Thermopatch Almere NL-22 User manual

NL-22
Combo Heat seal machine

Copyrights
©2008, Thermopatch Almere, the Netherlands. No part of this
publication may be reproduced by any means without the prior written
permission of Thermopatch B.V.
Thermopatch, Thermoseal, Texmark, Plytex, Minilogic, Thermocrest,
Rabbit, Truflex, Penguin, Mammoth and the Thermopatch logo are trade
marks or registered trademarks of Thermopatch.

Preface
Dear User,
Welcome to the growing group of Thermopatch NL-22 press users. The
product you have purchased has been carefully designed and manufactured
to ensure that you, the user, will gain the maximum benefit.
All Thermopatch products are specifically designed to ensure ease of use
with particular attention to safety requirements.
Should you discover any fault or damage upon receipt of this product, you
should immediately contact your supplier.

Contents
1.
Introduction NL-22 press
1
1.1
What did you receive?
2
1.2
Specifications of the NL-22 press
3
1.3
Safety
4
1.4
Safety tips
4
2.
Installation
6
2.1
Transport instructions
6
2.2
Installing the machine
6
2.3
Electrical requirements
6
2.4
Adjusting the pressure
7
3.
How to operate the NL-22 press
8
3.1
Starting with the NL-22 press
8
3.2
Working with heat transfer materials
8
3.3
Working with material fusing
9
3.4
Pressing pad assembly
10
3.5
Shutting down the machine
10
3.6
Fault diagnosis
10
3.7
Hints and tips
11
4.
Maintenance of the Machine
12
4.1
Daily maintenance
12
4.2
Periodic maintenance
12
4.3
Cleaning
12
5.
Machine Drawings, Diagrams and
Declaration
13
5.1
General layout
14
5.2
Control unit operation
15
5.3
Exploded diagram and parts list
16
5.4
Machine electrical schematic
18
5.5
Controller wiring diagram
20
5.6
Declaration of Conformity
21
6.
Design Change
22
7.
Guarantee
23

Page 1
1. Introduction NL-22 press
The NL-22 press is a manually operated heat press for printing caps and
similar small items. This simple robust machine is powered by a micro-
processor for control of both heat and dwell accuracy and ease of operation
and requires minimal operating space.
The work area of the NL-22 press is 100 x130 mm
The NL-22 press is produced in two versions, nominally 230 Volts AC and
nominally 120 volts AC.

Page 2
1.1 What did you receive
The NL-22 press has been shrink wrapped or shrink wrapped and placed
in a cardboard box and held in place with foam. The following articles
should have been delivered:
NL-22 press complete with mains cable and plug and additional
platens.
NL-22 press Users’ Handbook on CD
Any extra items ordered
If there is any damage or any article is missing, please contact your
supplier immediately.

Page 3
1.2 Specifications of the NL-22 press
The NL-22 press is a manually operated heat press for transfer printing
and material fusing. It is ideal for medium volume production.
Specifications 230V
Power consumption
500 Watts
Power supply
230 Volts AC
Working temperature
70-235oC
Machine height open
80 cms
Machine height closed
43 cms
Machine width
28 cms
Machine depth
52 cms
Net weight
14.5 kg
Press pad dimensions Pocket
13 x 10 cms
Press pad dimensions Caps
15 x 9 cms
Fuses
3.15A
A-weighted noise level
<70dB(A)
Specification
120V
Power consumption
500 Watts
Power supply
120 Volts AC
Working temperature
160-455oF
Machine height open
32 ins
Machine height closed
17 ins
Machine width
11 ins
Machine depth
21 ins
Net weight
32 lbs
Press pad dimensions Pocket
5 x 3.6 ins
Pres pad dimensions Caps
6 x 3,75 ins
Fuses
6.3A
A-weighted noise level
<70dB(A)

