Specac Atlas GS15515 User manual

Atlas™ Series Heated Platens
User Manual
2I-15515 Issue 21

List of Safety Symbols
Safety Symbol
Meaning
General Caution.
(Reference ISO 7000-0434B, 2004-01)
Caution – Hot Surface.
Reference IEC 60417-5041, 2002-10)
Caution – Possibility of Electric Shock
Indoor Use Only
Electrical Safety
Warning: The temperature controller supplied with the accessory
are of Class 1 (earthed) construction and must be connected to
an earthed mains socket outlet.
Warning: Disconnect the mains from the temperature controller
before cleaning. Clean only with a soft cloth, lightly moistened
with water.
End of Lifetime Equipment Use
If any parts have reached their limit of lifetime and need to be
replaced, use appropriate WEEE and other local regulations for the
safe disposal of electrical equipment and toxic chemicals.

Atlas™ Series Heated Platens
User Manual
2I-15515 Issue 21

User Manual
2
Atlas™ Series Heated Platens P/N GS15515
CONTENTS – USER MANUAL
1 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................. 4
2. UNPACKING AND CHECKLIST ............................................................. 5
3. SPECIFICATIONS AND SAFETY............................................................ 7
4. INSTRUCTION, INSTALLATION AND OPERATION OF THE ATLAS™
SERIES HEATED PLATENS ................................................................. 9
WATER COOLING OF THE ATLAS™ SERIES HEATED PLATENS ........... 10
INSTALLATION OF THE ATLAS™ SERIES HEATED PLATENS ............... 10
WATER IN-LINE FLOW SAFETY CUT OUT SWITCH ............................. 11
USING WITH THE CONSTANT THICKNESS FILM MAKER ACCESSORY ... 13
INSTALLATION INTO THE PRESS - EXAMPLE MANUAL 15T ................. 14
INSTALLATION OF THE TOP HEATED PLATEN ASSEMBLY ................... 15
INSTALLATION OF THE LOWER HEATED PLATEN ASSEMBLY .............. 17
INSTALLATION INTO ATLAS™ POWER AND AUTO PRESS ................... 19
ATLAS™ HEATED PLATENS FOR PERKIN ELMER PRESSES ONLY ...... 19
CONNECTION OF THE ATLAS™ HEATED PLATENS TO THEIR
DEDICATED TEMPERATURE CONTROLLER ........................................ 20
OPERATION OF THE ATLAS™ SERIES HEATED PLATENS .................. 21
PROCEDURE FOR PRESSING ........................................................... 22
OPERATION NOTES AND TIPS .......................................................... 24
CARE AND CLEANING OF THE ATLAS™ SERIES HEATED PLATENS . .. 26
5. INSTRUCTIONS AND OPERATION OF THE ATLAS™ SERIES HEATED
PLATENS TEMPERATURE CONTROLLER ........................................... 27
IMPORTANT VOLTAGE WARNING ...................................................... 27
SAFETY IN USE OF THE ATLAS™ HEATED PLATENS SYSTEM ............ 28
POWER SUPPLY TO THE TEMPERATURE CONTROLLER ...................... 28
FUNCTIONS AND OPERATION OF THE TEMPERATURE CONTROLLER
FOR THE ATLAS™ HEATED PLATENS ............................................... 29
LOOP ALARM FUNCTION ................................................................. 30
ILLUMINATION OF THE LOOP ALARM LIGHT ....................................... 30
COOLING WATER FLOW INTERRUPTION ........................................... 31
POWERING UP ............................................................................... 32
CHANGING THE TEMPERATURE........................................................ 33

Atlas™ Series Heated Platens
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6. LEGEND - BUBBLE PART NUMBER IDENTIFICATION ........................... 35
7. SPARE PARTS FOR THE ATLAS™ SERIES HEATED PLATENS ............ 36
8. IDENTIFICATION OF YOUR ATLAS™ SERIES HEATED PLATENS
TEMPERATURE CONTROLLER ........................................................... 37
© April 2016 Specac Ltd. All rights reserved.
Brilliant Spectroscopy is a trademark of Specac Ltd.
Other product names mentioned herein may be trademarks
of their respective owners.

