Home | Contact Us | Submit Troubleshooting Info | Search | Help


    Output | Software Solutions | Proofing | Color, Screening and Calibration | Scanning | Digital Photography | Consumables | POS


Planned Maintenance Procedure

Strictly confidential, for internal use only. If you print the checklist out, be careful not to leave it at a customer site.

Planned maintenance (PM) is to be performed only by Creo service personnel or by trained and certified operators.

To print out the PM instructions below, click on the print icon at the top of the page.

Before going to the site:

Safety and Exterior | System Operation | Imaging | Trendsetter VLF (base device) | Autoloader Components | Workstation | Service Comments | Customer Acceptance

  1. Safety and Exterior

  2. Objectives:  Check safety first!  Determine that all TS VLF AL components are safe to operate and to work on. Walk around the entire device to examine the exterior and surroundings for damage and any issues that may require further investigation or repair.
    Time needed:  10 minutes  (Device can be returned to customer any time.)

    Safety and Exterior Evaluation What to Do What to Look For Procedure

    Parts

    Guard rail gate lock Visually inspect. The gate should be locked securely and not bypassed.  
    Front safety panels Visually inspect. The guard rail and front safety panels should be intact.  
    Right e-stop switch Depress the switch. Check that the workstation message is correct.  
    Table drop leaf Lean in and open the drop leaf. The picker lights should go out.  
    Left e-stop switch Depress the switch. Check that the picker lights go out and that the workstation message is correct.  
    SSR safety cover Visually inspect. The flip-up cover should be intact and the safety interlock should not be bypassed.  
    SSR bin door Visually inspect. The bin door should be intact and the safety interlock should not be bypassed.  
    Panel interlocks Open each panel. Ensure that the safety interlocks are operating correctly. Isolating the faulty door sensor
    Rear safety panels Visually inspect. The rear safety panels should be intact on the hood and the track support arms.  
    Picker lights See if the picker lights are on. Picker lights are normally on in automatic mode. If they are off, the AL safety loop should be open or the Trendsetter VLF should be in manual mode.  
    Track lights See if the track lights are on. Track lights are normally on (or flashing) in both automatic and manual modes. If they are off, there is a problem.  
    Chariot path Inspect the floor. Look for excessive wear.  
    Chiller fluid leaks Check floor at the side of the TS VLF and chiller. Ensure that there are no external fluid leaks.  
    Debris cabinet hose Check exterior hose. Ensure that it is not being crushed or broken.  
    Panels, skins, and table Visually inspect the overall condition of all surfaces.    
  3. System Operation

  4. Objectives:  Determine that the Trendsetter VLF is operating correctly. Watch and listen. Note irregularities for further investigation.
    Time needed:  10-20 minutes  (Device can be returned to customer within 5 minutes.)

    System Operation What to Do What to Look For Procedure

    Parts

    Operator feedback Speak with the operators and prepress manager.    
    Operator training Make sure the operators understand how to operate the device safely.    
    Backup settings #1 Backup the following info:
    1. list version
    2. list stats
    3. laser
    4. mask
    5. head mask
    6. set drum
    7. set carriage wsearch
    8. set mode 1 edge
    9. picker
    10. ale
    11. set sys
    12. list plate
    13. nvs dump diff
    14. fsave all
    1. Compare to latest controlled release
    2. # of resets, 'on' time, images, and retraces
    3. 'laser on' time
    4. Is anything masked?
    5. Is anything masked?
    6. chkfly enabled?
    7.  
    8.  
    9. Static pressure
    10. Static pressure
    11.  
    12.  
    13.  
    14.  
     
      **Send a file from the workstation to start the full sequence of operation.**
    Cassette door      
    Picker door      
    Picker movement      
    Picker operations      
    Slip sheet picker      
    SSR rollers      
    SSR compactor      
    Table cups      
    Plate drop onto table      
    Y-axis movement      
    Y-axis gripper      
    P-door Watch and listen. Smooth, symmetrical and quiet movement.  
    Table vacuum ports/cups Watch and listen. Holds plate, without slipping, during the load and unload.  
    Table movement Watch and listen. Smooth, symmetrical and quiet movement.  
    Electronic registration Watch green light and listen.; Quick and solid registration.  
    Plate loading onto drum Watch and listen.    
    Edge detection Listen and watch monitor. Finds edge quickly, on first try.  
    Carriage operation Listen. Listen for any irregular noises.  
    Plot operation Listen and watch monitor. Listen for retraces and any irregular noises.  
    Plate unload from drum Watch and listen.    
    Conveyor operation      
  5. Imaging

  6. Time needed:  2 hours, 15 minutes  (Device can be returned to Production within 25 minutes.)

    Note:  To properly assess image quality, the processor should have been serviced and filled with fresh chemistry within the last 24 to 48 hours.

