Accurate register control for sheets and webs

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Mar 11, 2003

The Amadeus control system is designed to provide automatic registration error correction on printing and converting machines.

The Amadeus control system from Andantex Kinematic is designed to provide automatic registration error correction on printing and converting machines.

It is designed for use in conjunction with Redex differential gear boxes or phase shifters, and is claimed to offer considerable economies over other manufacturers products without any loss of performance or accuracy.

Precise registration can be maintained at high speeds or even during speed changes, which ensures higher productivity with lower waste.

At each operating cycle, any registration error owing to drift caused by sliding, lengthening or tension of the product material is automatically corrected.

The equipment is suitable for web and sheet-fed operations and sensors can recognise any colour or width of mark used for registration.

The web is maintained in register in relation to any impression or cutting cylinders and vacuum drums associated with printing, cutting-to-length, sheet insertion or die cutting operation.

Accurate positional control in multicolour printing is maintained from application of the first colour with all subsequent printing held in register relevant to the first colour impression.

Fluctuations in discontinuous products (sheet printing) caused by product transfer or varying product lengths are also automatically corrected, to ensure permanent register of the operating drum or cylinder with each separate sheet.

The Amadeus system equipment comprises a control panel together with machine, tool, zero pulse or web sensor encoders, together with tool, web or sheet sensors and a stepper motor.

Setup and operation have been designed to be user friendly, with PC software as well as touch screen function controls.

Screen displays include: reference and product counts; set position and divergence levels (metric or imperial units); high and low speed registration adjustments between tool and product; accessible system parameters; and change of set position by steps or points.

An alarm display and fault diagnosis are also incorporated.

PC software allows full access to system and machine parameters.

A didactic menu helps the machine manufacturer to define machine parameters by completing an application form.

Commissioning and testing becomes easy with acquisition (lock-on) function.

This function allows full measurement of system component signals, while the machine is running.

Data and graphical recording simplifies correction adjustment while the Amadeus Windows based software structure provides in-line help at any stage of setup and operation.

The operating torque range for the equipment is 18 to 216Nm.

Registration is at 1200 stroke/min, within a time frame of 0.01 to 4s, with an accuracy of 1/54000 rotation.

Measurement frequency is 1.2MHz with a linear accuracy of 0.01mm.