Matthews VIAcode T50 User manual

Thank you for choosing a
Matthews Product
We sincerely hope you find this document to be
informative and useful.
Comments regarding our documentation are always
welcome and appreciated.
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Order number: 795 208.01
matthewsmarking.com
User Guide
Version 2 Issue 1
T50/T100 PTM

iii
Table of Contents
T50/T100 PTM – User Guide – Version 2 Issue 1
Table of Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Safety Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Certification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
About this Manual. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Technical Support. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Safety Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Handling the Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
General Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
In the Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Additional Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Print Head Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
External Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Labelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Operating Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . 7
Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
System Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Stacked Installations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Print Head Set-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Mounting the Print Head. . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Tilting a Print Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Stacked Head Installations . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Installing a Photocell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Installing an Encoder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Connecting to a PCM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Commissioning a T50/T100 PTM . . . . . . 21
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Cleaning/Priming the Nozzles . . . . . . . . 25
Prime Modulation Setting . . . . . . . . . . 26
Print Pause – Upto Two Weeks . . . . . . . 27
Moving, Storing, or Shipping a PTM. . . . 27
Ink-Bottle Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Purging Trapped Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Ink-Filter Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Examples of Poor Print Quality. . . . . . 36
Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Documentation History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Table of Contents
T50/T100 PTM – User Guide – Version 1 Issue 1
iv

1
Introduction
T50/T100 PTM – User Guide – Version 2 Issue 1
Introduction
© Copyright Matthews Swedot AB, Gothenburg 2012.
Conditions
Matthews Marking Products reserves the right to change specifications in both the text and
illustrations without prior notice. The contents of this publication may not be copied, either
wholly or in part, without permission.
Matthews Marking Products can not be held responsible for any direct, indirect, specific,
accidental or resultant injuries caused by a fault with the machine system or software, or by
an error in the accompanying documentation. In particular, Matthews Marking Products can
not be held responsible for any program or data stored or used with Matthew’s products,
including the cost of recovering such programs or data.
Safety Considerations
Safety considerations specific to the operation of the T50/T100 are provided under the
section “Safety Requirements” on page 3. Before installing or operating a T50/T100 read and
adhere to all of the safety instructions. Failure to read all safety instructions could lead to
death, personnel injury, or damage to equipment.
The following paragraph formats are used throughout this manual to highlight safety issues
and risk of damage to the equipment.
Warning
This symbol and text format is used throughout the manual to highlight warnings. A
Warning is provided where circumstances could lead to personal injury or death.
Caution
This symbol and text format is used throughout the manual to highlight cautions. A
caution is provided in circumstances where damage could occur to the equipment.
The following paragraph format is used throughout this manual to draw the reader to points
of interest or notes.
Note
This symbol and text format is used throughout this manual to draw your attention to
important information and tips.
Contact details - Manufacturer
Sweden
Matthews Swedot
Möbelgatan 4
431 33 Mölndal
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
USA
Matthews Marking Products
6515 Penn Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
China
Kenuohua Matthews
Building C, Jinri Science Park
No.26 Jinyuan Road
Daxing Industrial Development Zone
Beijing 102600
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Introduction – Certification
T50/T100 PTM – User Guide – Version 2 Issue 1
2
Certification
Matthew’s print heads are certified in accordance with the requirements for CE marking. The
equipment complies with the EMC Rules for a Class A (industrial environment) computing
device.
Operation of the equipment in a residential area may cause unacceptable interference to radio
and TV reception.
Matthews Marking Products disclaims all responsibility regarding the CE directive if a print
head is used, altered, or installed in any way other than described in this manual.
About this Manual
This manual contains technical information with regard to safety, installation, and
maintenance of the T50/T100 print heads that are controlled by a Viacode PCM (Print
Control Module). It is important that all information regarding safety is read and adhered to.
For information regarding the configuration and control of print heads, refer to the Technical
Manual for the PCM.
It is recommended that the reader begins by reading the section named ’Safety Requirements’
before continuing.
Technical Support
For technical support within the USA call:
Table 1 - Technical support details
Time Telephone number
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time, USA–weekdays 1+ 412 665-2500
5:00 PM to 8:00 AM Eastern Time, USA–and weekends 1+ 412 365-8324

