Hot Stamping Type Sets
UPSTAIRS IMPRINTERS INC.
Manufacturer of Hot Stamping Engraving Embossing
Type Sets, Foil, Supplies, Machines and Equipment
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KWIKPRINT Hot Stamping Machine
Adjusting the Platform Worktable on the
KWIKPRINT Hot Stamping Machine
KWIKPRINT Model 86 KWIKPRINT Model 55
This will help improve your Hot Foil Stamping Impression when using
Hot Foil Stamping Type Sets, Ludlow or Dies
When using our Antique Kwikprint Hot Stamping Machine which has the adjustable work table we have found it comes loose when hot stamping over 10 to 15 items causing and uneven impression. During the printing process as the table loosens the operator applies more and more pressure to get the entire printing area to print. This in turn causes one side of the printed area to have a very heavy impression and the other to have a light impression. Due to the imbalance in the printing surface, the hot stamping type or die will be smashed on the side of the heavy impression, damaging it beyond usability.
The "platform"requires adjustment regularly.
How we adjust the Platform Work Table on the KWIKPRINT
First we remove all the original screws and bolts and replace them with Stainless Steel Screws and Bolts. We so this so we have added strength and it reduced the stretching and breaking of the screws.
Obtain a length of rule (the length of your type holder), or metal bar that is at least type high (.918) and about 1/16 wide. Lock the rule/bar in your KWIKPRINT type holder. Using a soft cushion board, make a kiss impression on a blank piece of paper. Examine the paper to determine the amount of impression that has been applied to the page.
On the side with the heavy impression we lower the work table by placing a wrench on the top Bolt and turn the top bolt to the right f(counter0Clockwise) about a half turn. Then, tighten the bottom bolt by turning it to the right (counter Clockwise). Above steps may need to be repeated to achieve an even impression.
On a side with a light impression you will need to raise the work table by placing a wrench on the bottom bolt and turn the bottom bot to the left (Clockwise), about a half turn. Then, tighten the Top Bolt by turning it to the left (Clockwise).
Repeat this process until the impression is even across the entire table.
This photo was in our 1988 KWIKPRINT Machine Company instruction manual. The work table adjustment screws are shown circled in red.
Antique KWIKPRINT Model 55
Hot Stamping Machine
Testing the alignment of the Platform Work Table to the type head
on a Model 55 KWIKPRINT
The photo on the left shows a series of metal rule used to print straight lines. They are all the same height (type high .918). We evenly spaced them from the bottom of the holder to within abut a 1/4" form the top.
The photo on the right is a close up of the 2 x 9 type head with the rule installed.
TESTING: Using a soft cushion board so we can get a strong impression on the paper and thus be able to look at the front and back of the sheet to determine if the impression is even or if the table needs adjustment.
Photo Below: Once the type head reached about 250°F we placed the paper under the head and laid an easy release gold foil on the paper. Then we made a firm imprint, like a good hand shake, not to soft and not really hard.
The Results
The Results: Testing the alignment of the Platform Work Table to the type head on Model 55
Here is the imprint (photo above). Notice how the lines at the bottom (representing the front of the machine) are very light or not printing at all. The rule at the top are quite deep and pressed deeply into the paper.
If this were the case with your machine when printing even a single 72 point letter the top of the letter would print and the bottom would not print well. This often causes the operator to turn up the heat above 250°F, then push harder and harder trying to get the whole letter to imprint. The results is the shoulder of ends up printing, the type gets smashed immediately, and the product is ruined.
The antique Kwikprint must be adjusted perfectly and regularly prior to printing and checked frequently.
We can not emphasis enough.....
If you are having trouble Imprinting, Hot Foil Stamping, Debossing, Engraving...Because...
The shoulder of the type is printing
Part of your type or lines are printing and the balance is not, Part of your type has a faint impression to the rest
If your type is getting crushed into your produce on one side and not the other,
If your type is getting damaged or mashed
If your are maring your product
Any myriad of other difficulties
We suggest... START by Checking you Platform Work Table as described above.