Mitek Hornet Manual

Operation & Maintenance Manual
Hornetsaw
Linear Cut Processing Systems
MiTek Component Automation
301 Fountain Lakes Industrial Drive
St. Charles, MO 63301
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[e-mail]
PN 001128
Creation date: 11/16/21
Created by: R. Tucker
Applies to: Gen. 1

Safety, Operation, & Maintenance Manual
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Safety
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1Table of Contents
2 Safety .............................................................................................................................................................................. 3
2.1 Safety Precautions (Read these Precautions Before Use) ...................................................................................... 3
2.2 Safety Features ....................................................................................................................................................... 3
2.2.1 Emergency Stop Buttons/Mechanisms........................................................................................................... 3
2.2.2 Safety Guards .................................................................................................................................................. 3
2.2.3 Audible Alerts.................................................................................................................................................. 3
3 E-Stop Pushbuttons......................................................................................................................................................... 3
4 System Overview............................................................................................................................................................. 4
4.1 System Components ............................................................................................................................................... 4
4.2 File Types................................................................................................................................................................. 4
5 Pre-Operation ................................................................................................................................................................. 5
5.1 Passwords ............................................................................................................................................................... 5
5.2 Pre-Operation Checks ............................................................................................................................................. 5
5.3 Starting the Computer & CutBuilder Automation™ Software ................................................................................ 5
5.4 Powering Up the Motor Controls............................................................................................................................ 6
5.5 Homing the Pusher ................................................................................................................................................. 6
5.6 Homing the Saw Angle ............................................................................................................................................ 7
5.7 Preparing the Printer .............................................................................................................................................. 7
6 Operation ........................................................................................................................................................................ 8
6.1 Navigating the Software ......................................................................................................................................... 8
6.2 Customizing the Home Screen Panes ..................................................................................................................... 9
6.3 Control Buttons Overview..................................................................................................................................... 10
6.4 Manual Mode........................................................................................................................................................ 13
6.4.1 Jog Pusher (Distance) .................................................................................................................................... 13
6.4.2 Move Infeed Pusher (Position)...................................................................................................................... 14
6.5 Cut-Set Mode (Optimizing) / Job Manager ........................................................................................................... 15
6.5.1 Job Management .......................................................................................................................................... 15
6.5.2 Starting a New Job / Batch............................................................................................................................ 16
6.5.3 Selecting What to Cut ................................................................................................................................... 18
6.6 Operating Procedure............................................................................................................................................. 22
6.6.1 Loading Boards on Infeed ............................................................................................................................. 22
6.6.2 Cutting Procedure ......................................................................................................................................... 23
6.7 Reading the Printed Data...................................................................................................................................... 24

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6.8 System Settings..................................................................................................................................................... 25
6.8.1 Accessing the Settings Windows................................................................................................................... 25
7 Replacing the Saw Blade ............................................................................................................................................... 26
8 Preventive Maintenance............................................................................................................................................... 27
8.1 Lubrication ............................................................................................................................................................ 27
8.2 Belt Tensioning...................................................................................................................................................... 28
9 Printer ........................................................................................................................................................................... 29
9.1 Cleaning the Printer .............................................................................................................................................. 29
9.2 Ink Cartridges ........................................................................................................................................................ 30
9.2.1 Storage and Environment ............................................................................................................................. 30
9.2.2 Ordering Replacement Ink Cartridges........................................................................................................... 30
9.2.3 Removing and Replacing Ink Cartridges........................................................................................................ 31
9.2.4 Re-Using a Cartridge After an Operational Pause......................................................................................... 32
10 Troubleshooting ........................................................................................................................................................ 33

