M & R Quartz Flash Single Phase Conversion

[Squeeky]

I am looking to upgrade from IR to quartz flash. My only issue is that only single phase is available at my shop. Has anyone out there had to cross this bridge? Are the smaller units convertible?  Thanks for any comments.

Jack

[ebscreen]

Heating type devices (as opposed to motors like in dryers and presses) are easy peasy to switch over.
The elements are usually just split between the phases, and rewiring should be no issue. Keep in mind
your amp draw will go up.

[Inkworks]

Yup. converted a 18 x 22"(9 bulb, 3 zone) flash and a 18" x 28" (12 bulb, 3 zone) flash from triple to single phase. Both are just on/off flashes with no temp/intensity control, and I required nothing but some re-wiring and a new switch for them, actually I didn't require a new switch because the breaker panel is close enough that we can use the breakers for on/off.

I was told from two different manufactures that it was either impossible or that we would have to only have two zones on each flash. both were wrong and both flashes still have all 3 separate zones and are going strong 2.5 years later.

And yes the Amperage went up accordingly, the 9 bulb is 220/60amp breaker and the 12 bulb is 220/80 amp breaker, so some big-a$$ wire is required.

(Maybe I should add, my machine and flashes are Workhorse/Progressive, not actually M&R, but are so shamelessly copied from a Challenger II and M&R flashes that they are almost identical in design. Props to M&R, machines so good even the rip-offs are good. had I known M&R are available in single phase at the time, I'd probably have one instead.)

[jvanick]

12 bulb is 220/80 amp breaker, so some big-a$$ wire is required.

you have 2ga SO drops running to your flash??? or are you cheating with 4ga?  how hot do they get when you're running?

[Inkworks]

You'd have to ask the electrician, I see it's 6AWG captire/copper to the 9 bulb flash, and something bigger to the 12 bulb, The cables do not heat up at all on either, ever. Or at least not anything I can feel with my hand.

[Binkspot]

No problem switching.
Your amperage drops dramaticly once the bulbs warm, so that full 60a load is actually a lot less when running. Not saying to cheat just pointing it out.

[Squeeky]

Thanks for the input.  Another newbie question, has anyone used a Cayenne on a manual? Does it have a pallet sensor?

[chubsetc]

Just in case you are interested, I have a 16x18 Anatol Rapid Wave Quartz flash with a stand that is setup for a manual or auto with the photo eye.  It  was manufactured for single phase and I only used it for about a year before moving into a shop with 3 phase power.  It is practically new, PM me if you are interested.

[Phatgi]

Just in case you are interested, I have a 16x18 Anatol Rapid Wave Quartz flash with a stand that is setup for a manual or auto with the photo eye.  It  was manufactured for single phase and I only used it for about a year before moving into a shop with 3 phase power.  It is practically new, PM me if you are interested.

Just asking why you are selling the single phase? I have 480v 3phase in my shop and was wondering if its better to run 3phase?

[jvanick]

it's less expensive to wire 3phase loads as they typically consume less current for the same amount of wattage....

Example:

depending on how long your runs are: 60amp 1 phase flash would require 4ga wire from the panel to the box where your SO cord whip gets attached.

if you have the same flash in 3phase, it'll be around 40 amps or less potentially.  That would require 8ga or possibly 6ga wire from the panel to the box.. which is a huge savings.

also... your panel 'main' circuit breaker will trip if any of the 3 legs exceed the maximum current.  Spreading across all 3 legs where possible gives you the most utilization potential from the panel.

[Phatgi]

I have a bus bar through my entire shop and it is 480v 3 phase. Does anyone make quartz flashes that can be ran with that configuration? I can easily move 2 fuse panels directly above my press and just run drops from there so that would save me a ton.

[jvanick]

if I remember correctly the larger Red Chili D flashes are available in a 480v 3phase version...

[244]

I have a bus bar through my entire shop and it is 480v 3 phase. Does anyone make quartz flashes that can be ran with that configuration? I can easily move 2 fuse panels directly above my press and just run drops from there so that would save me a ton.

All of our quartz flashes can be made in 480 3 phase

[Phatgi]

 All of our quartz flashes can be made in 480 3 phase
[/quote]

Sorry, I don't know everyone on here yet.
Who are you with and how much would I be looking per flash? I would need around a 16" x18" or something in that area. I have an older automatic that still runs fine just need better flashes.

[244]

All of our quartz flashes can be made in 480 3 phase

Sorry, I don't know everyone on here yet.
Who are you with and how much would I be looking per flash? I would need around a 16" x18" or something in that area. I have an older automatic that still runs fine just need better flashes.
[/quote] My name is Rich Hoffman. I am the owner of M&R printing equipment. All my information is in my profile.