manufacturers Rating Plate mounted to the equipment. Should you have any
questions regarding this information, please do not hesitate to contact our
Equipment Service Department at 1-800-736-6431 during normal business hours.
Product Name:
Model No.
Serial No.
Schematic No.
Machine No.
Date of Installation:
Installed By:

Valued Customer,
Thank you and congratulations on your purchase of the Chameleon Manual Textile Screen Printing
System.
The new, easy change Chameleon is clearly the most versatile, cost effective manual press available
today. The rigidly built Chameleon features a revolutionary duo deck design (Patent No. 5,845,569) that
is engineered for today’s production demands while providing the expendability needed to meet
tomorrow’s challenges.
The purpose of this manual is to help guide, and inform employees in the proper procedures required
for assembly, operation and preventive maintenance of your new Chameleon. Please take a moment
to review the information in the manual before you begin your first production run.
Should it be needed, our worldwide network of Technical Service and Support Representatives are as
close as your telephone. During normal business hours call 1-630-858-6101. During weekends or hol-
idays call our 24 hour Emergency Service Hot-Line at 1-630-462-4715 for technical support.
On behalf of all of us here at M&R, thank you for selecting us as your equipment supplier.
Michael J. Sweers
Director of Technical Services
M&R Printing Equipment, Inc.
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Table of
Contents Disclaimer
Model Description
Introduction
Safety Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Screen Frame and Image Size . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Assembly Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Set-Up Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Preventive Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Warranty Information
Electrical Schematics
Safety Precautions and
Specifications
Set-Up and
Operation
Preventive
Maintenance
Chameleon

Safety Precautions
Glen Ellyn, Illinois
1
Chameleon
FUNDAMENTAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Please read all information regarding safety precautions
as presented in the operator’s manual.
The fundamental requirement to assure safe and trouble-free
operation of this equipment, is a thorough understanding of
the safety information contained in this operators manual.
This operator’s manual includes important instructions to
assure safe operation of this equipment. This operator’s
manual, and especially the safety instructions as described
there-in, must be observed by everyone who will operate
this equipment. In addition to the safety instructions and
regulations described in this operator’s manual, rules and
regulations of the equipment owners place of business
must also be observed.
Obligation of the Equipment Operator
The equipment Operator is obliged to guarantee that only
staff who are acquainted with the fundamental regulations
according to Workers protection and accident prevention,
and, are completely knowledgeable in the operation of this
equipment have fully read the Safety Chapter and the
Warning Instructions of this manual, and understand the
instructions as they relate to operation of this equipment.
Equipment operator must be continually evaluated to assure
that they fully understand the operation of this equipment.
Obligation of Personnel
Every person that will be engaged in the operation of this
equipment must comply with the following before operation
of the equipment is to begin.
1. Observe the fundamental regulations of worker’s protec-
tion and accident prevention.
2. Read the Safety Chapter and Warning Instructions of this
operator’s manual and confirm by signature that they
understand the instructions as described in the manual.
Defined Purpose
The Chameleon is specifically designed to apply screen
printed textile inks onto textile substrates. Any other use of
the equipment which does not meet the Defined Purpose as
described above is not permitted.
In accordance with the Defined Purpose of this equipment,
it is necessary to observe all instructions as outlined in the
operator’s manual and to perform the preventive mainte-
nance procedures as described in the manual.
Guarantee and Liability
In principle, our general terms of sale and delivery are valid
and these are at the operator’s disposal. Guarantee and lia-
bility claims for persons or property damage are excluded if
they originate for one or more of the following reasons.
1. A non-defined use of the equipment
2. Improper installation or use of the equipment
3. Operation of the equipment with defective safety
devices
4. Non-Observance of instructions as described in the
operator’s manual for transportation, storage, instal-
lation, operation, maintenance, set-up and take-
down of the equipment.
5. Modification of the equipment.
6. Failure to replace worn or defective parts of the
equipment.
7. Defective repairs made to the equipment.
8. Dangerous conditions which are a result of the
improper use of the equipment
Description of Safety Symbols and
Instructions
This symbol signifies or alerts the
equipment operator of conditions or
areas of the equipment which present
imminent danger to the health of the
equipment operator. Non-obser-
vance of these instructions has seri-
ous health consequences, and can
lead to highly dangerous injuries.
This symbol signifies a possible immi-
nent danger for life and health of per-
sons and equipment operators. Non-
observance of these instructions
can have serious health conse-
quences and can lead to highly dan-
gerous injuries.
This symbol signifies a possible danger.
Non-observance of these instruc-
tions can lead to light injuries or dam-
age to the equipment or property.
DANGER!
WARNING!
CAUTION!