User Manual
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1. Introduction
Thank you for buying a Specac product.
The Atlas™ Series Heated Platens P/N GS15515 are designed for use
within all of Specac’s range of Atlas™ Hydraulic Presses (except the
Atlas™ Autotouch 40T Press) to provide heatable, pressing surfaces
up to 300ºC temperature, with a load bearing capacity up to 15 tons.
The heated platens are easily installed into the press by replacing the
upper pressing face bolster fixing in the leadscrew with the top heated
platen assembly and placing the lower heated platen assembly over
the lower pressing piston bolster face of the press.
Note: An Atlas™ Manual 15T Hydraulic Press (P/N GS15011) has
been used as an example press for installation of the Atlas™
Heated Platens, but these instructions can be applied for
installation of them into the Atlas™ Power and Autotouch
Presses if required to use for any heated pressing applications.
The Atlas™ Heated Platens are controlled for temperature by their own
dedicated automatic temperature controller with a stability of ± 1ºC.
The heated platens and the controller are matched as a system for
operation from either a 220 to 240 volts or 100 to 110 volts mains
supply. The lower heated platen assembly only is fitted with a
permanent K-type thermocouple that monitors the temperature close to
the pressing surface of the top and lower heated platens. The support
cooling blocks of the heated platen surfaces that connect to the press,
are water cooled to isolate the press from any direct heating effect of
the platens and to allow for efficient heating and cooling cycles of
operation. An in-line safety cut out switch is incorporated into the
cooling water flow tubing to turn off power to the heated platens if the
water supply is cut or interrupted.
The Atlas™ Heated Platens within an Atlas™ Press are also designed
to be used with Specac’s Constant Thickness Film Maker Accessory
P/N GS15640 for the preparation of films of polymers and plastic
materials for thicknesses up to 0.5mm and at a diameter of 29mm as
standard. However, the Atlas™ Heated Platens can be used alone in a

Atlas™ Series Heated Platens
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press, without the need for the P/N GS15640 Film Maker Accessory, if
thicker or larger diameter films of such material types are required for
pressing.
This instruction manual is divided into two main sections for use.
Section 4 is for instruction, installation and operation of the Atlas™
Heated Platens themselves and Section 5 is for instruction and
operation of the dedicated Atlas™ Heated Platens Temperature
Controller that powers the heated platens.
It is important that both sections of this instruction manual are read
carefully first to understand the equipment before using the accessory.
Atlas™ Heated Platens and Temperature Controller

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2. Unpacking and Checklist
On receipt of your Atlas™ Heated Platens and Temperature Controller
please check the following have been supplied.
● One pair of Atlas™ Heated Platens consisting
of a top platen assembly with bolster fixing and
lower platen assembly with underside circular
recess for location.
● One dedicated Atlas™ Heated Platens
Temperature Controller.
● One mains power cable for the Atlas™ Heated
Platens Temperature Controller (for your mains
voltage supply).
● Three, 2 metre lengths of black flexible silicone rubber tubing.
● Two matched pairs (insert and
body) of Quick Connect couplings
for cooling water tubing.
● One in-line cooling water flow,
safety cut-out switch.
● Four plastic cable ties.
● One 4mm size Allen key.
● One instruction manual for operation.
Carefully remove the heated platen assemblies, temperature controller
and parts from the transport packaging. Remove the protective
covering from the heated platens aluminium surfaces prior to use.

