Pafra The Pafra APC

adhesives and systems adhesive pattern controller

The APC is a high speed two

channel unit which provides highly
accurate control of up to eight
glue guns. The unit can send a
wide variety of adhesive patterns
to all types Pafra glue guns and
many other actuators including hot
melt guns.

Dec. 20, 2000

Features
! 2 independent channels each with 4 glue gun capacity

! each channel may be programmed for up to four glue lines in any position

! individual control of each glue line start position and line length

! lines may be in-filled with a row of spots

! each channel may have individual trigger, machine speed detector, glue pressure control, etc

! adjustable voltage outputs to suit all Pafra guns and many other actuators including hot melt guns

! remote hold facility

! ability to automatically convert glue line to row of spots below a selected machine speed

! adjustable low speed output inhibitor

! built to meet European EMC standards

2
APC pattern capabilities

Each of the two independent channels can provide up to four glue lines from up to four glue guns. A total of eight glue
guns may be operated. The APC is factory set to operate a specific model of Pafra glue gun. A special high speed
spotting mode allows for a designated line to be in-filled with rows of spots. The size of the spots and the distance
between centers are both easily changed on the front panel of the controller.

Entering values for constants

For the selected channel, 1 or 2, use the

increase and decrease buttons as follows:
msd selects 1 or 2 lockout enter distance (mm) over
1mm specifies msd pulses which photocell ignores signals,
trigger selects photocell 1 or 2 for example for cut-outs and
trigger operated by dark-to- print marks
light (usually leading edge) set/run select ‘set’ or ‘run’ function
trigger operated by light-to spot time enter spot duration
dark (usually trailing edge) (1/10milliseconds)
on comp enter ‘on reaction time’ spot pitch enter distance between centers
for glue gun used (1/10 of one spot and the next
milliseconds) low speed enter minimum speed at
off comp enter ‘off reaction time’ which controller will provide
for glue gun used (1/10 an output
milliseconds) run hold selects run hold function:
either ‘on’ or ‘off’

Dec. 20, 2000

 msd-shows that machine speed
channel cycle information- detector is operational and
shows cycle information for controller is receiving trigger
selected channel pulses

trigger-shows that photohead decrease-press

is functioning properly and to decrease
shows selected channel controller has received trigger setting
signal
select channel- increase-press to
press to select increase setting
output-shows that outputs are
channel 1 or 2
activated

spot-press to
increase
setting

constant-
press to index
through
constant
settings

channel
hold-press to
activate all
outputs for
the selected
pattern-press to select pattern and to channel
power switch set delays and lines in order delay and line-shows which delay or
line setting is displayed in window above.
constant-press to index through Line light flashes if selector is in spot
constant settings mode

pressure-select pressure settings for

inspection or change of values

Photohead
S2 post mounting block TR200A transformer

MSD Remote hold unit

Dec. 20, 2000

specification
Electric input
Control box: 24v AC 50/60Hz single phase.
Power consumption: 150 watts max.

Outputs
4 outputs per channel using 3 pin DIN
screwlock sockets.
Initial closing voltage: nom 33v DC
High voltage time: adjustable from 0 to 10v
DC
Note: controllers are supplied with the output
factory-set for the required type of gun.
Auxiliary power output: 12v DC, 0.5 amp

Settings

Constants (for each channel) APC rear panel

msd: no 1 or 2. Run hold Channel Transmit
msd pulses: 1mm. This facility allows for continuous gluing, Transmits ouput signal from particular
trigger: no 1 or 2 either line or spots, whilst the machine is channel to another unit.
leading edge or trailing edge detection running at a speed above the low speed.
on comp: 0-50 milliseconds Transformer
off comp: 0-50 milliseconds
lockout:2-9999mm
Remote hold Use with Pafra TR200A, 110-220v AC
When used with the optional Remote Hold primary, 24v AC secondary.
spot time: 0.1-50 milliseconds
spot pitch: 3-9999mm Unit each individual output may be activated.
When one output is activated the other three Sockets
outputs for that channel are automatically MSD: 5 pin DIN 240°
Pattern (for each channel) inhibited. Trigger: 5 pin DIN 180°
Number of lines: 1-4 Pressure: 5 pin DIN domino
Delay: 2-9999mm Channel hold Transmit: 2 pole 3.5mm jack
Line: 1-9999mm Actuates all outputs for the selected channel. Remote hold unit: 6 pin DIN
Outputs: 3 pin DIN screwlock
12v auxiliary power output: 3 pin DIN
Pressure Machine speed detector twistlock
Standoff: 0-100% 1 or 2 msds may be used, assigned to
particular channels. Set to 1mm pulse for
Slope: 0-100
MSD6 The msd transmit socket sends MSD
Size and Weight
pulses to another unit. Custom msd pulses to Size: 290 x 192 x 180mm
Channel cycle information another unit. Weight: 6.8Kg
(LEDs)
(for selected channel) Photohead Ordering
MSD: indicates pulsing signal has been 1 or 2 photoheads or other trigger signal P4712500 APC controller complete
received from photohead sources may be used, each assigned to consisting of :
Output: indicates that the outputs are activated particular channels. Use with Pafra SD7 P9730004 MSD6 machine speed
Settings detector
P9730001 SD7 photohead complete
Overrides/cut-outs dark to light for leading edge
with mounting block
(For selected channel) P4760600 TR200A transformer
light to dark for trailing edge

