Pre-Installation Guide
Pre-Installation Guide
IMPORTANT: FFEI Ltd products are so designed and constructed as to be safe without risk to
health when properly used (in accordance with the supplied documentation) and when the safety
precautions contained in this document are fully observed.
This product must not be copied without prior written authorization and is subject to change without
notice. For further information, contact FFEI Ltd at the address given on the front page of this man-
ual.
CAUTION: FFEI Limited cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage to cus-
tomer’s data by unauthorised third parties accessing the system. In the event that
FFEI becomes aware of any computer virus which will or is likely to affect the system
it will take reasonable steps to bring this to the attention of customers but advises
customers to take their own precautions against unauthorised access.
The manual was written and illustrated using the best possible information at the time of publication.
Any differences between the manual and equipment reflect improvements introduced after publi-
cation of the manual. Changes, technical inaccuracies and typographic errors will be corrected in
subsequent editions. As part of our policy of continuous improvement, we reserve the right to alter
design and specifications without further notice.
NOTE: Measured noise level for this product is less than 65 dBa.
This Guide provides information for the Distributor and Customer to configure a site before
the shipment and installation of an alinte8page Automatic, Semi-Automatic and Manual
platesetter systems. It provides pre-install data so that the site for the platesetter system is
adequately prepared and delays are minimised.
Contents
1
Alinte8page Systems
Alinte 8 Page High Speed (HS) Platesetter Systems
The alinte 8 page HS family consists of five variants, each with different
equipment for imaging on plates up to B1 in size.
1. Multi-Cassette Autoloader (MAL): Autoloader, Plate Transport Module
(PTM), HS Engine, PAT, Buffer, Processor and Stacker.
See Figure 1.1 on page 1-2.
2. Single-Cassette Autoloader (SAL): Autoloader, Plate Transport Module, HS
Engine, PAT, Buffer, Processor and optional Stacker.
See Figure 1.2 on page 1-2.
3. Semi-Automatic: HS Engine with loading platform (platen), PAT, Buffer,
Processor and optional Stacker.
See Figure 1.3 on page 1-3.
4. Manual: HS Engine with vertical loading platen and PAT.
See Figure 1.3 on page 1-3.
5. Manual: Engine with horizontal loading platen and PAT. This machine does
not include HS features.
See Figure 1.4 on page 1-3.
Separate documentation for this machine is available with the following part
numbers:
Pre-Installation Guide: 6800227
Installation: 6800228
BUFFER
SERVICE SIDE
MULTI AUTOLOADER
PLATE
ENGINE USER SIDE
TRANSPORT
MODULE (PTM)
PROCESSOR
BUFFER
SERVICE SIDE
SINGLE AUTOLOADER
PLATE TRANSPORT
MODULE (PTM) USER SIDE
ENGINE
PROCESSOR
BUFFER
PROCESSOR
LOADING ENGINE
PLATFORM
OUTPUT GUIDE
SERVICE END
TOP COVER MMI
USER END
Plate Loading
Optics System
All of the above alinte8page systems are fitted with a Violet optics expose
system configured as either:
Single-beam: single laser upgradeable to dual-beam and HD.
Dual-beam: two lasers, upgradeable to HD.
Upgrade Options
HD laser.
Punch.
Manual to semi-automatic.
Manual to SAL.
Semi-automatic to SAL.
Semi-automatic to MAL.
2
PRE-INSTALLATION CHECKS
Site Access, Lifting and Unpacking
Is there an adequate unloading area for receiving the shipped platesetter and
processor?
1. The equipment modules are shipped as boxes with the dimensions shown in the
figures below:
MAL: see Figure 2.1 on page 2-2.
1420 mm
(55.9 in)
950 mm
(Max)
(37.4 in)
2110 mm
2280 mm (83.1 in)
(89.8 in)
1630 mm
1850 mm (64.2 in)
(72.9 in) MULTI-CASSETTE
AUTOFEEDER HOUSING
(AND CASSETTES) (AND BUFFER)
1560 mm
(61.4 in)
1500 mm
(59 in)
2400 mm
(94.5 in)
2225 mm
(87.7 in)
1450 mm
1050 mm (57.3 in)
(41.4 in) ENGINE
PTM
1130 mm 1040 mm
(44.3 in) (42 in)
690 mm
(27.2 in)
1640 mm 520 mm
(64.6 in) (20.5 in)
1250 mm PAT AIR FILTER
(49.2 in)
TROLLEY
Figure 2.1 MAL: shipped boxes
SITE ACCESS, LIFTING AND UNPACKING 2-3
ENGINE
BUFFER
1510 mm
(59 in) 590 mm
(23 in)
1770 mm
2430 mm
(70 in)
(96 in)
980 mm
1920 mm (39 in)
(76 in)
AUTOLOADER
& PTM
TROLLEY
1420 mm
(55.4 in)
1130 mm
(44.5 in)
2160 mm
(85 in) 1570 mm
(61.8 in)
1860 mm 1460 mm
(73.4 in) (57.5 in)
CASSETTE BUFFER
590 mm
(23 in)
1130 mm
(44 in)
1770 mm
170 mm (70 in)
(7 in)
1330 mm
(52 in) 980 mm
(39 in)
1. Any damage to the box or packaging must be reported to the shipping and
insurance agents. Only unpack after authorisation by these agents.
