The Exposure Head Request form (EHR) has been updated. Please delete any locally-stored copies.

See the Exposure head request (EHR) form.

The color of the optical glass in the TFX Head Front Window (30-1170A ASSY,OPT,FRONT WINDOW,TFX) has changed from blue to orange due to a change in vendor. The functionality has not changed. This information is posted on the TFX Parts/Tools page.

Always download head firmware as part of a controlled release. Note that version 1.33 has only been tested on Wide II devices.

This release features new warning messages when you access stroke tables. For full details see the release notes, available on the Firmware release page.

The Exposure Head Request form (EHR) has been updated and is now a controlled document. Please delete any locally-stored copies and link to the form on TechPlanet: Exposure head request (EHR) form.

Follow the correct procedure to get authorization and order a head ( Ordering a replacement head ).

See also Thermal head experts authorized for head replacements.

New specifications on the Thermoflex Wide II device allow repeat sizes smaller than 15 inches. These smaller repeats require updated TFX Service Shell scripts to prevent accidental damage to the head. The necessary script updates are contained in Service Shell 2.6, so all users should upgrade as soon as this version becomes available.

The affected scripts are:

• mce_ds_series.spt
• mce_power_cal.spt
• mce_power_series.spt
• mce_sd_series.spt
• mce_vertical_power_series.spt
• mce_vertical_sd_series.spt

Upgrading Service Shell will automatically update all scripts. Download the latest version of Service Shell.

During 2002-2003 a total of 16 TFX heads were returned. Five of these heads had failed laser diodes and were repaired. However, eight heads were determined to be working correctly and after extensive testing they were returned to stock. In most cases, no information was submitted with the returned head.

To save time and money in the factory, we need to know what is wrong with a head.

• If you know that a head works and are returning it for re-sealing, simply include a note stating “Working head, returning for re-seal”.
• If a head doesn’t work, then our repair team needs a brief description of the problem.
• Also send any relevant log files (and the serial number of the head) to the TFXHeads@creo.com email account.

The “No Fault Found” heads are costing Creo money. Shipping costs average US$950. Typical turn around time is about 2 months. During this time the head counts towards inventory and the calculated cost of this inventory is US$1300 per head. Therefore, every time the bag containing a head is opened unnecessaraly, it costs Creo more than US$2000.
TFX heads are very reliable - please do all you can to ensure it really is a defective head before you replace it. The product specialists are available to offer a second opinion if you need one. (Contact info for the specialists is available on TechPlanet or from the Escalation link below).

Risk of defect identified with TFX Optical Window, P/N 30-1170A.
Some of the TFX head windows manufactured in the past year are defective. The nature of the defect means the window will not withstand repeated cleaning, possibly causing image artifacts. The root cause of the problem is a defective anti-reflective coating on the bare window (purchased). There is no way of knowing how many of these defective windows are at customer sites, and unfortunately there is no way to check in the field if a window is defective or not. To date, the problem has only surfaced at one site.

Corrective Plan
• All stock in Vancouver has been checked.
• All service stock worldwide will be pulled & checked for defective windows.
• TFX heads in service stock will be left as is.
• There is no need to take special action at customer sites, but please be on the lookout for any unexplained image artifacts. If you see this, order a new front window for the customer and ask them return the old window to Creo Vancouver, attention Lois Jacques (3225 Kincaid St Burnaby BC, V5G 4M1).

TFX head firmware version 1.14 has been released under ECO CA00030. This is a controlled release of TFX firmware, and must only be installed as part of the Thermoflex controlled release.
This version of firmware supports:

• V-speed imaging
• Creo Exposure Head API

Download controlled release information from the Control/settings page of the ThermoFlex TechPlanet site.

A new procedure has been posted that explains how to upgrade a TFX head to V-Speed. Find it on the Procedures page, or download the TFX Head V-Speed Upgrade Procedure.

We would like to thank everyone for their ongoing efforts to convert all Thermal 1.x-equipped devices from Desiccant systems to the DeHumidification Unit (DHU).

• To date, we have shipped over 820 units into CAM and it appears that efforts are paying off. From May to August 2002 we enjoyed a 22% drop in calls related to high humidity errors compared to the same time period last summer.
• Among the other benefits of the DHU kit is the purging of the optical cavity of contaminants such as plate debris. This directly increases the life of the head.
• We will no longer be automatically sending out DHU kits with every replacement head. You will need to request one manually when needed. We encourage you to be vigilant in implementing the Kit on all 1.x devices. Refer to ECO E453 for more detail.

For DHU installation refer to the Thermal 1/1.7 installation page. For DHU maintenance information, refer to step 10 in the Thermal 1.x Exposure Head Preventative Maintenance document, available from the Thermal 1/1.7 procedures page.

The TFX Head ProComm scripts have been updated for use with MPE firmware 1.40. See the Thermoflex Controlled Release v1.1 for instructions on upgrading to the new firmware. See the Downloads page for the new ProComm scripts.

To set the flow control needle valve on the DHU when used with the TFX head, simply open it all the way and leave it. The internal orifices in the DHU are adequate, so no flow adjustment is needed. Refer to the Dehumidifier Unit (DHU) Installation Procedure.

This site has been restructured to fit TechPlanet’s common navigation. If you have any questions or comments about the navigation, please contact TechPlanet feedback. For information about content in this site, please contact Maureen Munroe.

This zip file contains sd series, manual focus series, tint series, and head power series scripts. Download it here or from the Downloads page.

A new debris nozzle has been designed which does not need adjustment or maintenance. This ECO covers implementation of the new debris removal nozzle with Morgan cabinets. For details, see FCO C967.

Machines that are having head focus problems, and are FX35 or earlier, may need to have the head diagnostic cable that is mounted inside the machine grounded. A bracket (57-9559A) is available to attach the diagnostic cable to the power box. Refer to the Installing the Diagnostic Cable Bracket procedure for details.

The media setup procedures have been updated and are available on the TFX Head Procedures page. If you are not familiar with TFX Head setup procedures, use the ThermoFlex Media Setup Procedure in conjunction with the Media specific Technical Notes. More experienced CSEs can use the Media specific Technical Notes only.

Download the document from the Troubleshooting page.