Page 4
1.3 Safety
The NL-22 press has been equipped with various safety features to ensure
operator safety.
a. A thermal cut-out on the heating element shuts off the power to
the element if the temperature exceeds 235o±15oC (455 ±
27oF).
b. The time/temperature controller has a built in facility giving error
messages in the event of faults with the element heating and
control system.
1.4 Safety Tips
Our customer service has its own service engineers and, if
required, maintenance and advice is available upon request
The NL-22 press meets the European Legislation standard. Under
normal conditions accidents are rare. However listed below are
some practical points to ensure your safety.
Always switch off and isolate the mains supply (i.e. remove
plug) before undertaking any maintenance work.
Keep other people away from the machine during use.
Ensure that there is sufficient space around the machine.
Cables and connections must not get jammed. Although the
heat radiation of the press is low, there should be enough
space for cooling down.
Avoid contact with the press element.
DO NOT REMOVE THE BASE BOARD OR CONTROLLER
UNLESS QUALIFIED TO DO SO - touching internal parts is
dangerous and may cause shock hazard. All electrical connections
inside covers are live. Never operate Press with any covers and/or
guards removed.
PROTECT THE MAINS CABLE - damage to the mains cable
may cause fire or shock hazard. When unplugging, hold by the
plug only and remove carefully. Take care that the mains cable
does not come into contact with the heat plate (or moving parts of
the mechanism) during operation of the machine.
OPERATING AMBIENT TEMPERATURE RANGE - the
operating ambient temperature range is 32oF - 104oF, (0 - 35oC)
and humidity of 20 - 80%. This heat press is fitted with a thermal
cut out to ensure that it cannot operate above 235o±15oC (455 ±
27oF).

Page 5
Safety Tips (cont.)
MACHINE FUSES - type: ultra rapid (FF) fuses 1¼” 230 Vac
max. 3.15 amps. (120 Vac max. 6.3 amps).
WARNING - THIS APPARATUS MUST BE
EARTHED (GROUNDED)
CAUTION
This machine gets hot whilst operating. Take care not to touch any
surfaces that are labelled “Caution this plate is HOT”.
MACHINE OPERATION
Only suitably trained personnel should operate this machine.
For Safety use both handles to move the handle up and down.
Do not allow the handle to move upward, by the effect of the
springs, without a hand on it
Keep fingers away from trapping points in the arm - lever toggle
mechanism. Using both hands on the handle keeps the hands safe.
Contact your print media suppliers to ascertain whether fumes are
given off during the transfer process, and if so what precautions are
needed for operator safety. These may include air extraction and /
or masks for personnel.
Please refer to Appendix I for an illustration of the NL-22 press
machine.

Page 6
2. Installation
2.1 Transport instructions
The machine comes to you in a box or shrink wrap. If you have to
transport the machine at any time it is recommended that you use a similar
box and packing methods. Please let the machine cool down and lower the
handle to the locked position.
2.2 Installing the machine
2.2.1 Remove all packaging from the heat press.
2.2.1 Check to ensure that no damage has been caused to the machine
during transit.
2.2.3 Place the machine on a sturdy horizontal surface that is within
easy reach of the operator and allow space for the handle to move
up to the loading position. Ensure that no items vulnerable to heat
radiation are too close to the machine and that local lighting is
adequate.
2.3 Electrical requirements
The NL-22 press should be connected to the mains supply, (nominally
230V AC for the European Market, or 120V AC for America) by the mains
cable provided and a suitable plug. A qualified person should carry out this
work.
The press is designed for 220-230 volts AC ±50/60 hertz and requires
exclusive use of a power outlet rated for at least 5 amps (Europe),
or for 120 volts AC 8 amps (America).
Ensure that the supply rating on the machine specification plate
corresponds with your local supply and that the correct plug is fitted.
MAINS LEAD
The wires in this mains lead are coloured in accordance with the following
code:
Green and Yellow: EARTH (GREEN)
230 VAC Blue: NEUTRAL (WHITE) 120 VAC
Brown: LIVE (BLACK)
As the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this apparatus may not
correspond with the coloured markings identifying the terminals in your
plug, proceed as follows: -

