Crimp Machine adjustment

1. NICOMATIC NORTH AMERICA
One Ivybrook Blvd. Unit 120, Warminster, PA 18974
Tel: (215) 444-9580 Fax: (215) 444-9581
email: sales@nicomatic.net December 11, 2001
Pneumatic CrimpFlex Machine
Correction of Improper Crimping
There are three most common causes for improper crimping. The simplest and most
experienced being mis-aligned contacts. This is usually the result of improper insertion of
the contacts into the machine and can be corrected by simply reloading the contacts into
the machine.
If the problem persists, it is possible that the factory setting for the comb has changed do
to extreme use, damage to the comb, or improper service to the machine. To determine if
this is the cause of your problems perform the following:
1. Make sure that the contacts are properly inserted into the machine and the work
loader is located in its proper position against the right side of the machine.
2. Remove the top of the machine and the two die assemblies housed underneath the top
plate and pneumatic cylinder assembly. ( See attached Schematic 1A for Reference)
3. With the contacts inserted, look down at the carrier strip and check if the holes in the
carrier strip line up with the holes in the lower knife plate P/N 0520 0103 3. (see
attached Schematic 2A for Reference) If it is discovered that the contacts do not line
up from left to right then try reinstalling the contacts and make sure that the work
loader is in its proper position. If this does not correct the problem, the factory set
screws must be altered to reposition the work loader so that the alignment holes in the
carrier strip line up properly with the ones in the lower knife. If the Left to right
justification is found to be OK, but the back to front justification is off, See the
section titled—Repositioning the factory shims after you have completed all the steps
in this section.
4. Once it has been determined that the alignment holes are positioned correctly, check
to see that the contacts are centered between the teeth of the metal comb. If they are,
and you do not have to reposition the factory shims, the machine can be reassembled
and test crimps can be performed. If you need to reposition or replace the comb,
contact Nicomatic for further assistance.
The third possibility for damaged crimps is improper placement of the factory shims
shown on schematic 1A. If you have already performed the operations discussed above
and have not resolved the problem but show no signs of front to back alignment problems
with the lower knife then the position of the crimping die must be checked.

2. Checking the Crimping Die Position
And Repositioning the Factory Shims
If you have previously determined that the front to back alignment with the lower knife
needs to be corrected then skip to step 3 in this section, otherwise continue through steps
1 and 2.
1. If the machine is not assembled or if you do not have a recent crimp sample then you
need to assemble the machine and make a few sample crimps.
2. Look at the sample crimps under a microscope or high power eye loop. Check to see
how even the contacts have been crimped. If Rows 1 and 3 or 2 and 4 have pierced
through more cleanly or further than the others the shims may be out of adjustment or
could have moved due to vibration. If you do not believe that this is the problem but
are still experiencing problems, contact Nicomatic
3. If you have found that the shims need to be adjusted, remove the work table, and
loosen the lock down screws for the base of the machine shown in schematic 1A(#4).
The screws for the base of the machine can be found in front on the shim blocks on
both the right and left of the machine(They may be hidden if you are not familiar with
the machine)
4. Once the Lock down screws are loose proceed to loosen the large (long) thumb screw
that is in the middle of the base of the machine. This screw should be in clear sight
once the work table has been removed.
5. Grab hold of the front half of the machine base and pull it out slightly. (no more than
0.250” is necessary). Once pulled forward the shims should be very loose. Remove
then and note their position.
6. Proceed to clean out the shim area to ensure no dirt or material debris has worked its
way into that area. If it has the position of the machine base may have changed
causing the crimping problem.
7. Replace the shims and push the machine base back together. Snug up the long thumb
screw making sure not to make it more than finger tight. If it is tight in such a manner
that you need your whole fist to loosen it then to much force has been used.
8. tighten up the lock down bolts and reassemble the machine.

3. 9. Perform test crimps and evaluate. If the problem has been fixed do not proceed. If the
problem is still occurring go back to step #3 and try again. If you have performed this
procedure 3 times consult NICOMATIC before continuing to step # 10.
10. First step #3 must be performed, then remove the top set screws in both shim blocks (
Make sure that there are two set screws in each block. If you have to insert the Allen
key deep into the hole to reach the set screw, there is a good chance that the top screw
is missing.
11. Adjust the shims by turning the inner set screws clockwise or counter clockwise to
move the shims to the front or back of the machine. KEEP IN MIND THAT ONLY
A SLIGHT ADJUSTMENT WILL MOVE THE SHIMS A LARGE AMOUNT !
12. Once the adjustment has bee made, reassemble the machine and perform tests crimps.
Repeat steps 2-5 until the impressions are located properly between the tines and the
crimps are acceptable.
If you have any questions or difficulties, please don’t hesitate to contact me. If I am not
available you may reach David Fisher at ext. 222.
Thank You,
Rocco Vetro
Rocco Vetro
Product Engineer (ext. 203)