2. Each FFEI module is shipped on a wooden palette with bearing boards that
have sufficient clearance for the fork-lift truck fingers. One side of the palette
frame is removable to allow access for a fork-lift to raise and move the module
from the box.
3. Packaging consists of recyclable polystyrene and reinforced cardboard, with the
module protected internally by shrink wrapping and vacuumed plastic sheeting.
Box packaging is disposed of locally by arrangement between the distributor and
the customer.
DROP `N' TELL or TIP `N' TELL indicators are fixed on the outside of the box for
delicate mechanisms, where required.
Other items (RIP and application software, cables, Installation Manual, etc) are
shipped in the Installation Pack.
4. The approved FFEI or distributor representative should open module boxes in
the presence of a customer representative. If there has been accidental damage
to the equipment, then consult FFEI Customer Support. Any damage to the box
or packaging must be reported to the shipping and insurance agents. Only
unpack after authorisation by these agents.
2. After removing the outer packaging and before breaking the vacuum barrier
seal, platesetter modules must remain in a clean dry environment for 24 hours to
acclimatise to their operating temperature. This ensures the equipment operates
initially at the ambient temperature and avoids condensation.
SITE ACCESS, LIFTING AND UNPACKING 2-5
Are the access doors and corridors sufficiently wide to manoeuvre the
platesetter modules?
1. Modules are fitted with castors for manoeuvring over flat surfaces. Confirm that
the floor is even and without bumps or tight corners for the access route to the
working location.
Maximum floor clearance with the castors fully extended is MAL/SAL/Manual/
Semi: 62 mm (2.4 in)
2. Where necessary, a module can be lifted safely by crane or hoist.
Use lifting ropes or straps under the fork-lift locating labels points for each
module.
Use a reinforced spread frame above the module so that pressure is not
transferred to the module sides and top.
WARNING: Make sure a module is not tipped on its side for more than 30 ° from a
level position. The site needs to be prepared for adequate access using the
equipment dimensions given in this manual. Refer to FFEI Customer Services for
guidance.
Check with FFEI Customer Services (UK) for further details on the
recommended crane or hoist lifting procedure.
3. A fork-lift truck for transporting a module must have undistorted forks of:
Length: at least 1,100 mm (43 in) for the engine and 1,390 mm (55 in) for
the autofeeder.
Distance apart: 600 mm (24 in) to 1,000 mm (39 in) apart
Each module is marked with `LIFT HERE' labels for the fork-lift
Are the floors adequate for transporting the platesetter between the
delivery area and the platesetter room?
1. The weight of the modules unpacked, is shown in Table 2.1 on page 2-5 .
Is the platesetter room floor layout adequate for the size of the
machine?
1. Dimensions for each platesetter module are shown in the figures below:
MAL: see Figure 2.4 on page 2-7
SAL: see Figure 2.5 on page 2-8
Manual and Semi-Automatic: see Figure 2.6 on page 2-9.
Processor: see Section 2.7 on page 2-24.
Stacker: see Section 2.8 on page 2-25.
2. The footprint of each CTP variant with loading and stacking areas is shown in
Figure 2.7 on page 2-9.