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2Safety
Refer to the safety manual supplied by MiTek®.
2.1 Safety Precautions (Read these Precautions Before Use)
WARNING
•All personnel operating or working near this machine must read the safety manual.
•NEVER put fingers, hands, or any other body parts or clothing near moving machinery parts, including but not
limited to cutting blades, sprockets, axles, and compressed air mechanisms.
•NEVER operate equipment if any of the safety guards are not properly installed.
•Machinery must NEVER be operated by anyone who has not read and understood the entire contents of this
manual.
•Machinery should NEVER be operated by any individual who has not been properly trained how to use the
equipment safely and properly.
•NEVER operate this system if there are known safety defects.
1.
2.2 Safety Features
2.2.1 Emergency Stop Buttons/Mechanisms
•ENSURE all operators and other personnel around the equipment know the location of ALL safety stop
(“Emergency Stop”) buttons/mechanisms and the purpose and proper procedures for using them.
2.2.2 Safety Guards
•NEVER operate equipment if any of the safety guards are not properly installed.
•NEVER bypass, modify, or otherwise disable any of the safety guards.
2.2.3 Audible Alerts
•Whenever audible alerting features are in use, be sure to obey all warnings, cautions, or other instructions heard
from the audible system.
3E-Stop Pushbuttons
An E-stop cuts machine power but also throws a locking bolt through the saw blade to stop its motion.
•Push in an E-stop button to activate an E-stop.
•To deactivate an E-stop, pull out on the button, then press the Reset button.

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4System Overview
4.1 System Components
The system is comprised of these components:
•Infeed pusher – A pushing mechanism located on the infeed rail used to push materials through the cutting and
labeling device. Has also been called pusharm or rabbit.
•Infeed rail—The table assembly that the board lays on prior to and while entering the cutting device. The infeed
pusher is part of the infeed rail.
•Cutting device – The part of the machine that houses the saw blade.
•Printer – A device used to perform labeling or place other information onto the media being processed. One
printer is included with every saw that prints on the edge of each part. If lumber is stacked 2-high at infeed, both
parts receive printing. An optional face printer can print on the part face that is resting on the infeed conveyor.
If incoming boards are stacked 2-high, only the bottom plate receives face printing.
Fenceline printer is on every saw, bottom-plate face printer is optional.
•Outfeed – Area where processed items feed onto after some production process has been performed such as
cutting, manual marking, routing, etc. Typically, items are pushed from an infeed, through a cutting device, then
onto an outfeed area.
•Operator Interface – A device used for the operator to acquire and deliver information to and from the overall
process. This is typically a computer monitor or touch-screen device which provides such functionality as: job
processing, machinery status, executing machine commands, and many other functions related to the specific
feature of the system.
•CutBuilder Automation™ software- CutBuilder Automation (CBA) is a package of software applications which
make up the main user interfacing of the iN4 Solutions family of linear cut processing systems. CBA runs on a
personal computer PC using the Microsoft Windows™ operation system. CBA is the main “world” the operator
lives in regarding the information aspect of his/her job processing. The operator uses the information in CBA to
carry out everything from starting a work on a job, to setting up batch processes, to optimizing materials, and
managing past and future work.
•Swingarm—holds material against the fence while it prints
4.2 File Types
Cut sets can be imported as one of these types:
•.xml files is generated from MiTek production software. Can also be called a Virtek® LaserMC® file.
•.ehx is generated by MiTek Production software, including ShopNet™ software
•.wbx

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Pre-Operation
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5Pre-Operation
5.1 Passwords
•Windows
•Interface password: Required to view or change the global settings screen
•Machine password: Required to view or change individual device settings
5.2 Pre-Operation Checks
Perform the steps shown here before beginning operations:
1. Safety – Ensure the area is safe for operation and everyone is clear of any potential hazards.
2. Power – Ensure the system has a power source and all control panels are turned on.
3. Air – If equipped with a compressed air system, ensure that it is providing the proper air pressure.
4. Sensors – Check sensors to ensure they are working properly.
5. Safety Switches – Check “Emergency Stop” devices to ensure they are working properly.
6. Printers – Ensure marking devices are on and working properly.
7. Feed Systems – Ensure all feed systems, if equipped, are working properly.
5.3 Starting the Computer & CutBuilder Automation™ Software
1. If the computer is not already on, start the computer by pressing its power button.
2. Observe that the computer is on by any of these methods:
a. Audibly by listening for the sound of the internal cooling fan inside the PC.
b. Visually by seeing an active light on the PC’s power button, if equipped with light, that the light is on.
3. Confirm that the PC is on at the computer monitor by visually seeing the computer’s normal functionality.
4. Login to Windows with your company-assigned Windows username and password.
5. Wait until all obvious startup activity has completed and the cursor is ready for use before proceeding to
Starting CutBuilder Automation Software in the next section.
6. Start CutBuilder Automation by clicking the icon shown below.
7. After the program opens proceed to Powering Up the Motor Controls section to apply power to the control
motors.

