Page 2 Contents General Introduction Copyright Notice Contact Related Documentation Patent and Regulatory Information 10055363-AB...
Page 3: Table Of Contents
Introduction Overview OEM Controller LED’s SmartDate X40 Model Options Main Components Key Features Printer Types SmartDate X40 - Intermittent Printer SmartDate X40 - Continuous Printer Print Designs CoLOS Create pro Supported Field Types SmartDate X40 and Fonts Image Template Files...
Page 4 Contents Interface Introduction The User Interface Panel LCD Screen Keypad OEM Controller Screen Screen Icons Screen Types Example of Menu Screen Layout 1: Example of Menu Screen Layout 2: Example of Menu Screen Layout 3: Home Screen Security Login Screen Security Options 10055363-AB...
Page 5 Contents Menu Screens Data Entry Screens Prompted Data Alpha Data Entry Screens Numeric Data Entry Screens Language speciﬁc characters and symbols Date Entry Screens Literal Date Entry Fixed Format Date Entry Calendar Offset Date Entry Diagnostics Screens Reports Screens Special Screens Ribbon Type Veriﬁcation Faults and Warnings Alert Screens Failed Prints...
Page 6 Contents Operation Introduction Start the printer Home Screen Stop the printer Print Adjust Screen Print Darkness Offset Registration Test Print of the Current Job Removing the cassette Loading or Replacing the Ribbon Removing Waste Ribbon from the Waste Take up Core Loading a New Ribbon Re- Connecting a Broken Ribbon Cassette Webbing Diagrams...
Page 7 Contents Principles of Printing Thermal Transfer Technology Print Process Operating Principles Print Cycle SmartDate X40 - Intermittent Printer Print Cycle SmartDate X40 - Continuous printer Operating Modes Ribbon Save Modes Printer Speciﬁc Print Options SmartDate X40 - Intermittent printer SmartDate X40 - Continuous printer...
Page 8 Contents Job selection Introduction Job Setup Screens Job Setup Menus Job Setup using the Default Print Design. Using CoLOS Create Pro Job Setup using the Local Database Filtering the list of Job names Job Setup using a Host PC Prompted Data Date Entry Screens Literal Date Entry Fixed Format Date Entry...
Page 9 Printer conﬁguration Introduction Accessing the Menus Settings Constraints Settings Menus Machine Settings Machine Options Image Print Features Print Initiation Print Quality Encoder Print Position Ribbon Setup Ribbon Monitoring Communications Speed Proﬁle Recorder NGPCL Master / Slave Logging SSCC External 10055363-AB...
Page 10 Display Settings Adjust RTC (Real Time Clock) Language Security User accounts Time/Date Codes Flexible I/O Map Diagnostics Diagnostics Statistics Files Service Version Information 10055363-AB...
Page 11 Diagnostics Introduction Diagnostics Diagnostics Printer Inputs Status Outputs Status Temperatures Print Timing Ribbon Internal Manual Control Ribbon Printhead Digital IO Control Select Test Pattern Speed Proﬁle Supplies Health The Health Screen The Printhead Information Screen Identity Usage Dot Check History Firmware History 10055363-AB...
Page 12 History Special Screens Counts Statistical Information Statistics PackML State Times Maintenance Introduction Cleaning and Care Maintenance Scheme Quick/Regular Checks Monthly Checks Care of the Printhead Cleaning the Printhead Replacing the Printhead Removing the damaged printhead (Intermittent) Removing the damaged printhead (Continuous) Setting the correct printhead resistance Replacing the Peel Roller Replacing the Ribbon Guide Rollers...
Page 13 Printer Power and Control Signals Control I/O Connections Print Go Input Wiring Fault and Warning Outputs Encoders Quadrature Encoders Encoder Resolution Single Channel Encoders Fixed Speed settings Communication Links NGPCL Communication Communication Options Technical speciﬁcations Machine Speciﬁcation SmartDate X40 10055363-AB...
Page 14 General 10055363-AB...
Page 15 10055363-AB...
Page 16 (MSDS) for consumables used. Introduction This Manual along with the SmartDate X40 Instruction Booklet, set out to explain how to safely install, operate and service your SmartDate X40 Overprinters. The Operator Manual is available in Adobe Acrobat PDF in various languages on the SmartDate X40 CD.
Page 17 Tél. : (44) 0115 943 0055 Fax : (44) 0115 968 3699 http://www.markem-imaje.com Related Documentation Below is a list of documents in the SmartDate X40 related documentation set. CoLOS Create Pro CoLOS Control DCP (Device Communication Protocol) NGPCL (Next Generation Print Control Language) Ethernet Customer Conﬁgurable I/O...
Page 18 Patent and Regulatory Information ‘Markem-Imaje patent information for the controller can be found on the rating label’. The rating label for the OEM controller is on the underside of the controller. ‘Markem-Imaje patent information for the printer can be found on the label which can be found between the ribbon drive dogs.’...
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Page 20: Description
Description 10055363-AB...
Page 21 Description 10055363-AB...
Page 22: Introduction
Description Introduction This section provides an overview of the main features of the SmartDate X40. Topics covered in the section include: - Overview. - SmartDate X40 Model Options. - Main Components. - Key Features. - Printer types. - Print Designs.
Page 23: Overview
Description Overview SmartDate X40 is a small easy to use electronic coder. The two models available are designed to be suitable as a direct replacement for many different methods of coding. SmartDate X40 consists of a printing device and a control device with an operator inter- face control panel or an OEM Integrated controller.
Page 24: Oem Controller Led's
Description OEM Controller LED’s When the controller is powered up the Red and Green LEDs will be illuminated. The Red LED will also ﬂash when a Firmware upgrade is being performed. Once the power up sequence is complete the Red LED will turn off. Note: Do not try to connect or turn off the controller when the Red LED is Illuminated or Flashing.
Page 25: Smartdate X40 Model Options
Description SmartDate X40 Model Options The SmartDate X40 is available in two printer types. - SmartDate X40 -Intermittent - SmartDate X40 - Continuous The type of model required is dependent on the application. SmartDate X40 - Intermittent SmartDate X40 - Continuous...
Page 26: Main Components
PC or another computer. - Networking: support for the Markem-Imaje Ethernet CoLOS Control Network is provid- ed to allow centralised set up and control of a number of SmartDate X40 machines from a central PC or centralised data storage.
Page 27: Printer Types
This version is used with intermittent motion packaging machines and prints onto the material when it is stationary. The SmartDate X40 printer in this mode has a print area of 32mm or 53mm x 75mm and print speed of 20 to 600mm/s.
Page 28: Print Designs
Description Print Designs Basic designs can be created at the SmartDate X40 user interface using up to 4 lines of text. The size and type of font is limited to 8 point Arial Bold. The number of characters supported by the SmartDate X40 LCD screen is limited to approximately 104.
Page 29: Colos Create Pro
Description CoLOS Create pro The designs printed by SmartDate X40 can be created using the Markem-Imaje CoLOS Create Pro software. N.B. Composer 5.XXX is not compatible with SmartDate X40, as these machines use Markem-Imaje NextGen Software for operation. CoLOS Create Pro allows text, bar codes and graphics to be placed onto the SmartDate X40 print area.
Page 30: Supported Field Types
Description Supported Field Types SmartDate X40 and CoLOS Create Pro for SmartDate X40 currently support the follow- ing ﬁeld types: - Text ﬁelds - Bar codes - Line ﬁelds - Box ﬁelds - Logo ﬁelds SmartDate X40 and CoLOS Create Pro for SmartDate X40 currently support the follow- ing ﬁeld styles:...