    Time needed:  2 hours, 15 minutes  (Device can be returned to customer within 25 minutes.)
    For this procedure you will need:

    For full details, refer to Thermal 1.x Exposure Head Preventative Maintenance 

    Imaging What to Do What to Look For Procedure

    Parts

    NVS settings Back-up NVS. In Splot or ServiceShell, run: savecfg.spt    
    Reference plot Run the standard test plot agreed to by the customer.

    Examine customer's image reference plot. Agree on a test plot that fits with what LPI and quality of jobs the customer is doing (FM/AM Proofing, linework, or high quality).

     
    Reference stroke cal Create a Stroke cal reference. In Splot or ServiceShell, run: strokcal.spt.

    Wait for the graph to appear.

    Examine the strokecal.spt graph in ServiceShell. This will give a baseline as to the health of the head. Compare to the factory or previous graphs and keep for reference.

    Refer to the sample graphs at the end of the Thermal 1.x Exposure Head Preventative Maintenance .

    Laser power Check the laser power.
    1. Type:
      >>mode media
      x(x=media in use)
      >>laser on
      >>laser
    2. Record the current value that the head draws at the specified wpower. Record laser on time in hours.
      Type:
      >>set head nomlsrcur
    3. The current should be less than nomlsrcur. Type:
      >>head power sum (use >>head power full if firmware version is earlier than 1.62v)
      >>laser off

    Check the laser output of the head at the wpower for the media that is used. Note and record the current draw when the laser is on.

    If the laser current approaching the >>set head nomlsrcur value, it is a good indication the head is nearing end of life.

    Check the power at the nosepiece and compare to the power on the Media spreadsheet for the given media.

    CTP Media Imaging Performance Database
    Sum and focus error Check the sum and focus error. Load a plate on the drum. Type
    >>head install on

    Check that the sum value is around 1000 units and the error is near 0 (see note, below). A sum lower than 1000 can indicate debris buildup on the final lens. If the lens is clean and the error is not 0 ± 25 units, reinstall the head as per the head install document.
    Note: The error may be different on a Spectrum device.

     
      Remove the head

    Device must be powered down. All laser safety procedures must be followed.

    TH1.0: Thermal 1.0 Head Installation Procedure

    TH1.7: Thermal 1.7 Head Installation Procedure

    Safety Warning: Follow Laser Safety Procedures during the next step.
    Debris removal nozzle Clean the debris removal nozzle using the correct procedure.
    See: Importance of lens cleaning and debris removal

    The pressure tap in the vacuum nozzle needs to be clean of debris in order for the debris removal system to work properly.

    TH1.7 Debris Removal Nozzle Cleaning Procedure
    Lens Clean the lens using the correct procedure.
    See: Importance of lens cleaning and debris removal
    Leaving streaks can seriously impact imaging quality.

    TH1/1.7 Lens Cleaning Procedure (77-0125A)

    Note: make sure you order the lens cleaning kit (Lens cleaning kit: 04-0012B BOM).

      Install the head

    Follow the head installation procedure.

    • Check that the sum value is around 1000 units and the error is near 0
    • If the lens is clean and the sum is lower than 1000, you may need to adjust the surface reflectivity

    TH1.0: Thermal 1.0 Head Installation Procedure

    TH1.7: Thermal 1.7 Head Installation Procedure

    New stroke cal Generate a new stroke cal. In Splot or ServiceShell, run: strokcal.spt
    Wait for the graph to appear.

    Generate a new stroke graph and compare it to the stroke reference graph (Step 3) to determine any changes as a result of the nozzle or lens cleaning.

    Refer to the sample graphs at the end of the Thermal 1.x Exposure Head Preventative Maintenance .
      Compare stroke graphs. Type >>set head Bpmaxerr xxx

    Compare the strokecal graph obtained in the previous step to the sample graphs (at the end of the Thermal Head 1.x Planned Maintenance) and determine if any parameter adjustments are necessary.

