Vytran PTR-200-PRL, Operator'S Manual

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Recoat Injection System
Vytran LLC: PTR-200-PRL Polyimide Recoater Operator’s Manual Version 1.2 15
3 Recoat Injection System
The PTR-200-PRL has an automatic recoat injection pump fitted inside the unit. The pump is based on
an automated syringe and distribution valve that can select one of three ports (Fill, Purge, or Inject)
through which it can either draw or inject recoat material (see Figure 3). A bottle containing recoat
material is installed directly on the pump, with the pump “Fill” tube inserted into the bottom of the bottle. A
“Purge” tube runs from the pump to the top of the recoat bottle, and is used for cycling material back into
the bottle. An “Inject” tube runs from the pump to the inject port of the die, which is located in the center
of the lower right die. Once all air is purged from the injection system, the pump provides very accurate
control of the volume and velocity of recoat material injection.
The recommended recoat material for use in the PTR-200-PRL is Pyralin PI2525, which is manufactured
by HD MicroSystems. This is a fast imidizing at lower temperature coating. Do not attempt to use
alternate recoat materials without first consulting Vytran on compatibility with the PRL.
Note: Pyralin PI2525 recoat material does have a limited shelf life of approximately 24 months from date
of manufacture when stored at 0 to 18 degrees Centigrade. PI2525 is stable at room temperature (21
degrees Centigrade) for approximately 4 weeks with no significant change in properties. Using material
that has passed its expiration date may cause both pump performance and recoat quality issues.
3.1 Priming the Injection System
It is very important to remove all air from the recoat injection system prior to performing a recoat. When
operating the system for the first time, the pump must be filled with recoat material and cleared of all air in
the pump and tubing. In order to clear the inject tube, recoat material must be injected out through the
mold inject port and collected and disposed of. Make sure to have cotton swabs and NMP (1-Methyl-2-
pyrrolidinone) available for this purpose prior to starting this procedure. NMP is the recommended
solvent for cleaning uncured polyimide recoat material.
WARNING: Polyimide recoat materials can be hazardous to your health if not handled properly. Read
the Material Safety Data Sheet provided in Appendix X, and make sure to follow all precautionary
guidelines when working with this material.
To prime the recoat injection system:
1. Turn off power to the PTR-200-PRL.
2. Remove the front plate of the PTR-200-PRL by using the 3/32 Allen wrench provided in the tool
kit to remove the four (4) black socket-head cap screws located at the corners of the plate.
3. The recoat pump is located on the left side of the PTR-200-PRL as shown in Figure 2. Unscrew
the brown recoat bottle located at the front of the pump and remove by angling out through the
front opening. The red Fill tube will flex to allow removal.
4. For new systems, replace the empty recoat bottle shipped with the unit with a new bottle of recoat
material. For systems that have previously been run with recoat material, the recoat injection
system should be flushed clean prior to adding new material (see 5.5).
5. Screw the new recoat bottle into place and replace the front panel and the four (4) socket head
cap screws.