Page 31: Image Template Files
Description Image Template Files Image Templates are created using Markem-Imaje CoLOS Create Pro Image Design Software package. When creating an Image Template the user can structure how the ﬁnished image will look. The style and size of Font, the Bar code type if being used and other details about the image are established when creating the Image Template.
Page 32: Device Settings Files
The substrate being used or the speed required for printing a particular Job may require the Device settings to be altered. By attaching a Device settings ﬁle to a Job the SmartDate X40 is conﬁgured accordingly when the Job is selected.
Page 33: Jobs
In many cases the Job may only require a default Image Template and default Device Settings File. When a Job is downloaded to the SmartDate X40 the data is stored as a .job ﬁle and includes a .image ﬁle and a .settings ﬁle.
Page 34: Retrieving And Downloading Jobs
- Using a USB Memory Stick Data Storage Capacity The SmartDate X40 internal memory is capable of storing around 20 Mb. The number of Job Files that can be stored depends upon the complexity of the Image Templates and the number of logos and downloadable fonts used.
Page 35: Using A Usb Memory Stick
Description Using a USB Memory Stick After creating an Image for an SmartDate X40 printer using the CoLOS Create software package, use the “Print to File” option in the File menu. The ﬁle can then be copied onto a USB memory stick ready for transfer to the printer.
Page 36 Description Select Copy Files. Files Files Copy Logs to Copy Files Delete Files Clear Job Database File Statis- tics Select Copy Jobs from USB. Files Copy Files Copy Jobs to USB Copy Jobs from USB Copy Jobs from USB Select to continue, the ﬁles will be copied to the printer database.
Page 37: Beacon Light
The beacon light can be mounted in a ﬁxed position on the production line. The beacon has a three light system: Red, Orange and Green. - When the red light is on, the SmartDate X40 has switched out of Run mode or there is a fault on the machine.
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Page 39 Interface 10055363-AB...
Page 40 Interface Introduction This section describes how to operate the SmartDate X40 unit once it has been suc- cessfully installed. Topics covered in this section include: - The User Interface - Keypad - Icons - Menu Icons - Screen Types - Menu Screens...
Page 41 Interface The User Interface Panel SmartDate X40 User Interface Screen The user interface screen comprises of a LCD touchscreen and a four button hot key interface. These four keys provide the following functionality: - Starting the machine - Stopping the machine - Selecting a job - Accessing the registration and offset functions.
Page 42 Interface LCD Screen The interface is composed of a 256-color, 320 x 240 pixel touch screen. The screen supports graphics and Unicode characters. Dependant on the printer function at the time, the screen will normally display with 5 or 6 touch buttons aligned down both the left and right sides of the screen and 3 larger areas in the centre of the screen.
Page 43 Interface Keypad The Hot keys are positioned below the user interface screen, and consist of four rubber push buttons. These keys allow you to start and stop the printer, select a job for printing and adjust the registration value. 1- Stop producing 2- Registration 3- Select Job 4- Stop producing...
Page 44 Interface OEM Controller Screen The OEM Controller screen can either be displayed on a PC or integrated into the Host packaging machine control panel. The Start and Stop buttons in this case are on the screen instead of on the controller. All other fuctionality is exactly the same as the standard controller.
Page 45 Interface Screen Icons Icon Name Description Home This option will return you to the Home screen. This option allows you to preview the selected job. The image can be enlarged or re- Print Preview duced in size and the details of each ﬁeld can be viewed by using the Information button. Folder OK This indicates that there are no faults or warnings active.
Page 46 Interface Adjust RTC This option allows you to conﬁgure the Time and Date settings. Language This option allows you to select the required language for the Touch Screen. Enable Security This option allows you to Enable or Disable the Security function. FlexIO map This option allows you to conﬁgure the Flexible I/O settings.
Page 47 Interface Screen Types The SmartDate X40 User Interface supports various Screen Types. The screen is generally divided into a main central screen with option buttons down either side. The four corner buttons are used for navigation, returning to the Home screen or ac- cessing the Print Preview.
Page 48 Interface Example of Menu Screen Layout 1: In this example the Menu options are displayed in the central screen area. Where four or less menu options are displayed the central screen is split into a title pane and four option panes. The four corner buttons are used for navigation, returning to the Home screen or ac- cessing the Print Preview.
Page 49 Interface Example of Menu Screen Layout 2: Where ﬁve or more menu options are displayed the central screen is split into a title pane and eight option panes. The four corner buttons are used for navigation, returning to the Home screen or ac- cessing the Print Preview.
Page 50 Interface Example of Menu Screen Layout 3: Where a large amount of detail has to be displayed, the central screen is further divided into a list of options. You can then use the arrows to navigate up or down the list or move across the lists. The four corner buttons are used for navigation, returning to the Home screen or ac- cessing the Print Preview.
Page 51 Interface The screen types can be grouped as follows: Screen Type Description Home Screen The main screen from which the user starts Menu Screens Used to navigate between different menu options or screen types. Data Entry Screens Used to enter data for Job setup or printer settings. Reports Screens Used to display a large amount of textual information.
Page 52 Interface Home Screen The Home Screen is the main screen from which the user starts. This can either be the Ready Screen or the Producing Screen. The various menus can be accessed from both versions of this screen. Ready Screen: Ready Producing Screen: Producing...
Page 53 Interface Security Login Screen This screen is displayed whenever a password is required. If you select one of the options you will then be prompted for a Login Password. If the Security level has been enabled the menu screen will display the numerical pass- word screen.
Page 54 Interface Security Options SmartDate X40 can be conﬁgured to prompt for a password before access to the vari- ous menu options is allowed. Two security level options are available to gain access to the menus. - Open - Medium If the security setting is Open no password prompt will be displayed.
Page 55: Menu Screens
Interface Menu Screens Menus are navigated by selecting the required option button. After entering a menu, the top item in the list will be highlighted. From this point the you can only scroll down. You can scroll down through the menu topics by using the Red down arrow button. You can scroll up through the menu topics by using the Green up arrow button.
Page 56: Data Entry Screens
Interface Data Entry Screens Data entry screens will vary dependant on the menu option that has been selected. These screens can be grouped as follows: - Prompted Data Entry Screens - Date Entry Screens - Settings Adjustment Screens - Job Setup Screens Prompted Data Prompted data entry screens collect input from the user as a result of Job designs that requires variable data to be entered during the Job selection process.
Page 57: Alpha Data Entry Screens
Interface Alpha Data Entry Screens From this screen alpha data can be entered. Once alpha characters have been entered, the screen cursor can be moved to individu- al characters by using the arrows to the left and right of the input pane. Individual characters can be deleted by using the back arrow button on the right of the screen.
Page 58: Language Specific Characters And Symbols
Interface Language speciﬁc characters and symbols From this screen language speciﬁc characters or symbols can be entered. Display the appropriate option by using the two buttons on the right of the screen. Once data has been entered, the screen cursor can be moved to individual characters or symbols by using the arrows to the left and right of the input pane.
Page 59: Date Entry Screens
Interface Date Entry Screens There are three types of “Date Entry” screens that the User Interface has to support: - Literal Date Entry - Fixed Format Prompted Date Entry - Offset Date Entry Literal Date Entry This screen is used to prompt the setting of a ﬁxed date to be printed. There is no cal- culation made on this date, it is displayed (Prompted) in the format that it will be printed.