SITE ACCESS, LIFTING AND UNPACKING 2-7
2050 mm
(80.8 in)
650 mm
(25.6 in)
HEIGHT
1160 mm
(45.7 in)
1480 mm
(58.3 in) 570 mm
(22.5 in) 1060 mm
(41.8 in) 835 mm
(32.8 in) 1950 mm
1140 mm 1710 mm (77 in)
1500 mm (45 in) (67.3 in)
WIDTH DEPTH
(59 in)
1296 mm
(51 in)
HEIGHT
1085 mm
(42.7 in)
570 mm
(22.5 in)
1060 mm
(41.7 in)
LENGTH 820 mm WIDTH
1408 mm (32.3 in)
1226 mm (55.4 in)
(48.3 in) 2045 mm
WIDTH
1650 mm (80.5 in)
(65 in)
LENGTH
029 mm
(40.5 in)
HEIGHT
1950 mm
(77 in)
835 mm
(33 in)
1120 mm
(44 in)
1320 mm STACKER
(52 in) NOT SHOWN
1650 mm
(65 in)
1470 mm
(58 in)
2040 mm
(80 in)
MEDIA
2040 mm
LOAD ENGINE PROCESSOR
SEMI-AUTOMATIC AREA
(80 in)
MEDIA MEDIA
2040 mm
LOAD ENGINE EJECT
MANUAL AREA AREA
(80 in)
STACKER
BUFFER
MAL AUTOFEEDER PTM ENGINE PROCESSOR
2050 mm
(81 in)
MEDIA
2000 mm
LOAD
(79 in)
AREA
1800 mm
(71 in)
STACKER
BUFFER
MEDIA
SAL AUTO 2045 mm
LOAD PTM ENGINE PROCESSOR
LOADER (80.5 in)
AREA
2 SCSI 1
CLEAN AIR
FILTER UNIT
SERVICE
3 SIDE
VAC
PUMP
ENGINE
USER SIDE
RIP SERVER
KEY
1 POWER CABLE
2 SCSI/DIAGNOSTICS CABLES
3 CLEAN AIR FILTER UNIT
1050 mm
(41.3 in)
Is the customer aware that the platesetter is a Class 1 laser product that
uses a Class IIIB laser source device?
1. An alinte8page Platesetter is a Class I laser power product that uses a Class IIIB
laser source. The type of laser is in the violet spectrum at 400-410 nm
wavelength. Possible maximum laser power output inside the optics base for
each laser is 60 mW (HS MAL) with up to 100 mW ‘flash’ power.
WARNING: Service engineers must be trained and approved for working with
Class IIIB lasers.
2. Operator access to the interior of the platesetter is from the interlocked covers
shown in the User’s Guide. Opening these covers will remove power to the
spinner, laser and plate handling mechanisms.
Access for the installation and service engineer is from interlocked covers on the
user and service side of the platesetter, see Figure 1.1 on page 1-2 to Figure 1.3
on page 1-3. Other service covers have screw fixings which are only unlocked
by an approved engineer.
3. The engine spinner rotates at a very high speed. When an interlocked cover is
opened, the spinner ceases to rotate and power to all moving parts and lasers is
removed.
SITE LAYOUT AND CABLING 2-13
1. Screening material for a Designated Laser Area (DLA), that surrounds laser
source equipment, can be any non-reflective material able to block light.
Enclosure of the DLA must be complete, and should not include windows. All
doors into the area should be lockable.
2. Warning lamps and signs (see Figure 2.10 on page 2-13) must be provided
immediately outside the DLA. A switch controlling a warning lamp must be
accessible from the inside of the DLA.
3. Only authorised and trained personnel are allowed to maintain or service the
system optics. During these activities all other personnel are not allowed in the
DLA area. Access to the optics base, which generates laser light, is from the
rear of the Engine. During a service procedure, the engineer has the option of
closing a manual shutter to block off laser light from the optics base.
4. A Laser Safety Officer (LSO) needs to be trained and assigned from site
personnel to be responsible for providing laser safety information. In the
absence of an LSO, the service engineer assumes the role when working on
laser equipment.
1. The minimum access areas around a alinte8page platesetter is specified for the:
alinte8page (MAL): see Figure 2.11 on page 2-14.
alinte8page (SAL): see Figure 2.12 on page 2-15.
2-14 PRE-INSTALLATION CHECKS
SERVICE SIDE
1
5 2
PAT FILTER
3 4 WATER
INLET SERVER
6
STACKER
BUFFER
AUTOFEEDER PTM ENGINE PROCESSOR
USER SIDE
0.6 m
(23.7 in)
2050 mm
(80.8 in)
1800 mm
(70.9 in)
5 1
PAT FILTER
1.1 m
(43 5/16 in) SERVICE SIDE
2 3 4 WATER
INLET SERVER
CASSETTE
LOADING
ACCESS 0.6 m
AREA 23 5/8 in
PROCESSOR STACKER
2.0 m (78 3/4 in)
6
USER SIDE 7
ACCESS TO PLATE LOADING AND STORAGE AREAS NOT SHOWN KEY 1 POWER CORD
2 SCSI/DIAGNOSTICS CABLES
3 PROCESSOR POWER
4 CHILLER POWER
5 PAT AIR FILTER
6 PROCESSOR INTERFACE
7 STACKER
MINIMUM DIST
1
1.1 m 2
5
PAT FILTER
SERVER
WATER
SERVICE SIDE 3 4 INLET
MEDIA
2.0 m
LOADING
AREA 0.6 m
PROCESSOR STACKER
1.0 m
6
USER SIDE
7
1.1 m
1. The recommended location of the PAT unit, shown in Figure 2.11 on page 2-14,
is to ensure that vacuum pump exhaust is directed as far away from the PAT as
possible.
