Universal MC-10NI Series User manual

1
NON-POROUS
MINI-CODER
ALL MODELS
NPMC-19197
UNIVERSAL STENCILING & MARKING SYSTEMS, INC.
P.O. BOX 871 - ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA 33731 USA
PH: [phone] FAX: [phone]
E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.universal-marking.com
STENCILING & MARKING SYSTEMS
OWNER’S MANUAL
INSTALLATION - OPERATION - MAINTENANCE

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PREFACE
SPECIFICATIONS
MC-10NI Top Mount Series
MC-10 Side Mount Series
Indexing & Non-Indexing Models
Mounting Configuration
Printing Dies
Ink Rolls
QUICK START
Installing the Pre-Inked Roll
Installing the Printing Dies
Adjusting the Ink Roll Eccentric
BASIC PRINCIPALS OF OPERATION
Inking System
Using the 4 oz. Reservoir Ink Cartridges
Selecting an Appropriate Ink
Ink Drying Time Considerations
WEB PRINTING
Selecting a Place to Mount Your Coder
Special Web Printing Applications
Printing on Narrow Web Materials
Printing Directly on Master Rolls
CARTON PRINTING
Carton Alignment
DiePositioningforIndexingApplications
TRANSFERROLL/PRINTPRESSUREREADJUSTMENT
Adjusting the Transfer Roll Pressure
AdjustingPrintingPressure
MAINTENANCE
Pre-InkingaNewRoll
CleaningtheTransfer Roll
Cleaning the Coder
CleaningthePrintingDies
PARTSLIST&DIAGRAMS
IMPORTANT NOTE
UNIVERSAL products are manufactured to exacting standards and every available step has been taken to
assure your complete satisfaction. It is most important that the instructions contained in this manual are read
and carefully followed for best results. Failure to do so may result in unsatisfactory performance, damage to the
equipment and personal injury. TABLE OF CONTENTS 3
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- LIMITED WARRANTY -
UNIVERSAL Non-Porous Mini-Coders are guaranteed to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a
period of 90 days from the date of purchase. Components found to be defective during this time will be repaired free of
charge if returned to the factory. Damage resulting from use of improper inks, improper installation, or operation is not
covered under the scope of this warranty. For warranty service please contact our Customer Service Department.
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Printing on non-porous materials has always been a major problem in industrial applications. The high degree of
maintenance required to keep conventional coders operating with solvent based inks has made many compa-
nies opt for manual marking as a cost effective alternative. With UNIVERSAL Non-Porous Coders, printing on
non-porous materials can be accomplished with the same relative ease as printing on porous materials. This
breakthrough in Non-Porous coder design opens up in-plant printing opportunities which previously were re-
garded as too costly to consider.
Inksused toprint onporous materialsdry throughabsorption intothe materialbeing printed.Inks usedto printon
non-porous materials dry through the rapid evaporation of the ink solvents after the print is applied. Since the ink
solvents must evaporate very rapidly on the printed material, they also evaporate very rapidly from the ink rolls
and ink wells of conventional coders therefore requiring constant maintenance.
Theproprietary design oftheUNIVERSAL Non-PorousInkingSystem effectively eliminatestherapid evaporation
of the ink solvents from the ink roll and additionally provides for convenient automatic re-inking of the roll without
interruptingthe printing process. Aftermanymonths ofdesignengineering andfieldtesting, theNon-porousMini-
Coder is both simplistic in design and extremely effective in operation. The relatively low cost of this system
makes in-plant printing of all types of non-porous materials a practical reality. The following pages of this manual
explainthe installation, operationandmaintenance ofNon-PorousMini-Coder and arethekey totroublefree non-
porous printing.
The specification section includes drawings with the basic dimensions of the coders, the net weights, maximum
die capacities, maximum print width and print drum circumferences. This section also lists the specifications for
the printing dies and an explanation of the Indexing and Non-Indexing models and the various mounting configu-
rations.
PREFACE
QUICK START
PAGES 9 THRU 15
This manual was written with a full understanding that very few people like to read manuals or have
the time to do so. To accommodate those who have little time to spare, we have included a Quick
Start section which will get your coder operating in just a few minutes.
To keep your coder operating properly, it is important to read and understand the Basic Principles of
Operation section which explains the basic operation of the Non-Porous Inking System.
CODER SPECIFICATIONS
Universal Non-Porous Mini-Coders are shipped from the factory, fully assembled and adjusted for the specific
mounting configuration indicated by the coder part number and description. The only additional preparation
required before putting the coder into operation is to install a pre-inked ink roller, install the printing dies, and
mount the coder on your production equipment.

