Vytran PTR-200-PRL, Operator'S Manual

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Recoat and Proof Test Process
Vytran LLC: PTR-200-PRL Polyimide Recoater Operator’s Manual Version 1.2 21
5. Gently close the FHB lids. This will capture the fiber and turn off the external vacuum pump.
6. The fiber is now ready to be recoated.
4.5 Recoating
To recoat the fiber:
1. Visually confirm that the fiber is loaded properly, if not reload the fiber.
2. Initiate the recoat process by pressing the blue RECOAT button on the unit or the START button
on the Handset Controller. The recoat process is fully automated as follows:
a. The right-hand FHB will begin moving to the right, applying tension to the fiber.
b. Once the Recoat Tension is reached, the right-hand block will stop moving.
c. The handset controller will await input from the operator verifying the correct fiber position in
the die. Upon confirming the correct fiber position to the handset the process will continue.
d. The right die will close and the Undercoat Qty will be injected at the Inject Rate into the die.
The right heater will be set to the Right Precure Temp and the head will pause for the Heater
Stabilize Time.
e. The head will move to the left at the Undercoat Head Sweep Vel depositing material while the
right die evaporates the volatiles.
f. Upon reaching the appropriate length, the left die will close and the Undercoat Qty will be
injected at the Inject Rate into the die. The right heater will be set to the Right Cure Temp,
the left heater will be set to the Left Precure Temp and the head will pause for the Heater
Stabilize Time.
g. The head will move to the right at the Undercoat Head Sweep Vel depositing material. The
right heater will be imidizing the previously precured material while the left heater is
evaporating the volatiles from the freshly deposited material. The head will complete at the
initial start position plus the overlap delta. This is defined as one loop or pass as the material
initially deposited has been fully cured.
h. The process is repeated (using the Overcoat parameters) until the desired thickness has
been achieved by the Number of Overcoats (loops or passes).
i. A tension test is performed at the conclusion of the recoat process to verify fiber integrity.
The tension is applied to the specified Level at the specified Rate and released.
3. Proceed to Unloading the Fiber.
4.6 Proof Testing
The Peak Tension should be set to ensure that the recoat meets the minimum strength requirement for its
intended application. If using units of tension (kpsi), make sure to enter the correct fiber diameter (e.g.
125 microns) and not the coating diameter.
WARNING: Always wear safety glasses when proof testing fiber. The fiber under test can shatter and
send glass particles flying.
To perform a Proof Test:
1. Load the fiber in the fiber holding blocks (see 4.4).
2. Check that the proof test parameters are set correctly.
3. Press the “TEST” button on the PTR-200-PRL.
4. Upon completion of the Proof Test, raise the fiber holding block tops and remove the proof tested
fiber.
Note: It is not possible to abort a Proof Test once it has been started.