Set/run The trigger transmit socket sends trigger

Each channel can be set so that following a
machine stoppage the control cycle will either
reset (run) or continue the interrupted cycle
(set).
Lockout
A cycle will not be re-triggered until the
distance set in the lockout is passed.
Low speed
Outputs are inhibited until the machine reach-
es the required speed. As the machine slows
down the outputs are again inhibited when the
speed falls below the required setting.
pulses to another unit.
Adhesive Pressure Control
1 or 2 automatically variable pressure systems
may be connected. The pressure control
signal output will be assigned to the channel
to which the associated msd is assigned.
standoff: sets minimum glue pressure
slop: varies the glue volume at a particular
speed
output signal: 0-10 volts
Use with Pafra Glue Regulator Unit an
pressure tank or pump.

Dec. 20, 2000

 Pafra APC adhesive pattern controller

The Pafra APC is a high-speed two-channel unit which provides

highly accurate control of up to eight glue guns. The unit can send
a wide variety of adhesive patterns to all types of Pafra glue guns.

Applications
Typical application areas include:
! Carton folder gluers
! Corrugated case-makers
! Envelope manufacturing
! Folding and mailing
machines
! Collating machines
! Packaging and converting
machines requiring a two-
channel controller
Features
! Two independent
channels each
! with four glue gun
capacity
! Each channel may be
programmed
! for up to four glue lines
in any position
! Individual control of
each glue line
! start position and line
length
! Lines may be in-filled
with a row of spots
! Each channel may
have individual
trigger, machine speed
detector, glue pressure
control etc.
! Adjustable voltage
outputs to suit all
Pafra guns and many
other actuators
including hot-melt guns
! Remote hold facility
! Adjustable low speed
output inhibitor
! Built to meet European
EMC standards

Dec. 20, 2000

Dec. 20, 2000
Programming the
APC Controller

Before you begin to set up the APC, read these instructions fully. Refer also to APC data sheet, Ref. APC1.2.

General Operating Principles

Programming

The various functions of the Pafra APC Controller can be programmed one at a time for the selected channel 1 or 2. The current
function is shown by the illumination of the relevant LED. That particular function value is then displayed in the window and can be
entered or amended as required.

Note: Always check that the correct channel is selected, 1 or 2, when setting values for a particular function.

To change the value of the current function, use the ‘increase’ or ‘decrease’ buttons which immediately changes the controller
setting.

For best results, follow these steps in this order:

1. Decide line positions and lengths

2. Position glue guns
3. Position photohead
4. Enter data for all ‘constants’ into controller
5. Enter settings for required glue line pattern into controller
6. Enter pressure settings into controller, if required

Example
The following example will help you get used to using the APC controller. Follow this example through all the settings.

1. Decide line position and lengths

Look at the work to be glue. Decide:

a) The length of the glue ‘line’ required.

b) The ‘delay’ distance from the glue gun to the start of the glue line with the work in the ‘trigger’ position. Trigger edge = the
edge you intend to instruct the photohead to detect in order to trigger the start of the gluing cycle. The ‘trigger’ light
confirms when a trigger signal has been received.

June 19, 2000

 ……………………..lockout distance 185mm…………………

line 1 = 50mm line 2 = 75mm

glue
gun

GLUE LINE GLUE LINE

.....………...delay 1 = 75mm………..............

………..........................delay 2 = 150mm……...…...........................

photohead

leading edge
(trigger)
direction of travel

EXAMPLE OF GLUE LINE PATTERN (not to scale)

You can select any of the following edges as the trigger edge:

* The leading edge of the work or one of its flaps.