Page 7
1. The wire coloured green and yellow must be connected to the
terminal in the plug which is marked by the letter E, or by the
safety earth symbol coloured green, or green and yellow.
2. The wire coloured blue must be connected to the terminal which
is marked with the letter N, (Neutral connector)
3. The wire coloured brown must be connected to the terminal
which is marked with the letter L, (Live connector)
4. NOTE:
Replacement of the mains cable must be done by a competent
service engineer.
HEATING ELEMENT
The heating element fitted to this press is rated at 500 Watts.
Never connect to any outlet or power supply having a different
voltage/frequency from that on the machine data plate.
2.3B Wiring the plug for a 120 VAC machine.
1.The wire which has green insulation must be connected to the
terminal in the plug coloured green or marked GR.
2.The wire which has white insulation must be connected to the
terminal in the plug identified as neutral.
3.The wire which has black insulation must be connected to the
terminal in the plug which is identified as live (line).
4. Note: Replacement of the power cord must be carried out by a
qualified electrician in accordance with national and local electrical
codes, and the instructions provided with the plug.
2.4 Adjusting the pressure
This press is fitted with a pressure adjusting unit, which enables the heat
plate assembly to be raised or lowered by use of a pressure adjustment knob
located on the top of the machine:
a) To increase pressure or to use thinner materials turn knob
clockwise.
b) To decrease pressure or to raise the heat plate assembly to enable
thicker materials to be used, turn the adjustment knob
anticlockwise.
NOTE
DO NOT adjust the pressure when the machine is clamped shut
CAUTION
Never increase the pressure to the extent of requiring undue force to
lower the toggle/heat plate assembly into the lock position, as this will
place excessive stress on the press frame, resulting in permanent
damage to the press.
2.5 Adjusting the time and temperature
Please refer to Appendix II showing the operation of the control
unit.

Page 8
3. How to Operate the
NL-22 press
3.1 Starting with the NL-22 press
3.1.1 Plug into your supply outlet and switch supply on.
N.B. Please ensure the mains plug is easily accessible to the
operator so that in the event of a fault the machine can be
unplugged.
3.1.2 Turn on the NL-22 press; the on/off switch is to the right of the
controller. Set the machine controls as necessary. See instructions
for adjusting the pressure, 2.4, and the operation of the time
temperature unit, 5.2. When the set temperature is steady in the
display the machine is ready to use
3.2 Working with Heat Transfer Materials
This section is divided into Transfer Marking/Transfer Printing and Heat
Bonding and Fusing.
First ascertain from the supplier of the material that it is suitable to be
used, and obtain the correct heat and time dwell setting for the material and
transfer. Approximate settings may be as follows:-
3.2.1 Transfer Marking
NOTE: Transfer marking is usually for the marking of materials for
identification purposes and should not be confused with the
transfer printing, as mentioned in the next section.
3.2.2 Transfer Printing
NOTE: Always ascertain from the supplier of material and transfer paper,
that the material to be used is suitable for, and has been prepared
for transfer printing.
200oC (392oF) - Heat setting
3 to 5 seconds - Time dwell setting
190o- 200oC (374-392oF) - Heat setting
20 to 30 seconds - Time dwell setting

Page 9
3.2.3 Heat Bonding - Fusing
3.2.4 Ensure that the heat setting and dwell time setting are correct for
the material being used.
3.2.5 Adjust the pressure setting of the machine by rotating the
adjusting knob situated at the rear of the machine. (See exploded
diagram in this manual. Clockwise for more pressure,
anticlockwise for less pressure.
3.2.6 Adjust the position of the silicone pad table to align with the cap
with the heat plate by loosening the locking knob situated
underneath the silicone pad table, positioning it as required (front
to back) and retightening the locking knob.
3.2.7 Hook the cap under the cap tensioning arm and pull the cap onto
the silicone pad table.
3.2.8 Place the transfer in the desired position on the work.
3.2.9 Gently pull the handle forward into the lock position, using both
hands for safety and ensuring the work is firmly clamped between
the heat plate and pressure pad.
3.2.10 When the pre-set dwell time has been reached, a buzzer will
sound. The heat plate should then be lifted by pushing the handle
back to its full extent. The handle should be held until the up
position is reached to remove the possibility of injury to the
operator’s face from an uncontrolled upward movement of the
handle.
3.3 Material Fusing
3.3.1 When the press is to be used for the fusing of fusible
interlining/heat bonding etc., ascertain from the supplier of the
material to be used, the correct settings for time and temperature
for the process.
Approximate settings are usually within the following:-
120o- 170oC (250o- 340oF) Heat Setting
5 - 30 seconds Time Dwell Setting
The method of operation for fusing is the same as for transfer
printing.
During the fusing operation it will be found to be advantageous
to lay a piece of PTFE cover material (the same size as the table),
over the article being fused. This will act as an anti-stick barrier to
prevent strike through of any surplus adhesive from the fusible
materials adhering to the heat plate of the press.
140o- 200oC (284-392oF) - Heat setting
5 to 15 seconds - Time dwell setting