Page 60: Fixed Format Date Entry
Interface Fixed Format Date Entry This screen is used to set a literal date to be printed, but this time the date is displayed in a ﬁxed format. An example of where this option may be used is where the product is destined for another country.
Page 61: Offset Date Entry
Interface Offset Date Entry This screen is used to set an offset from the SmartDate X40 internal clock and to pre- view what the resultant date would be. Home Select Job Print Preview This example shows an offset of seven days, so the actual date that the SmartDate X40 internal clock is set to is the 24th October 2007.
Page 62: Diagnostics Screens
Interface Diagnostics Screens The Diagnostics screen displays the current status and dynamically changing data which give an aid to troubleshooting. The information is read only and can therefore not be altered. This screen allows access to the following information: - Printer conﬁguration - Inputs status - Outputs status - Temperatures...
Page 63: Reports Screens
Interface Reports Screens These screens are available under the menu and give full details of what is expressed in abbreviated form on the Home page. This includes full information about Warnings and Problems. Information such the Software version number, Hardware serial numbers etc. Are dis- played here.
Page 64: Special Screens
Ribbon Type Veriﬁcation If SmartDate X40 detects that a new ribbon is loaded, it needs to conﬁrm that the ribbon type is the same as the last type used. You will be prompted to conﬁrm this or input the relevant data for the new ribbon type.
Page 65: Faults And Warnings Alert Screens
Cassette Open Close Cassette to Clear Fault In the case of a Warning the SmartDate X40 will continue printing if in Producing mode. The Warning does not stop the print cycle. An example of a Warning might be “Low Ribbon”...
Page 66: Failed Prints
Interface Failed Prints With Continuous printers there may be occasions where SmartDate X40 can not com- plete a print because the production speed slows to a point where printing can not take place. If this happens you will be prompted with the option to manually discard the print or wait until the production speeds up again.
Page 67: Dead Dot Detection
Interface Dead Dot Detection SmartDate X40 will automatically detect if any of the printhead dots have been damaged. A warning icon will be displayed in the Status box on the upper left hand side of the screen. Selecting this icon will display the warn-...
Page 68: Power Saved Mode
Interface Power saved mode If activated the printer will revert to power saved mode after 2min, 30min, 2h, or 6h as selected. 10055363-AB...
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Page 71 Operation 10055363-AB...
Page 72 Operation Introduction This section describes how to operate the SmartDate X40 unit once it has been successfully installed. Topics covered in this section include: - Starting the SmartDate X40 - Stopping the SmartDate X40 - Report screen - Changing the Ribbon...
Page 73 The various menus can be accessed from both versions of this screen. Ready Screen: To start the printer press the right hand Ready button. This will put the SmartDate X40 into “Producing” mode. Printing will only occur when the Host Producing machine is in producing mode and a relative print signal is received.
Page 74 Operation Stop the printer Producing Screen To stop the printer press the right hand Producing button . This will put the printer into “Ready” mode and the SmartDate X40 will ignore any print signals form the Host machine. Ready 10055363-AB...
Page 75 Operation Print Adjust Screen This screen allows you to conﬁgure the print settings for the SmartDate X40. Three options are available for adjustment plus the Test Print function. Home Print Adjust Darkness Offset Registration Test Print Print Darkness The print darkness menu allows you to adjust the amount of energy used by the printhead.
Page 76 Operation Registration This is the position of the print relative to the direction of the substrate. Increasing the registration will move the position of the print further back on the substrate. Home Print Adjust Test Print of the Current Job This option allows you to activate a test print of the current selected job.
Page 77 Operation Removing the cassette Rotate the locking lever on the cassette to the OPEN position. Use the handle to withdraw the cassette. Remove the waste ribbon from the cassette. 10055363-AB...
Page 78 Operation Loading or Replacing the Ribbon Removing Waste Ribbon from the Waste Take up Core Pull the ribbon forward using the ribbon take up reel ﬂange located below the ribbon. Push the ﬂange back to its original position. Pull off the ribbon by hand. Do not use sharp objects such as screwdrivers to remove the ribbon as this may cause injury.
Page 79 Operation Loading a New Ribbon Fit a new waste take up core and load a new ribbon following the web pattern shown inside the cassette. (New ribbon on the red reel) Remove sufﬁcient ribbon from the new roll to make it unnecessary to pull additional ribbon while the cassette is partially loaded.
Page 80 Operation Full width ribbon. Narrow ribbon. Narrow ribbon with spacer. 10055363-AB...
Page 81 Operation Re- Connecting a Broken Ribbon If a ribbon break occurs the following procedure should be used: Do not tie a knot to re-connect the ribbon. Wind the remaining waste ribbon onto the waste core. Pull some of the unused ribbon from the ribbon supply and wind it onto the waste ribbon take up.
Page 82 Operation Cassette Webbing Diagrams SmartDate X40 LH Cassette Ribbon Web Path SmartDate X40 RH Cassette Ribbon Web Path RH 10055363-AB...
Page 83 Lock the unit shut by turning the locking lever to the CLOSED position. When the cassette is back in position and the printer is set to READY, SmartDate X40 automatically drives the head to remove any creases and to calibrate the ribbon feed sensor.
Page 84: Principles Of Printing
Operation Principles of Printing Thermal Transfer Technology SmartDate X40 machines use Thermal Transfer printheads, similar to the ones used in Fax machines. Thermal Transfer printers can also operate without ribbon by using specially treated paper which turns black when heated. This is the way fax paper reacts.
Page 85: Print Process
Operation Print Process With the Intermittent printers, the step rate of the printhead carriage motor is in direct relationship with the linear motion of the carriage. The length of time that the dots are energised for is determined by the linear speed of the printhead carriage.
Page 86 Operation For example: The above character is represented as 26 steps long, just over 2 mm. If the print speed were 100 mm/sec, this character would only take approximately 2/100 of a second to print. 12 dots = 1.5mm Step 1 Step 3 Step 4 Direction of...
Page 87: Operating Principles
When the cassette is inserted into the printer body and secured, the ribbon supply shaft and ribbon waste rewind shaft, are connected to the ribbon drive motor couplings. The SmartDate X40 Intermittent printer uses a thermal printhead and thermal ink ribbon to print information onto materials held against a ﬂat Print platen.
Page 88: Print Cycle Smartdate X40 - Intermittent Printer
Operation Print Cycle SmartDate X40 - Intermittent Printer The SmartDate X40 in this mode has a print area of 32mm or 53mm x 75mm and print speeds of 20 to 600mm/s. The SmartDate X40 Intermittent prints when the substrate or label is stationary.
Page 89: Print Cycle Smartdate X40 - Continuous Printer
Operation Print Cycle SmartDate X40 - Continuous printer The SmartDate X40 in this mode has a print area of 32mm or 53mm x 100mm and print speeds of 20 to 600 mm/s. The SmartDate X40 Continuous prints while the substrate is moving.
Page 90: Operating Modes
Operation Operating Modes SmartDate X40 has one standard mode of operation, with the option to select additional ribbon save modes if required Ribbon Save Modes Ribbon Saving modes include: - Radial Ribbon Save mode - Interlace mode The choice of mode will depend on the type of application and the operator’s main objectives: - If saving ribbon is the main objective, choose one of the Ribbon Save mode options.
Page 91: Printer Specific Print Options
Operation Printer Speciﬁc Print Options SmartDate X40 - Intermittent printer This SmartDate X40 can be set to: - Standard Mode Operation - Radial Ribbon Save Mode - Interlace Mode SmartDate X40 - Continuous printer This SmartDate X40 can be set to:...