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5.4 Powering Up the Motor Controls
5.5 Homing the Pusher
1. To begin homing, press the button shown below
Note: If this button is flashing in color, this indicates homing is required and is the only option.
2. The pusher will begin moving toward the homing sensor. Once the pusher reaches the homing sensor, it will
move the opposite direction, away from the sensor. Then, the pusher resets its internal reference and the
pusher’s homing is completed.
NOTE: For efficiency, always home the pusher before homing the saw.

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5.6 Homing the Saw Angle
Use the same process as Homing the Pusher, but from the Saw menu.
5.7 Preparing the Printer
If the system is equipped with an inkjet printer, perform the following steps to maintain the best printing quality
possible:
1. Visually inspect the nozzles on the front of the inkjet cartridges.
2. If any noticeable damage to any cartridges is found, replace the cartridge.
3. Clean, purge, and test the printer.
PRINTER CARTRIDGES HAVE A
SHELF LIFE OF 6 MONTHS!

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6Operation
6.1 Navigating the Software

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6.2 Customizing the Home Screen Panes
Since there is no operator password for this software, any changes described here affect all operators.
You can arrange your Home screen many different ways. Up to three different horizontal panels can be used to hold the
many different panes. Generally, the Cut Set pane should be the largest.
•Turn pallets on or off using the View menu in the menu bar.
•Arrange the panes by moving them to another panel and hovering over one of these pane-pinning icons that
appear:
•View>Save Pane Layout saves the current pane configuration as the default.
•View>Lock Panes will prevent them from being moved. To move the panes, select View>Lock Panes again to
remove the checkmark.
•View>Reset Panes returns to the default pane configuration (the configuration last selected with View>Save
Pane Layout).

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6.3 Control Buttons Overview
Standard Software Buttons
•Motor > Enable – Enables power to the motor system.
•Motor > Power – Activates power to the motor system.
•Escape > Halt – Stops the current command/process.
•Fault > Reset – Clears the halt command to allow processes to run.
•Modes > Home – Executes homing of the push arm.
•Modes > Manual – Changes the operational mode to “Manual” for using manual operations such as: moving
pusher to a given location, jogging the pusher forward or backward, and other manual type of operations.
•Modes > Cut Sets – Changes the operational mode to “Cut Set” mode which is used for optimized cutting of full
stock lengths into shorter cut lengths.
•Operations > Load Set – Available/Visible when in “Cut Set” mode. Pressing “Load Set” does the following:
1. Sends the push arm to a location adequate for loading the machine with the stock length of the active
cut set.
2. Loads the marking device with the information required for the active cut set.
3. Opens the “Cut Set Operations” window exclusively for performing cut set operations.
•Operations > Move – Allows the operator to input a distance and make the push arm move to the distance
entered. Example: Set the push arm to a distance of 2 feet and use the push arm as a fixed jig stop for
repeatedly cutting a large quantity of 2-foot pieces.
•Operations > Jog – Allows the operator to move the push arm forward or backward by a distance entered by the
operator.

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Optional Software Buttons (For Optional Equipment)
Some buttons described here are only on machines built in 2022 or later (generation 2).
•Infeed Loader > Stop – Stops the infeed conveyor.
•Infeed Loader > Reverse – Runs the infeed conveyor in reverse away from the infeed pusher assembly.
•Infeed Loader > Forward – Runs the infeed conveyor in a forward direction toward the infeed pusher assembly.
•Outfeed > Conveyor Motor – Turns the outfeed conveyor motor on.
•Outfeed > Kicking Far/Near – An option available to certain models is the existence of multiple kickers.
This button toggles the outfeed kicking system to either use the “Near” kickers closest to the central operator of
the system or the “Far” kickers furthest from the main operator location.
•Outfeed > Test Kickers (Out/In) – Used to for testing purposes only to check functionality of all pneumatic
kicking mechanisms. Pressing “Test Kickers (Out)” will execute all kickers to extend out. Pressing “Test Kickers
(In)” will retract the kickers back to their normal position. (*Note: The system does not allow running the
outfeed with the kickers extended out nor should the operator attempt to run the system with the kickers
extended out).
•Outfeed > Speed (Medium/Fast) – An option available to certain models is the existence of multiple speeds.
Used to switch the conveyor speed to one of two speeds: “Medium” or “Fast”.
*Note: Speed controls of this button are not relevant when in Cut Set Operations Mode. When in Cut Set
Operations Mode, speeds are determined by each material type in the Materials Library settings of the software.

