Most fitment issues with Tough Panels come from printer frames that are not properly assembled or that have been shifted out of alignment during shipping or use. Because our glass doors are extremely rigid, they can push things into alignment when installed. Acrylic panels, however, are more flexible and may skew or bend if your printer frame isn’t square.
Diagnosing and correcting the fitment on your specific machine is your responsibility. Below are some tips to help you troubleshoot and correct common problems.
Inspect the hinges for any signs of bending, looseness, or damage.
Even slight hinge misalignment can cause the panel to fit unevenly or bind.
Confirm that your printer’s frame is square and true.
If the frame is out of alignment, you will typically notice gaps between the panel and frame that are larger on one side and smaller on the other.
Causes of frame misalignment include:
The machine loosening up over time
Someone leaning or applying pressure to the printer
Rough handling during shipping
Verify you are using the correct screws and washers for installation.
The specific hardware required is listed in the panel directions, accessible via the QR code on the panel label or packaging.
If your package arrives severely beat up, report it to us immediately and save all packaging materials.
While we pack panels in durable cardboard boxes with multiple layers of bubble wrap, carriers can still mishandle shipments.
Acrylic may have some natural warp, but it should not be so severe that it prevents the panel from sitting relatively flat on the printer.
If your Tough Panel isn’t fitting correctly, start by checking hinges, confirming your frame is square, and ensuring the proper installation hardware is used. For shipping damage, contact us right away with pictures and saved packaging so we can assist you with a claim.
Remember: Tough Panels are designed to fit properly when the printer frame is correctly assembled and maintained. Fitment issues almost always point back to the machine’s frame condition rather than the panel itself.