4
SPECIFICATIONS
NON-POROUS MINI-CODER SPECIFICATIONS
MC-10NI TOP MOUNT SERIES
ModelShown: MC-10NI-NPRT
1.82
(46mm)
11.40
(290mm)
1.18
(30mm)
(63mm)
2.48
2.90
7.33
8.69
(74mm)
(186mm)
(221mm)
9.89
(251mm)
NET WEIGHT: 4 LBS. - 10 OZ. (2.10 KG.)
MAXIMUMDIESIZE - US STANDARD: 7/8” (8RIBS)X8-3/8” LENGTH
MAXIMUMDIE SIZE -METRICCODERS ONLY: 23.8MM(7RIBS) X 212.7MMLENGTH
PRINTDRUMCIRCUMFERENCE: APPROXIMATELY9.0"(228MM) MEASUREDAT DIE FACE

5
SPECIFICATIONS
NON-POROUS MINI-CODER SPECIFICATIONS
MC-10 SIDE MOUNT SERIES
ModelShown: MC-10-NPLS
4.20
107mm
11.40
290mm
1.18
30mm
2.60
66mm
2.90
74mm
7.33
186mm 8.69
221mm
3.98
101mm
NET WEIGHT: 4 LBS. - 5 OZ. (1.96 KG.)
MAXIMUMDIESIZE - US STANDARD: 7/8” (8RIBS)X8-3/8” LENGTH
MAXIMUMDIE SIZE -METRICCODERS ONLY: 23.8MM(7RIBS) X 212.7MMLENGTH
PRINTDRUMCIRCUMFERENCE: APPROXIMATELY9.0" (228 MM) MEASUREDAT DIE FACE

6
Non-indexing coders have print drums which simply rotate on bearings with no spring return mechanism.
These coders normally used for web printing applications where the print drum stays in contact with the web at
all times. If used in carton printing applications, when the trailing edge of a carton passes the coder, the print
drum rotation stops at a random position. When the next carton engages the print drum, the code will begin
printing at a random position relative to the leading edge of the carton and repeat the code every 9.1" down the
length of the carton.
Themounting configurationof acoderis determinedby howthe machine isdesigned tobe mounted inrelation to
the product and its movement. All references to mounting configuration are made as though you are viewing the
production line with the product moving away from you. Universal Mini-Coders are available from the factory in 4
different mounting configurations as shown in Figures 2 and 3.
INDEXING AND NON-INDEXING MODELS
MOUNTING CONFIGURATION
Note: Due to the asymmetrical design of the Inking System on the Non-Porous Mini-Coder, the mounting con-
figurations are not field convertible and must be properly specified when ordering.
Universal Non-Porous Mini-Coders are available in both indexing and non-indexing models.
Indexingcoderscontainaprintdrumspringreturnmecha-
nism which provides print registration capabilities when
carton printing (see Figure 1). As the trailing edge of a
carton passes the coder, the print drum automatically ro-
tates back to the same starting or “home” position. There
must be adequate space between cartons at any given
line speed for this mechanism to work properly. Printing
with an indexing coder will allow the imprint on each car-
ton to be registered in the same position relative to the
leading edge of the carton. The code will repeat every
9.1" down the length of the carton.
FIGURE2
FIGURE1
FIGURE3
PRINT DRUM
INDEXSPRING
RIGHTHAND
SIDEMOUNT
LEFTHAND
SIDEMOUNT
LEFTHAND
TOPMOUNT RIGHTHAND TOPMOUNT
SPECIFICATIONS