3
Safety Requirements
T50/T100 PTM – User Guide – Version 2 Issue 1
Safety Requirements
The following safety requirements are important. Read and adhere to the safety
requirements before installing or operating a T50/T100 print head.
Failure to read the safety requirements can lead to death, personal injury, or damage to the
equipment.
Handling the Equipment
Warning
• To avoid injury to personnel or damage to equipment, always use proper lifting and/or
carrying techniques with the equipment.
• The print head must be properly mounted. There is a risk of injury to personnel or damage
to the equipment if it is mounted incorrectly.
• Safety glasses and solvent resistant gloves must be used when contact with ink or solvent
liquids is possible. If cleaning solution comes in contact with skin, wash immediately. If
contact is made with eyes or mouth, wash them for at least 15 minutes and seek medical
advice.
• Make sure that all covers are correctly fitted to the unit before operation. Contact a
supervisor for guidance if you are not sure. The covers provide a safety barrier to protect
the user.
• All cables connected to a print head must be located out of travel zones. They must be free
from potential damage.
• During operation the print head surfaces may be hot to the touch. Take appropriate
precautions when priming a system or removing a Nozzle-Protector-Plate.
• Do not expose a print head to smoke or naked flames. Ink and cleaner are flammable
substances.
• If equipment is used in a manner not specified by Matthews Marking, the protection
provided by the equipment may be impaired.
• Never ship or transport a print head without following the procedures outlined in the
maintenance section. Failure to correctly prepare a print head can cause damage or injury.
• Do not open or interfere with the print head’s internal components. Only Matthews certified
technicians are permitted to service the print head.
General Considerations
Caution
• Use only Matthew’s inks and cleaners. Use of other inks and cleaners could cause damage
to the print head or pose safety hazards and void the warranty.
!

Safety Requirements – General Considerations
T50/T100 PTM – User Guide – Version 2 Issue 1
4
• In the event of either a spillage or leak, print heads must be shutdown immediately and
isolated from any sources of heat, spark, or flames. Refer to ink MSDS for cautions,
warnings, and appropriate clean up procedures.
• Good housekeeping practices and proper containment of ink, ink residuals, and incidental
line leakage is critical. The customer is responsible for ensuring proper care and
procedures are followed to ensure that print heads and ancillary equipment are kept clean
and well maintained.
• In accordance with applicable federal and state environmental laws, the customer is
responsible for properly disposing of the waste generated by the printing equipment. Refer
to the relevant ink and cleaner MSDS sheets for cautions, warnings, and proper handling
procedures.

5
Overview
T50/T100 PTM – User Guide – Version 2 Issue 1
Overview
In the Box
Carefully remove the T50/T100 print head from its packaging and inspect it to make sure that
no damage has occurred as a result of shipping. If there are any discrepancies, please contact
you local Matthews dealer for further advice. Ink and additional equipment, as shown below,
are ordered separately to the print head.
Additional Equipment
The following equipment can be ordered separately to the print head. For further information
contact your local dealer.
Figure 1 - Optional equipment
Print Head Description
The print heads can be supplied as either a 50 mm (T50) or 100 mm (T100), as shown below.
The difference between the two lies within the number of nozzles that they have and hence
the maximum print size. The 50 mm has 384 nozzles, the 100 mm has 768 nozzles.
Figure 2 - 50 mm and 100 mm print head
Mounting assembly for print head
and print head stand
Print head Power-Supply-Pack – AC to DC
Ethernet cable for connecting print heads
to a Viacode PCM
Ink (Scantrue II – 500/125 ml)
2” (50.8 mm)
4” (101,6 mm)

Overview – Print Head Description
T50/T100 PTM – User Guide – Version 2 Issue 1
6
External Components
Provided below is an overview of the T50/T100 and its main components. A description of
the connections on the back of the head are also provided below.
Figure 3 - External components
ENCODER DSUB – An encoder monitors the speed of a print target on a production line
and sends a signal to the print head. The signal from the encoder ensures that the speed of
printing corresponds to the print target’s speed.
PHOTOCELL DSUB –A photocell detects an approaching print target on a production
line and sends a signal to the print head. The print head will then print the selected message
one or more times as specified in the PCM’s (Print Control Module) installation settings.
SYNC IN/ SYNC OUT (RJ-45) – Obsolete.
POWER DSUB – Used to connect the Power-Supply-Pack to the print head.
ETHERNET – Ethernet cable is used to connect print heads to a Viacode PCM. If more
than one print head is used, they must be connected to an Ethernet switch first.
PRIME button – The print head’s nozzles can be primed with ink or cleaned. Pressing the
button and then releasing it will result in the nozzles being primed for a period of time less
than a second. The vacuum pump will continue for thirty seconds after the prime.
Pressing the button and holding it in will flush the nozzles with ink until the button is
released. Once released the vacuum pump will continue for thirty seconds. This function can
be used to clear old ink or blocked nozzles.
1 ENCODER DSUB 5 ETHERNET connection
2 PHOTOCELL DSUB 6 PRIME button
3 SYNC IN/SYNC OUT 7 INK LED
4 POWER DSUB 8 READY LED
Ink-Bottle
Print head
nozzles
Cable-Bar
A
Ink-Vent-Screw
1 2
3
4
5
6
7
8
A
Ink-Reservoir
1
2
3
4
5
6