SITE LAYOUT AND CABLING 2-17
1. Standard cable lengths from the engine to the RIP server is 10 m (394 in).
Optional 25 m (985 in) SCSI and Diagnostic cables can be supplied.
A minimum adequate worktop surface for the RIP server terminal is
approximately 670 mm (26 in) x 670 mm (26 in).
The RIP server does not need to be located in the platesetter room.
Is the proposed location of the platesetter suitable for the cable lengths
and proposed AC outlets?
1. A plate storage and loading area is also required for the fully-automatic and
single-cassette systems. Dimensions of this area depend on customer
preferences.
This area needs to be at the same temperature and humidity as the platesetter
room.
2. A clear passageway for a trolley is required between the Autoloader or
autoloader and the plate loading area.
There should be sufficient room to manoeuvre one or more trolleys between the
plate loading area and a cassette door.
Where possible, ducting and conduits should be used for all cabling.
Cables can be hidden and protected in floors, ceilings or in existing ducts.
3. Cables supplied with all variants of the platesetter have the following lengths
(see also Figure 2.11 on page 2-14):
Platesetter:
SCSI Data from the RIP server: 10 m (394 in). and optional 25 m (985 in)
RS232 Diagnostics from the RIP server: 10 m (394 in)
Engine power cord: fixed length from rear of Engine is 4 m (158 in)
Processor:
Stacker:
Is there adequate room for storing media and loading the cassettes?
1. A plate storage and loading area is also required. Dimensions of this area
depend on customer preferences.
2. The storage area needs to conform to the temperature and humidity
requirements set out by the plate supplier.
3. A clear passageway for the trolley is required between the cassette loading area
to the autoloader.
4. There should be no bumps on the ground over 10 mm (0.4 in) on this
passageway.
5. Any doorway or curtain on this passageway must be wide enough for the width
of the trolley. The trolley is 1140 mm (45 in) wide.
Is the platesetter room floor adequate for the size of the system?
1. The type, strength and level of the platesetter room floor is critical for the reliable
operation of the platesetter.
CAUTION: Always check if the floor level is within specification using the proce-
dure in Section 2.10 on page 2-26. Arrange with the customer to upgrade the floor
before the installation if it is unlevel or unlikely to support the weight of the
machine over time.
2. If the existing floor is inadequate for the equipment weight then extra support
under each of the module anchor feet is recommended. A set of steel plates is
available as an option from FFEI, see Customer Services. A Zanite drum is
approximately 277 kg (611 lbs) heavier than an aluminium drum so there is
greater risk of floor sagging and misalignment between modules.
3. Vinyl or solid flooring is recommended. Carpet tiles are not recommended
because of the need to reduce dust and dirt.
4. Floor vibration is measured vertically through the floor. If it does not meet the
specification below then some form of isolation needs to be considered.
Is a safelight provided for the cassette loading room and the platesetter
room?
3. The platesetter room walls should be made of non-static material that is easy to
clean.
4. Customers have the option of fitting an external alert facility from an unattended
platesetter to another remote area of the site where the operator might be
working. The alert could be an audible alarm or a flashing light.
Customers are responsible for supplying the alarm and PSU for installing an
Alert facility using information in Figure 2.14 on page 2-20. The alarm is
activated when, for instance, the machine enters an error handling state, or a
required cassette is out of media, or a fault (such as, a plate jam) has occurred.
5. Customers have the option of fitting an external interlock if the risk of uncovered
laser beams is seen as unacceptable. The interlock is typically fitted on the
platesetter room door and operates in the same way as a machine cover
interlock. External interlocks are not normally required for production sites
unless there is a clear risk to site personnel from a Class IIIB laser.
2-20 PRE-INSTALLATION CHECKS
ENGINE
EXTERNAL
PLATE
ENGINE
EXTERNAL
ALERT
RELAY
PIN 7 PIN 2
ALERT
CONTROL PIN 3
FROM FHMB1
PIN 4
REMOTE LIGHT
9-WAY OR
D-TYPE AUDIBLE ALARM
(FEMALE)
UP TO 36V DC SUPPLY
(24V TYPICAL)
RATING LESS THAN 2A
Can the platesetter room meet the output quality requirements for
temperature, humidity and altitude?