Safety Precautions
Glen Ellyn, Illinois
2
Chameleon
This symbol gives important instructions
for the proper use of the equipment.
Non-observance of these instructions
can lead to equipment failure.
This symbol is used to describe oper-
ating tips or especially useful informa-
tion. This information will enable the
operator to use all equipment func-
tions for optimal performance.
Exploratory Safety Measures
The operators manual must be kept on or near the equip-
ment at all times. All safety and danger notices must be kept
in readable condition at all times.
Training of Equipment Operators
Only properly trained operators may run the equipment. The
competence of personnel who are to operate, maintain, set-
up and shut down the equipment must be confirmed.
Unskilled staff may work with the equipment only when
supervised by experienced equipment operators.
Danger by Pneumatic Energy
Only personnel with experience with pneumatic power sys-
tems may work with pneumatic components or assemblies.
Before starting any work on pneumatic components or
assemblies, the compressed air supply must be com-
pletely drained from the equipment to prevent any oper-
ation of pneumatic controls or assemblies.
All pneumatic piping and/or hoses must be checked at reg-
ular intervals for signs of wear or failure.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Preventive maintenance must be performed at regular inter-
vals as described in the operators manual. Equipment
operators must be informed before any preventive mainte-
nance can be performed.
All power systems such as electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic
or mechanical must be disconnected and locked out before
preventive maintenance may begin.
Structural Modification of the Equipment
Modifications of equipment are specifically not allowed with
out written authorization from M&R.
Cleaning of the Equipment
Clean away all ink or other contaminant’s at the end of
each day.
i
IMPORTANT!
OPERATING
TIP

Specifications
Glen Ellyn, Illinois
3
Chameleon
NOTE: To convert an existing 4 color/4 station Chameleon to a Duo Deck 10/4, simply add a 6 color upper carousel to the existing 4/4.
The result will be 4 print heads on the lower carousel, and 6 print heads on the upper carousel. To convert an existing 6/4 Chameleon
to a Duo Deck 10/4, or an existing 6/6 Duo Deck to a 10/6, simply add an upper carousel with an additional 6 print heads and remove
one existing print head from the lower carousel, resulting in five print heads on the lower deck and six print heads on the upper deck.
To convert an existing 8/4 to a Duo Deck 14/4, add a 7 color upper carousel to the 8/4 and remove one color from the existing lower
carousel. The result is 7 colors on the top deck and 7 colors on the lower deck.
To convert an existing 8/8 to a 14/8, add an additional upper deck with 7 colors and remove one color from the lower deck. The result
is 7 colors on the top deck and 7 colors on the lower deck.
Model No. # of Colors # of Stations Max. Frame Size Standard Pallet Size Dimensions (dia x ht)
CHAM1-4-4 4 4 32” x 36” 16” x 22” 135” x 63”
(81.2 cm x 91.4 cm) (40.6 cm x 55.8 cm) (342.9 cm x 160.0 cm)
CHAM1-6-4 6 4 32” x 36” 16” x 22” 135” x 63”
(81.2 cm x 91.4 cm) (40.6 cm x 55.8 cm) (342.9 cm x 160.0 cm)
CHAM1-6-6 6 6 32” x 36” 16” x 22” 135” x 63”
(81.2 cm x 91.4 cm) (40.6 cm x 55.8 cm) (342.9 cm x 160.0 cm)
CHAM1-10-6 10 6 26” x 36” 16” x 22” 135” x 75”
(66.0 cm x 91.4 cm) (40.6 cm x 55.8 cm) (342.9 cm x 190.5 cm)
CHAM2-8-4 8 4 26” x 36” 16” x 22” 149” x 63”
(66.0 cm x 91.4 cm) (40.6 cm x 55.8 cm) (378.4 cm x 160.0 cm)
CHAM2-8-8 8 8 26” x 36” 16” x 22” 149” x 63”
(66.0 cm x 91.4 cm) (40.6 cm x 55.8 cm) (378.4 cm x 160.0 cm)
CHAM2-14-8 14 8 26” x 36” 16” x 22” 149” x 75”
(66.0 cm x 91.4 cm) (40.6 cm x 55.8 cm) (378.4 cm x 190.5 cm)

