Two Questions About Two Machines (Presses - Warmtone and Pheenix)

[RayBlev]

(Mod note… title updated for specificity and clarity)

Hey Everyone,

I'm the production director here at Gold Rush Vinyl in Austin TX. We run two Viryl Warmtones and two Pheenix AD12s
I'm hoping to get your thoughts on two recurring and consistent issues we have with them.

First, the Warmtone -
We have consistent sticking issues where the pressed record won't release from the bottom stamper. The weird thing is that it's not a process thing - it seems to be static electricity that's holding the record down. When we reach in to remove the record, it comes out easily, and we can't figure why the vacuum arm can't lift it off, even though the vacuum level is correct. Has anyone ever had static issues that stopped a record from releasing in the press?

Second, the Pheenix -
We have the worst time with the bottom pin staying up after the press opens and the record is released. The pin stays up, then when the puck and labels go in for the next cycle, the bottom label snags. Thought on getting that thing to stay down. PVC too hot (material is gummy and drags on the pin) or too cold (material is seized around pin keeping it from retracting)?

Neither of these problems happen all the time, they're just our top two issues that we're having trouble ridding ourselves of.

Any thoughts are greatly appreciated! Thanks guys!

[chjones]

On the Pheenix, check the cage and O-ring on the base of the bottom pin - if the pin isn't held correctly it's more likely to stick up, also more common with worn pins.

[RayBlev]

Thanks for that! I'll take a peek and see how they look

[llary]

(Mod note… title updated for specificity and clarity)

First, the Warmtone -
We have consistent sticking issues where the pressed record won't release from the bottom stamper. The weird thing is that it's not a process thing - it seems to be static electricity that's holding the record down. When we reach in to remove the record, it comes out easily, and we can't figure why the vacuum arm can't lift it off, even though the vacuum level is correct. Has anyone ever had static issues that stopped a record from releasing in the press?

This is not a static issue, there are several possibilities:

1. Check that the upper and lower pushers are connected the right way around. We had a viryl press arrive new with the upper and lower pushers reversed.

2. Do you have enough flash for the pusher to grab the edge of your record? The pusher needs to lift up the record slightly before the pickup cycle starts.

3. Is center blast switched on and is the air outlet pointing directly at the record's center hole? Again this helps release the seal between the record and bottom mould.

4. Check the linear position sensor has not slipped, the press needs to be at the correct height when parked for the suction cups to get leverage on the record.