    Thermal 1.x Exposure Head Preventative Maintenance 
    Contrast script Run the contrast script.

    In Splot or Service Shell run: getcontr.spt

    If adjustments are required, type:
    >>set head Bposn xxx

    Compare the graph obtained to the sample graphs at the end of the Thermal Head 1.x Planned Maintenance. Determine if any adjustments are necessary.

    Note: This may cause a change in the strokecal graph. If changes were made to the Bposn value, repeat Steps 27 to 28.

    Thermal 1.x Exposure Head Preventative Maintenance 
    Laser power Verify the laser power.
    1. Type:
      >>mode media
      x(x=media in use)
      >>laser on
      >>laser
    2. Record the current value that the head draws at the specified wpower. Record laser on time in hours.
      Type:
      >>set head nomlsrcur
    3. The current should be less than nomlsrcur. Type:
      >>head power sum (use >>head power full if firmware version is earlier than 1.62v)
      >>laser off

    Verify the laser output of the head at the wpower for the media that is used. Note and record the current draw when the laser is on.

    If the laser current approaching the >>set head nomlsrcur value, it is a good indication the head is nearing end of life.

    Check the power at the nosepiece and compare to the power on the Media spreadsheet for the given media.

    CTP Media Imaging Performance Database
    ECOs/FCOs and firmware Check that all ECOs/FCOs have been implemented on the thermal head. To see the current firmware version of the head, type:
    >>head or >>list version

    A list of FCOs can be seen at the FCOs page of the Thermal 1/1.7x TechPlanet site. Also check that all firmware upgrades have been carried out.

     
    Shutter

    Test the operation of the lens shutter. Type:
    >>shutter open
    >>shutter close

    Another test option is to type >>focus cal reflect and listen to the shutter rapidly opening and closing.

    If possible, listen to the sound and check that operation is normal. Clean the shutter, if necessary.

    Thermal 1/1.7 Shutter Sensor Replacement Procedure 
    NVS settings Final NVS save. In Splot or ServiceShell, run: saveconfig.spt

    Generate a final strokecal graph and a THXXXX.cfg file that can be used for future reference. This script takes approximately 6 minutes to run. Leave the THXXXX.cfg file on the workstation for future reference.

     

     

      What to Do What to Look For Procedure

    Parts

    Carriage Allow 15 minutes, 5 minutes to return device to customer    
    Carriage rails Lubricate.   Lubricating the Carriage Tracks and Leadscrew
    Lubricating the leadscrew hanger bearing
    Carriage lead screw Lubricate.  

     

    Dehumidifer Unit (DHU) What to Do What to Look For Procedure

    Parts

    DHU

    Each device will have a head-mounted Dehumidifier Unit (DHU).

    1. Power down the device and purge all air from the system.
    2. Replace the filter (PN 55-1219).
    3. Turn the air on and power up the device.

    CAUTION: If the differential pressure indicator displays red you need to examine the bowl to determine if the device has been tripped by moisture or oil in the line. You must replace the DHU (part number 05-0244) once it has been tripped, then investigate why the DHU tripped. Rectify air quality before reinstalling the new DHU.

    Note: If the device has a desiccant box: upgrade the Desiccant pack to a DHU (kit #05-0244). For details, see the Dehumidifier Unit FCO E246 information.

    Dehumidifier Unit (DHU) Installation Procedure
      **If the pressure indicator is red, the DHU MUST be replaced and the air system examined for contaminants.**

    **If the Trendsetter VLF AL still has a desiccant box, upgrade to a DHU (kit #05-0244).**

     

      What to Do What to Look For Procedure

    Parts

    Debris Removal Unit Allow 15 minutes, 5 minutes to return device to customer    
    Check sensor Turn on the debris cabinet. Block the front of the nozzle with cardboard. A warning should appear on the workstation, and the vacuum motor should whine louder.  
    Filter Check condition.    
    Hose Check that all clamps are secure. Inspect the vacuum hose. Inspect for wear along the hose tray, and for crushing along the floor.  
    Chiller Allow 30 minutes, 5 minutes to return device to customer   Neslab/Polyscience External Chiller Planned Maintenance 
    Leaks Remove the side panels and visually inspect the internal system for leaks.   Neslab/Polyscience External Chiller Planned Maintenance
    Condenser and air vents Remove the front filter element. Wash it with water and mild detergent. Vacuum the grills, vents and condenser. Excessive buildup of dust and debris. Neslab/Polyscience External Chiller Planned Maintenance
    Pump strainer/fluid filter Drain off some of the chiller fluid. Remove the sediment bowl or strainer. Clean and re-install the filter.   Neslab/Polyscience External Chiller Planned Maintenance
    Pump motor Add 30-35 drops of electric motor oil to each motor bearing.   Neslab/Polyscience External Chiller Planned Maintenance
    Fluid Top up the fluid to the correct level.   Neslab/Polyscience External Chiller Planned Maintenance
    Image Quality      
    Image quality #2 Run another test plot and inspect the results.    
  7. Trendsetter VLF

