noztek TOUCH Versatile Single Screw Desktop Extruder User Manual

noztek TOUCH Versatile Single Screw Desktop Extruder

Introduction

• The Noztek TOUCH/ TOUCH HT, a versatile single-screw desktop extruder, has been meticulously designed for the precise production of high-quality filament extrusion. The enhanced features of the Noztek TOUCH/TOUCH HT provide comprehensive control over the extruder, allowing customization to your exact specifications through an intuitive and user-friendly touchscreen interface.
• With two independently controlled heater bands – one primary band for the nozzle and a pre-heater band for the barrel – combined with a robust 50 RPM 162 kg-cm motor featuring variable speed control, this extruder effortlessly produces superior filament from a diverse range of materials and polymers.
• The standard Noztek TOUCH is configured with heater bands capable of reaching temperatures up to 300°C, while the Noztek TOUCH HT impressively extends its capacity to 600°C.
• The Noztek TOUCH/TOUCH HT comes complete with Noztek’s proprietary integrated software, seamlessly connecting to a computer to provide real-time performance monitoring, complete with detailed temperature and speed charts.
• This extruder’s adaptability extends its value across diverse industries, including pharmaceuticals, 3D printing, and the chemical sector, offering a cost-effective and efficient means to shape and process materials into top-tier filaments.
• For optimal results, we recommend utilizing extrusion-grade pellets.

Warranty

We guarantee outstanding quality for our products and services. Customers who purchase Noztek-manufactured equipment for professional use are guaranteed that they will be free from defects in workmanship and materials for 1 year from the date of shipment. If your machine is found to be faulty, we will repair or replace the machine. The warranty and functional guarantee does not cover damages caused by wear and tear or improper use.

TO INSURE THAT YOUR WARRANTY IS HELD IN EFFECT, PROPER OPERATION PROCEDURES MUST BE OBSERVED.

NOTE:
READ THE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS BEFORE OPERATING THIS MACHINE.

For a full breakdown please read our Limitations of Warranty Cover below.

Limitations of Warranty Cover:

• You must own the machine
• The original invoice is decisive as this is your warranty claim (please keep a copy of this)
• Repair or replacement of the machine will be determined by Noztek
• Warranty only covers manufacturing or material defects

Warranty does not cover:

• Incorrect use of machine/damage due to misuse
• Damage from force or fall
• Foreign objects inside of machine
• Water damage or dirt
• User failing to follow proper usage instructions
• Normal wear and tear in the machine’s lifespan
• Unauthorized repairs by consumer

While we stand by the quality of our products, it’s important to note that our liability is limited. This warranty represents your sole remedy, and there are no other expressed or implied warranties. In the rare instance of a covered defect, we offer remedies such as repair or replacement after assessing the reported fault. Noztek have the right to reject any warranty claim if we feel the request falls outside of our limitations

Filing a Claim:
Need assistance? Our customer support team is ready to help. Refer to the contact information provided in this manual to start the claims process.

Safety

Caution: Injury Risk
This equipment contains moving parts. To prevent injury, keep hands, fingers, and other body parts clear during operation. Avoid wearing loose clothing or jewellery that may become entangled in moving components. Tie back long hair and secure loose items before using the equipment. Always follow the safety instructions provided in the user manual.

Caution: Hot Surface
This equipment can reach high temperatures during operation. Avoid direct contact with exposed surfaces to prevent the risk of burns. Allow the equipment to cool before handling or performing maintenance. Exercise caution and keep out of reach of children. Follow all safety guidelines provided in the user manual.

Caution: High Voltage Zone

• This equipment contains high-voltage components. To avoid the risk of electrical shock:
• Do not use liquids near the machine: Keep all liquids, including water, away from the equipment. Liquids can conduct electricity and increase the risk of electrical shock.
• Do not modify internal wiring: Modifying internal wiring or electronic components poses a serious hazard. Only authorized personnel should perform any maintenance or modifications.

Caution: Material guidelines
Ensure familiarity with the material being extruded, including melting temperatures and ventilation requirements of the space. Failure to do so may lead to damage to the machine and pose health risks to the consumer

SAFETY GUIDELINES

• Before operating, ensure you have a thorough understanding of the equipment. Carefully review the provided instruction manual for complete guidance.

• Understand the proper, safe usage and limitations of the equipment.

• Never use this equipment for any purpose other than its intended use.

• Do not modify the equipment in any way.

• Do not make adjustments or perform maintenance while the system is in operation or energized.

• Non-Flammable Cleaning:
  Refrain from cleaning the equipment with flammable solvents.