Page 92: Standard Mode Operation
Operation Standard Mode Operation SmartDate X40 transfers ink from the ribbon directly onto the substrate by means of a thermal transfer printhead. In this mode the ink removed from the ink ribbon will be equal in size to the printed image on the substrate.
Page 93 Operation Interlace Mode This is a SmartDate X40 printer function which is used to save ribbon. When Interlace Mode is being used the ribbon is only advanced every second print, effectively saving 50% of the ribbon being used. This method of printing does however decrease the contrast quality of the print, as only half the normal amount of ribbon is being used to print with.
Page 94: Setting Up Interlace Mode
Operation Setting up Interlace Mode Once interlace mode is turned ON, settings such as background energy levels are automatically adjusted to optimise operation in interlace mode. The settings should be optimised for a wide range of materials however a reality of interlace mode is that the ﬁrst and second prints will differ slightly in contrast.
Page 95: Materials And Applications
The material type should always be tested, however testing has proven SmartDate X40 interlace mode to work well on various materials including: Polypropylene, Polythene, Premium labels and Laminated ﬁlms. Typically, surfaces such as poorly calendared (rough / porous) paper and card which give poor results with standard Thermal Transfer Overprinting are not suitable for Interlace Mode.
Page 96: Radial Ribbon Save Mode
For example, if the ribbon being used is 55 mm wide and each print is 10mm wide, SmartDate X40 can effectively print ﬁve times before advancing the ribbon. The position of each print however will be different on the Substrate.
Page 97: Low Speed Print Mode
None This is the Default setting. In this mode if the Host machine stops during a print cycle, the SmartDate X40 will lift the printhead and wait for the packaging machine to re-start. During this time the option to Discard the print will be displayed on the screen.
Page 98 Continue Associated with this mode is the Discard Print Time. In this mode if the Host machine stops during a print cycle, the SmartDate X40 will lift the printhead, and wait for the Discard Print Time to elapse. During this time the option to Discard the print manually will be displayed on the screen.
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Page 100: Job Selection
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Page 101 Job selection 10055363-AB...
Page 102: Introduction
Topics covered in this section include: - Job Setup Screens - Data Entry Screens - Date Entry Screens Job Setup Screens Job setup can be performed with the SmartDate X40 in a Stopped condition or with it in Producing mode. Ready: Ready Producing:...
Page 103: Job Setup Menus
SmartDate X40 provides several different ways of selecting a new Job. Job Setup depends if the Default Job is to be used, or where Job information is stored. e.g. In the SmartDate X40 Local database or at a Host PC running CoLOS Control. Job Setup using the Default Print Design.
Page 104 Job selection Enter any required data in the four avail- Select Job able ﬁelds. Default Job Field 1 Use the Alphanumeric keypad option After entering individual ﬁeld data, conﬁrm this by selecting the tick at the bottom right of the Alphanumeric screen and then use the right arrow to move to the next ﬁeld.
Page 105: Using Colos Create Pro
For full information about CoLOS Create Pro please consult the relevant documentation. Print designs created on CoLOS Create Pro can be incorporated into a Job ﬁle and then stored in the SmartDate X40 local database or on a Host PC running CoLOS Control. 10055363-AB...
Page 106: Job Setup Using The Local Database
Job selection Job Setup using the Local Database To select a Job by this method follow the procedure below: From the Home screen press the Select Ready Job button under the main screen or Default job use the Select Job option from the Menu screen.
Page 107 Job selection After entering individual ﬁeld data, conﬁrm this by selecting the tick at the bottom right of the Alphanumeric screen and then use the right arrow to move to the next ﬁeld. When complete, conﬁrm this by select- Conﬁrm Job Select Default Job ing the tick at the bottom right of the...
Page 108: Filtering The List Of Job Names
Job selection Filtering the list of Job names There may be hundreds of Jobs in the local SmartDate X40 database. The ﬁlter option can be used to make searching for a speciﬁc job easier. Selecting the Filter option displays the Home Alphanumeric screen.
Page 109: Job Setup Using A Host Pc
Job selection Job Setup using a Host PC To select a Job with this method follow the procedure below: From the Home screen press the Select Ready Job button under the main screen or Default job use the Select Job option from the Menu screen.
Page 110 The Select Job screen is again dis- Home Select Job from Host played, press the right button to Conﬁrm. Please Enter the Job Name The Job ﬁle will be retrieved from CoLOS Control and loaded into the SmartDate X40 printer memory ready for printing. 10055363-AB...
Page 111: Prompted Data
Job selection Prompted Data Prompted data entry screens collect input from the user as a result of Job designs that require variable data to be entered during the Job selection process. Because the Job design can prompt for different types of input, the screen types vary. Home Select Job Field 1...
Page 112: Date Entry Screens
Job selection Date Entry Screens There are three types of “Date Entry” screens that the User Interface has to support: - Literal Date Entry - Fixed Format Prompted Date Entry - Offset Date Entry Literal Date Entry This screen is used to prompt the setting of a ﬁxed date to be printed. There is no cal- culation made on this date, it is displayed (Prompted) in the format that it will be printed.
Page 113: Fixed Format Date Entry
Job selection Fixed Format Date Entry This screen is used to set a literal date to be printed, but this time the date is displayed in a ﬁxed format. An example of where this option may be used is where the product is destined for another country.
Page 114: Offset Date Entry
Job selection Offset Date Entry This screen is used to set an offset from the SmartDate X40 internal clock and to pre- view what the resultant date would be. Home Select Job Print Preview This example shows an offset of seven days, so the actual date that the SmartDate X40 internal clock is set to is the 24th October 2007.
Page 115: Print Preview
Job selection Print Preview This option allows you to preview the current selected job. From this screen you can zoom in on the details of the image or preview a detailed list of the image ﬁelds by selecting the button. Print Preview Job 1 Print Preview...
Page 116: Master-Slave Function
Job selection Master-Slave Function This allows you to conﬁgure one Smartdate (Set as the Master) to control the current job on another Smartdate (Set as the Slave) When operating in this mode it is possible to: Determine the basic operational state of the Slave printer from the Master SmartDate. Determine if slaves are connected or not and if they are active printing.
Page 117: Connecting Masters To Slaves
Job selection Connecting Masters to Slaves Master / Slave functionality uses Ethernet to support communication between units. When SmartDates need to be paired they can be connected to each other by using an Ethernet cross-over cable. Machines can also be Networked together using a Switch / Hub. This conﬁguration also allows connection of the SmartDates to Host software (e.g.
Page 118 Job selection Use this screen to add the number of required slaves to the system. Machine Settings Master / Slave Number of Slaves Current Value: 3 Min=0; Max=4 When the correct number of slaves have been added, use the Check sign to return to the Machine Settings screen.
Page 119 Job selection The Diagnostics screen can be used to view the status of the slaves. Select Menu - Diagnostics - Slave Status. Menu Settings Speed Diagnostics Proﬁle Manual Slave Control Status Digital IO Supplies Control Select Print- UIHealth head Test Pattern The Slave Status menu is displayed.
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Page 121: Printer Configuration
Printer conﬁguration 10055363-AB...
Page 122: Introduction
Printer conﬁguration Introduction This section describes how to navigate the menus and the options available. Topics covered in this section include: - Menu Structure. - Printer Settings Menus - Diagnostics Menus - Statistics Menus - Files Menus - Service Menus - Information about the printer Menu Structure 10055363-AB...