Atlas™ Series Heated Platens
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3. Specifications and Safety
This instruction manual contains information and warnings, which must
be followed by the user to ensure safe operation and retain the
apparatus in a safe condition. The apparatus has been designed for
indoor use only.
Platens Specification
Heated platen material: Anodised aluminium alloy (HE30 TF)
Brinell hardness: 100 (approx.)
Surface diameter: 100mm
Temperature range: Ambient to 300ºC
Thermocouple type: K – type NiCr/NiAl (fitted in lower platen)
Heater power: 600 Watts (each platen)
Water cooling: Continuous, less than 8 bar with a flow
rate not less than 0.2 liters/min,
recommended 1 liter/min)
Temperature Controller
Temperature range: 0 to 300ºC
Temperature setting: 0 to 300ºC in 1ºC steps
Temperature display: Digital
Setting accuracy: 1 digit
Control type: PID (Proportional, Integral and Derivative)
System Specification
Control stability: Better than +/-1ºC
Heating rate: 30°C per/min
Cooling rate: Typically, 35 minutes from 300ºC to 60ºC
Rated Voltage: 100/110 or 230 Volts (+/-10%)
Rated Frequency: 50/60 Hz
Rated Power: 1800 Watts maximum
Fuse rating type: ‘F’ fast blow
Fuse rating: 7A (230v), 12.5A (110v and 100v)
Temperature range: 5 to 40ºC (Ambient conditions)
Humidity range: 20 to 90% RH non-condensing

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Caution: Always follow local laboratory safety protocols and
procedures when using potential toxic or flammable
substances within this equipment.
The equipment is intended for use by suitably trained
personnel only.
Caution: Always wear adequate PPE gloves when handling
the platens and when cleaning.
Caution: No user serviceable parts within, contact the
manufacturer or approved service agent for advice if the
product is not functioning correctly or is visibly damaged.
Caution: If the equipment is used in a manner not specified
by the manufacturer, the protection provided by the
equipment may be impaired
Warning: Risk of burns when operated at high temperatures
on accessible parts surrounding the assembly.

Atlas™ Series Heated Platens
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4. Instruction, Installation and Operation of the
Atlas™ Series Heated Platens
Safety Warnings When Operating The
Atlas™ Heated Platens
A) DO NOT exceed a load of 15 tons with the Atlas™ Series Heated
Platens. It is very important that any applied load is spread over
the whole surface area of the platen faces. Localised “point
loading” could cause damage to the heated platens.
B) DO NOT attempt to press potentially explosive materials.
C) DO NOT attempt to press potentially combustible materials, or
materials with a low flash point temperature.
D) DO NOT use the heated platens without continuous flow cooling
water. Water flow must be always on to avoid overheating of the
heated platens and risk of damage.
E) If the cooling water flow is interrupted, the in-line flow safety cut
out switch will switch off power to the platens. DO NOT
re-establish a water flow until the heated platens actual
temperature falls below 80ºC.
F) AVOID BURNS. DO NOT touch the heated platen heated surfaces
with bare hands. They may be VERY HOT! Samples may take
longer to cool than the heated platens themselves. Use a sample
handling tool or wear suitable gloves to avoid the risk of burns to
hands.
G) DO NOT attempt to remove the thermocouple connection from the
lower heated platen assembly. Removal will cause permanent
damage to the heating elements in the heated platens.

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Water Cooling of the Atlas™ Series Heated Platens
A cold water supply for the water cooling system circuit is required for
operation of the Atlas™ Heated Platens. After passage through the
cooling system, the water can flow to a drain or be re-circulated if a
suitable thermo-circulating system has been employed for use in the
water cooling circuit. (See water cooling thermo-circulator systems,
Specac P/N’s GS11127 and GS11128.)
Installation of the Atlas™ Series Heated Platens
The Atlas™ Series Heated Platens can be installed into any Atlas™
Hydraulic Press (Manual, Power or Auto version). The procedure for
installation is described as follows.
Before installation into a press, it is best to initially secure the black
silicone rubber tubing for water cooling to the top (1) and lower (2)
heated platen assemblies (as shown in Fig 1.). The silicone rubber
tubing must be firmly secured to the heated platen water connections
(3) using the plastic cable ties supplied.
Fig 1. Connection of Parts for Water Cooling of the Top and Lower
Heated Platen Assemblies
2
3
3
1
4
5
Water OUT
Water IN

