Universal CLP-100NI-NPRT User manual

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INSTALLATION - OPERATION - MAINTENANCE
OWNER’S MANUAL
NON-POROUS
CONVEYOR LINE PRINTERS
ALL MODELS
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
NPCLP-09048

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IMPORTANT NOTE
UNIVERSAL products are manufactured to exacting standards and every available step has been taken to assure your
completesatisfaction. Itismostimportant,forbestresults,thatyoureadandcarefullyfollowtheinstructionscontainedinthis
manual. Failure to do so may result in unsatisfactory performance, damage to the equipment and personal injury.
- LIMITED WARRANTY -
UNIVERSAL Non-PorousConveyorLine Printers are guaranteed to be freefromdefects 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
isnotcovered under the scope of thiswarranty. For warranty service pleasecontactourCustomerServiceDepartment.
PREFACE
SPECIFICATIONS
CLP-100 Series
CLP-200 Series
IndexingandNon-IndexingModels
MountingConfigurations
Printing Dies
InkRolls
QUICK START
Installing the Inking SystemAssembly
Installingthe Pre-Inked Roll
Installing the Printing Dies
Adjusting the Ink Roll Eccentric
BASIC PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION
InkingSystem
Using the 4 Oz. Reservoir Ink Cartridges
SelectinganAppropriateInk
Ink Drying Time Considerations
WEBPRINTING
Mounting the Coder
Special Web PrintingApplications
Printing on Narrow Web Materials
Printing directly on Master Rolls
GangMounting
CARTONPRINTING
CartonAlignment
DiePositioning for IndexingApplications
MAINTENANCE
Pre-Inkinga New Ink roll
Cleaning the Transfer Roll
Cleaning the Coder
Cleaning the Printing Dies
MountingConfiguration Conversion
Replace Print Drun Index Springs
Removing and Replacing Index Block “B”
Inking SystemAssembly
PARTS DIAGRAMS & PARTS LISTS
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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.
Inksusedto print on porous materials dry through absorption into the material being printed. Inks used to print on
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-Porous InkingSystemeffectively eliminates therapidevaporation
of the ink solvents from the ink roll and additionally provides for convenient automatic re-inking of the roll without
interrupting the printing process. After many months of design engineering and field testing, the Non-porous
Conveyor Line Printer 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
thismanual explain the installation, operation andmaintenanceof Non-Porous Conveyor Line Printer and arethe
key to trouble free 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
Thismanual was written with a full understanding that veryfewpeople 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

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SPECIFICATIONS
NET WEIGHT: 10 LBS. - 12 OZS. (4.88 KG.)
MAXIMUMDIESIZE- US STANDARD: 7/8”(7RIBS) X 16-15/16” LENGTH
MAXIMUMDIESIZE-METRICCODERS ONLY: 23.8MM(7 RIBS) X 430.2 MM LENGTH
PRINTDRUMCIRCUMFERENCE: APPROXIMATELY18" (457 MM) MEASUREDATDIE FACE
CONVEYOR LINE PRINTER SPECIFICATIONS
TOP MOUNT SERIES
ModelShown: CLP-100NI-NPRT
8.25
210MM
11.60
295MM
10.51
267MM
11.51
292MM
5.70
145MM
MIN
MAX
1
23
4.91
125MM
3.90
99 MM
1.56
40 MM
1.13
29 MM

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SPECIFICATIONS
CONVEYOR LINE PRINTER SPECIFICATIONS
SIDE MOUNT SERIES
ModelShown: CLP-200NI-NPLS
NET WEIGHT: 11 LBS. -5 OZS. (5.13 KG.)
MAXIMUMDIESIZE - US STANDARD: 1-7/8”(14RIBS)X16-15/16”LENGTH
MAXIMUMDIESIZE-METRICCODERSONLY: 49.2MM(13RIBS)X430.2 MM LENGTH
PRINTDRUMCIRCUMFERENCE: APPROXIMATELY18" (457 MM) MEASUREDATDIEFACE
5.70
145MM
9.19
233MM
8.25
210MM
11.25
286MM
11.51
292MM
MIN MAX
12
3
4.82
122MM
2.48
63 MM
2.05
52 MM

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SPECIFICATIONS
INDEXING AND NON-INDEXING MODELS
Universal Non-Porous Conveyor Line Printers are available in both indexing and non-indexing models.
Indexing coders contain a print drum spring return mechanism
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 rotates 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. Print-
ing with an indexing coder will allow the imprint on each carton to
beregistered in thesameposition relative tothe leading edge ofthe
carton. The code will repeat every 18" down the length of the car-
ton.
Non-indexing coders have print drums which simply rotate on
bearings with no spring return mechanism. These coders are nor-
mally used for web printing applications where the print drum stays
in contact with the web at all times. If used in carton printing appli-
cations, when the trailing edge of a carton passes the coder, the
print drum rotation stops at a random position. When the next car-
tonengages the print drum, thecodewill begin printing at arandom
position relative to the leading edge of the carton and repeat the
code every 18" down the length of the carton.
Note: Due to the symmetrical design of the Inking System on the Non-Porous Conveyor Line Printer, the Right
Hand and Left Hand mounting configurations are field convertible. Due to the location of the ports for the 4 Oz.
ReservoirInk Cartridges,TopMountand Side Mount orientationscannot be field converted and must be properly
specified when ordering.
MOUNTING CONFIGURATION
Themounting configuration of a coder is determined by how the machine isdesignedtobemounted in relation 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 Conveyor Line Printers are available from the
factory in 4 different mounting configurations as shown in Figures 2 and 3.
SPRING RETURN
MECHANISM
RIGHT HAND
SIDE MOUNT
LEFT HAND
SIDE MOUNT
LEFT HAND
TOP MOUNT RIGHT HAND
TOP MOUNT
FIGURE 1
FIGURE 2 FIGURE 3