Page 123: Accessing The Menus
Printer conﬁguration Accessing the Menus From the Home screen select Menus. . Ready If an Access Code is prompted for enter the code. The Main Menu screen is displayed. Home Menu Settings Service Version Diagnostics Information Statistics Files The Main Menu screen allows you to: - Access the Settings Menus - Access the Diagnostics Menus - Access the Statistics Menus...
Page 124 Printer conﬁguration Settings Diagnostics Statistics Files Service Status Menus Version Information Home screen Select job Counts Darkness Print adjust Offset Registration Test print Rotation 10055363-AB...
Page 125 Printer conﬁguration Settings Machine settings Diagnostics Display settings Statistics Adjust RTC Files Language Service Enable security Version Information Custom Codes Flex IO map Service login Diagnostics Installation setup Manual control Reset Total Counts Digital I/O control Restore to Factory Select printhead test pattern Upgrade from USB Speed proﬁle graph...
Page 126 Printer conﬁguration Prompt for Ribbon Low Speed Print Mode Discard Print Time Security Level Database Machine ID Machine Job Queueing Line ID Pack Rate Period Default Job Power Save Timer Relative Year Offset Prompt for Allocation Date Rollover Hour Default Allocation Date Rollover Minute Date Rollover Direction Image...
Page 127 Printer conﬁguration Ribbon Grade Ribbon Colour Ribbon Width New Ribbon Length New Outside Diameter Ribbon setup Core Outside Diameter Ribbon Advance Distance Ribbon Spacer Width Ribbon Extra Wind Ribbon Break Detection Low Ribbon Detect Ribbon Low Ribbon Size Monitoring Low Ribbon Action IP Address IP Subset Mask IP Gateway...
Page 128: Settings Constraints
Printer conﬁguration Settings Constraints Some Settings menu items have constraints. i.e. They will only be displayed if certain settings conditions apply. The following list shows which menu items have constraints and the conditions that apply: All of the options are displayed with the top level password, some options are not dis- played with lower level passwords.
Page 129 Printer conﬁguration Encoder Encoder Type Continuous printer only. Encoder Direction Continuous printer and Encoder Type set to Quadrature. Continuous printer and Encoder Type set to Quadrature or Encoder Resolution Pulse Train. Continuous printer and Encoder Type set to Internal. Film Speed Printer Mode dependant.
Page 130: Settings Menus
Printer conﬁguration Settings Menus From the Home screen select Menus. Ready If an Access Code is prompted for enter the code. From the Menus screen select Settings Home Menu Settings Service Version Diagnostics Information Statistics Files 10055363-AB...
Page 131 Printer conﬁguration The Settings Menu screen is displayed. Menu Settings Machine Enable Security Settings Display Custom Settings codes Adjust Flex I/O Language The Settings Menus allow you to: - Conﬁgure the Machine settings. - Conﬁgure the Display settings. - Conﬁgure the Real Time Clock (Set the Date and Time) - Select the User Interface language.
Page 132: Machine Settings
Printer conﬁguration Machine Settings From the Settings screen select Machine Menu Settings. Settings Machine Enable If an Access Code is prompted for enter the Settings Security code. Display Custom Settings codes Adjust Flex I/O Language Settings Use the Left and Right Arrows Machine Settings to move to the required set of options.
Page 133: Machine Options
Printer conﬁguration Machine Options The Machine menu allows you to conﬁgure various settings that are speciﬁc to the par- ticular printer. The following Machine options can be conﬁgured: Prompt for Ribbon This allows you to enable the ribbon type prompt. Range: Yes, No When set to YES the user must enter a ribbon type when changing ribbon.
Page 134: Image
See CoLOS Create Pro for details. This allows you to set a identifying number for the product line that the SmartDate X40 is being used on. Line ID The information is then printed in a speciﬁc ﬁeld on the design.
Page 135 Printer conﬁguration Date Rollover Direction Range: After Midnight or Before This allows you to set the period of the day that the rollover occurs. Midnight Default: After Midnight Offset Date Rollover Hour (Best Before End) Range: 0 to 11 Default: 0 This allows you to set the hour at which the next day starts.
Page 136: Print Features
Printer conﬁguration Print Features The Print Features menu allows you to conﬁgure various settings that relate to the op- eration of the printer. The following Print Features options can be conﬁgured: Print Speed This is an Intermittent printer feature. Range: 70 to 600 mm/s Default: 100 mm/s This allows you to set the print speed for Intermittent printers.
Page 137: Print Initiation
Printer conﬁguration Print Initiation The Print Initiation menu allows you to conﬁgure the signal to start printing. The options available will depend upon which printer type is selected. (Intermittent or Continuous) The following Print Initiation options can be conﬁgured: Setting Description Print Trigger This is Continuous printer feature.
Page 138: Print Quality
Printer conﬁguration Print Quality The Print Quality menu allows you to conﬁgure settings that control the quality of the printed image. The following Print Quality options can be conﬁgured: Setting Description Print Darkness Range: 80 to 140% This allows you to set the Darkness level for the print. Default: 100% This allows you to set a printer speciﬁc darkness level for the printer.
Page 139 Printer conﬁguration Start Border Range: This allows you to set the distance over which the printhead is allowed to settle 0 to 20.0 mm after it has moved out, but before it starts to print. Default: 2.0 mm Intermittent Default: 4.0 mm Continuous End Border Range: This allows you to set the distance the printhead or ribbon is allowed to travel...
Page 140: Encoder
Printer conﬁguration Encoder The Encoder menu allows you conﬁgure various settings related to the Continuous printer speed encoder. The following Encoder options can be conﬁgured: Setting Description Encoder Type Range: External Quadrature, This allows your to set the Encoder type for Continuous printers. Internal or External Pulse Train.
Page 141: Print Position
Printer conﬁguration Print Position The Print Position menu allows you to ﬁne tune the position of the print on the target material. The following Print Position options can be conﬁgured: Setting Description This is Continuous printer feature. Registration Range: Continuous 0.0 - 600.0mm This allows you to set the start position of the print relative to the Print Go Intermittent 0.0 - 75.0mm position.
Page 142: Ribbon Setup
Printer conﬁguration Ribbon Setup The Ribbon Setup menu allows you to conﬁgure various ribbon speciﬁc settings. This enables the Controller to ﬁne tune printer settings to suit individual ribbon types. The following Ribbon Setup options can be conﬁgured: Setting Description Ribbon Grade Range: 3100, 3410, 3510, 3810, 3820, 3910, 4910, 5810, Non...
Page 143 Printer conﬁguration Ribbon Winding Range: Inside Winding or Outside Depending on which side of the ribbon the ink positioned, this allows you to Winding conﬁgure the Inside or Outside option. Default: Inside Winding Ribbon Advance Distance This allows you to set the distance the ribbon advances between prints (in Range: 1 - 10mm (1 - 1000 addition to the length of the print) mm*100)
Page 144: Ribbon Monitoring
Printer conﬁguration Ribbon Monitoring The Ribbon Monitoring menu allows you to conﬁgure various settings related to the condition of the ribbon. The following Ribbon Monitoring options can be conﬁgured: Setting Description Ribbon Break Detection Range: YES / NO This allows you set the ribbon break detection function. Default: YES Low Ribbon Detection Range: Yes / No...
Page 145: Communications
The following Communication options can be conﬁgured: Setting Description IP Address This allows you to assign an IP address to the SmartDate X40. Range: LAN Speciﬁc Always consult your IT department before conﬁguring an IP address. Default: 010.000.000.015 IP Subnet Mask Range: LAN Speciﬁc...
