Operator Guide - Fa-Tech Vega - English
Operator Guide - Fa-Tech Vega - English
Operator Guide - Fa-Tech Vega - English
VEGA MB-97
VEGA DUO
VEGA SORTER
Operator’s Manual
FATech Diagnostics Italia
Corporate Headquarters 37, Via Sisto V
63074, San Benedetto del Tronto (Italia)
Tel.+39 0735 592648
Scope
This document contains basic information on the use and operation of VEGA MB-97
Cassette Printer and assumes you have received basic training on the instrument. Please
contact your FATech Diagnostics Italia representative for information not provided in this
manual. This manual does not provide instructions for the installation or upgrade of
hardware.
Introduction
The VEGA MB-97 Cassette Printer is designed to generate a unique identification mark in
the form of high-resolution linear bar codes, two-dimensional bar codes and text onto laser
markable cassettes hence reducing errors due to misidentification of cassette blocks or
specimen slides caused by illegible handwriting. The VEGA MB-97 Cassette Printer comes
equipped with 6 hoppers on a carousel, with a capacity to accommodate 80 Laser
Cassettes each. Optional additional carousels are available for easy cassette style or color
changes.
Intended Use
The VEGA MB-97 Cassette Printer is intended for imprinting identification marks on
FATech Tissue Cassettes for histology.
Installation Procedure
The VEGA MB-97 Cassette Printer and associated software must be installed, and
instrument performance is to be verified, at the customer site by trained FATech
Diagnostics Italia representatives.
Relocation Procedure
Contact your FATech Diagnostics Italia representative before relocating your VEGA MB-97
Cassette Printer.
Disclaimers
This manual is not a substitute for the detailed operator training provided by FATech
Diagnostics Italia, or for other advanced instruction. A FATech Diagnostics Italia
representative should be contacted immediately for assistance in the event of any
instrument malfunction
IMPORTANT!
Read the following information carefully before starting the installation of
the unit.
User: This manual must be made available to anyone who carries out the
installation, configuration, use or maintenance of the instrument.
Personnel: This unit must be installed, used and repaired only by qualified personnel,
with adequate technical competence, familiar withthe safety problems and
risks associated with the use of this instrument.
Failure to comply with the above instructions could cause problems for the operator and
damage the instrument.
Caution Symbol
The CAUTION symbol appears on the instrument's product label to remind
you of the necessity to refer to this guide, or other documentation, that
outlines laboratory practices required by your facility and local regulatory
agencies. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in a
hazardous condition. This may also nullify the instrument warranty.
The VEGA MB-97 Cassette Printer should not be used in any way not
specified by FATech Diagnostics Italia. Otherwise, the protection provided by
the instrument may be impaired.
Note: Refer to Appendix B: Symbol Definitions for additional symbols
Never attempt to operate the VEGA MB-97 Cassette Printer without the
protective covers in place.
Never attempt to override any of the safety interlocks on the instruments.
Never attempt to dismantle or repair the laser head. In case of malfunction
contact a FATech Diagnostics Italia Service representative.
Any of the actions mentioned above may result in permanent eye or skin
damage. Refer to Appendix A for more information on laser safety.
Always switch off the laser source or use the interlock key positioned at the
back of the unit when adjustment and/or maintenance are carried out on the
laser source and its optical chain.
Locate the VEGA MB-97 Cassette Printer only on a sturdy flat surface.
VEGA MB-97 Cassette Printer is intended for Indoor use only. Maximum
operating altitude is 8,202 ft. (2500m), operating temperature 59 to 95 °F, (15
to 35 °C), 80% maximum relative humidity, rated 100-240 Vac (max range of
90 to 264Vac), over-voltage category, II, pollution degree 2, IPX0
Please be aware that some discoloration to the FATech Cassettes can occur
when they are subjected to reagents containing picric acid, e.g. Bouin’s
Fixative.
Electrical Safety
The main power cord for the VEGA MB-97 Cassette Printer must be plugged
into earthed outlet only. Only use the power cord provided with this product.
Be sure to position the VEGA MB-97 Cassette Printer to allow for easy
removal of the main power cord from the back panel.
Mechanical Safety
Never attempt to operate the VEGA MB-97 Cassette Printer without the
protective covers in place.
Never attempt to override any of the safety interlocks on the instruments.
Apart from a class 4 laser (reduced to a class 1 laser with the safety
considerations implemented), the instrument contains moving machinery that
may cause damage to the user if the above advices are not followed.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when
the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful
interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference
at his own expense.
Green:
LED Indicators
VEGA ACCESSORIES
• The Sorter
• The DUO
• Cassette collector for VEGA SORTER
• Trays for VEGA DUO
• Side Delivery System for VEGA
Print Specifications
Only cassettes containing a metallic additive react to the heat generated by the marking
YAG source. Standard histology cassettes do not work on FATech laser cassette printers.
In exchange for paying an applicable one-time fee included in the purchase price of the
FATech Cassette printer. FATech grants you a license to use one copy of the Software
subject to the following terms and conditions.
• No title or ownership rights in the Software are conferred with this license.
• The software can only be used on a FATech Laser printer.
