Plockmatic 300 Series

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Summary

Introduction to Collator Operation

Operational Safety Guidelines

Provides essential safety guidelines for the continued safe operation of the equipment.

Collator Installation and Setup

Power Connection and Checks

Instructions for connecting the collator to the power source and checking cord connections.

Collator Anatomy and Controls

Identification of Main Components

Identifies and labels the main physical components of the collator.

Control Panel Functions

Details the functions and indicators of the collator's control panel.

Collator Operational Procedures

Paper Loading Instructions

Step-by-step guide on how to properly load paper into the collator bins.

Basic Machine Operation

Instructions for powering on, selecting modes, setting guides, and initiating calibration.

Interpreting Bin Indicators

Explains the meaning of different LED indicator lights on the bins.

Counter and Stacker Adjustments

Procedure for adjusting the counter value and stacker position.

Zero Setting the Total Counter

Instructions on how to reset the total counter to zero.

Programming Presets and Sheet Insertion

Guide for programming the preset counter and sheet insertion program.

Third Party Device LED Status

Describes LED indications related to third-party device mode and shutdown.

Disabling Stacker Motion

Procedure to disable stacker motion for handling lightweight papers.

Adjusting Collator Speed

Steps to enter speed adjustment mode and select collating speed.

Managing Defective Bin Sensors

How to isolate and disengage bins with defective sensors.

Collator Maintenance Procedures

Cleaning Feed Rollers and Separator Pad

Instructions for removing and cleaning the feed rollers and paper separator pad.

Collator Troubleshooting Guide

Resolving Common Collator Issues

Provides a guide to identify and resolve common problems with the collator.

Collator Technical Specifications

Model-Specific Specifications

Lists the technical specifications for various Collator Series 300/400 models.

Summary

Introduction to Collator Operation

Operational Safety Guidelines

Provides essential safety guidelines for the continued safe operation of the equipment.

Collator Installation and Setup

Power Connection and Checks

Instructions for connecting the collator to the power source and checking cord connections.

Collator Anatomy and Controls

Identification of Main Components

Identifies and labels the main physical components of the collator.

Control Panel Functions

Details the functions and indicators of the collator's control panel.

Collator Operational Procedures

Paper Loading Instructions

Step-by-step guide on how to properly load paper into the collator bins.

Basic Machine Operation

Instructions for powering on, selecting modes, setting guides, and initiating calibration.

Interpreting Bin Indicators

Explains the meaning of different LED indicator lights on the bins.

Counter and Stacker Adjustments

Procedure for adjusting the counter value and stacker position.

Zero Setting the Total Counter

Instructions on how to reset the total counter to zero.

Programming Presets and Sheet Insertion

Guide for programming the preset counter and sheet insertion program.

Third Party Device LED Status

Describes LED indications related to third-party device mode and shutdown.

Disabling Stacker Motion

Procedure to disable stacker motion for handling lightweight papers.

Adjusting Collator Speed

Steps to enter speed adjustment mode and select collating speed.

Managing Defective Bin Sensors

How to isolate and disengage bins with defective sensors.

Collator Maintenance Procedures

Cleaning Feed Rollers and Separator Pad

Instructions for removing and cleaning the feed rollers and paper separator pad.

Collator Troubleshooting Guide

Resolving Common Collator Issues

Provides a guide to identify and resolve common problems with the collator.

Collator Technical Specifications

Model-Specific Specifications

Lists the technical specifications for various Collator Series 300/400 models.

The Plockmatic 306 is a collator from the Collator Series 300/400, designed for efficient and reliable paper collation. It operates as a stand-alone unit, with options for integration into third-party systems. Artisan Technology Group, an independent supplier, offers this device as part of their quality pre-owned equipment, providing full-service repair, custom engineering, and secure asset solutions.

Function Description

The Plockmatic 306 collator is designed to gather sheets of paper into sets, ensuring accurate and consistent output. It features multiple bins for loading paper, a control panel for operation and programming, and a stacking mechanism for compiled sets. The device can perform various stacking modes, including straight and offset stacking, and offers features to detect and manage paper handling issues such as double feeds and miss feeds. Custom engineering services are available to ensure the equipment meets specific operational requirements.

Important Technical Specifications

The Plockmatic 306 is available in different models, including the Model 306+ and Model 406, which primarily differ in the number of bins.