  8. Objectives:  Check everything, then go back and repair or adjust as required.
    Time needed:  2 hours  (Device can be returned to Production within 15 minutes.)

    Trendsetter VLF What to Do What to Look For Procedure

    Parts

    Power Box      
    Keyswitch Check operation in both positions. Leave in 'mech hazard' position for the rest of the Trendsetter VLF section of the PM.    
    MOV Test the MOV on the PDB and replace as required.   10-3562
    Genine 0 Visually inspect the lights on the board..    
    Cooling fans Check for adequate flow and lack of excessive noise.    
    Fan Box      
      **Open the panel.**
    Intake air filters Replace filters.    
    Compressed air filters Replace filters.    
    Air dump Test functionality.    
    Air supply pressure Test compressed air supply. It should be >90psi@20scfm. Turn on the pcups, ss picker vac, and air knives. Watch the gauge.  
    Air leaks Check for leaks around regulator.    
      **Close the panel.**
    Engine      
      **Open the hood.**
    Time engine #1      
    P-door actuators Check for loose fasteners, leaks and smooth symmetrical operation.    
    Drum and LEC Clean and inspect.    
    Drum straps Check and tighten all strap fasteners.    
    Drum belt Visually inspect the condition and tension of the belt.    
    Encoder disk Clean the disk (glass encoder only).    
      **If the disk is excessively dirty, consider doing a shaft encoder upgrade - kit #05-0195 (FCO D992).**
    Rollers Clean with a damp, lint-free rag.    
    Roller actuators Check for leaks.    
    Roller pressure Check pressure to the cylinders. It should be 55-60psi.    
    Roller movement Check for smooth, symmetrical movement.    
    Roller rotation Should rotate freely by hand with the backbone up.    
    TEC actuators Check for leaks.    
    TEC pressure Check pressure to the cylinders. It should be ~30psi.    
    TEC magnets Clean off any debris.    
    TEC rod ends     Trendsetter VLF PM Procedure
    TEC lock/unlock     Trendsetter VLF PM Procedure
    TEC sensors Visually inspect. If any cable sockets are loose, replace the sensor. 10-1065A
    Backbone sensors     Trendsetter VLF PM Procedure
    LEC hinge Inspect for wear and dust.    
    LEC actuators Check for loose fasteners, leaks and smooth operation.    
    Backbone actuators Check for loose fasteners, leaks and smooth operation.    
      **Shut off the power. Remove the conveyor and SSR to gain access to the sides of the Trendsetter VLF. Remove the side panels. Power on the device.**
    Carriage fan Check for dirt and adequate flow.    
    Carriage belt Check for wear and tension.    
    Main manifold Check for leaks and overall condition.    
    AL manifold Check for leaks and overall condition.    
    Table vacuum generator Replace the filters.    
    Balance weight actuators Check for leaks, looseness, and release tip.    
    Balance weight hall sensors     Trendsetter VLF PM Procedure
    Balance weights Lubricate the release tips, engagement rings, and balance races.    
    Balance weight release alignment     Trendsetter VLF PM Procedure
    Balance weight smooth operation     Trendsetter VLF PM Procedure
      **If the balance detent arm or detent spring do not operate smoothly, install kit #05-0233 (FCO E269).**
    Time engine     Trendsetter VLF PM Procedure
    Table, P-door, Y-axis      
    Guard rail gate Adjust as required.    
    Table drop leaf Visually inspect. Check for easy release and solid latching.  
    Arborite Inspect the surface. Check for missing or protruding darts.  
    X-axis tape Replace if damaged.    
    Table flatness With the table up, place a cassette rail front to rear across the table in four places. Adjust as required.    
    Adjustable bumpers With the table down, adjust all four bumpers to contact the top panels evenly. Replace if worn.    
    Leading edge Check with a straight edge. Should be flush and flat to the table surface.  
      **Type "ale init" to position the drum. Raise the table.**
    Table to LEC distance Check the distance with a ruler at both ends of the drum. It must be parallel.   table alignment procedure
    Table tangent to drum Check the distance with a ruler at both ends of the drum.   table alignment procedure
    Table dampers Check for leaks and looseness. Adjust as required.    
    Plate drop Check the plate drop distance. Adjust plate stop only.    
    Y-axis gripper operation Check that the gripper moves from p-door to table and back smoothly. It should grip the plate at the home and away positions. If the p-door angle is changed, recheck the plate drop.  
    Y-axis gripper alignment Check the alignment of the gripper. It should be parallel to the plate.  
    Y-axis home Check the home position. The plate should be 1-2mm away from the plate stop.  
      **Put all Trendsetter VLF panels back on, and close the hood.**
  9. Autoloader Components