Screen Frame and Image Size
Glen Ellyn, Illinois
4
Chameleon
NOTE: Although every effort has been made to provide accurate screen frame specifications, M&R does not
assume any liability for damages, whether consequential or incidental that may result from the use or misuse
of the indicated specifications. M&R reserves the right to alter specifications in the manufacture of its products.
Model No. A B C D E
CHAM1-4-4 32” (81.2 cm) 36” (91.4 cm) 27” (68.5 cm) 24” (60.9 cm) 6” (15.2 cm)
CHAM1-6-4 32” (81.2 cm) 36” (91.4 cm) 27” (68.5 cm) 24” (60.9 cm) 6” (15.2 cm)
CHAM1-6-6 32” (81.2 cm) 36” (91.4 cm) 27” (68.5 cm) 24” (60.9 cm) 6” (15.2 cm)
CHAM1-10-6 26” (66.0 cm) 36” (91.4 cm) 21” (53.3 cm) 24” (60.9 cm) 6” (15.2 cm)
CHAM2-8-4 26” (66.0 cm) 36” (91.4 cm) 21” (53.3 cm) 24” (60.9 cm) 6” (15.2 cm)
CHAM2-8-8 26” (66.0 cm) 36” (91.4 cm) 21” (53.3 cm) 24” (60.9 cm) 6” (15.2 cm)
CHAM2-14-8 26” (66.0 cm) 36” (91.4 cm) 21” (53.3 cm) 24” (60.9 cm) 6” (15.2 cm)

Assembly Instructions
Glen Ellyn, Illinois
5
Chameleon
Your new Chameleon requires minimal assembly. Please fol-
low the instructions below for assembly.
Assembly of Pallet Support Arms
Locate the pallet support arms. You will note that each pal-
let support arm, and its corresponding location on the index
carousel assembly, has a number stamped into the metal
surface (Figure 1) so that pallet support arms may be
assembled to the index carousel in exact order.
Additionally, on some units which must be disassembled for
shipping purposes, there is a number stamped into the print
head block and the carousel as well. These assemblies also
include split roll pins to facilitate assembly on the customers
floor. Using the 9/16” hex head bolts, spring lock washer
and nut supplied, assemble each of the pallet support arms
to the index carousel (Figure 2).
Do not completely tighten the bolts at this time. You will
note that each of the pallet support arms has a small hole in
the lower left and upper right corners just above and below
the mounting bolts. This hole is designed to accept a split
roll pin, included with the assembly hardware (Figure 3).
Insert the split pin in the holes on each pallet support arm,
and, using a hammer, drive the split pins through the pallet
support arm and into the mounting plate on the index
carousel. This will exactly align the pallet support arm to the
pallet support arm mounting plate on the index base. Now
securely tighten the pallet support arm mounting bolts using
a 9/16” wrench.
Installation of Printing Pallets
Locate the printing pallets and install a pallet on each of the
pallet support arms by sliding the pallet onto the mounting
bracket of each pallet support arm. Tighten the pallet lock-
ing levers located under the pallet on the pallet mounting
bracket to secure the pallet in place (Figure 4).
Figure 1
Number stamped here
Figure 2
Figure 3 Split pin alignment hole
Figure 4

Assembly Instructions
Glen Ellyn, Illinois
6
Chameleon
Leveling the Index Base and Plumbing Center Shaft
It is imperative that the index base center shaft which sup-
ports the pallet and screen frame carousel, be perfectly
plumb. To level the index base, place a reliable level across
the horizontal upper chassis member, and adjust the level on
two sides of the chassis by use of the leveling pads located
at the four corners of the index base (Figures 5 and 6).
Once the index base has been leveled, the plumb of the
center shaft may be checked and adjusted by further
adjustment of the leveling pads. To check the plumb of the
center shaft, place the level, aligned front to back on one of
the pallets (Figure 7).
Now, manually rotate the pallet so that it is aligned with one
of the lower leveling pads on the index base assembly
(Figure 8).
The pallet should be very close to level, however if the pallet
is not level you may adjust the level as follows. Using the
9/16” adjustment bolts located on the pallet mounting brack-
et, adjust the bolts so that the pallet is perfectly level from the
front to the back of the pallet (Figure 9). When the pallet is
perfectly level, tighten the adjustment bolts.
Figure 6
Figure 5
Figure 7
Figure 8
Figure 9