7
FIGURE5
BEARERRING
.007” - .008”
PRINTINGDIE
DRUMCOVER
FIGURE4
RIBtype® PRINTING DIES
The dies are manufactured to precision thickness toler-
ances which are very critical to the performance of these
coders. When installed, the face of the printing die should
extend only .007" - .008" beyond the radius of the Bearer
Rings as shown in Figure 5. Using dies that do not meet
thedesign specificationswillresult inpoor print qualityand
possible damage to the transfer roll.
Although there are several competitive rib backed die sys-
tems available, it is very important to note that they are not
all made to the same rib spacing or thickness specifica-
tions and are not interchangeable.
Universal also offers Metric RIBtype® die systems for use in countries where metric character sizes are the
standard. The Metric dies are thicker and the rib spacing differs slightly from the standard printing dies therefore
the two versions are not compatible. To accommodate the differences, the print drums for Metric dies are
machined to a slightly different diameter from the U.S. versions.
The coder model numbers on Metric coders will have a “-T” suffix and the Metric Drum Covers have a distinct
pinkcolor.
CODER MODELS DESIGNED FOR METRIC RIBtype® PRINTING DIES
Printing dies are also available in “logo” form in which a complete text message, company logos or trademarks
are produced on a single piece of rib backed rubber. These “logo” dies are photographically reproduced from
black and white art work. Due to their unitized construction, these dies generally produce better print quality and
are much faster to change in the field. For details on ordering custom logo dies, please contact our Customer
Service Department.
UniversalNon-Porous Coders aredesignedto useRIBtype® print-
ing dies which have a molded rib backing. The ribs on the back of
the die snap into mating ribs in the Drum Cover on the print drum
as shown in Figure 4.
The standard printing dies are available in sets with many sizes
and character styles. The sets are a combination of individual al-
phabeticandnumericcharacters or insetscontainingnumericchar-
acters only. These character sets or “sorts” can be used to make
up text messages and code numbers as necessary.
SPECIFICATIONS

8
Universal offers two ink roll options for the Non-Porous Mini-Coders - each with unique characteristics which will
help determine the suitability for a specific printing application. The coders are designed to accommodate both
types of ink rolls without modification. A detailed review of your printing requirements will determine the best
choice of ink rolls for your particular application.
Universal’s XF Neoprene Ink Rolls are a re-inkable roll which
canbe used with a variety of alcohol or glycol base inks. These
rolls are normally supplied in a dry condition from the factory
and require pre-inking prior to mounting on the coder. During
productionprinting, whenthe ink capacityof theroll isdepleted,
installing a 4 Oz. Reservoir Ink Cartridge in the coder’s reser-
voir Bottle Port will re-ink the roll automatically as production
continues.
Universal’s Type MT Ink Rolls are disposable pre-inked rolls
whichare available inavariety offastdrying colors. TheMTInk
Rolls provide excellent color density and adhesion on most
materials and an average yield of just under 500,000 impres-
sions before replacement is necessary. Since these rolls are
notre-inkable, allreferencesin themanual regarding theuse of
4 Oz. reservoir Ink Cartridges should be disregarded when us-
ing these rolls on your coder. The ability to operate the coder
without a Reservoir Ink Cartridge makes the MT Rolls particu-
larlywell suitedfor applicationsrequiring printing onthe bottom
of web materials.
TheTypeMTInk Rollsprovide drying timesbetween 4- 7 secondsat 75Degree F.(24 Deg. C)ambient tempera-
tures. The added convenience and simplicity of using the Type MT Ink Rolls makes them an ideal choice when
production operators have little time to monitor the inking system.
XF NEOPRENE INK ROLLS
TYPE MT INK ROLLS
Inhigh speedwebprinting applications,Universal’s#100 Inksprovidedrying timesofapproximately 2seconds at
75 Degree F. (24 Deg. C) ambient temperatures. Many other inks, both dye and pigment based, can be used in
these ink rolls to meet the specific application requirements. Refer to the Basic Principles of Operation section
on Page 15 for more information on selecting an appropriate ink.
INK ROLLS
FIGURE6
FIGURE7
SPECIFICATIONS