Page 146: Speed Profile Recorder
Printer conﬁguration Speed Proﬁle Recorder This is a Continuous printer feature. The Speed Proﬁle Recorder allows you to conﬁgure the Speed Proﬁle feature options. The following Speed Proﬁle options can be conﬁgured: Setting Description Resolution Range: 1ms, 5ms, 10ms, 50ms or This allows you to deﬁne the resolution for the speed proﬁle.
Page 147: Ngpcl
Printer conﬁguration NGPCL (Next Generation Print Communication Language) This is Markem-Imaje protocol for communicating with devices. This can be used select products from the local database, update variable data ﬁelds on the image etc. Where ﬁelds on the image template are updated on a regular basis, it may be neces- sary to limit the length of the ﬁeld names and ﬁeld data.
Page 148: Master / Slave
Printer conﬁguration Master / Slave The Master / Slave function allows up to four additional SmartDate X40 printers to be controlled from a single Master SmartDate X40. Once the Slave printers are conﬁgured, a Job selected on the Master will also be se- lected on the Slave printers.
Page 149: Sscc
Printer conﬁguration SSCC This feature allows you to conﬁgure the Serial Shipping Container Code parameters. Setting Description SSCC Company ID Range: 1 - 16 digits This allows you to enetr the allocated Company ID code. Default: 1 SSCC Current Reference Value Range: 1 - 16 digits This allows you to deﬁne the current serial number to be used.
Page 150: Display Settings
Printer conﬁguration Display Settings The Display Settings menu allows you to conﬁgure the settings of the User Interface Screen. From the Settings screen select Display Menu Settings. . Settings Machine Enable If an Access Code is prompted for enter the Settings Security code.
Page 151: Adjust Rtc (Real Time Clock)
Printer conﬁguration Adjust RTC (Real Time Clock) The Adjust RTC menu allows you to conﬁgure the machine internal clock Date and Time settings. The following Adjust RTC settings can be conﬁgured. From the Settings screen select Adjust Menu RTC. . Settings Machine Enable...
Page 152: Language
Printer conﬁguration Language The Language menu allows you to select the User Interface screen language. The following Language options can be selected as standard: Setting English Français Dansk Deutsch Nederlands Español Italiano Additional languages are also available. For further information, please contact your lo- cal Markem-Imaje representative.
Page 153: Security
Printer conﬁguration Security The Security menu allows you to activate or deactivate the password option. User accounts The User Accounts menu allows you to conﬁgure Individual accounts. The following User Accounts options can be conﬁgured: Setting Description Operator Supervisor Installation engineer 10055363-AB...
Page 154: Time/Date Codes
Printer conﬁguration Time/Date Codes The Time/Date Codes menus allow you to conﬁgure customer speciﬁc time and date settings. The following Time/Date code options can be conﬁgured: Setting Description Custom Codes Shift Codes Settings Custom Codes Day of Day of week month Sunday Monday...
Page 155: Diagnostics
Printer conﬁguration Diagnostics Menu Settings Speed Diagnostics Proﬁle Manual Supplies Control Digital IO UIHealth Control Select Print- Printhead head Test Information Pattern Diagnostics The Diagnostics menus allow you to view various information about the status of the printer. For full details see the Diagnostics section Statistics The Statistics menu allows you to view details about the printers performance.
Page 156: Files
Printer conﬁguration Files The Files menus allow you to organise your ﬁle structure. The following File options can be can accessed: State Description Copy Files Copy ﬁles to or from a USB memory stick. Delete Files Delete speciﬁc ﬁles from the job database. Clear Job Database Delete all ﬁles from the job database.
Page 157: Version Information
Printer conﬁguration Version Information The Version Information menu allows you to view information about the machine. The following Information can be can accessed: State Description Controller Software Version Controller Hardware Serial Number Language File Version Controller PLD Version Controller MAC Address Controller PCB Version Printer Software Version Printer Hardware Serial Number...
Page 158: Diagnostics
Diagnostics 10055363-AB...
Page 159 Diagnostics 10055363-AB...
Page 160: Introduction
Diagnostics Introduction This section describes the Diagnostics features of the SmartDate X40. Topics covered in this section include: - Diagnostics - Manual control - Digital I/O control - The printhead test pattern - Speed proﬁles - Supplies - Health - Printhead Information...
Page 161: Diagnostics
Diagnostics Diagnostics Menu Settings Speed Diagnostics Proﬁle Manual Supplies Control Digital IO UIHealth Control Select Print- Printhead head Test Information Pattern Diagnostics The Diagnostics menus allow you to view various information about the status of the printer. The following Diagnostics information can be viewed: Diagnostics Diagnostics Printer...
Page 162: Printer
Diagnostics Printer The Printer Conﬁguration menu allows you to view information that is speciﬁc to the individual printer. The following Printer Conﬁguration information can be viewed: Setting Description Controller Serial Number Controller speciﬁc End of Ribbon Sensor Present or Not Present Flexible I/O Map Off.ﬂex IO or name speciﬁc Printer Orientation...
Page 163: Inputs Status
Diagnostics Inputs Status The Inputs Status menu allows you to view the current status of the printer Inputs. The following Input Status information can be viewed: Setting Description Print Go State Active or Inactive Input 1 State Active or Inactive Substrate Speed (Continuous) Substrate Speed Current Substrate Speed...
Page 164: Temperatures
Diagnostics Temperatures The Temperatures menus allow you to the current temperatures of the machine. The following Temperatures information can be viewed: Setting Description Controller Temperature °C Printer Temperature °C Print head Temperature °C Print Timing The Print Timing menus allow you to view information about the individual timings for one print cycle of the currently selected image.
Page 165: Ribbon
Diagnostics Ribbon The Ribbon menu allow you to view information about the ribbon currently being used on the printer. The following Ribbon information can be viewed: Setting Description The number of prints that can be completed with the cur- Remaining prints rent selected job before a ribbon change is required.
Page 166: Internal
Diagnostics Internal The Internal menus allow you to view information about the printer’s internal sensors and switches. The following Internal information can be viewed: Setting Description Printer hours on Hours Dead printhead dots Numeric value Tension Controller Position Numeric value Cassette Switch State Active or Inactive Encoder Input A State...
Page 167 Diagnostics Setting Description Left Limit Switch State Active or Inactive Motor Voltage Volts dc Print Head Voltage Volts dc Printer Board Links Numeric value Printer Internal Fuse OK or Fault Printer Supply Fuse OK or Fault Print Head Resistance Numeric value Movement Sensor Value Numeric value NOTE:...
Page 168: Manual Control
Diagnostics Manual Control The Manual Control menus allow you to test various functions of the printer. The following Manual functions can be tested: Diagnostics Manual Control Ribbon Printhead Calibrate Toggle Ribbon Feed Start Cycle Test Stop Cycle Test Print Printhead Test Pattern 10055363-AB...
Page 169: Ribbon
Diagnostics Ribbon Function Description Calibrate Activates the Calibration sequence. Toggle Ribbon Feed Activates or De-activates the Ribbon Feed sequence. Start Cycle Test Starts the Print Cycle Stop Cycle Test Stops the Print Cycle Print Markem-Imaje Test Pattern Selects and automatically prints the Test pattern Printhead Setting Description...