1. The platesetter room environment must be in the minimum ranges set out below
for the platesetter to operate:
Temperature: 18 - 29 °C
Temperature change: < 2 °C/per hour
Humidity: 20-70 % (non-condensing)
Humidity change: < 5 % RH per hour
Altitude: < 1,800 m (5,906 ft) above sea level
SITE SERVICES 2-21
Temperature: 21 - 25 °C
Temperature change: < 1 °C per hour
Humidity: 50-60 % (non-condensing)
Humidity change: < 5 % RH per hour
Refer to FFEI Customer Services for further information
Platesetter (MAL and SAL): 9,500 BTU per Hour (2,786 Watts/Hour)
Platesetter (Manual and Semi-): 7,900 BTU per Hour (2321 Watts/Hour)
1. The customer should be aware of the importance of keeping dust and dirt to the
minimum in the platesetter room. Some suggested recommendations are:
A) A non-static mat at the entrance of the platesetter room.
B) Regular cleaning inside the room with a filtered vacuum cleaner.
C) Following the maintenance procedures given in the User's Manual.
D) Restricting the number of personnel that need to enter the room.
E) Prohibiting personnel from eating, drinking or smoking in the room.
F) Positive air pressure has to be maintained inside the platesetter room to
prevent dust and contaminants from entering inside.
Is the site AC voltage supply within the specified range for the
platesetter?
2. All platesetter equipment must be connected to the same phase if the site has a
3-phase supply.
3. An external pump for drum vacuum is supplied with the equipment. Mains
supply and on/off control is a direct connection from the engine.
4. If the AC supply is not adequate for a vacuum pump (for instance, USA and
Japan) a transformer or Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) is required to
correct the supply.
1. The site must include equipment circuit breakers that conform to local
regulations.
2. A slow-acting dedicated circuit breaker rated at MUST be fitted to the local
distribution supply for the platesetter. Maximum ratings for the alinte8page
circuit breakers are:
MAL: 16 A
SAL: 16 A
Manual and Semi-Automatic: 10 A
Is the site capable of providing all the power requirements for starting
up and running the platesetter system?
2. Typical steady-state current (A) range values for the platesetter (with or without
a punch) is:
For installations with a nominal line voltage greater than 220 V and a fre-
quency of 50 Hz: The equipment is intended for use in premises having a
service current capacity of greater than or equal to 100 A per phase. The
user should determine in consultation with the supply authority, if neces-
sary, that the service current capacity at the interface point (i.e. building
entry) is sufficient for the equipment.
MEDIA REQUIREMENTS 2-23
Is there a safety isolating switch clearly marked with On and Off labels
located near the platesetter?
1. Follow local safety regulations on locating a safety isolating switch near to the
platesetter.
2. A safety isolating switch must be readily accessible to the platesetter.
Is the customer aware of the number and type of plates that can be
loaded into a cassette and any restrictions which may apply on the
suitability of plates for their production requirements?
Table 2.2 alinte8page MAL and SAL cassette maximum plate loading
Plate Thickness Maximum Number of Maximum Number of
(mm/gauge) Plates (MAL) Plates (SAL)
0.15 / 6 120 100
0.20 / 8 100 80
0.24 / 10 60 60
0.30 / 12 60 60
3. Plates of the following type have been tested for use with this platesetter:
Fuji LP-NV Photopolymer.
4. The use of alternative plates must be discussed with the FFEI representative.
5. For HS there are a number of restrictions on the plate capacity / maximum size
of plates which can be used with the high-capacity cassettes. The type of plates
2-24 PRE-INSTALLATION CHECKS
which can be used may provide further restrictions on the screen sets and
resolutions which can be used. These restriction are subject to change but are
described in the product specification.
6. An SPO Registration module for a non-punch machine allows small plate sizes
down to 300 mm x 400 mm.
1. Chemical waste disposal from the processor should follow local regulations.
Consult the chemical supplier.
STACKER REQUIREMENTS 2-25
2. Chemical waste disposal should follow local regulations. Drains are required for
wash, developer (container) and gum (container).
Check the processor documentation for details of electrical supply and fusing.
Is a stacker required?
1. The stacker is an optional module that consists of two combined units: stacker
and trolley. It is controlled independently by sensing the presence of a plate as it
exits from the processor. Stackers can be purchased locally or from FFEI.
2. Stacker documentation is supplied by the manufacturer with the module and
provides information on how to install and service the unit.
3. It is powered from a mains outlet using a cable supplied with the unit. This length
depends on the stacker manufacturer. A typical length is 2000 mm (79 in).
Suitable isolation within easy reach of the operator is recommended.
4. Electrical supply is:
( )
(X2)