SM-74 powder spray issues

[Jwatt38]

Press is a 1996 model SM-74. We are having issues with the powder spray system. We have taken apart and cleaned the pump that’s under delivery and while it’s moving air it doesn’t seem to be enough. But now we are starting to think the powder unit itself might be messed up but we aren’t sure what to check or how to diagnose. The powder system is a alphatronic 200.

Any ideas what to look at next or check. Pump seems fine, it’s the carbon blade type pump/compressor. We have the spray system running off of shop air through a regulator. We either get intermittent working or not working at all.

 

[junker1984]

Are you noticing that the vibration coil is not energizing?

 

[Jwatt38]

Are you noticing that the vibration coil is not energizing?

I’m new to this so bear with me.

It seems to be working ish. The upper part dispenses powder through the adjustable opening. But the guy who’s been on the press says it’s supposed to look like a constant flow of powder all around the lower part. It’s spotty at best. I’ll assume/guess the vibration coil is the lower part….to me, the powder dances around like it’s being vibrated. If it’s the correct amount of umph…I don’t know.

I think we have a manual or some paperwork regarding the powder system, I can dig that out tomorrow.

Is there a way to know if it’s vibrating at maximum or if it’s underpowered?

Again, apologies, I’m new to the industry, and I am still learning all the jargon and have been on this press for about 6 months. Only in print for about 1.5 years.

 

[junker1984]

There would be no question as to whether it's vibrating or not, it should be obvious in sound and appearance. Is there a dial to turn up the vibration or a setting on the console of the press?

 

[Kylin machinery]

Hi there,

Dealing with SM 74 powder issues is usually a mix of air pressure and cleanliness. Here are a few things I’d check based on common Grafix/Weko setups on these machines:

• Filters first: Check the main air intake filter located under the delivery steps. If it’s clogged, the "venturi" effect won't pick up enough powder even if the motor is running.
• The "Clumping" factor: If your shop has had high humidity recently, the powder might be clumping in the delivery hoses. Disconnect the tubes and blow them out with high-pressure air.
• Nozzle alignment: Ensure the spray bar nozzles aren't rotated or blocked. Sometimes a quick brush with a stiff toothbrush can clear the tiny orifices.
• Timing on CP2000: Check your settings on the console to ensure the spray duration and timing match the sheet size and press speed. If the pulse is too short, the coverage will be inconsistent.

Hope this helps you track it down! Let us know if you find a specific failed solenoid or a blocked line.

 

[Jwatt38]

Hi there,

Dealing with SM 74 powder issues is usually a mix of air pressure and cleanliness. Here are a few things I’d check based on common Grafix/Weko setups on these machines:

• Filters first: Check the main air intake filter located under the delivery steps. If it’s clogged, the "venturi" effect won't pick up enough powder even if the motor is running.
• The "Clumping" factor: If your shop has had high humidity recently, the powder might be clumping in the delivery hoses. Disconnect the tubes and blow them out with high-pressure air.
• Nozzle alignment: Ensure the spray bar nozzles aren't rotated or blocked. Sometimes a quick brush with a stiff toothbrush can clear the tiny orifices.
• Timing on CP2000: Check your settings on the console to ensure the spray duration and timing match the sheet size and press speed. If the pulse is too short, the coverage will be inconsistent.

Hope this helps you track it down! Let us know if you find a specific failed solenoid or a blocked line.

Filters all around the press were cleaned a week or so before the issue started. But nothing abnormal there.

Spray bar/nozzles was where we started, and yea some holes were clogged and one nozzle was spraying the wall lol.

Clumping. We are in the Texas panhandle, humidity does not live here.

I’ll see about the console part tomorrow, I’ll check the filter again tomorrow too.

 

[Jwatt38]

Hi there,

Dealing with SM 74 powder issues is usually a mix of air pressure and cleanliness. Here are a few things I’d check based on common Grafix/Weko setups on these machines:

• Filters first: Check the main air intake filter located under the delivery steps. If it’s clogged, the "venturi" effect won't pick up enough powder even if the motor is running.
• The "Clumping" factor: If your shop has had high humidity recently, the powder might be clumping in the delivery hoses. Disconnect the tubes and blow them out with high-pressure air.
• Nozzle alignment: Ensure the spray bar nozzles aren't rotated or blocked. Sometimes a quick brush with a stiff toothbrush can clear the tiny orifices.
• Timing on CP2000: Check your settings on the console to ensure the spray duration and timing match the sheet size and press speed. If the pulse is too short, the coverage will be inconsistent.

Hope this helps you track it down! Let us know if you find a specific failed solenoid or a blocked line.

I showed this thread to the main operator and the General Manager. They both said, and poked around the various screens, there does not seem to be a way to adjust anything with powder spray on our console. The only thing all of us could find is "on" or "off", nothing indicating adjustment.

We have the system running off of shop air currently so we are getting by. But the pump/compressor under delivery works, and that seems to be the only thing not working to spec. Any advice for testing the compressor to make sure it's working correctly. it kicks on at the right time, moves air, but not enough to move powder. I recorded a video of the system "working" but I am not sure how to attach video....

 

[junker1984]

Carbon vanes would be my suggestion, given you say not enough air.