Heidelberg Speedmaster SX 102 Delivery Air Settings Help

[Alan Farrell]

Hello. A few months ago I was moved over to our new Heidelberg Speedmaster SX 102 press. A couple of new lads that were hired to run it moved on so I didn't receive training from the actual demonstrator unfortunately and I'm having problems with delivery, specifically the air settings for sheets of cut length 720mm, the longest size. I have no problems really with smaller sizes, just seems the larger surface area is harder to control. I have been reduced to running at a speed of 6k/HR to maintain good knock up etc. If I increase the speed at all sheets are popping out to the sides or smashing into the front stop sensors every now and then. So, not ideal. I want to be able to run at high speeds but I can't seem to figure out good settings for 720mm. I have attached pictures of my current settings, would anyone have any tips they could share? Actual numerical values for the fan settings would be amazing Thanks.

Edit: should mention the main grammage we run is 45g, so quite light

 

[Adil]

The grammage 45 is very delicate in its adjustment.
You must activate the electrostatic bar at the feeder to eliminate the electrical charges first.
Then make an optimal adjustment at the reception of the honeycomb fans, the speed reducers and the clamp opening cam in a way to properly place the sheet at the reception, it is an adjustment that is done little by little and control does not will not come overnight.
Take your time and you will get there
Good luck

 

[Alan Farrell]

Thanks very much Adil, it is quite tricky, the other two guys running this press have issues with it too.

 

[Adil]

Good luck

 

[junker1984]

Is it also possible that the issue may in-part be caused by a possible mishap, knocking a select few grippers out of adjustment on the outer edges?

 

[Steve F]

Tricky, isn't it!
Just some musings, but hopefully some of the following may be of some benefit...

One important setting you haven't shown is the air settings on the sheet ascent (zone B 4/5) coming up to the delivery. On light stock I would set them both to 90-100% to keep the sheet from flapping up as it comes over the top of the swan neck, and keep the sheet more under control.

Looking at your images I don't think you have a coating unit, although if you do turn off the extraction system. If it's just IR dryer, going off memory I think there is some sort of blast air setting, which also should be turned off on stock this light.

Your slow down vacuum seems very low. I don't think I've ever needed to go below 90% vacuum. This coupled with the sheet ascent settings should bring the sheet to the actual delivery in a more controlled fashion.

Try setting the rear edge suction to 66% rather than the 0% it's on. (yet more control)

I general your fan/blow bar settings seem a little on the high side for 45gsm stock, but if the sheet is being delivered without it being under control.
I can understand why they are though, as we all get caught up in treating the symptoms rather than the cause.

On the bright side though, it's better for our mental health, to be struggling with getting sheets to deliver, rather than getting sheets to feed... Just!

(as an aside, I find running with anti-static on gives more problems than with it off)

Steve

 

[asem alsafady]

Dear Alan
As other colleagues said, and for me I prefer to increase your slow down to 70% at least and start from the lowest air volume with low speed, then increase the speed step by step while watching what the printed sheets need and adjust accordingly.
If you can upload a video for the delivery while running.
Note: check that all the fans at the honey comb are working fine, because I saw a case where small piece of paper prevented one fan from working.
For anti static: If your pressroom has good humanity 60-70% I don't prefer to switch on the anti static.
If your climate is dry I think you need to switch it on.

 

[Jack liston]

HELLO Allen once you find a good setting take a picture of the delivery settings and keep in your phone so you can refer to it good luck

 

[turbotom1052]

When you enter your sheet size into the press and the delivery presets change sheet sizes, there are often things don't don't change automatically that need to be adjusted. Not sure of your particular model and year of press, but a few things come to mind..... Ive found, and especially on lighter weight papers, that you need to manually adjust either the back row of fans or the back row of blowdown jets so that they are positioned directly over the sheet brake. I prefer to use both the sheet brake and the gripper release cam to "S T R E T C H" out the sheet. By using a slow speed on the sheet brake and a late gripper release cam you can stretch the sheet out so that there is a minimal amount of uncontrolled dangle time. Its during this uncontrolled hang time that things often go wrong that cause delivery jam-ups. I would suggest minimal blow down air, from fans and/or blowdown bars. You want just enough to control the sheet. More is definitely NOT better when it comes to air blast. As mentioned there could also be the issue of static. If your press is equipped with a static bar in the delivery you need to make certain that not only is it turned on but that it is kept clean and free of dirt and spray powder. It would not be excessive to have to clean this delivery static bar on a daily basis. Lastly I would encourage you to always be mindful of controlling air turbulence coming up from the various drying modules in the deliveries swans neck. When it comes to lighter weight papers, and where there is no requirement for drying aqueous coating, I would be looking to get most of my drying from the infrared bulbs if so equipped, rather than the hot air knives which can create quite a bit of convection currents.

 

[Adil]

I confirm that all these settings are useful in good working conditions.
But when it comes to the phenomenon of electrostatics that can often be found in low weights, it remains difficult to work within the standards.
It is necessary to activate the electrostatic systems and find an optimal air blowing setting. Speed bumps and clamp opening cam
As I told you it will take time but you will get there if you follow the common sense
Good luck