Filmomat CLASSIC - Maintenance & Inspection Guide

Regular inspection and maintenance help ensure reliable operation and protect your film from damage. Please follow the recommendations below.

Before Every Processing Run / Start of the Day

1. Check the Tank Drive

  • Attach the film tank cap.

  • Using Manual Control, briefly start the tank rotation.

  • Verify that:

    • The drive disk rotates smoothly.

    • The drive disk is securely attached to the motor shaft and does not wobble or slip.

2. Inspect the Film Tank

  • Ensure the inside of the film tank is clean and free of any obstructions.

  • Inspect the tank connector screw. Although uncommon, it can loosen over time and protrude into the tank, preventing film spirals from rotating freely.

Important: A malfunctioning tank cap or blocked film spiral can result in severe film damage.

During Every Processing Run

Monitor Water Circulation

  • Confirm that the water pump is circulating the water bath continuously.

  • Insufficient water circulation can cause:

    • Incorrect processing temperatures

    • Overheating of the heating element

Monitor Chemical Pumping

  • Verify that all processing chemicals are pumped into and out of the film tank correctly.

  • Watch for abnormal flow or incomplete filling/draining during each processing step.

Daily Maintenance

After the final processing run of the day:

  1. Run the Cleaning Cycle.

  2. Drain all liquids from the machine.

  3. Wipe the interior dry with a clean paper towel to remove any remaining moisture or chemical residue.

Preventive Maintenance & Troubleshooting

Loud Rattling Noise During Chemical Pumping

Symptoms

  • Loud rattling or grinding noise

  • Sudden loss of pumping power

  • Residual chemistry remains in the film tank or tubing

Likely Cause

  • Worn main pump impeller

Solution

  • Replace the main pump impeller. Contact manufacturer for guidance and spare parts.

  • As preventive maintenance, replace the impeller approximately every 500 processing runs.

FILM TANK IS HARD TO ATTACH / REMOVE

Symptoms

  • Attaching and removing of the film tank is very hard.

Likely Cause

  • Worn tank connector seals

Solution

  • Lubricate the seals with a tiny drop of oil or grease.

  • If the seals are worn down a lot, replace them with new ones (NBR, 20×2mm)

Water Bath Is Not Circulating

Symptoms

  • No visible water movement

Likely Cause

  • Defective or blocked water circulation pump

Solution

  • Contact the manufacturer for troubleshooting and repair instructions.

Cross Contamination Between Chemical Compartments

Symptoms

  • Activating one compartment (A, B, C, or Water) also pumps liquid from another compartment.

Likely Cause

  • Solenoid valve not closing properly due to debris or worn valve seals

Solution

  • Inspect the solenoid valve seals for contamination or wear. Contact the manufacturer for service instructions.

Machine Shuts Down When Heating Starts

Symptoms

  • The processor powers off immediately after the heating cycle begins.

Likely Cause

  • Defective heating element

Solution

  • Contact the manufacturer to obtain a replacement heating element and installation guidance.