  10. Time needed:  2.5 hours  (Device can be returned to customer within 15 minutes.)

    Autoloader Components What to Do What to Look For Procedure

    Parts

    Picker and Track      
      **Open the cassette doors.**
    Track belt Visually inspect the condition and tension of the belt.    
    Picker height to plenum Move the picker to the pick position. Measure the plenum to picker distance on both sides of the picker. Record the values. (Leave the picker cover on.)    
      **Move the picker to the table center and remove the skin.**
    Genine 2 Visually inspect the lights on the board.    
    Manifold Inspect the manifold assembly for leaks and overall condition.    
    Picker deck vacuum generator filter Remove and inspect the filter. Replace as required.    
    P-cups Check for proper movement and overall condition.    
    Lift arm Check for proper movement and overall condition.    
    Lift arm actuator Check for leaks and loose fasteners.    
    Vacuum cups Check for proper movement and overall condition. Cracking or excessive wear 50-2126B
      **Lift the picker onto the prop to access the underside.**
    Eject/pusher fingers Check for proper movement and overall condition.    
    Eject finger actuators Check for leaks and loose fasteners.    
    Slip sheet picker (wedgemaster) Check for proper movement and overall condition.    
    Slip sheet picker actuator Check for leaks and loose fasteners.    
    Slip sheet picker cups Check for proper movement and overall condition. Check the alignment of the icup and the ocup.   50-1743B
    Slip sheet picker belts Visually inspect the condition and tesnsion of each belt.    
    Slip sheet picker vacuum Check the vacuum threshold settings.    
    Slip sheet picker vacuum generator Remove and inspect the filter. Replace as required.    
      **Lower the picker and install the skins (covers).**
    Multiple Cassette Unit (MCU)      
    For details of the MCU PM, see the PM procedure for MCU (with SSR, straight or L conveyor)
    Single Cassette Unit (SCU)      
    For details of the SCU PM, see the PM procedure for SCU (with SSR, straight or L conveyor)
  11. Workstation

  12. Objectives:  Test the system thoroughly before leaving the site!  Update any/all firmware and Print Console. Note updates under Service Commands on the customer's PM Checklist.
    Time needed:  2 hours  (Device can be returned to customer within 60 minutes.)

    Refer to the Control-Settings page for details of controlled releases.

    Workstation What to Do Procedure

    Parts

    SCSI cable Visually inspect the overall condition of the SCSI cable and connections. Replace as required.  
    Service Shell software Update to the current Controlled Release version. current version
    Print Console software Update to the current Controlled Release version. current version
    Head firmware Update to the current Controlled Release version. current version
    MPE firmware Update to the current Controlled Release version. current version
    Genine firmware Update to the current Controlled Release version. current version
    PDB firmware Update to the current Controlled Release version. current version
    Backup settings #2    
      **Test operation.**
  13. Service Comments

  14. Complete the "Service Comments" section of the Trendsetter VLF AL Planned Maintenance Checklist that applies to the customer site. Links to the checklists for all four configurations are on the Maintenance page.

    For the customer's information, make a note in the "Service Comments" section of:

  15. Customer Acceptance

  16. To complete the PM, the Trendsetter VLF AL Planned Maintenance Checklist must be signed off by the customer and returned to Creo.


    Copyright © 2005 Creo Inc. All rights reserved. Confidential. Back to top.