• Extruder Vent Precautions:
  Avoid probing into the barrel pallet feed section while the machine is running. Never use a metal probe in the barrel pallet feed section; a wooden probe is recommended.

• Personal Protective Gear:
  Wear a face shield and heat-insulated gloves while operating or being near the extruder during operation. These protective items are also necessary when adjusting the die or cleaning the screw. The extruder temperatures are extremely high, and not using protective gear may lead to serious injury.

• Hopper Installation:
  The feed hopper must be installed on the extruder feed section at all times when in operation.

• Material Removal Safety:
  Never put your hands into the feed section or vent to remove material.

• Motor Activation:
  Only switch on the motor when the recommended temperature has been reached.

Product Specification Sheet

1. Product Information:

   • Product Name/Model: Noztek TOUCH/TOUCH HT filament extruder.
   • Brand/Manufacturer: Noztek
   • Serial Number: See invoice
   • Date of Manufacture: 2023

2. General Description:

   • The Noztek TOUCH/ TOUCH HT, a versatile single-screw desktop extruder, has been meticulously designed for the precise production of high-quality filament extrusion.
   • This extruder’s adaptability extends its value across diverse industries, including pharmaceuticals, 3D printing, and the chemical sector, offering a cost-effective and efficient means to shape and process materials into top-tier filaments.

3. Technical Specifications:

   • Voltage Requirements: 220VC or 110VC.
   • Power Rating: 10A.
   • Frequency (Hz): 50 Hz or 60 Hz.
   • Operating Temperature Range: -40°C to 85°C (-40°F to 185°F)
   • Dimensions (including weight and size): 80cm x 15cm x 54cm. 10 KG.
   • Material Composition: Steel/ stainless steel.
   • Barrel and Screw: Stainless steel
   • Colour/Finish: Red powder coat or brushes stainless steel
   • Motor: 50RPM, 162 kg-cm of torque

4. Key Features:

   • Noztek controller software integration:
     The Noztek TOUCH/TOUCH HT comes complete with Noztek’s proprietary integrated software, seamlessly connecting to a computer to provide real-time performance monitoring, complete with detailed temperature and speed charts.

   • Manual Control over Temperature and RPM via touchscreen interface
     The Noztek TOUCH/TOUCH HT provides complete manual control of your extruder through its intuitive touchscreen interface. This allows you to independently set temperatures for the two heater bands and adjust the motor RPM up to 50 RPM. These capabilities enable precise adjustments, accommodating a variety of materials and achieving optimal extrusion conditions. Our in-house developed PCB and algorithms ensure stability by continuously monitoring and adjusting the temperature and motor speed. This guarantees a consistent and accurate level throughout the entire extrusion process.

   • Program Memory:
     The system retains the most recently used target temperature, speed settings, and timer configurations even after a system restart.

   • Warm-Up Function:
     The warm-up feature is engineered to ensure the barrel reaches optimal operating temperature within 15 minutes. This minimizes the risk of unmelted materials obstructing the motor, thereby preventing potential damage to the motor or the machine.

   • Emergency Shutdown Capability:
     In cases of urgency, the system offers a rapid electrical shutdown mechanism for immediate cessation of all operations.

   • Motor Block Management:
     Should the motor face any operational hindrance, the system promptly issues a notification message and halts the motor to prevent further complications.

   • Sensor Anomaly Detection:
     The system incorporates sensor malfunction detection, which promptly communicates deviations from correct temperature readings by issuing a notification message.

   • 4.3-Inch TFT Touchscreen Control Panel:
     The machine features a sophisticated 4.3-inch Thin-Film Transistor (TFT) touchscreen, providing an intuitive and responsive interface for operating and configuring the equipment.

   • High Torque 50 RPM Motor:
     The extruder features a robust high-torque motor operating at 50 revolutions per minute (RPM). This high torque capability ensures efficient and consistent filament extrusion even when processing challenging materials or operating under demanding conditions. The motor’s power, coupled with its controlled RPM, contributes to the reliability and performance of the Noztek TOUCH/ TOUCH HT, making it suitable for a wide range of filament production requirements.

   • Multi-Stage Stainless Steel Single Screw:
     The Noztek TOUCH/ TOUCH HT incorporates a multi-stage stainless steel single screw, designed to enhance the extrusion process. The multi-stage configuration allows for optimized material processing and melting. The stainless steel construction ensures durability and resistance to corrosion, making it suitable for extruding various materials, including those with unique properties or specific processing requirements.