Atlas™ Series Heated Platens
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Warning! If there is any possibility that the cooling water supply is
likely to be interrupted then suitable high pressure tubing
should be used and firmly secured with tie clips. The outlet
tube should be secured to a sink or drain pointing
downwards to avoid the possible risk of scalding to hands
and face, if the water flow is re-established whilst the
platens are hot and high pressure steam is generated.
The silicone rubber tubing supplied can be cut to specific lengths for
the purposes of connection as shown in Fig 1. There are two pairs of
quick connectors (4) as an insert and a body supplied (see Fig 2.) and
they should be used on both the water in and water out lengths of
tubing in the direction of flow as shown in Fig 1.
Fig 2. Insert and Body Quick Connectors
The quick connectors (4) are a simple push fit (insert into body), which
will click when fully engaged. To disconnect, the silver disc on the body
connector is pushed down whilst the connectors are being pulled apart.
When these quick connections are disconnected, water is prevented
from leaking out of the tubing, thus avoiding accidental spillage.
Water In-line Flow Safety Cut Out Switch
The water in-line flow safety cut out switch (5) (see Fig 1, Fig 3. and
Fig 4.) must be included as part of the water cooling system. It is a
flow tube with an internal flow switch that cuts power to the Atlas™
Heated Platens if there is an interruption or stoppage of the cooling
water. Power to the Atlas™ Series Heated Platens will be allowed
4
Disc to Push

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once a minimal flow of cooling water (greater than 0.2 liters/min) has
been established.
Fig 3. Water In-line Flow Safety Cut Out Switch
The cut out switch (5) flow tube part has push on hose type fittings at
both ends for in-line connection with the black silicone flow tubing.
There is a particular direction of water flow indicated on the tube that
must be observed for correct connection and operation. When the
safety cut out switch (5) has been included within the cooling water
flow system, the electrical cable attached to the cut out switch is
connected to the rear panel of the Atlas™ Series Heated Platens
temperature controller via its appropriate plug and connection socket
(18). (See Fig 10.). Ensure that the plug and its connection socket (18)
are correctly aligned when pushing to fit.
For best operation the safety cut out switch (5) should be placed
between the water supply tap and the initial input water connection (3)
of the lower heated platen assembly (2). Try to make the length of
silicone tubing connection between the input water connection (3) on
the lower heated platen (2) and the outlet side of the safety cut out
switch (5) as short as practically possible. There is approximately 2
meters of electrical cable with connection plug attached to the safety
cut out switch (5) to fit into the socket connection (18) at the rear of the
temperature controller, providing a sufficient distance from the
temperature controller connection for best positioning of the cut out
switch (5) flow tube in the water cooling system.
In addition, Specac also recommends the use of an in-line water filter
(not supplied by Specac) of 50microns porosity or better between the
tap supply and the safety cut-out switch (5), particularly if the water
supply is not too clean. The filter will help trap any particulates and
5

Atlas™ Series Heated Platens
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prolong the life of operation of both the safety cut out switch (5) and
the water cooling blocks (6) of the Atlas™ Series Heated Platens
themselves.
If the Atlas™ Series Heated Platens are not going to be used for a long
period of time, the cooling block parts (6) of both the top (1) and lower
(2) heated platen assemblies should be stored without any water
inside them. After disconnection of the silicone tubing, any water left
inside can be expelled carefully by connection of either one of the
water connection ports (3) to an airline to blow the water out and away
to a drain. (See Fig 1. and Fig 4.)
Using with the Constant Thickness Film Maker Accessory
If the Constant Thickness Film Maker Accessory P/N GS15640 is to be
used with the Atlas™ Series Heated Platens, the cooling chamber
assembly (7) provided as part of this Film Maker Accessory should be
included in the water cooling system as shown in Fig 4.
Fig 4. Flow Connections for Cooling Block Assembly of Constant
Thickness Film Maker Accessory P/N GS15640
7
6
6
5
2
Water OUT
Water IN

