Diagraph PA/4000, Service Manual, Page: 146 / 213

Technician’s Guide 2-2
HOME STAGE
During this stage of the Print and Apply Cycle:
• The tamp cylinder is in the home position with a printed label on the tamp pad.
• Vacuum is ON.
• The Product Delay counter begins to count when the passing box trips the photocell.
EXTENSION STAGE
During this stage of the Print and Apply Cycle:
• The tamp cylinder extends when the Product Delay counter reaches zero.
• The Applicator Board generates a pulse to backfeed the next label.
RETRACT STAGE
During this stage of the Print and Apply Cycle:
• The tamp cylinder retracts when either: A) the Auto Retract* circuit issues a signal or B) the
Tamp Dwell timer reaches zero. (*Auto-Retract sensor is only active when Auto Retract is
turned ON using the Hand-Held Terminal).
• The PA/4000 applies the printed label to the box.
PRINTING STAGE
During this stage of the Print and Apply Cycle:
• The tamp cylinder returns to the home position.
• Vacuum turns OFF.
• Air Assist turns ON.
• Printing of the next label begins. (This is true
only if the backfeed is completed).
END PRINTING STAGE
During this stage of the Print and Apply Cycle:
• The label has finished printing.
• Vacuum turns on as the label crosses the present sensor.
• When the label has been printed and completely dispensed onto the tamp pad, the Prodigy
Plus generates a cutter signal, marking the end of the print cycle.
• The applicator board turns the Air Assist OFF when it receives the cutter signal.
• The PA/4000 is now ready to apply the next label and the cycle continues.