GALLERY A3 Powder Shaker Machine - 110V

Introduction

The GALLERY A3 Powder Shaker Machine is a 110V unit designed to work seamlessly with roll-fed Direct-to-Film (DTF) printers that handle film up to 13 inches wide.

The powder shaker operates independently of the printer. Its take-up reel motor advances automatically only when film drops below an internal sensor located in the main powder area. This independent operation allows the printer to run at any speed, with the shaker adjusting itself accordingly. The film can be wound onto the take-up reel in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, based on user preference.

Loading Film Into The Powder Shaker

Diagram Description: This diagram illustrates the film's path into the machine. Film enters from the right, passes through the powder application area where powder accumulates, and is then guided by a clapper paddle. An internal film sensor triggers the take-up reel to advance the film. A spillover control bar is positioned beneath the film.

Important Operational Note: The GALLERY A3 powder shaker is designed for printers with continuous output. When the printer stops, the shaker's take-up reel also stops. It is crucial to be aware that the heater oven may continue to operate, potentially melting film within the chamber if the oven section is not turned off. The oven section should only be activated when film is actively advancing through the powder shaker.

Using a Leader Film

To economize on film usage, a 6-foot piece of leader film can be reused multiple times. This is achieved by attaching the fresh film to the leader with heat-resistant tape. Additionally, a tailer can be added to the end of the film after printing has concluded, allowing the film to continue feeding through the shaker for end-of-film curing.

Caution: Film that has come into contact with powder must NEVER be placed back into the printer. Doing so can lead to clogging the printhead with powder.

Leader Film Diagram

Diagram Description: This diagram shows a "Path of 6ft Leader" with "Film Attached To Leader", illustrating how to connect a new film roll to a leader piece.

Control Panel

The main control panel provides comprehensive control over powder delivery speed, clapper speed for knocking off excess powder, and curing temperature in the heating section.

Control Panel Functions:

• 1. MAIN POWER SWITCH: Controls the overall power to the machine.
• 2. PRESENT VALUE OF TEMPERATURE: Displays the current temperature reading.
• 3. SET VALUE OF TEMPERATURE: Allows setting the target curing temperature.
• 4. HEATER ON/OFF: Activates or deactivates the heating element.
• 5. TARGET TEMPERATURE UP/DOWN: Adjusts the target temperature setting.
• 6. CLAPPER ON/OFF: Controls the clapper mechanism.
• 7. SET CLAPPER SPEED +/-: Adjusts the speed of the clapper.
• 8. POWDER ON/OFF: Controls the powder application system.
• 9. SET POWDER SPEED +/-: Adjusts the speed of the powder dispersal.

Recommended Control Panel Settings

The optimal starting temperature for powder curing varies depending on the powder brand and its specific melting points. Consult the powder manufacturer's specifications for precise guidance. As a general starting point, begin with a low temperature (approximately 90 degrees Fahrenheit / 32 degrees Celsius) and gradually increase the heat until you achieve sufficient temperature to properly cure your specific brand of powder at your typical print speed.

If your print speed increases, you may need to correspondingly increase the oven temperature to ensure adequate curing. Properly cured powder should appear shiny dry with an orange peel texture.

Compared to manual ovens that require heating the film and inks first, the GALLERY A3 automatic shaker can cure powder more efficiently and at potentially lower temperatures due to its direct heating approach.

For most applications, unless your artwork is exceptionally large, starting with the lowest speed settings for powder dispersal and clapper motors should provide sufficient results.

Assembly Instructions

Upon opening the crate, verify that all listed pieces are present:

Parts List:

• 1. POWDER HOLDER: For containing the powder.
• 2. POWDER APPLICATION AREA: Where powder is applied to the film.
• 3. POWDER SPILLOVER CONTAINMENT BAR: Helps manage powder flow.
• 4. BAG OF SCREWS: Contains necessary fasteners.
• 5. EXHAUST VENT: Requires connection to an optional air filter machine or venting to the outside of the building to manage fumes.
• 6. HEATING AREA: The section containing the heating element, located under a cover.
• 7. TAKE UP REEL ROLLER BARS: Support the take-up reel.
• 8. EMPTY TAKE UP REAL CARDBOARD TUBE: Used for winding the film.
• 9. LEFT TAKE UP REEL BRACKET: Supports the left side of the take-up reel.
• 10. RIGHT TAKE UP REEL BRACKET: Supports the right side of the take-up reel.
• 11. LEFT TAKE UP REEL HOLDER: Holds the left end of the reel.
• 12. RIGHT TAKE UP REEL HOLDER WITH MOTOR: Holds the right end of the reel and includes the motor.
• 13. 110V POWER CORD: Connects the machine to a power source.

Powder Catch Tray

The powder catch tray, located at the bottom of the shaker, is removable. Powder collected here can be reloaded into the top powder holder.

Take Up Reel Power Switch

The power switch for the take-up reel motor is separate from the main control panel. When the switch is Centered, it is OFF. When set to Up/Down, it is Enabled. Note: The motor only advances when the film sensor inside the powder chamber is triggered.

Take Up Reel Assembly

Assembly of the take-up reel can be completed using a screwdriver. The following pieces are required:

• LEFT TAKE UP REEL HOLDER
• RIGHT TAKE UP REEL HOLDER WITH MOTOR
• LEFT TAKE UP REEL BRACKET
• RIGHT TAKE UP REEL BRACKET
• TAKE UP REEL ROLLER BARS
• BAG OF SCREWS (Large and Medium screws will be used; extra screws are for optional accessories and can be ignored for initial assembly).

Step 1: Take Up Reel Assembly

Using the large screws, attach the left and right brackets to each side of the powder shaker machine, using 4 screws per bracket.

Step 2: Take Up Reel Assembly

Using the medium screws, attach the back take-up reel roller bar.

Step 3: Take Up Reel Assembly

Thread the two black holders onto the front roller bar and then screw them into place.

Step 4: Powder Spillover Control Bar

Adjust the small powder spillover control bar to its maximum width. Place it in the bottom of the shaker machine. This bar helps to keep powder away from the edges of the bottom tray. Note: The use of the powder spillover control bar is optional.

Your correctly assembled powder shaker system should now resemble the final configuration.