Page 10
Note:
It is not advisable that this PTFE cover material be used when the
press is being used for transfer printing.
3.4 Pressing Pad Assembly
The pressing pad normally supplied with this machine is silicone rubber.
The pressing pad must be maintained in good condition at all times and
replaced when showing signs of wear. A worn pressing pad will always
affect the quality of printing/fusing. Do not insert items into the machine
which would tend to cut the pressing pad, i.e. buttons, pins, press studs or
zips.
Never allow the hot heat plate to rest on the pressing pad when the press is
not being used as the pad may be damaged.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The pressing pad supplied with the machine is of the correct thickness.
Using a thicker pad may invalidate your warranty.
3.5 Shutting Down
To shut down the machine, turn off the green illuminated rocker switch to
the right of the controller. The handle should be in the up position.
After shutting off the machine, it should not be switched on again for 30
seconds.
3.6 Fault Diagnosis
This machine has a built in fault diagnosis. The display may show the
following:
1. Heat Fault
If the element of the heat press, or the thermal cut-out go open
circuit, after approximately 20 minutes the display will show “Heat
Fault”. If this display is seen, contact your machine supplier
immediately.
2. Probe Fault
If the probe goes open circuit, the display will show “Probe Fault”
immediately. Contact your machine supplier immediately.

Page 11
3. “CAL” Fault
If “CAL” appears in the controller display the controller will need
to be recalibrated. Switch off the machine and contact your
supplier for an instruction sheet.
CAUTION
In all fault conditions, switch off the power to the machine and unplug the
machine from the electrical supply before contacting your machine supplier.
3.7 Hints and Tips
Transfer Printing
Extra care should always be taken to ensure that transfer paper is placed
print down onto the article as mistakes will result in the heat plate becoming
soiled with ink and spoiling following work.
When transfer printing, it may be found advantageous to cover the press
pad with paper to prevent strike-through of surplus ink, particularly when
printing thin material as surplus print on the pressing pad cover can also
strike back on the following work.
Transfer Paper/Motifs Fail to Print Out Correctly
Check:-
1. Heat and time dwell settings are correct.
2. Article having transfer applied is locked in contact between
pressing pad and heat plate.
3. Pressing pad is in good condition, and making complete contact
over the whole area of the heat plate. See Pressing Pad details.
“Ghosting” (Double Image) of Transfer Prints
Check:-
1. Material being used has been correctly heat set for transfer
printing.
2. Material being used does not shrink during printing process, i.e.
measure material before and after printing.
3. Transfer paper does not move after printing process upon lift off
of the heat plate.
4. If possible, use adhesive coated paper, particularly to overcome
fabric shrinkage.
5. By pre-shrinking of material in press before transfer printing.

Page 12
4. Maintenance of the Machine
4.1 Daily Maintenance
For good press results it is important to keep the press surfaces clean.
Wipe the surface of the heat plate with a dry non abrasive cloth before use
when the plate is cold.
4.2 Periodic Maintenance
Put a few drops of oil onto the various pivot pins and the pressure adjusting
screw every three months.
4.3 Cleaning
First unplug the machine. Clean the outside of the machine frequently
with a clean, moist cloth. This may conveniently be carried out when the
machine is cold.

Page 13
5. Machine Drawings, Diagrams
and Declarations
On the following pages are the schematic diagrams for the NL-22 press
machine.
5.1 General Layout Appendix I
5.2 Control Unit - Operation Appendix II
5.3 Exploded Diagram and Parts List Appendix III / IV
5.4 Electrical Diagram Appendix V
5.5 Controller - Electrical Diagram Appendix VI
5.6 Declaration of Conformity Appendix VII

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