Knife Set-Up and Maintenance

NEW INSTALLATION
Changing and flipping knives

1. Check the anvil to be sure that a
    groove has not formed. If a
    groove has formed, flip the anvil
    to a new surface, following the
    "Change Anvil Procedure".

2. Clean the knife, knife clamp bar,
    screwheads and the area
    around them with an air hose.
    NOTE: "ALWAYS WEAR EYE
    PROTECTION WHEN USING
    AN AIR HOSE"

3. This measurement can be taken
    using a special gage block
    (fig.1) and a pair of dial calipers.

4. To obtain this measurement,
    place the gage block on the flex
    knife roll. Make sure that the
    surfaces A, B and C of the gage
    block are firm against surfaces
    the surfaces A, B and C on the
    flex knife roll. (see fig.1 and
    fig.2). Using the dial calipers,
    measure from surface D of the
    gage block to surface D on
    the knife.
    (Record These Dimensions.)

5. Back off the knife clamp bar
    adjusting screws approximately
    one-half of a turn.

  6. Loosen the knife clamp bar screws (5/16" allen cap) and remove the old knife.

  7. The clamp bar should be removed to ensure that the clamp bar and the area
      they rest upon are clean (free of dirt and rust). A Scotch pad and alcohol
      may be used to clean these surfaces.

  8. Replace the clamp bar and insert a new flex knife.
      (The knife is longer than the anvil;it should extend beyond the clamp bar the
      same distance on both ends.)

  9. Using the gage block, bring the knife to within .010" of an inch less
      than the measurements recorded in step 4. Use two of the adjusting screws,
      one on each end of the knife roll.

10. Mark the knife and anvil gears so the timing will not be lost. Remove the gear
      that drives the knife and anvil. This will allow you to freely rotate
      the knife and (KEEP HANDS CLEAR OF THE KNIFE OR ANVIL GEARS.)

11. Place a piece of tape about 1 inch long on each end of the anvil. Rotate the
      knife to see if it contacts the tape on the anvil. If not, adjust the knife out in
      increments of .003" of an inch. After each adjustment, rotate the knife and
      check for the contact on the tape. Once the knife is in contact with the tape,
      adjust the knife out .003" of an inch. This should give the interference
      between the knife and anvil for a clean cut.

12. Tighten the allen cap screws in the knife clamp bar to 25ft/lbs using
      a torque wrench. The sequence of tightening screws should start with
      the center screw then alternate from right to left of the center screw
      until all the screws are tight. You now can tighten all of the adjusting
      screws against the knife clamp bar.

13. Place a piece of a nonwoven or poly between the knife and anvil then
      rotate the knife and check for a clean cut. If not to satisfaction repeat
      procedures starting with step 11. Once you are satisfied with the cut,
      align the marks on the knife and anvil gears then replace the drive gear
      and guard.

FLIPPING THE FLEX KNIVES
(Only if additional adjustments have not been made on the knife clamp bar adjusting screws.)

  1. Wipe off the knife assembly to remove dust and oil build up.

  2. Loosen the bolts on the knife clamp bar.

  3. If the knife shows signs of rust or dust accumulation, remove the knife clamp
      bar then clean the knife, knife clamp bar and the area they rest on with
      alcohol and a Scotch pad.

  4. Reassemble the knife clamp bar and install the flex knife on the next numbered
      side in the sequence.

  5. With the knife seated all the way back in the holder, snug the knife clamp
      bar screws.

  6. Jog the machine to complete one revolution of the knife and anvil then check
      the cut.

  7. Tighten the knife clamp bar screws to 25 ft/lbs of torque.