Trendetter can't turn focus on

[bobantr]

Hello,
our trendsetter can't turn its focus on. So, half of the plate is made without focus and the other half is pretty ok. When we manually turn the focus on the plates are pretty ok (there are small areas that are out of focus).
Anyone had this kind of problem?

 

[NJservice]

Could be a dirty lens.
You need to take the head off to clean it properly.
That's the first thing I'd check.

 

[VladCanada]

Next Q would be "How can I ...?"

 

[NJservice]

Right Vlad! I'd say he should get someone in that's done this before. deinstall the head, possibly take off debris removal shrouds, clean the lens, reinstall the head... difficult to instruct someone over emails... oh, and for free too.

 

[bobantr]

We had a professional take a look over the whole machine, including the head. He couldn't find what's wrong. Now he is consulting more service professionals and we are waiting for a possible diagnose.
We do get a message from the system, usually when we turn it on for the first time, that the focus profile can't be loaded.
I personally believe that the problem is of a software or electrical nature, not so much due to a dirty lens or debris.

 

[NJservice]

please restate your problem, with as many details as you can.
Has this machine been installed for some time, did the problem just start happening, intermittent or not? was a media change made lately, was the head changed lately, etc.
Where are you, at least what country? Someone might know a specialist there. (probably not me, judging from the local time of your post!)
IT's 'fun' to try to help point someone to a problem, but the "20 Questions" aspect is tiresome. (usually around the 19th question, you might discover "Oh yeah! We just changed to a new brand of plate last week!")

Usually, if I can't fix a problem, I may charge a small amount for my travel, but don't charge for the service call. This happens maybe twice a year. That's just how I roll!

 

[maas]

What head does your Trendsetter have, F speed?

 

[bobantr]

It has a 20mW head, i don't know the exact model. Attached to this post are a log file from the trendsetter and a picture of a developed plated with the problematic results. Maybe this will clear up the problem.
The machine is located in the Republic of Macedonia, so anyone that can come and have a look at the machine is welcome.

 

[maas]

your tendsetter has an optic that measures the flex of the plate on the drum caused by centrifugal forces excreted on the plate by the spinning drum, this lens measures ahead of the exposure beam by approximately the width of 1 of the converged 7 laser beams, i will find more data for you, i found this out by attending a symposium by the man who designed them, i will go over my notes at the office on Monday and if i find them update this post, but my investigation would start with this lens as opposed to the actual laser itself

regards
Maas

 

[bobantr]

thanks for the effort, Maas

 

[LoWang]

Hi, it looks like out of focus problem, check in the logfile if there are any focus related messages (the log you sent is too short to investigate - just pre imaging messages - it's ends just after starting exposing). Lens have nothing to do with it, also check the drum above LEC - clean it with alcohol. I would check the roller (blue one) is it working fine (smooth and parallel to the drum?). Expose a plate and then put the logfile in the post.
Regards

 

[maas]

Morning

Just going through my notes, the item i weas refering to ( which adjusts the focus to allow for plate flex) is refered to as "voice call", best of luck

regards
Maas

 

[bobantr]

Thanks all. Will check.

 

[nemo]

From the picture you attached it seems to be either a plate loading problem, emulsion damage or focus actuator issue.
The laser can only compensate for aprox 5-600 microns. Load a plate and make sure there is no bubble in that area. Also try to decrease the roller pressure if you run sensitive plates and check if it spins freely.
Second issue - the focus actuator - may be trying to focus on the clamps, then having troubles to focus on the plate and it is overdriving. This may be addressed by a laser firmware upgrade or the head may need to be replaced.