5. Safety Information:

   • Warnings: See safety sheet
   • Recommended Safety Gear: See the safety sheet
   • Emergency Shutdown Procedures:
     In the event of an emergency, firmly press the red mains switch located at the back of the machine. This action will swiftly deactivate the power supply, bringing all ongoing processes to an immediate halt.

6. Operating Instructions:

   • Step-by-step instructions for safe and proper use of the product: See the safety sheet and guide
   • Start-up and Shutdown Procedures: See the guide
   • Control Panel Layout: See the guide
   • Maintenance and Cleaning Guidelines: See maintenance sheet.

7. Technical Diagrams:

   • Available upon request.

8. Performance Data:

   • Heater bands:
     Equipped with two distinct, PID algorithm-controlled heater bands, capable of reaching temperatures up to 600°C.

   • Hopper capacity:
     750 grams maximum, 50 grams minimum.

   • Extrusion Output Rate:
     The Noztek TOUCH/TOUCH HT demonstrates an impressive extrusion capacity, capable of producing approximately 1-2 meters of filament per minute. This translates to an estimated output of 60-120 meters or 300 grams of filament per hour.

9. Accessories and Included Items:

   • Mains cable
   • Hopper
   • Spare nozzle
   • A-B USB cable
   • 45 Degree angle mounting brackets

10. Warranty Information:
    See warranty sheet.

11. Compliance and Certifications:
    CE

12. Technical Support and Contact Information:

    • [email protected]
    • https://noztek.com/contact/
    • 44 (0) 203 384 6208
    • Noztek Head office
      Unit C3 Dolphin Enterprise Centre Evershed Way Shoreham West Sussex BN43 6QB ENGLAND

Set-up Instructions

1. Unpacking and Placement:
   Caution: Do not plug the machine into the mains or turn it on during set-up. Carefully unpack the machine and accessories. Place the machine on an even, stable surface, ensuring there are no flammable materials nearby as the heater bands can reach temperatures of up to 600°C.

2. Hopper Attachment:
   Begin by attaching the hopper. Locate two bolts in the barrel’s designated holes. Unscrew these bolts, position the hopper over the holes, and securely screw the bolts back in place.

3. Optional 45-Degree Angle Setup:
   The extruder can be used flat on an even surface or at a 45-degree angle using the provided mounting brackets. Secure the brackets with the six bolts provided: two for each end and two connecting the brackets. Note: When in the angled position, ensure the machine is properly secured to prevent accidental tipping.

4. Power Connection:
   Once the initial steps are completed, you can plug the main cable into the machine. Before doing so, double-check that the mains voltage (e.g., 220VAC or 110VAC) matches the voltage specified on the machine (refer to the sticker on the machine).
   Note: Always follow these set-up instructions meticulously to ensure the safe and effective operation of the machine. If you encounter any issues or have questions, refer to the comprehensive user manual for further guidance.

5. (Optional) USB Connection:
   To utilize this machine with our Noztek controller software, use the provided A-B USB cable. Connect the cable from the back of the machine to your computer. Please note that the controller software is compatible only with Windows machines.

Operation Instructions

Important Note:

• Ensure that you acquaint yourself with the proper handling guidelines for the material you are using, particularly its melting point. Neglecting to do so may compromise the functionality and potentially damage the equipment.
• Please bear in mind that the quality of the extruded filament is influenced by factors beyond just the operation of the machine. Considerations such as room humidity, temperature, material humidity, and ensuring the correct temperature settings all play crucial roles.

STEP 1. Familiarization:
Familiarize yourself with the following; TOUCH SCREEN, EMERGENCY POWER SWITCH, MAINS POWER SWITCH.

STEP 2. Start-up procedure:
To turn on the machine, use the illuminated MAINS POWER SWITCH located at the back. Push the red illuminated EMERGENCY POWER SWITCH at the front of the machine to activate the machine. In an emergency, pushing the button will shut down the Noztek TOUCH/TOUCH HT completely.

STEP 3. Main Screen Overview:
The main screen provides comprehensive information about the actual current temperature in Celsius for individual heating bands and the motor speed in RPM (top row). TEMP 1 corresponds to the main heater band, while TEMP 2 corresponds to the pre-heater band. The second row displays the set temperature and motor speed. The third row features activation/status switches, and access to the Menu screen is available at the bottom.

To activate the heating bands, simply touch any of the temperature activation/status switches. Once activated, the Noztek TOUCH/TOUCH HT display will transition to the ‘warm-up’ screen (see image below). The Noztek TOUCH/TOUCH HT remains on this screen until the heating bands reach the set temperature or until the user manually aborts the heating process. The motor switch activates only after the warm-up phase, ensuring the motor runs safely thereafter.