Assembly Instructions
Glen Ellyn, Illinois
7
Chameleon
Rotate the pallet, with the level reading from the front to the
back of the pallet, so that it aligns with each of the lower
index base leveling pads and note the level reading. When
the pallet reads level at each of the four corners of the index
base, the center index shaft will be plumb. If the center shaft
is not plumb, adjust the leveling pads slightly up or down,
whichever is required, and recheck the level reading on the
opposite side (Figure 10). When the center shaft is plumb,
the pallet with the level will read level no matter where it is
located around the index base.
Compressed Air Installation
The Chameleon is offered with optional pneumatic screen
frame clamps designed to securely hold screen frames in
place in the screen holder assembly. If your Chameleon
includes this option, you will need to attach a compressed air
supply to the incoming air connection located at the center
bottom of the chassis (Figure 11). The requirements for the
compressed air supply to the press is 100 P.S.I. @ 3 C.F.M.
Figure 11
Figure 10

Set-Up Instructions
Glen Ellyn, Illinois
8
Chameleon
Print Controls and Adjustments
The Chameleon features two types of screen frame holder
arrangements, the rear frame holder type, and the side
clamp type of screen frame holder. Installation of the screen
frame using the rear frame holder type assembly is accom-
plished by placing the screen frame into the rear frame hold-
er, and locking the frame in place using the two frame clamp
knobs (Figure 12).
When using the side frame clamp type of screen frame
holder, the screen frame is installed in a similar fashion,
however the screen frame is secured in place in the screen
frame holder assembly using the side frame clamps, each
with two screen frame locking knobs.
The Chameleon print head features user friendly controls for
adjustment of screen frame return spring tension, screen
frame off-contact, micro-registration and screen peel rate
(Figure 13).
The screen frame off-contact control is located at the rear of
each print head assembly and is easily adjusted by means
of a large adjustment knob. Turning the adjustment knob
clockwise will increase the off-contact setting, while turning
the adjustment knob counterclockwise will decrease the off-
contact setting.
The off-contact setting may be adjusted for various weight
garments (Figure 14), such as t-shirts, sweat shirts or nylon
jackets. T-shirts will require less off-contact while sweat
shirts will usually require additional off-contact. We recom-
mend that you experiment with various types and weights of
garments to achieve optimum off-contact settings.
The Chameleon also features a conveniently located adjust-
ment for screen peel located at the front of the screen hold-
er assembly. The peel control adjustment provides the press
Operator with a means to adjust the amount of screen frame
peel action during the print stroke. This control feature is
invaluable when printing four color process or halftone
designs. To increase the peel rate, turn the control knob in
a counterclockwise direction (Figure 15).
Micro-registration adjustments are easily accomplished by
use of the three large adjustment knobs located on the
screen frame holder assembly. These adjustment knobs
provide for 1/2” (1/4” off of center reference grid) movement
in both the “X” and “Y” axis making screen alignment quick,
precise and simple. To adjust the micro-registration, unlock
the two plastic locking handles (Figure 16).
Figure 12
Figure 13
Figure 14
Figure 15

