Applies to

• VLF Platesetter
• VLF Trendsetter
• Platesetter 3244
• Trendsetter 3244
• Trendsetter 3230 (TS4 Version)

Description

Causes and solutions

Processor out of adjustment

Symptoms & Verification: Processor may have recently been adjusted, new chemistry added, or maintenance performed. Recently changed the type or batch of plates used. Rotating the plates changes orientation of banding.

Phone fix: Have operator adjust processor/prebake oven settings.

Exposure head out of focus range

Symptoms & Verification: Rotating plates does not rotate banding orientation. Site may have experienced recent plate flyoff. Image quality poor regardless of plate throughput duty cycle.

Phone fix: Run focus series.

Site visit: Align imaging head. See head alignment procedure.

Thermal whisker blower air jet faulty

Symptoms & Verification: Applies to thermal head sites only. Site may have experienced recent plate flyoff or head recently serviced (replaced or aligned).

Phone fix: Have operator look for a loose air hose (red) in the vicinity of the imaging head or engine cable track. Re-install hose in fitting.

Site visit:

• Clear debris from air jet or hose. Check all air jet hose connections.
• Replace faulty air jet solenoid or gasket at the air manifold.

Thermal head overheating

Symptoms & Verification: Reducing the plate throughput duty cycle impoves plate quality. Progressively worsens as the job length increases (size of plate or number of plates). Monitoring the laser temperature will shown increased temperatures (type Laser).

Phone fix: Have operator look for loose/disconnected cooling air tubing (grey colored wire helix tubing) in the hose tray, the air intake/exhaust bulkhead, or at the air circulation blower. Reconnect hoses as required. Metal hose clamps are used to secure the hose to the blower and imaging head. At the air intake/exhaust bulkhead, the tubing is friction fit.

Site visit:

• Check cooling system hoses for damage. Replace/repair as necessary.
• Check the Thermal head cooling blower for proper operation. The blower unit receives power directly from the primary power distribution box and is not affected by the platesetter on/off rotary switch. Excessive noise from the unit may indicate impeller or bearing failure. Replace blower as necessary.

Exposure head deteriorating

Symptoms & Verification: Overall image quality deteriorating. Image quality poor regardless of plate throughput duty cycle.

Phone fix: None

Site visit: Replace exposure head.

See also