Matthews 8000+ Series

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Summary

Introduction

Contact details - Manufacturer

Manufacturer contact details for Matthews Swedot AB, USA, and China.

Conditions

Matthews Swedot AB reserves the right to change specifications without prior notice.

Safety & Certification

Disclaims responsibility regarding CE directive if product is used, altered, or installed incorrectly.

About this manual

Provides technical information specific to the 8000+ range print heads and their models.

History

Table showing which Technical Manual should be used with which print head model.

Overview

The 8000+ Range Print Heads

Describes the MINI, MIDI, and MAXI print head types and their different printing characteristics.

External Parts

Illustrates and labels the external components of the print head, such as nozzles and connectors.

Print Head Compatibility

States that 8000+ print heads are fully compatible with existing 8000 print head control units.

Pigmented Inks

Warns about potential damage and warranty voidance when using pigmented inks without a CISU.

Dimensions

Provides dimensional drawings and weight for the 8000+ range, 7v print head.

Print head mounting clamp

Shows side and top views with dimensions for the print head mounting clamp.

Installation

Adapting to Print Direction

Explains how to mount the print target guide plate to prevent smudging and flatten surfaces.

Positioning

Provides guidelines for positioning the print head for optimal printout and proper tube management.

Using with the SX-32 and SX-32 e Control Units

Details print head configuration for SX-32/SX-32e control units and their compatibility.

Using with the DOD-8400 and DOD-8400 e Control Units

Provides guidelines for using 8000+ print heads with DOD-8400/DOD-8400e control units.

Using with the V84(e) and V84 i Control Units

Details print head configuration for V84(e)/V84i control units and their compatibility.

Reconditioning and In-Service-Rotation of Print Heads

Guidelines for ensuring correct operation of print heads inactive for six months, covering reconditioning and rotation.

Starting Up

Step-by-step guide for preparing and starting up a print head for the first time.

Connecting to an Ink Supply Unit

Details on connecting the print head to an ink supply unit, including safety and general information.

Ink Tube Recommendations

Recommendations for selecting tubing between the print head and ink supply unit based on installation type.

Ink Filtering Recommendations

Guidance on ink filtering needs, especially for 1700A ink, and filter replacement.

Appendices

Security Notices

Warnings and cautions regarding the safe handling and use of print heads and fluids.

Print Head Comparison Charts

Chart comparing 7, 16, and 32 valve print heads across various features.

MINI, MIDI & MAXI Print Heads

Compares MINI, MIDI, and MAXI print heads for control unit and ink type compatibility.

Troubleshooting

Guide for identifying and resolving common problems with print heads.

User Notes

A table for recording print head, serial number, ink, cleaner, and pressure details.

The Matthews 8000+ Range Print Heads are designed for industrial marking applications, offering a variety of print resolutions and capabilities across different models: MINI, MIDI, and MAXI, with options for 7, 16, or 32 valves. These print heads are fully compatible with existing 8000 series control units, allowing for direct replacement without requiring changes to the control unit settings.

Function Description

The 8000+ Range Print Heads are used for printing messages onto various surfaces. They operate by ejecting ink drops to form characters and images. The different print head types (MINI, MIDI, MAXI) are distinguished by their print resolution and drop size. MINI print heads are designed for high-resolution printing with small drops, MAXI heads for low-resolution printing with large drops, and MIDI heads offer characteristics in between. Each type is available in 7, 16, or 32-valve models, corresponding to different maximum print heights.

A key feature is the print target guide plate, which serves two purposes: preventing smudging of newly printed dots by the print head itself and flattening uneven surfaces on the print target.