• The Software may not be copied.
• The Software may not be disassembled, decompiled, decrypted or decoded.
• FATech reserves the right to cancel this license in case of violation. In the event of
termination by FATech, all copies of the Software must be returned to FATech.
• No title or ownership rights in the Software are conferred with this license.
Item Description
Without carousel: D 60 cm X W 20 cm X H 52 cm
Dimensions
With carousel: D 60 cm X W 20 cm X H 64 cm
Weight 27kg
120V 4 Amp
Fuses
240V 3 Amp
Barcode compatibility Data Matrix, QR code, Code 128, Code 29, PDF417
Connectivity to PC USB
Pollution Degree 2
Unpacking
Locating the VEGA
Setting up the electrical connections
1. Unpacking:
The FATech Cassette Printer is packaged in a cardboard box.
• Loosen the two straps, cut the packing tape longitudinally.
• Once unpacked the instrument may be transported only in
upright position.
• Installation requires 2 people. Each person should pick up
one end of the Cassette Printer and carefully lift it out of the
box.
• Move the instrument to the operating area and place it on a
stable laboratory bench and practically vibration-free floor.
• Verify that the frontal chute is not bent from the unit lifting.
• Lift out the Printer and the surrounding foam pieces and
place onto a suitable level surface.
• VEGA weighs approximately 27 kg (59.52 lbs), and help
may be required to ensure safe lifting.
VEGA should be positioned so that it has a minimum of 200 mm (8 in) gap on all sides
to guarantee enough ventilation, as well as sufficient space above it to allow cassette
loading in the Hoppers.
USB
The PC should emit a chime and indicate that it has found a USB device.
VEGA software will automatically recognise the device and assign to it the correct COM
PORT setting.
2. Enter User Name and Password. Contact your local representative for
username and password information
NOTE: You should see the VEGA and SAMLight icons in the taskbar.
When the printer connects to the software the state bar will show the following messages:
TURN
Prioritizing Cassettes
To prioritise a cassette, select the ‘Priority’ function (ex “Reprint/ “Extra cassette”)
To add or edit cassette click on “HUB” and you will get a new screen “Modify cassette-
magazine”. Each time cassettes are added, in a specific hub/magazine, select it on the
list and click “Load Hub”.
1. Click on <New>
2. Select “User Type”
3. Click on the down arrow (▼)
4. Select whether the user is a:
a. Administrator
b. Power User
c. User
5. Curser to the “User Name”. Enter the name of the new user.
6. Next curser to Password and enter in a password for the new user.
7. Click <SAVE> the green arrow on the top right of the dialog box to return to the
main User Interface.
At new Login, it will be possible to enter the new User and start printing.
Data Export
If required, data export is available, contact your local representative about setting this up.
Access to cassette
• Remove the hopper carousel
• Remove the convex lid
• Inspect the cassette tray and if present remove the piece that got stuck
• After solving the problem put the lid back and put the hopper carousel in its original
position.
• To restore the connection press the white flag in “Printer state”
2. Cassette Sorter
• Dimensions of Sorter: D49cm x W28cm x H14.5cm
• Combined VEGA (with carousel) and Sorter Dimensions: D109cm x W48cm x
H78.5cm
• When the cassette is marked it is conveyed in a motorised collector positioned
under the system. The capacity of this collector is of 25 cassettes. When the
collector is full, it is possible to manually remove it and position an empty one. A
sensor positioned at the back of the Sorter verifies of the new collector is
empty. In case the user forgot even one cassette, the collector will not be
activated.
• The user can always command the manual delivery of a single cassette by
selecting “Priority”, this cassette will be dispensed via the frontal chute.
• If the Cassette Sorter is purchased separately from the VEGA printer, contact
your local representative for installation.
3. Cassette DUO
• Dimensions of DUO: D59.62cm x 27.3cm x 13.35cm
• Combined VEGA (with carousel) and DUO Dimensions: D119.62cm x W47.3cm
x H77.35
• When the cassette is marked it is conveyed in a motorised frontal cassette
collector composed by two trays, right and left.
• Each tray has a capacity of 10 cassettes and when filled it must be removed.
The system will not start delivering cassettes until an empty tray has been
inserted.
• VEGA DUO can be positioned between two users
• If the Cassette DUO is purchased separately from the VEGA printer, contact
your local representative for installation.
A weekly wipe down of the covers with 10% commercial hypochlorite bleach solution in
water. Avoid contact with any aggressive solvent like pure alcohol, detergents containing
alcohol, abrasive cleaning powders, or organic solvents containing xylene or acetone.
Prevent liquids from entering the unit while cleaning or during operation.
Please refer to your local supplier for regular service inspection which should be planned
every six months after installation.
After 6 months, maintenance performed by trained service personnel is required for laser
lens cleaning and mechanical testing. Contact your local representative.
