Description: This model made Midas Technology the industry standard de-lid process in North America. Many of its predecessor's weakpoints were eliminated by changing the depth of cut mechanism. An ACME thread leadscrew with replaceable synthetic nut reduced travel vibrations. The cutter motor was relocated to the left side, making room for a drive belt with idler to allow for cutter height changes. Over the manufacturing run, these ranged from 5800-6500 RPM. Particle control systems were first added to the DL-4, with a delrin cowling around the tool and vacuum hoses routed into a vacuum pipe running under the headstock to a back panel outlet.
Identify By: Engraved control panel witih thumbswheel switches replaces DL-3 rotary pots. A top-mounted depth of cut indicator and knob show there is a vertically adjustable tool spindle. The worktable is solid with an insert, and the round rails may be supported full length or by separate trestles. A connector on the right upper side of the cutter wall provides a place to plug in the optional D4RT Turntable Module.
Variants: The DL-F was specially made for working on packages with optical fibers. It had a larger chassis, providing additional room around the worktable to avoid excessive fiber bending. Trays around the worktable kept the fiber coils from catching on the mechanism, and a special slide-out holddown assembly made it easier to position and remove packages with multiple fibers safely.
Problem Areas: Table positioning was based on the old DL-3 system with a wormgear-driven potentiometer signaling a voltage comparator on the logic board. The system works well over long periods of time, but can become unstable requiring time-consuming readjustments. Table service requires technician with multimeter and setup instructions. Some panel switches caused trouble, with weak leads or barrel breakdowns. Due to limited cutter spindle speed, the DL-4 cannot make best use of the higher speed ASH08 tool.
Status: In common use throughout North America, some shipped to overseas facilities. (One reason for the development of the D5 system was to simplify maintenance, enhancing our ability to support export machines).
Support: Full parts and service support available, from trouble-shooting and retraining through complete overhaul to as-manufactured specs.
Overhaul Cost $4000-$5000 . A typical DL-4 can be brought into excellent operating condition