Product

• Kodak ThermoFlex Mid
• ThermoFlex Narrow

Symptoms

The nozzle requires frequent cleaning, and thin black vertical lines, or tik marks, appear on images.

Cause

• Filters in the debris removal/vacuum pump system need changing.
• The debris removal/vacuum pump hose is worn and needs to be replaced.
• The squared-off edge of the nozzle is acting as a "platform" for ablation to sit on. The ablation particles are sticky, and build up on the edge and internal walls of the nozzle, causing focus problems.
  

Solution

1. Replace the filters in the Fuchs vacuum pump or UDRC, as required.
2. Replace the debris removal hose.
3. Check whether the suction unit (nozzle) is the updated version (500-03854A) or the earlier version.
   
   Nozzle version 500-03854A (click for detail)
   • Version 500-03854A: Adjust the nozzle position (step 6)
   • Earlier version: You have three options:
     • File down the nozzle opening (step 4)
     • Update the nozzle to version 500-03854A (step 5)
     • Adjust nozzle position (step 6)
4. To prevent ablation from collecting, file down the edge of the nozzle opening as follows:
1. Remove the nozzle from its location by removing the two hex screws.

2. Use wet sandpaper (grit P800–P1000) to file down the edge of the opening to the nozzle so that it is smooth and knife-like.

3. Reinstall the nozzle.

5. Update the nozzle to version 500-03854A: Remove the nozzle as described in step 4a and install nozzle 500-03854A. Then perform the nozzle adjustment procedure.
6. Adjust the position of the nozzle so that distance between the nozzle and the plate is 0.8-0.9 mm instead of 0.5 mm. (See nozzle adjustment procedure.)
   Note: The inside of the platesetter near the nozzle will collect more dirt, and may require cleaning on a monthly basis.

Technical contact(s)

Viki Arviv

Submitted by

Robert Bouchillon

Date submitted

16 May 2006