The Federal United States laser safety standard [21 CFR 1040.10], the ANSI standard
[ANSI Z136.1], as well as the international standard [EN 60825], divide lasers into five
distinct hazard categories. These classes are based upon the combination of wavelength
range, power, and emission duration, which are used to determine the level of risk and the
potential to cause biological damage to the eye or skin. The definitions compiled from ANSI
Z136.1 are as follows:
Class 1: Any laser, or laser system containing a laser, with wavelength ranges from
Ultraviolet through Far Infrared (180 nm – 100,000 nm +), that cannot emit laser radiation
levels exceeding Class 1 Accessible Emission Limits (AEL) as defined by ANSI Z136.1. For
example, this would compute to exposure (for an eight-hour period) for a 488-nm laser of
no greater than 0.2 mW. Basically, the laser radiation level emitted by a device classified as
Class 1 produces no hazard whatsoever to the user during normal operation. Presently,
Class 1 lasers and laser systems are exempt from all control measures. The Class 1
designation does not apply during times of
maintenance or service where the safety controls of the device are defeated or otherwise
removed. The Class 1 environment resumes once the device is returned to its original state
with all safety devices properly reconnected.
Class 2: This classification applies only to continuous wave (CW) and repetitive-pulse
lasers and laser systems of the visible part of the electromagnetic spectrum (400 – 700 nm)
that exceed Class 1 levels, but do not exceed an average radiant power of 1 mW.
Class 3a: Lasers and laser systems that have an accessible output between one and five
times the Class 1 AEL f or wavelengths shorter than 400 nm or longer than 700 nm, or less
than five times the Class 2 AEL f or wavelengths between 400 and 700 nm. Lasers of this
class have intermediate power ranges of 1 - 5 mW.
Class 3b: Lasers and laser systems having the power range between 5 - 500 mW. This
applies to lasers with wavelength ranges from Ultraviolet through Far Infrared (180 nm –
100,000 nm +). These lasers or laser systems can produce a hazard if viewed directly, and
may produce an eye hazard when viewing diffuse reflections off a shiny surface at angles
of less than 5 degrees from the source, however Class 3b lasers should not produce a
hazardous diffuse reflection from a matte (not shiny) surface.
Class 4: Lasers and laser systems having power greater than 500 mW. This applies to
lasers with wavelength ranges from Ultraviolet through Far Infrared (180 nm – 100,000 nm
+). This class of laser poses the greatest hazard, and any and all precautions should be
taken to protect oneself from exposure to direct or diffuse laser radiation. Direct exposure
to the eye from this class of laser can cause permanent damage. Stray beams are potential
fire hazards and combustible material should be kept out of beam paths at all times.
Eye protective equipment, however, should be considered the last line of defense against
laser beam exposure – engineering and administrative controls should be used first.
Remove all jewelry when working with an open beam to prevent reflection of the beam in
unsafe directions.
Laser Safety Eyewear should always be worn during laser repair, alignment, or installation,
or at any time when any laser safety control is not in place.
Thermal Injury
The most common cause of laser-induced tissue damage is thermal in nature, where the
tissue proteins are denatured due to the temperature rise following absorption of laser
energy. The thermal damage process (resulting in burns) is generally associated with
lasers operating at exposure times greater than 10 microseconds and in the wavelength
region from the near ultraviolet to the far infrared. Tissue damage may also be caused by
thermally induced acoustic waves following exposures to sub-microsecond laser
exposures.
Skin Injury
To the skin, UVA (315-400 nm) can cause hyperpigmentation and erythema (aka:
sunburn). Exposure in the UVB (280-315 nm) range is most injurious to skin. In addition to
thermal injury caused by ultraviolet energy, there is also possibility of radiation
carcinogenesis from UVB. The shorter wavelengths are absorbed in the outer dead layers
of the epidermis (stratum corneum) and the longer wavelengths have an initial pigment-
darkening effect followed by erythema if there is exposure to excessive levels.
The hazards associated with skin exposure are of less importance than eye hazards;
however, with the expanding use of higher-power laser systems, particularly ultraviolet
lasers, the unprotected skin of personnel may be exposed to extremely hazardous levels of
the beam power if used in an unenclosed system design.
Skin burns caused by lasers can happen quite fast and with great intensity. Protective
clothing should be worn when potential exposure to direct laser beams exist.
UVC: 200-280 nm exposure may cause erythema (sunburn), skin cancer, and burns.
UVB: 280-315 nm exposure may cause accelerated skin aging, increased skin
pigmentation and burns.
UVA: 315-400 nm exposure may cause pigment darkening and skin burns.
Visible: 400-700 nm exposure may cause photosensitive reactions and skin burns.
Infrared 700-100,000 nm exposure may cause skin burns.
Labels Shall have Shall have Shall have Shall have Shall have
Area Posting No requirement No requirement Should have Shall have Shall have
Nominal Hazard Nominal Hazard
Zone Analysis Zone Analysis
Required Required
Education and No Requirements Should have Should have Shall have Shall have
Training
Warning Signs No Requirements Should have Should have Shall have Shall have
Instrument Manufacturer.
scattered radiation.
injury.
Laser Features
Laser Manufacturer
IMPORTANT: Leaving the unit powered ON can accelerate this process. It is highly
recommendation to turn the VEGA MB-97 OFF from the main switch positioned on the
back of the unit. Not doing so could increase spare parts and service costs.