The Labtex AATCC M6D Drying Machine, Model: LBT-M6D, is a specialized appliance designed for drying textile materials according to specific AATCC (American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists) standards. This operation instruction manual, Version 2.0, dated August 31, 2020, provides comprehensive guidance for its safe and correct use, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Function Description:
The primary function of the Labtex LBT-M6D Drying Machine is to dry textile specimens and ballast in a controlled environment, adhering to the parameters outlined in AATCC LP1-2018 Table VI. It supports various AATCC test methods, including:
- AATCC 88B: Seam Smoothness in Fabrics after Home Laundering
- AATCC 88C: Crease Retention in Fabrics after Home Laundering
- AATCC 124: Smoothness Appearance of Fabrics after Home Laundering
- AATCC 135: Dimensional Changes of Fabrics after Home Laundering
- AATCC 143: Appearance of Apparel and Other Textile End Products After Home Laundering
- AATCC 150: Dimensional Changes of Garments after Home Laundering
The machine ensures consistent drying conditions crucial for accurate and reproducible textile testing results. It features a tumble drying mechanism and offers different drying modes to accommodate various fabric types and test requirements.
Important Technical Specifications:
While specific numerical technical specifications like power consumption or dimensions are not explicitly detailed in the provided excerpts, the manual highlights several key operational and safety aspects:
- Maximum Load Capacity: The appliance is designed for a maximum mass of 8 kg of dry textile material.
- Drying Modes: It offers three distinct drying procedures:
- Normal / Permanent Press: High heat setting.
- Delicate: Low heat setting.
- No Heat: No heat applied.
- Control System: The machine is equipped with a personalized interactive console featuring:
- Fabric Selector Knob: For choosing the desired drying mode (No Heat, Delicate, Normal / Permanent Press).
- Display Screen: Shows the selected mode and the remaining drying duration in minutes.
- Start or Stop / Time Setting Control Knob: Used to set the drying time and to start, pause, or stop the machine.
- Status Indication Lamps:
- Red Lamp: Indicates the machine is stopped or paused.
- Green Lamp: Indicates the machine is operating.
- Safety Features: Includes a motor overload protector that automatically stops the motor in case of overload and resets after cooling. The machine also incorporates a thermal cut-out to prevent hazards from inadvertent resetting.
Usage Features:
The Labtex LBT-M6D Drying Machine is designed for straightforward operation, guided by its interactive console.
- Power On: Ensure the machine is powered on.
- Mode Selection: Use the "FABRIC SELECTOR" knob to choose the appropriate drying temperature mode (No Heat, Delicate, or Normal / Permanent Press). The selected mode will be displayed on the screen.
- Time Setting: Rotate the "TIME SETTING" control knob to set the desired drying duration in minutes. The initial default drying time is 70 minutes, which can be adjusted. The time decreases when turning the knob to the right.
- Loading: Place the washed load (test specimen and ballast) into the tumble drying machine.
- Start/Pause/Stop:
- Press the "TIME SETTING" knob once to start the machine.
- Press the knob once more to pause or stop the machine.
- To cancel the program and return to the main screen, press and hold the knob for 3 seconds.
- Cool-Down Cycle: For "Normal / PP" and "Delicate" modes (excluding "NO HEAT"), the presetted drying time includes an additional 10 minutes of cooling down after the main drying cycle is confirmed.
- Lint Filter: The lint filter, located in the lower part of the door opening, must be cleaned before each load to ensure efficient operation and prevent lint accumulation.
- Ventilation: Adequate ventilation is crucial to prevent the backflow of gases from other fuel-burning appliances into the room. Exhaust air should not be discharged into a flue used for other fumes unless the appliance discharges air directly into the room.
- Safety Precautions:
- Do not overload the dryer; load size is determined by bulk, not weight, to allow clothes to tumble freely.
- Avoid drying items soiled with vegetable or cooking oils, as these may remain after washing and pose a fire risk.
- Remove all objects (lighters, matches, coins, etc.) from pockets before drying.
- Never stop the appliance before the end of the drying cycle unless items are quickly removed and spread out to dissipate heat.
- Ensure ventilation openings in the base are not obstructed by carpets or similar items.
- Do not dry unwashed items.
- Items soiled with specific chemical substances (cooking oil, acetone, alcohol, petrol, kerosene, spot removers, turpentine, waxes, wax removers) should be washed in hot water with extra detergent before drying.
- Foam rubber (latex foam), shower caps, waterproof textiles, rubber-backed articles, and clothes/pillows with foam rubber pads should not be dried in the appliance.
- Fabric softeners or similar products should be used according to their instructions.
Maintenance Features:
Regular maintenance is essential for the safe and efficient operation of the Labtex LBT-M6D Drying Machine.
- Lint Filter Cleaning: The lint filter must be cleaned before every load. This involves removing the lint filter cover, cleaning the filter, and replacing the cover. Annually, the lint filter should be removed, and the screw underneath should be unscrewed to vacuum the duct.
- Exhaust Duct Inspection and Cleaning: The exhaust duct should be inspected annually and cleaned by a qualified service person to remove any lint build-up. This inspection and cleaning should occur every one to two years or as required thereafter.
- Clearance: The dryer area must be kept clear and free from combustible materials, gasoline, and other flammable vapors and liquids. The flow of combustion and ventilation air should not be obstructed.
- Motor Overload Protector: The dryer is equipped with a motor overload protector that automatically stops the motor if an overload occurs. It will reset itself after cooling.
- Professional Service: Any disassembly requiring tools or significant repairs must be performed by a suitable qualified service person. The manual explicitly warns against user disassembly due to the risk of electric shock.
- Damaged Components: Do not use the machine with a damaged cord or plug. If the supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by qualified personnel.
- Authorized Spare Parts: In the event of a failure, only authorized spare parts should be used.
- Troubleshooting: The manual provides a troubleshooting guide for common issues:
- Won't Start: Check power cord connection, ensure the loading door is closed, press the Start/Stop knob, check fuses/circuit breakers, and verify if the motor overload protector has cycled (wait 10 minutes).
- Won't Heat: Ensure the "No Heat" program is not selected, check the exhaust duct for kinks or blockages, and verify the weather hood flapper moves freely.
- Doesn't Dry Specimen Satisfactorily: Check the exhaust duct and weather hood for obstructions, and clean the lint filter.
- Noisy: Check for foreign objects in the dryer (nails, coins, etc.) and remove them. Ensure the dryer is level, as uneven leveling can cause vibration. Normal operating sounds include the heat source cycling and the humming of air movement.
The manufacturer, Guangzhou Johnson Measurement and Control Technology Co. Ltd., can be contacted via their website (www.lab-wash.com) or email (info@lab-wash.com) for service or support. Their address is Room 2001, No.13 Heshui West, Shatai Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou.