Formax FD-442 Operator Manual, page 1

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Formax FD-442 Operator Manual, page 2

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Formax FD-442 Operator Manual, page 3
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Table of Contents

Safety Instructions Description Function Specifications Unpacking & Setup Operation Preparing Envelopes for Opening Opening Large Envelopes Clearing Envelope Jams Cleaning the Feed Belts Troubleshooting

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Formax FD-442 Operator Manual, page 4
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Safety Instructions

The FD 442 should be used only for opening envelopes. Any service, repair and maintenance must be performed only by trained technicians. The FD 442 is a tabletop machine and should be placed on a sturdy, level surface. The mains voltage must correspond to the indication on the rating label.

Keep this operator manual near the machine for easy reference. Use only the power cord supplied with the machine. Before use, ensure the power cord is not frayed or damaged. To avoid injury, do not reach fingers into the envelope opener. Keep long hair and clothes such as ties and jewelry away from the machine, as they may become tangled in the feed belts, causing injury or damage. Do not insert any small or thin objects into the machine, due to the risk of electrical shock. Maintenance and repair should be performed only by a trained technician. There are no userserviceable parts inside the machine housing. Do not allow liquids near the machine, due to risk of damage or personal injury.

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Formax FD-442 Operator Manual, page 5
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DESCRIPTION

Large envelope support extension

FUNCTION

The FD 442 Automatic Envelope Opener is designed for the office environment. It quietly processes up to 200 envelopes per minute, and with automatic start/stop and slitting technology, it’s easy to use, with no paper scraps to clean up.

SPECIFICATIONS

Speed Feed Style/Capacity Envelope sizes Envelope thickness Automatic start/stop Automatic, self-adjusting feeding

Weight Power supply

Up to 200 envelopes per minute Bottom feed, approximately 15 envelopes per stack Up to 10” x 13”, recommended for #9, #10, 6” x 9” Up to 3/16” (4mm) Photo eye sensor Adapts for various envelope thicknesses 7” x 13” x 9” (180 x 33 x 230mm) (not including 9.5” catch tray) 10 lbs. (4.4kg) 100-240VAC, 50/60 Hz

UNPACKING & SET-UP

  1. Check package for shipping damage. If there is damage, do not discard the box.
  2. Remove the components from the box. It should include the opener, catch tray, and power cord.
  3. Place the envelope opener on a sturdy surface. Place the catch tray next to the outfeed side of the machine.
  4. Plug the power cord into the back of the machine near the power switch.
  5. Plug into an appropriate wall outlet.
  6. Turn on the power switch. The envelope opener is now ready for operation.

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Formax FD-442 Operator Manual, page 6
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OPERATION

SAFETY NOTE: If the power is switched on and envelopes are covering the start/stop sensor eye, the envelope opener will start feeding automatically.

The letter opener includes LEDs on the top edge which indicate the status.

Yellow: ready for operation Red: processing envelopes Flashing red: envelope jam No light: check power

Preparing Envelopes for Opening

If envelopes are not properly prepared, the edge of the contents may be cut along with the envelope.

For best results, remove any foreign objects from the unopened envelopes such as:

  • Paper Clips
  • Rubber Bands
  • Staples

CAUTION: Foreign objects can damage the cutting blade or feed belts.

TIP: To prevent machine jamming, open your mail on the non-flap side!

With all envelopes facing flap down, gently tap the envelopes to shift contents away from the cutting edge. This also helps to prevent the contents from being cut.

Now realign envelopes so that all the edges to be opened, as well as all leading edges are aligned.

Place mail on feed deck so that all pieces are flush against the back guide. Make sure leading edge of the mail is resting on the feed belts, and the mail is covering the sensor. If the power switch is on and the sensor is covered, the machine will run automatically. If the sensor is not covered, the machine will not run.

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Formax FD-442 Operator Manual, page 7
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When running large envelopes through the opener, flip up the large envelope infeed extension to support them, and move the catch tray farther away from the outfeed area.