* The trailing edge of the work or one of its flaps.
* Any edge the photohead can clearly detect.

In the present example the trigger edge will be the leading edge. Whenever possible the leading edge should be used as the trigger
edge.

2. Position glue guns

Position the glue gun in the correct position to apply the glue line required.

Example
You need only one gun in this example

3. Position photohead

The photohead must be positioned in the correct location to detect the trigger edge already decided-the leading edge in this example.

Example

Position the photohead

* 50mm from glue guns towards feeder. This distance applies in most cases.
* 15mm above the work
* So that the trigger edge passes under it.
* Over a gap in the machine or a dark, non-reflective surface.

June 19, 2000

4. Enter data for ‘constants’

Follow these steps to set the ‘constants’ for each channel, 1 and 2.

Switch the controller on

Channel 1 will be displayed with the LED for ‘delay 1’ lit and the value for ‘delay 1” shown in the window.

To select a channel

Press ‘select channel’ to alternate between channel 1 and 2.

To set left bank of ‘constants’

With required channel selected, press the left ‘constant’ button.

4.1 MSD

The msd LED will illuminate and the display will show which msd is assigned to this channel (msd 1 or 2). Press ‘increase’ or
‘decrease’ buttons to change msd.

Example

With msd plugged into msd no. 1 select msd 1. Press ‘constant’ button 1 ‘1mm/2mm’ Led will light.
Press ‘increase’ or ‘decrease’ button to select 1mm or 2mm pulses

1mm = msd 5
2mm = msd 4

4.2 Trigger

Press ‘constant’ button: ‘trigger’ LED will light and display will show which trigger is assigned to this channel. Use the ‘increase’
and ‘decrease’ buttons to select which trigger is assigned to this channel.

Example

With photohead plugged into trigger no 1 select trigger 1. Press ‘constant’ button: ‘dark to light’ or ‘light to dark’ LED will light.
Press ‘decrease’ or ‘increase’ buttons to change the setting.

Example

Set for leading edge trigger.

4.3 Gun compensation settings

On Comp

Press ‘constant’ button: ‘On com’ LED will light and value will appear in display. Use ‘increase’ and ‘decrease’ buttons to adjust set-
ting which is shown in 1/10 milliseconds.

Series 86, enter 110 (11.0 milliseconds)

Series 87, enter 70 (7.0 milliseconds)
Series 88, enter 85 (8.5 milliseconds)
Series 93, enter 30 (3.0 milliseconds)
Series 22, enter 40 (4.0 milliseconds)

June 19, 2000

Off Comp

Press ‘constant’ button: ‘Off comp’ LED will light and value will appear in display. Use ‘increase’ and ‘decrease’ buttons to adjust
setting which is shown in 1/10 milliseconds.

Series 86, enter 60 (6.0 milliseconds)

Series 87, enter 60 (6.0 milliseconds)
Series 88, enter 60 (6.0 milliseconds)
Series 93, enter 40 (4.0 milliseconds)
Series 22, enter 35-65 (3.5-6.5 depending on glue viscosity from 1 to 6 poise)

To set right bank of ‘constants’

With the required channel selected, press the right ‘constant’ button.

4.4 Lockout

The lockout function, means that a cycle will not be re-triggered until the lockout distance has passed. The lockout LED will light and
the lockout distance will be displayed in millimeters. Use the ‘increase’ and ‘decrease’ buttons to set the lockout distance.

Example

Set the lockout to 150mm.

4.5 Set/run

Press the ‘constant’ button : the ‘set/run’ LED will light and the display will show ‘set’ or ‘run’. Change using the ‘increase’ and
‘decrease’ buttons.
This function applies when a machine stops during a control cycle.
In ‘run’ mode the cycle will reset after the next trigger signal is received.
In ‘set’ mode the cycle will continue to interrupted cycle.

4.6 Spotting mode

Spot time.

Press the ‘constant’ button: the spot time LED will light and the duration of the gun opening in 1/10 millisecond will be displayed.
Use the ‘increase’ and ‘decrease’ buttons to alter the setting.

The value is dependent on several factors including type of glue gun, speed of machine, size of spot, viscosity of glue and distance of
nozzle above the surface etc. and can only be accurately set whilst the machine is running at speed. Suggested starting figures are as
follows;-

Series 93, enter 8 (0.8 milliseconds)

Series 22, enter 18 (1.8 milliseconds)

Spot pitch.