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SPECIFICATIONS
FIGURE 4
FRICTION
BEARER
.007” - .008”
PRINTING DIE
DRUMCOVER
FIGURE 5
RIBtype® PRINTING DIES
CODER MODELS DESIGNED FOR METRIC RIBtype® PRINTING DIES
Printing dies are manufactured to precision thickness tol-
eranceswhich areverycritical to theperformance of these
coders. Wheninstalled, the face of the printing die should
extend only .007" - .008" beyond the radius of the Friction
Bearers as shown in Figure 5. Using dies that do not
meetthe design specificationswillresult in poorprint qual-
ity and possible damage to the transfer roll.
Althoughthere are several competitiveribbacked die sys-
temsavailable, it is veryimportantto note that theyare not
all made to the same rib spacing or thickness specifica-
tions and they 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.
Universal Non-Porous Coders are designed to use Universal
RIBtype® printingdies which have amoldedrib 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 alphabetic
and numeric characters or in sets containing numeric characters
only. These character sets or “sorts” can be used to make up text
messages and code numbers as necessary.
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.

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SPECIFICATIONS
INK ROLLS
Universal offers two ink roll options for the Non-Porous Conveyor Line Printers each with unique characteristics
which will help determine the suitability for a specific printing application. The coders are designed to accommo-
dateboth types of ink rolls withoutmodification. Adetailed review of your printing requirementswilldetermine 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 with the coder and
requirepre-inking priorto installation. Pre-inked rolls areavail-
able from the factory and are recommended for first time us-
ers.
During production printing, when the ink capacity of the roll is
depleted,installinga 4Oz.Reservoir InkCartridge in thecoder’s
reservoir Bottle Port will re-ink the roll automatically as produc-
tion continues.
In high speed web printing applications, Universal’s #100 Inks
provide drying times of approximately 2 seconds at 75 Degree
F. (24 Deg. C) ambient temperature. Many other inks, both dye
and pigment based, can be used in these ink rolls to meet the
specificapplication requirements. Refer to the Basic Principles
of Operation section on Page 16 for more information on se-
lecting an appropriate ink.
Universal’sTypeMTInkRollsare disposablepre-inked rollswhich
are available in a variety of fast drying colors. The MT Ink Rolls
provide excellent color density and adhesion on most materials
and an average yield of just under 500,000 impressions before
replacement is necessary. Since these rolls are not re-inkable,
all references in the manual regarding the use of 4 Oz. reservoir
Ink Cartridges should be disregarded when using these rolls on
your coder. The ability to operate the coder without a Reservoir
InkCartridge makes theMTRolls particularly well suitedforappli-
cations requiring printing on the bottom of web materials.
The Type MT Ink Rolls provide drying times between 4 - 7 sec-
onds at 75 Degree F. (24 Deg. C) ambient temperature. The
added convenience and simplicity of using the Type MT Ink Rolls
makesthem an idealchoicewhen production operatorshave little
time to monitor the inking system.
XF NEOPRENE INK ROLLS
TYPE MT INK ROLLS
FIGURE 7
FIGURE 6

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QUICK START
INSTALLING THE INKING SYSTEM ASSEMBLY
Your new Non-Porous Conveyor Line Printer was fully assembled and adjusted at the factory before final inspec-
tion. In order to minimize the size of the shipping cartons used to package these machines, the Non-Porous
Inking System Assembly was removed from the Pivot Arm and must be reinstalled before operation.
2 -Loosen the Pivot Arm Adjusting Knob “C” and rotate the
Pivot Arm “E” away from the Print Drum “D” slightly.
3 -Position the Inking System Assembly “A” on top of the Pivot
Arm “E” and align the two holes in the Inking System with
the matching holes in the PivotArm. Reinstall the two Mount-
ing Screws “B”.
4 -Rotate the Pivot Arm until the Inking System Assembly “A” con-
tacts the Print Drum “D”. There is a small amount of clearance in
themounting holes in the PivotArm. Whileholding the Inking Sys-
temagainst thePrintDrum, aligntheInking Systemsothat it points
directly at the center of the Print Drum and tighten the two mount-
ing screws securely.
1 -To install the Inking System Assembly “A” remove the (2)
Mounting Screws “B” from the bottom of the assembly.
FIGURE 8
FIGURE 9
FIGURE 10
FIGURE 11
This will allow the Inking System to be installed without
contactinterferencewith the print drum.
Thread the screws in all the way but do not tighten.

10
QUICK START
2 - Loosen the Knurled Pivot Arm Knob “C” & swing the
Inking SystemAssembly “A” away from Print Drum.
INSTALLING THE PRE-INKED ROLL
5 - Press the Inking SystemAssembly towards the Print Drum
and adjust the Position Adjusting Screw “F” until the
Knurled Drive Wheel “G” makes positive contact with the
Friction Bearer “H” on the Print Drum. When the Pivot
Arm Adjustment Knob “C” is tightened, the Knurled Drive
Wheel should only contact the Friction Bearer Ring with
enough pressure to drive positively when the print drum
is rotated.
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.
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 27 for inking instructions.
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 examine the roll prior to 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 Eccen-
tric Adjusting Knob “I” to the “MIN” position.
FIGURE 14
FIGURE 13
FIGURE 12
This moves the ink roller axle away from the Transfer Roll
and enables the ink roll to be installed without interference
with the Transfer Roll during reassembly of the inking sys-
tem.
ThisadjustmentprocedurealsocontrolstheTransferRollcon-
tact with the printing dies. Excessive engagement pressure
should be avoided as this will cause unnecessary drag on the
printdrum and result in smudged impressions.