Number of bins: 6 (Model 306+, 406) or 10 (Model 310+, 410).
Bin capacity: 20 mm (3/4").
Minimum sheet size: 120 (93³) x 210 mm (4 3/4" x 8 1/4"). The device has a possibility to go down to 93 mm width when using Side guide narrow width papers (part number 900027).
Maximum sheet size: 216 x 356 mm (8 1/2" x 14") for Models 406/410, and 320 x 450 mm (12 5/8" x 17 3/4") for Models 306+/310+.
Paper weight range: 40 gsm (minimum) to 200 gsm (maximum), depending on paper quality.
Adjustable speed: The collator offers a wide range of speeds from 1000 to 3600 sets/hour, with increments such as 1500, 1800, 2200, 2600, 2800, 3000, 3200, 3400, 3600 sets/hour. This is applicable for processor version 1.02 and PL90M.
Detection features:
- Double feed detection: Yes, with a sensor in each bin.
- Misfeed detection: Yes.
- Empty bin detection: Yes.
- Paper jam detection: Yes.
- Stacker full detection: Yes.
Counters: Set counter and Preset counter are available.
Sheet inserting program: Yes.
Receiving tray: Supports Offset/straight stacking.
Dimensions (Model 306+/406):
- Height: 700 mm (27 1/2").
- Width: 490 mm (19 1/4").
- Depth: 450 mm (17 3/4").
Dimensions (Model 310+/410):
- Height: 990 mm (39").
- Width: 575 mm (22 3/4").
- Depth: 525 mm (20 3/4").
Weight:
- Model 406: 52 kg (115lb).
- Model 410: 60 kg (132lb).
- Model 306+: 65 kg (143lb).
- Model 310+: 75 kg (165lb).
- A twin collator system (Model 310+ and 310 B) weighs 160 kg and is 1375 mm wide.
Voltage: 105/115/125V 4A 50-60 Hz or 220/230/240V 2A 50-60 Hz.

Usage Features

The collator is designed for user-friendly operation with a comprehensive control panel.

Loading paper: Sheets should be well-fanned to prevent miss feeds or double feeds and aligned for reliable collating. The load lever is used to release and actuate the feed rollers.
Operating modes: Users can select between Offset/straight stacking mode and Third party mode.
Stacking modes: If set to stacking, options include straight stacking and offset stacking.
Adjustable guides: Adjustable stacker guides (left and front) and side guides (in each bin) allow for precise paper alignment according to selected paper size.
Calibration: A test/calibration button adjusts the number of bins used and paper quality, ensuring optimal operation.
Counter functions: The device includes a counter display, counter reset button, total counter, and preset counter.
Programming: The "Selection programming mode" allows users to program the preset counter and sheet insertion program.
Bin indicators: LEDs on the control panel indicate various statuses:
- Firm light: Double sheet/Jam detect (can be caused by double sheets, paper jam, reduced paper feeding capability, or incorrect paper length).
- Flashing slow: Miss feed indication.
- Flashing fast: Indicates a bin sensor is operational but incapable of sensing double sheets after calibration, while still providing miss feed control.
Correcting counter and stacker position: Pressing the "Counter reset button" briefly reduces the total counter value by one set, and in offset stacking mode, the stacker cycles once.
Zero setting total counter: Holding the "Counter reset button" for more than one second resets the total counter to zero.
Disabling stacker motion: Pressing "Straight/offset stacking" for more than two seconds disables stacker motion, useful for handling extremely light-weight papers. The same action re-engages stacker motion.
Collator speed adjustment: The speed can be adjusted by entering the speed adjustment mode (pressing "Selection programming mode" for more than two seconds) and then selecting the desired speed. The counter display shows speed in sets/h ÷10.
Disengaging bins with defective sensors: Pressing "Test and calibration" for more than five seconds allows the electronics to check all bin sensors and disengage those with defects. This can also be simulated by removing the feed roller shaft and inserting an 80 gsm (or heavier) sheet to cover the bin sensor.

Maintenance Features

Regular maintenance is crucial for the collator's performance.

Cleaning feed rollers and paper separator pad:
1. Remove the feed roller assembly shaft by pressing it to the left side. The right end will be released, allowing removal of the assembly.
2. Clean the feed rollers and the separator pad with an alcohol-based liquid.
Problem solving: The manual provides a comprehensive troubleshooting guide for common issues:
- Inoperative machine (no "HEJ" display): Possible causes include a blocked stacker tray or the machine not reaching home position. Action: Switch off, unblock tray, switch on.
- Inoperative machine (start button pressed): Possible causes include jam condition, load lever in lower position, stacker full, conveyor door open, or third-party shut down. Action: Clear jam, raise load lever, empty stacker, close door, correct third-party problem.
- Repeated miss feeds/double feeds: Possible causes include dirty feed rollers or paper separator pad, sheets not fanned enough, or paper quality out of specification. Action: Clean rollers/pad, fan sheets, check paper quality.
- Incorrect double fed/jam indication: Possible causes include different paper quality/print impression since previous calibration or mixed sheets. Action: Perform calibration cycle, check sheets.
- Front panel commands inoperative: Possible cause is accidental entry into service mode. Action: Switch machine off-on.

Artisan Technology Group offers critical and expedited services, in-stock/ready-to-ship equipment, leasing/rentals/demos, and ITAR-certified secure asset solutions, ensuring comprehensive support for the Plockmatic 306.