Important Technical Specifications

Print Head Types: MINI, MIDI, MAXI.
Valve Configurations: 7-valve, 16-valve, 32-valve.
Compatibility: Fully compatible with 8000 series control units (DOD-8400/DOD-8400e, SX-32/SX-32e, SX-32i, V84/V84e, or V84i).
Weight (excluding clamp):
- 7-valve: 0.9 kg (2 lb.)
- 16-valve: 1.4 kg (3 lb.)
- 32-valve: 2.2 kg (4.8 lb.)
Dimensions (approximate, excluding clamp):
- Length: 328mm (12.9in) to 450mm (17.5in) for all models.
- Height: 123mm (4.8in) for 7v, 159mm (6.3in) for 16v, 223.4mm (8.8in) for 32v.
- Width: 55mm (2.2in) for all models.
Print Distance (maximum): 25mm (1 in) – dependent on print speed.
Ink Supply Tube Length (maximum): 15m (50ft).
Ink Tube Diameters:
- Standard: Internal 3.2mm (0.125in), External 6.4mm (0.25in).
- High capacity (for multiple print heads, continuous, or barcode printing): Internal 6.4mm (0.25in), External 9.5mm (0.375in).
Maximum Printout Height:
- 7-valve: 5 to 28mm (0.2 to 1.1in)
- 16-valve: 5 to 64mm (0.2 to 2.5in)
- 32-valve: 5 to 128mm (0.2 to 5.0in)
Maximum Print Target Speed:
- MINI/MIDI: 90 m/min (295 ft/min)
- MAXI: 240 m/min (787 ft/min)
Nominal Ink Pressure Range (bar/PSI):
- MINI/MIDI: 0.5 - 1.0 bar (7.3 - 14.5 PSI)
- MAXI: 0.3 - 1.0 bar (4.4 - 14.5 PSI)
Recommended Dot Size Range (microseconds):
- MINI: 200 - 500
- MIDI: 220 - 1000
- MAXI: 350 - 2000
Minimum Dot Spacing/Tilt Setting (mm/in):
- All settings (MINI/MIDI): 0.56mm (0.02in)
- 100-50% (MAXI): 1.5mm (0.06in)
Ink Types: SCP (MINI/MIDI/MAXI), SCP pigmented (MIDI/MAXI), DPI (MAXI), DPI pigmented (MAXI). Note: Use of pigmented inks requires a Matthews CISU (Circulating Ink Supply Unit).
Control Unit Connection: 25-pole male D-sub for 7v/16v, 50-pole male D-sub for 32v.
3-way valve: Present on 16-valve and 32-valve models for remote switching between ink and cleaner fluid. Not present on 7-valve models.
Cleaner fluid connection: Present on 16-valve and 32-valve models. Not present on 7-valve models.

Usage Features

Installation Flexibility: Print heads can be adapted for different print directions by adjusting the print target guide plate.
Positioning Guidelines: Optimal print quality is achieved by positioning the print head as close as possible to the print target, within the 25mm maximum distance. The ink supply tube should be kept as short as possible, not exceeding 15m.
Control Unit Integration: Specific settings are required for integration with SX-32/SX-32e, DOD-8400/DOD-8400e, and V84(e)/V84i control units. The manual provides detailed tables for selecting the correct print head configuration.
Multi-Head Operation: Up to four 8000+ range print heads or a maximum of 32 valves can be connected to a control unit for printing messages. All print heads must have the same Print Direction setting.
Ink Supply System: Designed for use with Matthews 2x1 litre HP ink supply systems or FPS (Basic or Advanced) for ink delivery.
Ink Filtering: Standard filtering is handled by the ink supply unit. An exception is when 1700A ink is used, requiring a standard (CS marked) filter between the ink supply unit and the print head. Filters should be replaced after 300 litres (80 US gallons - 66 UK gallons) of ink or after 6 months of use.
Starting Up: A specific procedure is outlined for preparing new print heads for operation, involving flushing with cleaner fluid and ink to ensure proper function and prevent damage. This includes connecting to an ink-supply unit, flushing via the external flush valve, and using the control unit's flush function.

Maintenance Features

Reconditioning: Print heads that have been inactive for more than six months require reconditioning before use to prevent poor print quality, uneven ink drops, or leakage. The reconditioning process involves connecting cleaner fluid, setting ink pressure, flushing the print head with cleaner, connecting to a control unit, and running a test print for an hour.
In-Service-Rotation: For installations with spare print heads, it is recommended to rotate them into service every six months. This ensures they remain in good working order and avoids the need for full reconditioning. Before removing a print head from service, its ink lines and nozzles must be flushed with cleaner.
Cleaning: The manual emphasizes using only cleaner fluid suited to the ink type being used. Sharp or pointed tools should not be used for cleaning.
Troubleshooting Guide: A comprehensive troubleshooting section helps identify and remedy common issues such as no printout, poor print quality, low ink pressure, or blocked ink tubes/nozzles.
Safety Precautions: The manual stresses the importance of safety glasses and solvent-resistant gloves when handling ink or solvent liquids. It also warns against opening the product cover, as internal parts are not user-serviceable.
Warranty: The standard Matthews warranty is void if the product is used, altered, or installed in any way other than described in the manual, or if incorrect inks/cleaners are used, or if the print head is run without fluid.