Large Envelope Extension

Clearing an Envelope Jam

If an envelope becomes jammed in the machine, follow these simple steps for removal:

  1. Turn the machine off and disconnect the power supply.
  2. Remove the blue top cover. (Lift up and pull out) WARNING: Keep fingers away from the sharp and possibly hot slitting blades!
  3. Pull the jammed envelope through the blade track in the direction of the exit.
  4. Replace the blue top cover securely by aligning the guide pins (see photo below).
  5. Reconnect the power cord and turn on power.

Envelope jams occasionally occur when large envelopes are being run through. If envelope jams seem to occur too frequently, separate any large envelopes, and run those separately.

NOTE: The top cover is connected to a safety switch. The envelope opener will not run unless the cover is securely replaced.

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Formax FD-442 Operator Manual, page 8
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Machine Maintenance

Cleaning the Feed Belts

During normal use, the envelope opener will accumulate dirt and dust along the feed belts. To maintain maximum efficiency and ensure correct operation, users should clean belts regularly.

Turn the machine off and disconnect the power supply, Clean with a cloth moistened with water. DO NOT pour liquids onto the machine. Reconnect the power cord.

Troubleshooting

If the FD 442 is not operating properly, there are a few things to check. First, check the LED indicators, which will help diagnose the problem.

LED panel is not illuminated

No power at wall outlet.

No power to opener.

Top cover is not fully inserted.

Check top cover. Remove and reinstall if needed.

Contact Dealer for service.

Power switch is turned off.

Check power switch. Turn on if needed.

Top cover is not fully inserted.

Check top cover. Remove and reinstall if needed.

Photo eye sensor not covered.

Be sure envelopes are loaded and covering the photo eye sensor.

Align envelopes against back guide and align leading edges of envelopes.

Cutting knife is damaged or out of alignment.

Contact Dealer for service.

Motor is running but feed belts are not moving

Drive belt broken or out of place.

Contact Dealer for service.

Photo eye sensor not detecting envelopes.

Reload envelopes and be sure they’re covering the photo eye sensor.

Photo eye sensor malfunction.

Contact Dealer for service.

Envelopes are not feeding

Irregular or partial envelope opening

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Quick start

  1. Place the opener on a sturdy surface with the catch tray next to the outfeed side.
  2. Plug the power cord into the back of the machine and a wall outlet, then turn on the power switch (yellow LED = ready).
  3. Remove paper clips, rubber bands and staples from the envelopes.
  4. Face envelopes flap down and tap them to shift contents away from the cutting edge; open on the non-flap side.
  5. Align the edges and place the mail flush against the back guide with the leading edge on the feed belts, covering the sensor. The machine starts automatically.
  6. For large envelopes, flip up the large envelope extension and move the catch tray farther from the outfeed.

Troubleshooting

ProblemLikely causeFix (from the manual)
LED panel is not illuminatedNo power at the outlet, power switch off, or top cover not fully inserted.Check the power and power switch, and remove and reinstall the top cover if needed. Page 8
Envelopes are not feedingPhoto eye sensor not covered or not detecting envelopes.Reload envelopes so they cover the photo eye sensor, aligned against the back guide with leading edges aligned. Page 8
Irregular or partial envelope openingEnvelopes not aligned, or cutting knife damaged or out of alignment.Align envelopes against the back guide; if the knife is damaged, contact your dealer for service. Page 8
Motor runs but feed belts do not moveDrive belt broken or out of place.Contact your dealer for service. Page 8
Flashing red LED (envelope jam)An envelope is jammed in the blade track.Turn off and unplug, lift off the blue top cover, pull the envelope through toward the exit, and replace the cover on its guide pins. Page 7

Frequently asked questions

How fast is the FD 442?

Up to 200 envelopes per minute (page 5).

What envelope sizes does it open?

Envelopes up to 10" x 13" and up to 3/16" (4mm) thick; it is recommended for #9, #10 and 6" x 9" envelopes (page 5).

How many envelopes can I load at once?

It bottom feeds approximately 15 envelopes per stack (page 5).

Why won't the opener run after clearing a jam?

The top cover is connected to a safety switch, so the opener will not run unless the cover is securely replaced (page 7).

How do I clean the feed belts?

Turn off and unplug the opener, then clean the belts with a cloth moistened with water. Do not pour liquids onto the machine (page 8).