THREADING THE MACHINE
TRACKING THE PAPER
An important step in the operation on the 4400 is the initial setup of the roll stock on the unwind shaft. If done
properly, the paper will track through the machine and onto the rewind without any problem. The following steps
will assist you in setting up the unwind, rewind and the waste to insure proper feed throughout the operation.
In order to achieve proper feed and tension, it is first important that the roll stock be wound tight and free from
any buckles. To check this, lay the roll on a flat surface, grasp the web until the slack is gone from the roll. This is
called "jogging" the roll.
Place the roll stock onto the unwind shaft with the tail unwinding counter clockwise. (see Fig. 1). Measure the
roll web width and mark the center of the roll. Measure 4" from the machine sideplate to the center mark on the
roll stock. This gives you your reference point. (See Fig. 2)
Insert the core lock pin and turn it on edge in order to secure the core to the unwind shaft. Pull out enough
stock to reach over the top of the web guide bar. At this point, it will be helpful to make a center mark on the stock
just before the guide bar. Measure 4" from the sideplate to this mark and set the paper guide accordingly. The
guides should be touching the edge of the stock as not to buckle it or leave too much space for travel side to side.
Disengage the nip roller assembly. This is done by pushing upward on the nip tie bar until the lock pin engages.
(see Fig. 4). This will keep the nip roller away from the anvil shaft. Thread the label stock between the anvil shaft
and the nip on the first station. Continue pulling stock upward past the anvil shaft on each print station. Pull the
stock over the top of the die anvil shafts and down toward the rewind spindle.
Place a core which measures the same width as your paper web on the rewind shaft. Tape the leading edge of
your stock to the core, making sure to center it. Insert the core lock pin. Measure out 4" from the sideplate to
paper center and turn the core pin until it is holding securely. You are now threaded and ready to run the machine
to check for proper tracking.
Proper tracking is crucial when printing roll to roll. A variety of factors can affect how paper tracks. The
following guidelines will help you achieve proper tracking with minimal waste.
With the nip roller disengaged, turn the machine on and run it very slowly. Your paper should track through the
machine being pulled by the tension on the rewind.
Engage the nip roller (see Fig. 3). The nip is now driving your paper through the machine. There should be
enough tension on the rewind spindle to keep up with the roller. Observe how your stock is traveling through the
machine. If it is not winding up straight, you may have to move the rewind core slightly one way or the other. Once
you have the paper tracking straight, turn the machine off.
Once you have the paper tracking properly, you are now ready to set up the print stations and rotary dies.
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 1
PACER NIP
ENGAGED WITH ANVIL
Fig. 4
NIP TIE BAR
LOCK PIN
7