9
The ink roll you install on the coder must be properly pre-inked. If your coder was supplied with a dry XF
Neoprene ink roll, refer to the Maintenance Section page 25 for inking instructions.
Warning: Non-Porous inks contain flammable solvents. Do not smoke or handle these rolls in the
presence of sparks or open flames. Inks will also stain clothing, furniture, carpeting and your hands.
Rubber gloves should be worn during the following procedures.
INSTALLING THE PRE-INKED ROLL
This moves the Ink roller axle away from the Transfer
Rolland enablestheink rolltobe installedwithoutinter-
ferencewiththe Transfer Roll duringreassemblyof the
inking system.
The Cover Retaining Knob holds the entire inking sys-
temtogetherand otherpartsmay fallfreefromthecoder
if not held securely when this knob is removed.
TheKnurledDriveWheelCoverisveryloosefitting. Note
that the flat on the side of the Drive Wheel Cover is
alignedtowardstheprintdrum. Duringreassembly,this
must be replaced in the same position.
Rollers that have been pre-inked at the factory are normally slightly oversaturated with ink to compensate for
potential solvent loss during shipping and storage. If you received a pre-inked ink roll with your coder, it is
importantto examinethe rollpriorto installation. The ink roll should be thoroughly saturated with ink but not
dripping wet. Excess ink can be easily removed by lightly rolling the ink roll across a clean piece of absorbent
paper.
1 - To install the pre-inked roll, first turn the Ink Roll Ec-
centric Adjusting Knob “A” to the “MIN” position.
2 - While holding the Drive Wheel Cover “B” in place,
remove the knurled Cover Retaining Knob “C” by turn-
ing it counterclockwise.
3 -Hold Inking System Cover “D” in place and remove
Knurled Drive Wheel Cover “B”.
FIGURE8
FIGURE9
FIGURE10
QUICK START

10
TheKnurledDriveWheelrestsontopoftheTransferRoller
andis installedover 3stainless drivepins whichprotrude
through 3 mating holes in the Drive Wheel. This is a
closetolerance fitand therewillbesomeresistance from
theengagementwith the rubberBearerring on the Print
Drumwhenthis is removed. Aslightrotationor wiggling
actionwillmake removal easier.
4 - Remove the Knurled Drive Wheel “E”.
Rolls which have been pre-inked at the factory are typi-
cally over saturated with ink to compensate for potential
solvent loss during shipping and storage. Installing an
over saturated roll on the coder will result in ink leakage
from the Inking System and in extreme cases may dam-
agethe ballbearingsintheTransfer Roll. Whenthe roller
is installed, it must be thoroughly saturated with ink but
you should not be able to see any liquid ink on the sur-
face of the roll. If necessary, blot excess ink from the
sidesofthe roll with adrypaper towel before installation.
The Transfer Roll Surface is a finely engraved Delrin
plasticmaterialwhich can be easily scratched. When
assembled, the Transfer Roll resides in a very close
fittingcavityin Inking System Cover. Carefully pulling
theInkingSystem Cover directlyawayfrom the Base-
plate until it clears the Transfer Roll will prevent dam-
ageto the TransferRollsurface.
Keeping ink off your gloves at this stage will prevent
contaminationof the externalpartsof thecoderduring
rollinstallation
5 -Carefully pull the Inking System Cover “D” directly
away from the Inking System Baseplate “F”. Do not
let the cover drag across the surface of the Trans-
fer Roller “G”.
6 - Put on a pair of rubber gloves and remove the pre-
inked ink roller from the storage container by insert-
ing a small rod (a pencil works nicely) in the center
of the core.
7 -Inspect the roll for excess surface wetness. Remove
any excess ink by rolling the roll lightly over a piece
of absorbent paper.
FIGURE11
FIGURE12
FIGURE13
FIGURE14
QUICK START