amergraph AdVantage 335

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Overview

Function Description
Important Technical Specifications
Usage Features
Maintenance Features

The AMERGRAPH AdVantage® 335, 340, 350, 355, & 370 are a series of SCREEN EXPOSURE SYSTEMS designed for screen-making applications. These units are described as technologically advanced and built for reliability and long-term service.

Function Description

The primary function of the AdVantage® series is screen exposure, utilizing an instant-start ultraviolet (UV) lamp. The system is designed to provide precise and efficient exposure of screen emulsions. A key feature is the "true instant start" technology, which allows the lamp to restart immediately, even when hot, eliminating cool-down time between exposures and increasing production efficiency. The system also includes an integrator, the AdVantage® 20, for controlling exposure units and vacuum delay.

Important Technical Specifications

Electrical Requirements:

Voltage: 240 volts
Frequency: 60 Hz (50 Hz units available by special order)
Phase: Single phase
Dedicated Service Line: At least 20 amps is required. Failure to provide sufficient power will damage the power supply and void the warranty.
Grounding: Must be connected to an approved electrical ground to protect against shock hazards.
Wiring:
- MODELS 335 & 340: Direct wiring via an access hole at the right rear of the unit.
- MODELS 350, 355, & 370: Direct wiring into an electrical box at the right rear of the unit.
Operating Voltage Range: 205-245 volts. An adjustment at the power supply is necessary to match the normal line voltage to the input. If line voltage is outside this range, the unit should not be operated until corrected.

Physical Dimensions (approximate):

MODELS 335 & 340: 37" wide x 38" deep
MODELS 350 & 355: 54" wide x 48" deep
MODEL 370: 60" wide x 56" deep
Clearance: All models require 6 inches (15cm) minimum clearance at the rear and sides for blower exhaust.

Lamp:

Type: Instant Start Ultra Violet Lamp
Part Number: AMERGRAPH LAMP P/N 10266 (for all models 335, 340, 350, 355, & 370).
Power: 3000 Watt Units (implied from calibration section).
Life Expectancy: Designed for several thousand ignitions; however, life expectancy is unpredictable. A spare lamp is recommended.
Warranty: Amergraph lamps failing within 90 days of manufacture due to faulty material or workmanship may be partially or fully replaced.

Replacement Glass Specifications:

Type: Clear, Not Tempered, Polished Plate glass, with Flat Ground edges and Dubbed corners.
Dimensions:
- MODEL 335: 3/8" x 29 7/8” x 36 7/8"
- MODEL 340: 3/8" x 31 7/8” x 36 7/8"
- MODEL 350: 3/8" x 39 5/8" x 52 7/8"
- MODEL 355: 3/8" x 41 5/8” x 52 7/8"
- MODEL 370: 3/8” x 47 5/8″ x 59 7/8"

Usage Features

Installation and Setup:

Unpacking: Requires several individuals. Packaging materials should be retained until installation is complete.
Leveling Feet: Must be installed on the unit for proper vacuum drawdown. They are found in a bag taped inside the unit.
AdVantage® 370 Step: Comes with a step for convenient access to the blanket frame, shipped separately.
Location: Should be coordinated with workflow for maximum production efficiency.
Separation for Narrow Openings: The unit can be separated into two sections to pass through a 30" opening. This involves disconnecting electrical and vacuum connectors and removing screws (for models 335 & 340).

AdVantage® 20 Integrator Operation:

Main Power: Turn on the main power.
Loading: Load materials into the vacuum frame and close it.
Test Exposure (Program 0):
- Scroll to Program 0 (no period) using U/D buttons. Display reads 220 units.
- Press START to run the test exposure.
- Press RESET when complete (display reads EC).
- Evaluate the Auto-Optimize® test image to find the "best image" and corresponding pre-set program.
Production Run:
- Scroll to the determined pre-set program (no period).
- Load production materials and close the vacuum frame.
- Press START to run production.
- Press RESET when complete (display reads EC).
Custom Programming:
- Allows setting custom exposure units and vacuum delay seconds for programs numbered 1. through 0. (with a period).
- Setting Exposure Units: Press and hold EXP SET, then use U/D to scroll to desired units, release EXP SET.
- Setting Vacuum Delay: Press and hold VAC SET, then use U/D to scroll to desired seconds, release VAC SET.
- Running Custom Program: Scroll to the desired program (with a period), load materials, press START, then RESET when complete.
Advanced Features:
- INSPECT: Allows manual control of vacuum drawdown. Press 'INS' to pause countdown, inspect vacuum, then press 'START' to begin exposure.
- LAMP TEST: Manually turns on the lamp to approximate remaining lamp life. Press 'LAMP ON', allow 2-3 minutes, press 'LAMP ON' again. The display shows approximate percentage of life left (optimum performance above 70%). Press 'RESET' to turn off.
- VACUUM SET: Changes vacuum delay time in all programs simultaneously (factory pre-set is 35 seconds). Scroll to Program U, press and hold 'VAC SET', scroll with U/D to desired seconds, release 'VAC SET'.
- MANUAL OPERATION: For one-time exposures without saving settings. Press 'LAMP ON' (display counts exposure units), press 'RESET' to turn off.
- FUNCTION KEYS (F1, F2): Can be programmed to perform specific actions:
  - G (GO TO): Alternates between last program used and Program 5.
  - E (Exposure Increase): Increases exposure by 10% (compensates for additional film base with 0.04 density).
  - . (Period): Programs exposure to tenths of a unit, or reverts to normal units.
  - - (De-activate): Does nothing.
  - To program: Scroll to desired symbol (G, E, ·, or -), then press the function key (F1 or F2).
  - To use: Scroll to desired program, press the programmed function key, then press 'START'.