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T50/T100 PTM – User Guide – Version 2 Issue 1
Overview – Print Head Description
INK LED – Ink level indicator: lit Green when there is sufficient ink, Orange when the ink
level is detected as being low, and Red when there is no ink. Do not operate the print head
when the LED is lit red! This will cause air to be sucked in to the ink system.
READY LED – This signals whether the print head has warmed up and is ready for use.
When the print head is cold (it needs to warm up), the LED is lit Orange. When the print
head is warm it will turn Green. The warm-up time is dependent upon ambient temperatures
and takes approximately two minutes.
Labelling
The print heads’s serial plate is located on top of the Ink-Reservoir, as shown below.
Figure 4 - T50/T100 Serial plate labelling
Operating Requirements.
Before installing or operating the print head, read and adhere to all of the safety instructions
as provided under “Safety Requirements” on page 3.
The operating and power supply requirements for the T50/T100 are provided below in 2.
Strictly obey the electrical specifications provided in this manual.
Table 2 - Operating requirements (Sheet 1 of 2)
Feature Specification
Operating Temperature: 50°F – 104°F (10°C – 40°C)
Humidity Range: 10% – 90% RH (non-condensing)
Main power supply
Matthews power supply pack used:
Single phase 110 – 240 VAC, 50 – 60 Hz, 0.8 A
Direct connection:
24 VDC ± 0,5 V, 90 W, filtered DC
7
8
Serial Plate

Overview – Print Head Description
T50/T100 PTM – User Guide – Version 2 Issue 1
8
Enclosure Classification: IP 40 rating
Operating Environment: The print head must be free from vibration or the possibility of being hit. It must be
correctly mounted as described in this manual.
Table 2 - Operating requirements (Sheet 2 of 2)
Feature Specification

9
T50/T100 PTM – User Guide – Version 2 Issue 1
Overview – Print Head Description
Dimensions
Provided below are the external dimensions of the T50/T100. All dimensions are provided in
inches (rounded to two d.p.) and mm.
• Net weight ≈10 lb. (4,9 kg)
Figure 5 - External dimensions
14.23″(363,64 mm )
9.76″(248,03 mm)
8.02″ (203,80 mm)
9.76″ (248,03 mm)
8.43″ (214 mm)
6.79″ (172,50 mm)
8.48″ (215,50 mm)
5.67″ (144 mm)
17.99″ (456,83 mm)
3.35″ (85,20 mm)
1.28″ (32,60 mm)
2.95″ (75 mm)
5.93″ (150,71 mm)
1.85″ (47 mm)
4.09″ (104 mm)
7.35″
( 186,70 mm)
4.25″ (108 mm) 0.91″ (23 mm)

Overview – System Overview
T50/T100 PTM – User Guide – Version 2 Issue 1
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System Overview
The T50/T100 print heads are configured and controlled using a Matthews Viacode PCM
(Print Control Module), which is sold separately. Communication with print heads is done
over a dedicated Ethernet network. A single print head can be connected to the PCM either
directly or via an Ethernet switch. If more than one print head is installed they must be
connected to a switch first and then to a PCM.
Figure 6 - System overview – typical set up
Message creation and editing is done in the graphical user interface (GUI) of the PCM.
Information regarding the control and creation of messages can be found in the Technical
Manual for the Viacode PCM.
A typical print system for a production line would consist of one or more print heads, an
encoder, and a photocell, as shown above.
The photocell and the encoder are sold separately and can be purchased from Matthews. The
photocell is used to detect an approaching print target and signal that a printout should be
made.
An encoder is used to monitor the speed of an approaching print target. The signal from the
encoder is used to ensure that the print speed is matched to the print target’s. An encoder is
particularly important in installations where the speed of the production line (print target) is
unpredictable. Matthews Marking recommends that an encoder is always used.
Stacked Installations
Print heads can be stacked so that a bigger print mark is obtained. For example, two 101,6
mm (T100) print heads can be stacked to produce a single mark that is up to 203.2 mm high.
Or three could be stacked to produce a mark that is up to 304,8 mm high. There is no limit on
the number of print heads that can be stacked.
Encoder
Photocell
T50/T100
Viacode
PCM

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T50/T100 PTM – User Guide – Version 2 Issue 1
Overview – System Overview
A Print-Head-Mounting-Plate can be purchased from mathhews which is used to mount two
stacked print heads when printing a single mark. The plate ensures correct vertical alignment
of the heads. Refer to “Stacked Head Installations” on page 18 for further information.

