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Chapter 4 Platen Gap Adjustment
Platen Gap Adjustment
IMPORTANT
Only do this procedure if the original equipment shuttle frame assembly
or platen has been replaced by a new or refurbished unit.
1. Prepare the printer for maintenance (page 132).
2. Remove the shuttle cover assembly (page 178).
3. Loosen the platen open belt (page 136, steps 2, 3, and 4).
4. Raise the forms thickness lever (1) to the fully open position.
CAUTION
Do not force the platen against the feeler gauge and do not move the
feeler gauge horizontally across the hammer bank. Damage to the
hammer tips will result.
5. Insert a 0.011 inch (0.28 mm) flat feeler gauge (2) straight down between
the hammer bank cover plate (3) and ribbon mask (4), within four hammer
positions of the left end of the hammer bank.
CAUTION
Adjust the platen setscrews less than 1/4 turn on one side, then check
the other side. Adjustment sensitivity is approximately 0.03 inch per
revolution of the setscrew. Also, insert the feeler gauge no more than 2
inches down from the top of the ribbon mask.
6. Gently close the forms thickness lever (1) all the way. As the platen is
closing, gently slide the feeler gauge up and down, keeping it between the
hammer tip and ribbon mask. If the feel is too tight when the platen is
being closed, adjust the 3/32 inch setscrew (5) at the end of the platen
counterclockwise. If the feel is too loose, adjust the setscrew clockwise.
With the forms thickness lever closed all the way, the feeler gauge should
contact both the tips and the ribbon mask and move with light friction.
Shift the gauge slightly to verify.
7. Repeat steps 4 through 6 at the right end of the hammer bank.
8. After adjusting both sides, check the gap again at both ends. Readjust if
necessary.
NOTE: Gap widths other than 0.011 inch (0.28 mm) in the middle/inner
sections of the platen are okay, provided the gap at each end of the
platen is 0.011 inch (0.28 mm).
9. When the platen gap is correct at both ends of the platen, adjust the
platen open belt (page 136).
10. Install the shuttle cover assembly (page 178).
11. Check the hammer phasing adjustment (page 148).
12. Return the printer to normal operation (page 133).
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