The Gestetner 420 is a stencil duplicator designed for efficient and high-quality reproduction of documents. It is a robust machine, supported by over 80 years of research and development from Gestetner, a company known for its commitment to service and innovation in the field of duplication. The machine is designed for ease of use and aims to provide substantial savings to its users through its reliable operation.
Function Description:
The Gestetner 420 operates by transferring ink through a stencil onto paper, creating multiple copies of a document. It is capable of producing a large volume of copies quickly and efficiently. The core function involves inking a silk screen, attaching a stencil, and then feeding paper through the machine to create impressions. The duplicator is designed to handle various paper sizes and types, including short paper and cards, with adjustable settings to ensure optimal print quality and paper handling.
Important Technical Specifications:
While specific numerical specifications like speed (copies per minute) or dimensions are not explicitly detailed in the provided pages, several operational features imply its technical capabilities:
- Ink Selector: The machine features an ink selector that allows for ink application in four different positions across the width of the stencil: full width, left-hand side, right-hand side, and middle. This provides flexibility for different stencil layouts and ensures even inking.
- Feed Pressure Lever: This lever adjusts the feed pressure, with a '+' position for normal use and a '-' position for lightweight paper, indicating adaptability to different paper weights.
- Quick-Set Counter: The duplicator includes a quick-set counter that allows users to pre-set the desired number of copies (hundreds, tens, and units). Once the set number is reached, the counter registers '0' and automatically stops the feed mechanism, ensuring precise print runs without manual intervention.
- Print Height Adjuster: This feature enables users to adjust the vertical position of the copy on the paper, moving it UPWARDS or DOWNWARDS, ensuring accurate placement of the printed content.
- Delivery Control Unit and Paper Control Guide: These components, when used, help in guiding the paper into the receiving tray, ensuring neat stacking of copies. The blades of the delivery control unit can be positioned slightly inside the edges of the paper for optimal control.
Usage Features:
The Gestetner 420 is designed with several user-friendly features to simplify its operation:
- Easy Stencil Fitting: Stencils are fastened with the typed side towards the Silk Screen, fitting securely over studs on the Stencil Fixing Bar. The process involves lifting a cover, attaching the stencil, and then closing the cover.
- Proofing Button: A proofing button allows users to obtain a single proof copy to check for uniform inking before commencing a full print run. This helps in adjusting ink levels and stencil placement as needed.
- Adjustable Feedboard and Receiving Tray: Both the feedboard and receiving tray have adjustable guides (back and side guides) to accommodate various paper sizes and ensure proper alignment and stacking of copies. The feedboard scales assist in positioning the paper stack relative to the stencil's subject matter.
- Paper Height Stop: This mechanism ensures that no more paper is placed on the feedboard than can be easily accommodated, preventing overfilling and potential jams.
- Speed Control: The machine offers speed control, allowing users to adjust the printing speed (CLOCKWISE for FAST or COUNTER-CLOCKWISE for SLOW). This can also influence the density of the copy, with slower speeds potentially increasing density.
- Re-running Used Stencils: The manual provides instructions for re-running used stencils, including steps to re-lay creased stencils evenly on the silk screen, indicating the machine's capability to maximize stencil lifespan.
- Short Paper and Cards Feeding: Specific instructions are provided for feeding shorter paper and cards (5"-7" in length), involving the use of small feed fingers and paper guides, demonstrating its versatility.
Maintenance Features:
Maintenance aspects are integrated into the operational procedures, particularly concerning ink management and color changing:
- Ink Tube and Ink Gun System: The machine uses an ink tube and an ink gun for applying ink. The ink tube is held by the shoulder, and its crimped end is placed in a tube support, with the nozzle inserted into a tube holder. A tube locking lever secures it. The ink gun is withdrawn by depressing a pump catch, facilitating easy replacement or cleaning.
- Color Changing Procedure: A detailed procedure for changing colors involves disconnecting silk screen springs, lifting the silk screen, withdrawing ink rollers, removing the ink tube and ink gun, and then using a "Color Change Strip" to clean the cylinders. This strip is inserted between the cylinders, and the handle is turned to clean the machine, after which new ink rollers and ink gun can be inserted. This systematic approach ensures thorough cleaning and prevents color contamination.
- Silk Screen Management: The silk screen is designed to be easily detached and reattached, which is crucial for color changes and stencil fitting. The silk screen bottom bar and top bar, along with springs, facilitate its secure placement and tension.
The Gestetner 420 is presented as a comprehensive duplication solution, supported by Gestetner's range of "Working Companions" such as the Gestefax 456 Stencil Scanner, Gestetner G Folder, and Gestetner 8S Collator, along with a variety of Gestetner inks available in nineteen colors. This ecosystem suggests that the 420 is part of a broader office solution for document reproduction and finishing.
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