Overview – System Overview
T50/T100 PTM – User Guide – Version 2 Issue 1
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13
Installation
T50/T100 PTM – User Guide – Version 2 Issue 1
Installation
Before installing or operating a T50/T100 print head read and adhere to all safety warnings,
as provided under “Safety Requirements” on page 3.
Caution
The T50/T100 print heads must be installed as described below. Failure to install them
correctly can lead to poor print quality or ink leakage.
Print Head Set-up
Print heads are delivered with the head mounted so that it points to the left, as seen when
standing behind the Ink-Reservoir. The head can also be mounted so that it points either to the
right or straight ahead of the reservoir, as shown below.
Figure 7 - Head mounting options
If required the print head can be re-positioned for a given installation. To re-position the print
head follow the procedure described below.
Procedure – Repositioning the Print Head
Caution
The following procedure must be carried out by a Matthews certified technician only.
Damage to the print head can occur if the procedure is not done correctly.
Left Mounted Straight Mounted
Right Mounted

Installation – Print Head Set-up
T50/T100 PTM – User Guide – Version 2 Issue 1
14
1. Make sure that the Ink-Vent-Screw is closed and that the Nozzle-Protector-Plate is
correctly attached to the print head.
Caution: Failure to close the Ink-Vent-Screw and attach the Nozzle-Protector-Plate
will result in ink spillage or air becoming trapped in the system
Figure 8 - Changing the head set-up.
2. Disconnect all cables and make sure that there is no power supplied to the print head.
3. Unscrew and remove the Ink-Bottle from the Ink-Reservoir.
4. Screw the Ink-Reservoir-Cap in to the Ink-Inlet, so that no ink is spilt.
Caution: Ink spillage will occur if the Ink-Reservoir-Cap is not correctly inserted.
Figure 9 - Removing the Reservoir-Cover
5. Unscrew and remove the five screws that retain the Reservoir-Cover, as shown above.
6. Place the print head so that it is level. Unscrew the Ink-Reservoir-Cap and then remove
the Reservoir-Cover. Screw the Ink-Reservoir-Cap back in to the Ink-Inlet once the cover
has been removed.
Nozzle-Protector-Plate
Ink-Vent-Screw
Reservoir-Cover
Ink-Reservoir-Cap
Ink-Reservoir screws
Ink-Inlet

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T50/T100 PTM – User Guide – Version 2 Issue 1
Installation – Print Head Set-up
7. Unscrew and remove the Blanking-Plate from the desired head-mounting-position.
Figure 10 - Re-positioning the print head
8. Unscrew the Head-Retaining-Clamp’s two screws from underneath the Ink-Reservoir.
Make sure that the print head is held securely, it is heavy.
9. Carefully re-position the head in to the required position. Secure it with the Head-
Retaining-Clamp and its two screws.
Note: It may be required, in installations where the print target does not travel
horizontally, that the print head needs to be tilted. For further information refer to “Tilting
a Print Head” on page 17.
10. Make sure that both the cables and the tubing to the print head are positioned so that
they are free from risk of damage. Make sure that the tubing is not crushed or kinked.
Caution: If the ink tubing is kinked printing problems will occur.
11. Mount the Blanking-Plate in the position that the print head was originally. Use the three
screws to secure it.
12. Mount the Reservoir-Cover back on to the Ink-Reservoir and secure it with the five
screws.
Blanking-Plate
and screws
Head-Retaining-Clamp
Cable-Bar

Installation – Mounting the Print Head
T50/T100 PTM – User Guide – Version 2 Issue 1
16
13. Unscrew and re-position the Cable-Bar as required. The Cable-Bar can be positioned to
the left, right, or straight ahead of the Ink-Reservoir, as shown below.
Note: The Cable-Bar is used to both guide and secure the print head’s cables.
Figure 11 - Positioning the Cable-Bar
Mounting the Print Head
Caution
PTMs must be mounted correctly as described below. Poor print quality or ink leakage
can occur if they are incorrectly mounted or positioned.
Make sure that the print target does not contact the PTM or its print guides. If a PTM is
hit, print quality will be affected. There is a risk that small particles will enter the print
head’s nozzles and block them, if the print target contacts the print guides.
A specially designed mounting assembly and stand kit can be purchased from Matthews for
easy mounting of the PTMs. For further information regarding this equipment contact your
local dealer.
The following must be adhered to when mounting a T50/T100 print head. Make sure that:
• They are free from any vibration. It is recommended that PTMs are mounted in isolation
(free standing) from the production line.
A
A
Cable-Bar screw x2
Right positioned
straight positioned
Left positioned