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This is a very similar connection set up as shown in Fig 1., but the
cooling water should pass through the cooling chamber assembly (7)
prior to passage through the heated platen cooling blocks (6).
This ensures that the coolest water will always be flowing through the
cooling chamber assembly (7) first before passage through the heated
platen cooling blocks (6). In this situation of use for inclusion of the
cooling chamber assembly (7) in the water cooling circuit, the safety
cut out switch (5) can be situated before or after the cooling chamber
assembly (7), but it is important that the safety cut out switch (5) is
placed before any water flows through the lower heated platens
assembly (2).
Installation into the Press – Example Manual 15T
Remove the top bolster pressing face (8) with its O-ring (9) from the
lead screw (10) of the press. The bolster (8) is a push fit held in place
in the hollow end of the lead screw (10) by the O-ring (9) and is
removed by simply pulling down and away from the lead screw (10).
(See Fig 5.).
Fig 5. Front View of Press Showing Removal of Top Bolster
10
9
8
11

Atlas™ Series Heated Platens
15
Create a sufficient gap in the press between the lead screw (10) and
the lower bolster pressing piston surface (11) to accommodate both
the top (1) and lower (2) heated platen assemblies for installation by
raising or lowering the lead screw (10) as appropriate.
Installation of the Top Heated Platen Assembly
Take the top heated platen assembly (1) and pass it with its water
tubing and power cable connections through the rear of the press,
ensuring that the water connection ports (3) are projecting outwards
and pointing towards the rear of the pressing area. (See Fig 6.)
Fig 6.Top Heated Platen Assembly of Atlas™ Heated Platens
Note: The rear Perspex safety guard on the 15T Manual press should
be raised or can be removed to allow for easier installation. If
the guard is removed it must be re-attached after installation.
Insert the circular bolster connection (12) of the top heated platen
assembly (1) into the hollow at the base of the press lead screw (10)
as far as possible and tighten up the locking screw (13) by turning it
clockwise using the 4mm Allen key supplied. This applies pressure to
3
12
13
6
“Jaws” Opening

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the “jaws” of the top bolster connection (12) to push them apart and
holds the top heated platen assembly (1) tight in the lead screw (10)
for raising and lowering the top heated platen pressing surface (20)
with rotation of the lead screw (10). (See Fig 7. – Note front and rear
safety guards of the press have been removed from image for clarity.)
Fig 7. Installation of Top Heated Platen Assembly into the
Atlas™ Manual Hydraulic Press
10
13
12
6
20
11

Atlas™ Series Heated Platens
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The bolster connection (12) is permanently fixed to the top heated
platen cooling block (6) but allows the press lead screw (10) to rotate
during normal raising and lowering operations of the press lead screw
without rotation of the entire top heated platen assembly (1) itself.
Installation of the Lower Heated Platen Assembly
Similar to the top heated platen assembly (1), take the lower heated
platen assembly (2) and pass it with its water tubing, power cable and
thermocouple connections through the rear of the press, ensuring that
the water connection ports (3) are projecting outwards and pointing
towards the rear of the pressing area.
Note: The rear Perspex safety guard on the 15T Manual press should
be raised or can be removed to allow for easier installation. If
the guard is removed it must be re-attached after installation.
Locate the underside recess diameter of the lower heated platen
assembly (2) over the lower bolster pressing surface (11) of the press.
The recess diameter is nominally 83mm (see Fig 8.).
Fig 8. Lower Heated Platen Assembly Location Recess
Note: The lower bolster pressing surface (11) must not be removed
from the press to allow for a correct fit of the lower heated
platen assembly (2).
Lower Heated
Platen Recess
Diameter 83mm
2
3

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When both the top (1) and lower (2) heated platen assemblies have
been installed correctly into the press you are ready to make the
electrical connections to the temperature controller. (See Fig 9.)
Fig 9. Front View Showing Installation of Atlas™ Heated Platens
into the Atlas™ Manual Hydraulic Press
Note: If the rear Perspex safety guard of the Atlas™ Manual Hydraulic
Press has not been removed for installation of the top (1) and
lower (2) heated platen assemblies, it will have dropped down to
rest on the water tubing and power cable connections to the top
heated platen assembly (1). Although the rear guard cannot be
fully closed, it is safe to operate the press with the rear guard in
position in this way.
Water OUT
Water IN
2
1