Page 170: Digital Io Control
Diagnostics Digital IO Control The Digital IO Control menu allows you to Toggle this various Digital Outputs. The following Digital Outputs can be toggled: Function Description Toggle Fault Output Activates or De-activates the Output. Toggle Warning Output Activates or De-activates the Output. Toggle User Conﬁgurable Output 1 Activates or De-activates the Output.
Page 171: Speed Profile
In some cases the substrate speed may be faster than the fastest print speed of the SmartDate X40. If the Print signal is activated at this point in the cycle the resulting print will be unacceptable.
Page 172 Diagnostics Settings Settings Machine Settings Machine Settings Function Description 1) Start Speed Proﬁle Activates the speed proﬁle recorder. 2) Stop Speed Proﬁle De-activates speed proﬁle recorder. 10055363-AB...
Page 173: Supplies
Diagnostics Supplies The Supplies Screen provides information about the available ribbon and number of prints that can be completed before a ribbon change is required. When the printer is in producing mode the remaining time will also be displayed with respect to the current print cycle time.
Page 174: Health
Diagnostics Health The Health screen displays metrics relating to the operational efﬁciency of your instal- lation. In order to compute these metrics the SmartDate distinguishes between and measures, the time spent in different states. Uptime is the duration for which the SmartDate is available and ready to print if conﬁg- ured to do so.
Page 175 Diagnostics Two machine efﬁciency measures are derived from these times: % Availability measures % uptime achieved by the system having excluded Ribbon Change Time from the calculation. % Availability = Uptime / (Uptime + Downtime) This gives a good overall measure of the SmartDate’s health. A low availability metric implies a conﬁguration issue that is compromising the amount of time you can success- fully use the machine.
Page 176: The Health Screen
Diagnostics The Health Screen The Health screen displays four distinct metrics calculated from above. Diagnostics Health Currently: Available Lifetime Availabilty: 99.9% With Cassette Change: 99.9% Measured Over Daily Availability: 99.9% With Cassette Change: 99.9% Dead Printhead Dots: 0 Also displayed is the : Current state of the machine - either Available, Changing Ribbon or In Fault.
Page 177: The Printhead Information Screen
Diagnostics The Printhead Information Screen The printhead Information Screen displays details of information stored in Markem- Imaje Smart-chip thermal transfer printheads. This includes details of the printhead’s identity, usage and printhead dot check health. This screen also provides the option to save this information to a Printhead Data Log ﬁle.
Page 178: Identity
Diagnostics Identity This screen allows you to view information with regard to serial numbers, model num- bers and dates of printhead changes. Identity Description Written once at Serial Number New printhead serial number manufacture Written once at Type Numeric model number manufacture Written once at Manufacture Date...
Page 179: Usage
Diagnostics Usage This screen allows you to view information with regard to the performance of the printer. Usage Description Print Count Number of print cycles performed Ribbon KM Amount of ribbon fed past the printhead Direct Thermal KM Amount of substrate fed past the printhead Last known printhead darkness setting value Darkness used to print...
Page 180: History
History 10055363-AB...
Page 181 History 10055363-AB...
Page 182: Special Screens
History Special Screens There are a number of special screens that may occasionally appear. Examples of this may be if a print can not be completed or if a new type of ribbon is loaded. Counts This screen displays the current status of the printer counters. Home Counts Batch Good...
Page 183: Statistical Information
History Statistical Information The Statistics Menus allow you to view information about the printers producing performance. Statistics The following Statistical information can be viewed: Function Description Instant Average Pack Rate Packs per minute. Long Term Average Pack Rate Packs per minute Max Print Speed This is Continuous printer feature.
Page 184: Packml State Times
History PackML State Times The following PackML State Times information can be viewed: State Description Producing Time in Hours/Minutes/Seconds Ready Time in Hours/Minutes/Seconds Starting Time in Hours/Minutes/Seconds Aborted Time in Hours/Minutes/Seconds Held Time in Hours/Minutes/Seconds Stand-by Time in Hours/Minutes/Seconds Aborting Time in Hours/Minutes/Seconds Holding Time in Hours/Minutes/Seconds...
Page 185 10055363-AB...
Page 186: Maintenance
Maintenance 10055363-AB...
Page 187 Maintenance 10055363-AB...
Page 188: Introduction
- Replacing the ribbon tension roller. - Replacing the drive belt. Cleaning and Care To ensure that your SmartDate X40 operates correctly, the entire unit should be cleaned on a regular basis. Printer: Particular attention should be given to the inside of the printer body, especially if food products are able to fall into the unit.
Page 189: Maintenance Scheme
- Check Air is set to recommended pressure. - Check condition of Platen rubber (SmartDate X40 - Intermittent printer). Clean or re- place it if necessary. The platen rubber needs to be smooth, ﬂat and free from debris. - To change the platen rubber, ﬁrst take the old platen rubber off.
Page 190: Monthly Checks
- To minimise printhead wear, always use the minimum air pressure that delivers an acceptable print quality. Never exceed the maximum air pressure recommended for the particular SmartDate X40 used. - Use the minimum darkness setting that delivers the required print quality.
Page 191: Cleaning The Printhead
Maintenance Cleaning the Printhead The printhead should be cleaned at regular intervals. These depend on machine use, operating environment, and choice of thermal ribbon. Turn off the power to the controller and remove the ribbon cassette. Allow the printhead to cool to normal room temperature before proceeding in order to pre- vent the possibility of thermal shock damage.
Page 192: Replacing The Printhead
Maintenance Replacing the Printhead The SmartDate X40 printhead can be changed quickly and easily. Turn off the power to the controller and isolate the air supply to the printer body. Remove the ribbon cassette. Always ensure anti static precautions are used when handling new printheads.
Page 193 Maintenance Disconnect the ribbon cable from the printer interconnection PCB. Remove the printhead from the print module. 10055363-AB...
Page 194: Removing The Damaged Printhead (Continuous)
Maintenance Removing the damaged printhead (Continuous) Push the printhead forward towards the peel roller and rotate the rear of the printhead outwards as shown here. Swing the printhead out from the print module. Remove the four print module retaining screws. 10055363-AB...
Page 195 Maintenance Move the print module to one side. Locate the ribbon cable connector on the interface PCB. Disconnect the ribbon cable from the PDB. 10055363-AB...
Page 196: Setting The Correct Printhead Resistance
Maintenance Setting the correct printhead resistance NOTE: with Smarthead printheads the resistance setting is automatic. NOTE: the resistance value is printed on the PCB side of the new Printhead. This value must be entered into the controller menu structure if a non Markem- Imaje printhead is used..
Page 197 Maintenance Select Installation Setup. Menu Service Installation Setup Restore to Factory Select Printhead Resistance. Service Installation Setup Printhead Resistance Enter the new value. 1186 When ﬁnished press the tick symbol to accept the changes. 10055363-AB...
Page 198: Replacing The Peel Roller
Maintenance Replacing the Peel Roller The Peel Roller body is a wear part and should be checked for damage and changed if necessary.. Remove the retaining screw from the end of Peel roller. Remove the screw and washer. Lift off the roller body. 10055363-AB...
Page 199 Maintenance Fit a new Peel roller body over the shaft and add Loctite 222. Secure the screw. Clean off any excess ﬂuid and ensure the roller is free to rotate. 10055363-AB...
Page 200 Maintenance If the peel roller shaft has been dam- aged, undo the retaining nut at the base and remove the complete assembly. Once the seal has been broken at the base of the screw, use an Allen key to unscrew the Peel roller. Remove the roller from the printer car- riage plate.