Press the ‘constant’ button: the ‘spot pitch’ LED will light and the value will be displayed in millimeters. Use the ‘ increase’ and
‘decrease’ buttons to alter the distance.

June 19, 2000

4.7 Low speed

Press the ‘constant’ button: the ‘low speed’ LED will light and the value be displayed in meters per minute. Use the ‘increase’ and
‘decrease’ buttons to alter the setting.

The low speed is used to inhibit the outputs at low machine speeds. The outputs are inhibited until the machine reaches the required
speed. As the machine slows down the outputs are again inhibited when the speed falls below the set value.

4.8 Run hold

Press the ‘constant’ button: the ‘run hold’ LED will light and the display will show ‘Off’ or On’. Use the ‘increase’ and ‘decrease’
buttons to alter. This function allows for continuous gluing, either line or spots, whilst the machine is running at a speed above the
set ‘low speed’.

5. Enter data for patterns

5.1 Program the glue line pattern

Press ‘pattern’ button: ‘delay 1’ LED will light.

Use ‘increase’ and ‘decrease’ buttons to set delay distance in millimeters.

Example-set ‘line 1’ to 75mm

Press ‘ pattern’ button: ‘line 1’ LED will light. Use ‘increase and ‘decrease’ buttons to set line length in millimeters.

Example-set ‘line 1’ to 50mm

If a second glue line is required press ‘pattern’ button again and ‘delay 2’ LED will light. Use ‘increase’ and ‘decrease’ buttons to set
delay distance in millimeters.

Example -set ‘delay 2’ to 150mm

Press ‘ pattern’ button: ‘line 2’ LED will light. Use ‘increase and ‘decrease’ buttons to set line length in millimeters.

Example-set ‘line 2’ to 75mm

Repeat the above procedure for lines 3 and 4 if required.

5.2 Spotting mode

To put down a series of spots, first set a glue line in the position that the spots are required and then change this glue line to a series of
spots.

Press ‘pattern’ button until the required line LED is lit. Then press ‘spot’ button: ‘line’ LED will flash and that line will now become
a series of spots.

The spot size and repeat distance are set by moving to the right bank of constants and adjusting ‘spot time 1/10 ms’ and ‘spot pitch
mm’.

Note: More than one glue line can be changed to spots but all the spotting lines for a particular channel must be of the same size and
pitch.

June 19, 2000

6. Adhesive pressure control

Two separate, automatically-variable, adhesive control signals are available.

There are two values to be entered into the controller to use this function, i.e. ‘standoff’ and ‘slope’.

Standoff This adjusts the minimum pressure the glue will drop to, even when the machine is stationary. It can also be used as a
manual adjustment of glue pressure. Standoff pressure will be dependent on the type of glue gun and viscosity of glue used.

Slope This controls the glue pressure as the machine speed changes and must be set with the machine running at production speed.
Once set, the glue pressure will automatically vary as the machine speed changes.

If you wish to use only one variable pressure system then proceed as shown in the following example.

Example

Connect signal cable from Glue Regulator Unit to channel 1 pressure socket on back of controller. Plug msd into msd no 1 socket
and ensure msd 1 is assigned to channel 1.

Select channel 1.

Select left bank of constants and set msd to 1.

If channel 2 is used for outputs to guns running in the same area of the machine and wishing to use the same pressure system then
channel 2 must be assigned to msd 1.

With channel 1 selected, press ‘pressure’ button. ‘Standoff’ LED will light and value will be displayed in window. Adjust standoff
value using ‘increase’ and ‘decrease’ buttons. The ‘standoff’ sets the minimum glue pressure and is dependent on the type of gun and
type of adhesive used.

Press ‘ pressure’ button again. ‘Slope’ LED will light and value will be displayed. Adjust value as above. The ‘slope’ sets the
volume of glue applied at running speed.

7. Channel cycle information

This section provides information on the operation of the controller for the channel displayed.

Msd Lights each time a signal pulse is received from the msd assigned to that drive. This will be either 1 or 2mm depending on the
msd used and in practice will illuminate continuously whilst the machine is running.

Trigger Lights to show that a trigger signal has been received by the drive displayed-usually from a photocell.

Output Indicates that the outputs are activated. In practice, that the guns plugged into the displayed channel are gluing.

Note: When using the Remote Hold Unit the output LED will light when one button is pressed but the other 3 outputs for that channel
will be inhibited.

June 19, 2000