Set-Up Instructions
Glen Ellyn, Illinois
9
Chameleon
Movement of the screen frame in the “X” axis is accom-
plished by use of the large knob located on the right side of
the micro-registration assembly (Figure 17).
Movement of the screen frame in the front to back, or “Y”
axis is accomplished by use of the large knobs located on
both sides of each screen holder assembly. When the
screen frame is in the desired position for color to color reg-
istration, lock the two plastic adjustment handles once
again (Figure 18).
Each of the screen frame holder assemblies includes an
adjustment for the amount of tension which holds the screen
frame holder in the raised, or stand-by position. The spring
tension for each of the screen frame holders may be adjust-
ed by means of a plastic adjustment handle located at the
extreme rear of the screen holder assembly. To adjust the
spring return tension, pull the plastic handle back and turn
the handle clockwise to increase tension. To decrease the
tension, turn the handle counterclockwise (Figure 19).
The height of the screen frames when in the raised, or
stand-by position may be changed by means of a slide
adjustment located at the rear of the micro-registration
assembly on each print head. To adjust the stand-by or
raised screen frame height, simply slide the adjustment
plate “IN” towards the center of the index base to increase
the screen frame height, or pull the slide adjustment out
away from the center of the index base to lower the screen
frame height (Figure 20).
Figure 16
Figure 17
Figure 18
Figure 19
Figure 20

Set-Up Instructions
Glen Ellyn, Illinois
10
Chameleon
Installation of Duo-Deck
The unique design of the Chameleon Duo-Deck offers
Screen Printers additional flexibility for printing multiple
print jobs on one press, or facilitating the printing of sample
prints on multi-color jobs. The Duo-Deck is easily installed
on existing Chameleon presses using the following proce-
dure. You will receive three pieces for installation. Two
Timkin bearings and the upper carousel assembly.
1. Using a 5/16” wrench, remove the two allen cap bolts
with lock washers located on the top center shaft assembly.
2. Remove the end cap plate and spacer.
3. Remove the spacer sleeve assembly. Be sure that the
Timkin bearing remains in place.
4. After removing the spacer sleeve assembly, install one of
the two Timkin bearings. Be sure that the bearing is installed
with the proper side up as shown in the illustration.
5. Carefully lower the upper deck carousel over the center
index shaft. Although the illustration below does not include
the print head assembly hardware, the upper deck carousel
that is shipped to you will include these print head assem-
blies. This illustration was prepared to give the reader a
clearer view of the assembly of the upper carousel to the
center index shaft.
6. Install the second upper Timkin bearing.
7. Install rubber “o” ring.

Set-Up Instructions
Glen Ellyn, Illinois
11
Chameleon
8. Replace the end cap plate and tighten the 5/16” allen cap.
Set-Up using the Tri-Loc Registration System
When using the Tri-Loc it is recommended that the press be
equipped with side clamp screen frame holders as they
provide a greater clamping surface and add stability to the
frame side rails.
Install the Tri-Loc pallet with stop blocks on the left side and
the M&R logo facing the press operator. Slide the pallet to
center the rear stop block in the left side clamp cutout pro-
vided for this purpose. When a print head is lowered, lock
the pallet securely in place using the “tool free” pallet lock-
ing levers. Adjust the frame holder so that the Tri-Loc’s rear
stop block falls 1/8” to 1/4” to the inside of the frame hold-
ers vertical side.
Adjust the right frame holder with 1/8” to 1/4” gap between
the vertical edge of the frame holder and the side rail of a
screen loaded against the stop blocks on the Tri-Loc pallet.
The objective is to have the frame holders adjusted so they
don’t interfere with the frame while it is registered against
the Tri-Loc’s stop blocks. Proceed to adjust all print heads
in the manner described above.
Adjustment of Side-to-Side Parallel Frame Holders to Pallet
In some cases the side to side parallel of the screen frame
holders in respect to the printing pallets may require re-
adjustment due to the settling and handling which can
occur during transit. In this case the side to side parallel
may be checked and properly adjusted as follows.
1. Using a screw driver, remove the plastic hole plugs on
both the left and right side of the rear screen frame holder
support bar.
2. Using an allen wrench, loosen both of the button head
allen bolts on either side of the rear screen frame holder
support bar.
Button head allen bolt

Set-Up Instructions
Glen Ellyn, Illinois
12
Chameleon
3. Now bring the screen frame holder, with the frame
installed, down into print position over the printing pallet.
4. Slots have been machined into the rear screen frame sup-
port bar to facilitate manual adjustment of the side to side
parallel between the screen frame and the printing pallet.
Manually move the screen frame holder into side to side
parallel with the printing pallet, then tighten the button head
allen bolts on either side of the rear screen frame holder
support bar.
5. Replace the plastic hole plugs and check the remainder
of the screen frame holder assemblies as described above.
Adjust the side to side parallel of each screen frame holder
as necessary.