STEP 3.1. WARM-UP SCREEN

This screen appears during the initial heating process or when the temperature falls below the target. The warm-up is essential to ensure that the barrel reaches a specific temperature before enabling the motor to run safely

STEP 3.2. Menu Screen
The Menu screen provides users with access to all of The Noztek TOUCH/TOUCH HT settings and additional functionalities, including temperature settings, speed settings, fan settings, and timer settings.

• SET TEMP: Adjusts the desired temperature of the individual heating bands.
• SET SPEED: Configures the desired revolutions per minute (rpm) for the D.C. motor drive.
• FAN: ON/OFF: Activates or deactivates the fan.
• TIME LEFT: Set a timer for automatically shutting down the DC motor drive and heating bands.

STEP 3.3. Temperature setting

This screen allows the user to set the temperature for each heating band. Users can achieve this either by using the sliders or the “+” and “-” buttons and then confirming with the “SET” button. To cancel any modifications, press “BACK”. The Noztek TOUCH allows a maximum temperature setting of 300°C for each heater band, while the Noztek TOUCH HT can reach up to 600°C.”

STEP 3.4. Motor speed setting
This screen allows the user to set the speed for the motor in RPM. Users can achieve this either by using the sliders or the “+” and “-” buttons and then confirming with the “SET” button. To cancel any modifications, press “BACK.”

STEP 3.5. Timer Setting
This screen allows the user to set a timer for shutting down the current session. This action does not power off the Touch but stops both the heating and the motor. Users can set the timer using the “+” and “-” buttons and then confirm with the “SET” button. To cancel any modifications, press “BACK.

STEP 4. Initiating Extrusion:
Add your pellets and, after the warm-up procedure, initiate the extrusion process by turning on the motor using the motor on/off switch. After a short duration, the plastic will emerge from the nozzle. Pull the filament through the guide. The extruded filament will be hot, so use heat-resistant gloves. Some materials may require immediate cooling after extrusion; turn on the fan using the fan on/off button to facilitate this. The operational set-up is now complete.

STEP 5. Shutdown Procedure:
When finished, turn off the EMERGENCY POWER SWITCH and MAINS POWER SWITCH. These instructions ensure the safe and efficient operation of the Noztek TOUCH TOUCH HT.
Additional Information:

• Quality Measures:
  Extrude approximately 5m of filament, switch off the motor, cut off the excess material, and then restart the motor. This helps eliminate air bubbles and metal particles in the system.

• Colour Mixing:
  Adding colours is a straightforward process. Mix the natural and colourant at the given ratio, then pour it into the hopper. It will take 10-20 minutes to observe colour changes.

• Temperature Adjustments:
  Adjusting the temperature also affects filament tolerance. Higher temperatures result in thinner filaments, while lower temperatures result in thicker filaments. Make adjustments in 5-degree Celsius increments.

Maintenance

• Changing the Nozzle:
  Before attempting this operation, ensure you use heat-insulated gloves. To switch between nozzle sizes, heat the unit to the temperature required to melt the material previously used. Wait for 10 minutes to ensure all material is molten. Unscrew the nozzle using a spanner, clean any excess plastic from the internal threads, and then screw on the new nozzle.

• Maintenance:
  Regular cleaning of your plastic extrusion tooling is crucial for prolonging machine life, reducing waste, and maintaining tighter tolerances for your final product. We recommend running purging agents like polypropylene through the barrel for cleaning. If this is not possible, use a wire brush and fine metal pick to clean the threads and screw assembly. If you are unsure how to clean the barrel, please contact the Noztek helpdesk for assistance.

• Barrel Jam:
  Depending on the resin type, you may occasionally encounter a barrel jam. If the motor starts labouring and slowing down during extrusion, immediately switch off the motor. To free the jam, increase the temperature to approximately 25-50 degrees Celsius above the recommended melting temperature of the material and leave it for 15–20 minutes. Then switch on the motor again; this should allow the screw to rotate, purging the barrel.

CONTACT NOZTEK

For more in-depth troubleshooting assistance, we encourage you to explore our FAQ help section on our website at www.noztek.com. If your specific query is not addressed within this resource, please do not hesitate to reach out to our dedicated Noztek expert team for direct support and guidance.

Noztek Ltd

• Unit C3 Dolphin Industrial Estate Evershed Way, Shoreham by Sea, West Sussex, BN43 6QB, ENGLAND
• 44 (0) 203 384 6208
• [email protected].
• www.noztek.com.

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