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A300 Feed Drive Assembly

The Model A300 uses an electric drive motor, clutch and brake to control the core pusher position. If these components are not properly adjusted they can cause the following problems:

• under-length cut cores
• over-length cut cores
• binding between the core and the target
• damage to the end of the core
• core jumping forward after each cut
• drag or resistance when loading cores

Normal Operation

When the core contacts the target, it initiates a signal that causes the head jaws to expand, the target solenoid to drop the target and the knife to advance toward the core. The signal also energizes a relay that disengages the clutch and applies the brake. The brake is energized until a fixed timer lapses, releasing the brake and allowing the pusher to float back.

On completion of the cutting cycle (defined by the knife timer), the knife retracts and the head jaws contract. At the same time the clutch is energized, powering the pusher that advances the core toward the target.

Trouble Shooting

Tools Required

• 3/32" Long Shank T Handle Hex
• 1/8" Long Shank T Handle Hex


Only allow trained maintenance personnel in the guarded area of the drive.
Unexpected movement could result in crushed or severed fingers.

 

Observe the brake and clutch while the machine is cutting to see if the two components are actuating.

• If they are not, the problem is electrical
• if they are actuating but not disengaging, the problem is mechanical

Mechanical Set-up



The clutch-brake assembly is dependent on proper clearance to ensure that the springs fully disengage the clutch and brake while allowing the magnetic field to engage them as required.

The drawing shows the locations of the clearance gaps. The gaps should both be 0.060" when the plates are tight against their respective snap rings. (The gap is about 0.030" in normal relaxed position.)

Follow these steps to reset the brake and clutch gaps:



Disconnect and lock-out the electrical power source before performing this service. Unexpected machine movement could result in crushed or severed fingers.





1) Ensure that the chain sprocket is secure and that the shaft does not have end-play.

2) Manually spread the brake gap and check with a feeler gauge. If it is not 0.060":


• a) loosen the two set screws that retain the spline.
• b) check to ensure that the brake plate is tight against its snap ring.
• c) move the plate and spline until the gap is 0.060" .
• d) tighten the set screw on the key (shallower of 2 set screw holes) to lock the spline on the shaft.
• e) push the plate closing the gap and release it to ensure that the spring pushes the plate back, re-opening the gap.
• f) using the hardened spline as a guide, drill a dimple in the shaft and replace the second set screw using a liquid thread lock. Also apply thread lock to the set screw on the key.

3) Check the clutch gap. If it is not 0.060":

• a) loosen the bolts that retain the gear motor.
• b) slide the gear motor in or out until both the brake and the clutch gaps are correct. (Note that we are not loosening the 1/8" set screws.)
• Note: Take care to avoid mis-aligning the shafts. You may want to scribe a line along the plate adjacent to the gear motor to ensure alignment.
• c) re tighten the gear motor bolts, spacing both sides of the gap to ensure that the gear motor is square to the clutch.

Electrical

Refer to the electrical drawings in the maintenance manual for aid in tracing the circuits.

The clutch and brake are controlled by a single relay. When energized, the relay energizes the brake circuit and de-energizes the clutch. Note that the brake circuit includes a fixed timer that de-energizes the brake after a fixed period of time. (Brake timing can be changed only by changing the resistor in the circuit. This should not be necessary in the field.)

The target trips the circuit. Refer to the Target Tuning Tips bulletin for instructions on adjusting the target.

For Correct Parts

Contact your Appleton Mfg. Division Customer Service Representative at 1-800-531-2002. Use only Appleton parts to ensure proper fit and service life.