Maintenance Features

General Maintenance:

Designed for minimum maintenance, but periodic care prolongs unit life.
Glass: Keep clean with non-abrasive glass cleaner. Dust, emulsions, or threads can cause unexposed spots.
Blanket: Vacuum regularly for dust. Clean rubber seal with blanket wash. Apply rubber roller rejuvenator occasionally to keep pliable.
Vacuum Pump: Oil-less and requires no service.
Reflector: Keep clean with non-abrasive glass cleaner (spray cleaner on cloth first, do not spray on lamp). A dirty reflector causes longer exposures and uneven light distribution.
IN-LINE AIR FILTER: Replace if dirty (part # 21783).
- MODELS 335 & 340: Located next to vacuum pump motor at rear; access by removing two Phillips head screws from sheet metal panel.
- MODELS 350, 355, & 370: Located outside bottom front drawer, on the right; access by loosening two Allen caps with a 3/16" Allen wrench.
Safety Precaution: Always disconnect power before cleaning the reflector or performing any maintenance to prevent electrical shock.

Calibration (for 3000 Watt Units):

The integrator is factory calibrated. Recalibration is only needed if a new lamp's "LAMP TEST" feature does not show a number between 80 and 120.
Procedure:
1. Press 'LAMP ON', wait 2 minutes for stabilization.
2. Press 'RESET'.
3. Press 'LAMP ON' twice. Note the number displayed.
4. Press 'RESET'.
5. Locate the photosensor (behind the front panel, secured by two screws).
6. Rotate the photosensor to aim for a reading between 90-110 (rotate toward light for lower numbers, away for higher).
7. Repeat 'LAMP ON' twice and photosensor adjustment until the reading is in range.
8. Once in range, allow lamp to stabilize, then scroll to Program C, press and hold 'EXP SET', then press 'START' while holding 'EXP SET'.
9. Release 'EXP SET' and 'START'. The counter should increase to a number between 90-110.
10. Press 'START' (display reads "CAL").
11. Press 'RESET' to resume normal operation.

Blanket Frame Adjustment Procedure:

Performed without a screen in the frame to address loss of vacuum pressure due to the rubber blanket taking a set.
Steps:
1. Disconnect power.
2. Open blanket frame.
3. Remove cap and knuckle from gas cylinder(s) pivot point(s).
4. Close and latch blanket frame.
5. Slightly loosen screws in vertical slots on one hinge at the back of the blanket frame.
6. Apply pressure to the blanket frame above the hinge, then tighten screws.
7. Repeat for other hinge, applying equal pressure.
8. Adjust front latches: Loosen two screws on one front latch with a 5/32" Allen wrench. Adjust latch position while applying pressure to the front corner of the blanket frame, then tighten screws.
9. Repeat for the other front latch.
10. Open blanket, replace gas cylinder(s).
11. Reconnect power.

Warranty:

Duration: 3-year limited warranty from date of manufacture on parts (excluding labor, presses, vacuum blankets, lamps, and consumables) for manufacturing defects.
Exclusions: Void if non-Amergraph lamps or parts are used, or if alterations are made without written consent.
Replacement Parts: 90-day warranty.
Glass Defects: Must be reported within 24 hours of receipt.
Lamps: UV output degrades over time. Blackened lamp housing or abnormally long exposure times indicate replacement is needed. Amergraph lamps failing within 90 days due to material/workmanship defects may be replaced.
Vacuum Blankets: Become less flexible over time. Defects in material/workmanship within 90 days may result in repair or replacement.