Scinomix TS-1023 User manual

TS-1023
Ribbon Tension
Adjustment
(VX2/VXL)
Document Owner:
Service Department
Effective Date:
AUG-22-2022
Page 1 of 7
Purpose
This document provides instructions for adjusting the ribbon tension on the Sci-Print
VX2/VXL.
Intended Use
If experiencing issues with the ribbon ripping, or diagonal white lines through the print on
the label (ribbon wrinkles).
Required Material and Equipment
● 2.5mm Allen wrench (for Squix printer)
● 2mm Allen wrench (for A2 printer)
Intended Audience
Scinomix End User
Intended Audience
Field Service Representative from Scinomix or approved vendors.
Prerequisites
N/A
Procedure
1. Ribbon Core. Make sure the ribbon core is tightened against the bottom of the
ribbon take-up reel.
File Location: Google Drive Revision: B Approved Date: AUG-22-2022 Approved by: Service

TS-1023
Ribbon Tension
Adjustment
(VX2/VXL)
Document Owner:
Service Department
Effective Date:
AUG-22-2022
Page 2 of 7
Figure 1. (A2 printer View from rear of instrument)
Figure 2. (Squix printer from front of instrument)
2. Ribbon Attached to Core at Bottom. Confirm the ribbon is wrapped around the
ribbon core (counter-clockwise). Make sure:
a. The bottom edge of the ribbon is touching the bottom of the core.
b. The ribbon does not drift up when winding.
c. The ribbon has no folds/wrinkles.
File Location: Google Drive Revision: B Approved Date: AUG-22-2022 Approved by: Service

TS-1023
Ribbon Tension
Adjustment
(VX2/VXL)
Document Owner:
Service Department
Effective Date:
AUG-22-2022
Page 3 of 7
Figure 3.
3. Check/Adjust Ribbon Tension Bar. Use a 2.5mm Allen wrench to adjust the set
screw in the base of the ribbon tension bar.
a. The +/- graduations and the line on the base of the ribbon tension bar are
used to determine relative position.
b. Typically the bar is set between the center line and the ¼+ line for ribbon
~1.5” tall (ex. PN 2000-464).
c. The set point may need to be optimized for other ribbon types (ex. PN
2000-184).
File Location: Google Drive Revision: B Approved Date: AUG-22-2022 Approved by: Service

TS-1023
Ribbon Tension
Adjustment
(VX2/VXL)
Document Owner:
Service Department
Effective Date:
AUG-22-2022
Page 4 of 7
Figure 4.
4. Check the location and pressure of the red tension fingers: The red tension
fingers that press the printhead against the print roller should be set as shown in
Figure 5 below.
a. Open the printhead, and locate a hole in the rail at the top and the bottom
that line up with the tension fingers.
b. Slide a 2.5mm Allen (you can use the one on the printer) into each of the
two holes and loosen until it stops.
c. Turn the screw back clockwise 1.5 turns to tighten to the setting found to
work the best.
d. Slide the top tension finger down so the pressure point is in line with the
top of the ink ribbon as shown below.
5. Check the adjustment of the wrinkle bar:
a. With the ribbon run through the printhead, the ink ribbon heads to the
waste spool. The wrinkle bar (roller) has a set screw and an index line
showing a positive/negative position.
b. Make sure that the scribed line on the wrinkle bar is slightly to the positive
side of the centerline. Picture is below.
6. Check/Adjust Top and Bottom Guide Pin Tension. The core of the guide pins
is adjustable and affects how much tension each pin puts on the print head.
a. Use a 2.5mm Allen wrench to loosen the set screw in the face of the top
guide pin, then slide the pin up to the top.
b. Insert the 2.5mm Allen wrench into the hole on the back side of the pin.
c. Loosen the pin by turning counterclockwise until completely loose, then
clockwise 1.5 turns to tighten to the setting we have found works the best.
d. When complete, slide the top tension finger down so the pressure point is
in line with the top of the ink ribbon. Having the top finger in line with the
top edge of the ribbon reduces wear on the print roller.
e. Once run through the printhead, the ink ribbon heads to the waste spool.
There is a roller that we call the wrinkle bar that has a set screw and an
index line that shows a positive/negative position. You want to make sure
File Location: Google Drive Revision: B Approved Date: AUG-22-2022 Approved by: Service

TS-1023
Ribbon Tension
Adjustment
(VX2/VXL)
Document Owner:
Service Department
Effective Date:
AUG-22-2022
Page 5 of 7
that the scribed line on the wrinkle bar is slightly to the positive side of the
centerline.
f. Set the bottom pin the same way (no need to adjust the position of this
pin).
g. Inspect the metal tabs on top of each pin to confirm they’re set in the
same position. See Figure 6 below.
Figure 5.
Figure 6.
7. Check the ribbon roll is not over-splayed: If the ribbon roll is over-tightened to
the point the reel on which it sits is at an angle, this increases potential for
wrinkles. Loosen the reel and then retighten just enough for the reel to spin with
the ribbon roll to correct it.
8. Check/Adjust Top Guide Pin Position. The top guide pin position affects the
pressure distribution of the printhead against the print drive roller.
File Location: Google Drive Revision: B Approved Date: AUG-22-2022 Approved by: Service

TS-1023
Ribbon Tension
Adjustment
(VX2/VXL)
Document Owner:
Service Department
Effective Date:
AUG-22-2022
Page 6 of 7
a. If experiencing ribbon wrinkling, moving the pin up may help reduce
wrinkling.
b. Use a 2.5mm Allen wrench to loosen the set screw in the face of the top
guide pin, then slide the pin up.
9. Check angle of printhead guide: While this does not happen often and typically
the checks before this fix it, it may be necessary to change the angle on the
printhead guide rail. There is a center screw on the back side of the printhead
that when loosened, adjusts the pitch of the printhead guide. At the top and
bottom of this guide, there is a socket head screw. The one at the top is used as
a stop (notice the larger hole that it is positioned in. Ideally this screw is centered
in this hole, but may need to be brought slightly towards the front. Picture below.
10. Test by printing multiple labels. Ribbon wrinkling should be minimal on the
ribbon/label back feed after each printed label.
Figure 6.
11. Check the Ribbon Source Rewind. After the ribbon is properly installed, close
the print head and confirm the ribbon is taut.
a. Turn the source reel clockwise ½ turn and release.
b. Confirm that the internal spring rewinds the source reel and tensions the
ribbon. (If not, see TS-1049 Installing the Shim Washer into a SQUIX
Printer).
File Location: Google Drive Revision: B Approved Date: AUG-22-2022 Approved by: Service

TS-1023
Ribbon Tension
Adjustment
(VX2/VXL)
Document Owner:
Service Department
Effective Date:
AUG-22-2022
Page 7 of 7
Figure 7.
If you need additional assistance, please call our service department at 314-298-9800 or
email [email protected].
Definitions
N/A
Revision History
Version:
Change:
Effective Date:
Approved by:
A
NEW
APR-24-2020
B. Petti
B
Content Review
Added Intended Use section
AUG-08-2022
Service
File Location: Google Drive Revision: B Approved Date: AUG-22-2022 Approved by: Service