Page 201 Maintenance Fit a new peel roller assembly and en- sure that it is secure and free to rotate. Secure with Loctite 222. Tighten the screw. Clean off any excess ﬂuid and ensure the roller is free to rotate. 10055363-AB...
Page 202: Replacing The Ribbon Guide Rollers
Maintenance Replacing the Ribbon Guide Rollers The ribbon guide rollers are vulnerable to damage through misuse and may have to be changed if they become bent or damaged. Remove the damaged roller by applying a spanner to the two ﬂat surfaces at the base of the roller.
Page 203 Maintenance Place the new roller in position and tighten. Clean off any excess ﬂuid and ensure the roller is free to rotate. 10055363-AB...
Page 204: Replacing The Ribbon Movement Roller
Maintenance Replacing the Ribbon Movement Roller Replacing the Roller Magnet If the magnet on the movement roller has been damaged it will have to be replaced. Remove the securing screw on the end of the roller. Remove the damaged components. 10055363-AB...
Page 205 Maintenance Fit a new rubber washer. Fit a new magnet. Replace the cap and clean off any ex- cess ﬂuid and ensure the roller is free to rotate. 10055363-AB...
Page 206: Replacing The Movement Roller
Maintenance Replacing the Movement Roller The procedure for replacing the ribbon movement roller is the same as for the ribbon guide rollers. Remove the damaged roller by applying a spanner to the two ﬂat surfaces at the base of the roller. Before ﬁtting a replacement roller, apply Loctite 222 to the screw thread at the base of the roller.
Page 207 Maintenance Place the new roller in position and tighten. Clean off any excess ﬂuid and ensure the roller is free to rotate. 10055363-AB...
Page 208: Replacing The Ribbon Tension Roller
Maintenance Replacing the Ribbon Tension Roller If the tension roller becomes damaged the whole assembly will require changing. Dependant on the hand of the cassette the ribbon supply ﬂange (red) may have to be removed to gain access to the securing screws. Remove the four retaining screws from the tension roller carriage.
Page 209 Maintenance Replace with a new assembly. Secure the screws with Loctite 222. 10055363-AB...
Page 210: External Links
External links 10055363-AB...
Page 211 External links 10055363-AB...
Page 212: Controller And Printer Connection Points
External links Controller and Printer Connection Points Standard Controller The main connection points for the Controller unit are shown below: Controller Connection Points (Rear View) 1. USB-B Connector 2. Ethernet Connector. 3. USB-A Connector 4. RS-232 Comms Connector. 5. External I/O Connector. 6.
Page 213: Oem Controller
External links OEM Controller The main connection points for the OEM Controller unit are shown below: Controller Connection Points (Rear View) 1. USB-B Connector 2. Ethernet Connector. 3. USB-A Connector 4. RS-232 Comms Connector. 5. External I/O Connector. 6. Printer Power / Control Connector. 7.
Page 214: Printer
External links Printer The main connection points for the Printer unit are shown below: Printer Connection Points 1. Printer Power and Signals. 2. Encoder. 3. Air Inlet. 4. Air Exhaust. 10055363-AB...
Page 215: Printer Power And Control Signals
External links Printer Power and Control Signals A single cable connects the Controller and the Printer Body. This cable can be up to 10 metres in length. Both power and signals are present in the single multi-core cable. To ensure robust signal integrity, the Controller to Printer link is via a twisted-pair RS- 422 interface.
Page 216: Control I/O Connections
External links Control I/O Connections A 15-way cable with a D-type plug connector on the rear of the Controller provides: – Connection to the PRINT GO input. – Access to the Fault and Warning Status outputs. – Access to the User conﬁgurable Digital I/O Description +24 VDC - I/O PRINT GO Input...
Page 217: Print Go Input Wiring
– Ground cable into terminal 3 (GND) – Power cable to terminal 1 (+24 V) SmartDate X40 prints each time the sensor changes from low state to high state. The input draws a maximum of 13 mA at 25 VDC.
Page 218: Fault And Warning Outputs
– In READY mode. – Not in a position to print because of a PROBLEM READY mode: The Unit OK signal is switched off when the SmartDate X40 is switched out of PRODUCING mode and into READY mode. ABORTED mode: (Fault) If a problem occurs the SmartDate X40 will automatically switch to ABORTED mode and indicate that there is a problem.
Page 219: Encoders
– The output connects to an NPN open collector output, operating at 24 V DC. – The standard SmartDate X40 encoder is 500 pulses per rev. with a 52.5 mm tracking wheel, giving a resolution of 3.05 pulses/min. (The printer default setting) A high resolution encoder (5000 pulses/rev) should be used where print speeds lower than 70mm/s are experienced during the print cycle.
Page 220: Quadrature Encoders
Quadrature Encoders A quadrature encoder has two electrical channels that allow it to report distance / speed and direction. This is the preferred type of encoder in that it allows the SmartDate X40 to take care of any changes in direction.
Page 221: Encoder Resolution
This gives an encoder resolution of 3.05 stripes / mm. Encoder Setup The idler wheel typically runs on a rubber roller and in the case of the SmartDate X40 has a rubber tyre on the wheel. It is difﬁcult to determine the exact measurements, therefore the following procedure can be used to validate the setting.
Page 222: Single Channel Encoders
External links Single Channel Encoders Single channel encoders can be used with SmartDate X40 continuous printers, but will not be as efﬁcient as quadrature encoders. The substrate movement is recorded in one direction only, any drift backwards is not accounted for.
Page 223: Communication Links
This equipment is typically PLC based and is not capable of handling more complex message structures such as DCP (Device Communication Protocol) An example where NGPCL might be used is where a SmartDate X40 is being used to print information that changes from one print to the next.
Page 224: Communication Options
These include the following: – Ethernet from a PC or Server to a SmartDate X40. – Ethernet Network from a PC or Server to a series of SmartDate X40 printers. Controlling SmartDate X40 from a PC By using CoLOS Control all SmartDate X40 printers can be controlled from a single PC.
Page 225 External links 10055363-AB...
Page 226 Technical speciﬁcations 10055363-AB...
Page 227: Technical Specifications
Technical speciﬁcations 10055363-AB...
Page 228: Machine Specification
Technical speciﬁcations Machine Speciﬁcation SmartDate X40 Speciﬁcation SmartDate X40 - Intermittent printer 32mm or 53 mm x 75 mm Print Area SmartDate X40 - Continuous printer 32mm or 53 mm x 100 mm Substrate Area Unlimited. SmartDate X40 - Intermittent Mode...
Page 229 Controller Dimensions Allow a minimum of 80 mm (3.15 ”) for the connector and cable access to both printer and controller. Printer Weight SmartDate X40 - 7.82 kg Controller Weight 4.0 kg Cassette loaded: Maximum ribbon length 1100 metres (3820 Grade)
Page 230 Technical speciﬁcations Inputs: ‘Print’ input signal status. Machine Interface Outputs: Interlock Output User Conﬁgurable I/O The user interface screen comprises of a colour LCD touchscreen and a Operator Interface four button hot key interface. Wipe Clean touchscreen for a local entry of variable information, complete with Full Diagnostics capability.
Page 231 10055363-AB...
Page 232 SmartDate X40 User Manual - Revision . The revision AA index corresponds to the ﬁrst edition of this manual. . The revision index changes with each update. Date published Revision index documentation Software index 10/2010 03/2012 For Marking & Coding Equipment. Photographs and drawings are not binding in detail. This document was originally written in English.
Page 233 10055363-AB...

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