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Live Deck Buttons

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6.4 Manual Mode
Manual mode can be used for simple tasks such as making the pusher arm move to a given location or moving forward
or reverse for a given distance.
6.4.1 Jog Pusher (Distance)
The “Jog” function is used to move the pusher either forward or backward a specified distance.
To begin jogging, press the “Jog” button as shown here:
If wanting to move to a specified position, refer to the Move button.
The Jog Infeed Pusher window will appear. Speed and
distance can be set by the operator. Pressing the right or
left arrow buttons will move the push arm accordingly.
See the diagrammed explanation below.

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6.4.2 Move Infeed Pusher (Position)
The Move function of Manual Mode can be used to move the infeed pusher to a specified position.
The Move window will appear.
•Enter a distance, then select Go to execute and the pusher will move to the position entered. Example:
The push arm will move to a position of 16’ 2-3/8’’ from the cutting device blade.
•Select Park to quickly move the infeed pusher to its park position, which is at the end of the infeed
conveyor, farthest away from the saw blade. The exact location can be adjusted using the Load Offset
setting in the Infeed Pusher Settings screen.

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6.5 Cut-Set Mode (Optimizing) / Job Manager
CutSet Mode is used for cutting entire lists of cut items from long stock lengths for optimal usage of material.
This section describes how to use the many features for optimizing material and easily managing jobs.
6.5.1 Job Management
Jobs are managed using the Job Manager window.
To open the Job Manager, press the My Jobs button.

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6.5.2 Starting a New Job / Batch
There are three methods available for starting a new cutting job:
1. Opening Files
2. Manually Entering
6.5.2.1 Opening Files
To start a new cutting job by opening files, follow these steps, referring to the diagram below:
1. Select My Jobs from the menu bar.
2. Press the Import Files button.
3. Browse to and select the desired file(s).
4. Press Open to finalize and import the files.
Once your files are imported
correctly, a confirmation window
displays confirming successful
processing.

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6.5.2.2 Manual Entry
A manual cut list can be created as opposed to importing a job. Manual entry jobs allow the operator to build a
custom cutting list. Because the manual entry job is internally created as a batch in the software, it will behave
much like any other job, meaning it can be optimized, has print labels, etc.
The following steps will guide you through the process of entering a manual list for cutting directly at the
machine.
1. Go to My Jobs.
2. Tap on Manual List.
3. Build a cutting list by selecting desired material and entering length, quantity, then tap Add To List.
4. Tap Exit when finished.
NOTE: To return to the list to make changes, simply repeat the same steps.

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6.5.3 Selecting What to Cut
Once jobs have been created/loaded as explained in the previous steps, the operator can make selections to
control what to cut at any given time.
Example: A job contains all the parts of a house and has many different dimensional lumber in use. You want to
cut only the part types that are 2x4s used for Bottom Plates and Top Plates. Toggles on those items, as shown
below, and the cutting solution will only include those items in the cutting mix. When you want to cut the rest
of the items, simply follow the same principal and toggle on the other items.
Toggle controls are available for: Job, Bundle, Part Type, Material Type, Length.
The turquoise below shows the buttons that are selected.

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6.5.3.1 Selecting Stock Lengths
Upon toggling any material type, a window will appear for selecting the stock length(s) to optimize cutting.
Toggle on/off which stock lengths to use. The optimizer can utilize one or many different stock lengths. When
multiple stock lengths are chosen, the optimizer will use all selected lengths and produce cut sets based upon
whichever stock length would produce the least waste for each cut set created.
If you cannot find the stock length you are looking for, easily add/edit the stock length library by clicking the
Lengths button in the lower left of the window to access the editor. Once you’ve made your selections, close
the window by pressing the Done button.