“Possible Applications of Ai for Special Purpose Engineered Solutions” With Tha
After a first successful project in 2020, HEKUMA and the Augsburg University of Technology (THA) will now again start a project-related cooperation. This time, the aim is to investigate possible applications of artificial intelligence for the optimization of requirements management for special purpose engineered solutions.
Within the scope of the project, both symbolic and sub-symbolic AI methods will be considered under the leadership of Prof. Dr.-Ing. Honorary Doctor of ONPU Thorsten Schöler (THA, Institute for Resource Efficient Data Transmission and Processing HSA_ired) and Dr.-Ing. Christoph Legat (HEKUMA).
Symbolic approaches, for example based on ontologies or knowledge graphs, use logical reasoning to uncover implicit knowledge in data and thus transform it into explicit knowledge.
In a different way, sub-symbolic AI methods, such as neural networks and deep learning, use so-called training data and algorithms to detect and learn patterns and relationships in data. This mechanism of detecting regularities can be used, for example, to identify anomalies or classify the condition of a machine.
In the joint project between HEKUMA and the THA, both approaches are being investigated and evaluated to find out which methods and their combination are best suited to improve requirements management for special purpose engineered solutions, especially in the early project stage. Either way, it is believed that the application of artificial intelligence in requirements management can help increase efficiency and quality.
This project, which is to be intensified in the coming months, achieves an optimal transfer of knowledge and exchange between science and practice and thus promotes innovative solution finding. It is planned to present the results to a broad professional audience at internationally renowned conferences, thus stimulating further discussions.
All those involved are looking forward to the successful continuation of the collaboration and are keen to see the results of the project.
Since March 14th This Year, Kai Gottwald has Joined Dr. Stephan Gneuss as Director of Gneuss GmbH
Gneuss GmbH, in Bad Oeynhausen, Germany has appointed Kai Gottwald as Company Director.
Kai Gottwald has already been CFO with statutory authority (Prokurist) for 16 years. Now, he will join the two family entrepreneurs, Dr. Stephan Gneuss and his brother, Daniel Gneuss. Prior to his career at Gneuss, Kai Gottwald spend many years as assistant to the financial board at an automotive supplier.
Kai Gottwald explained: “During the past years, I was as CFO able to witness and influence the growth of Gneuss GmbH and I am now delighted to continue to expand the leading role of company as a company director, together with the two managing directors, Daniel and Stephan Gneuss”.
Gneuss is well known for its innovative and leading technologies in polymer recycling and has been one of the market leaders in its field for 40 years.
BEST LINE Systems from BST Set New Standards in Quality Assurance
First-class performance for first-class production results: BST helps its customers optimize performance and processes in a wide range of application areas every day, without sacrificing quality. BST, a leading full-service provider of quality assurance systems for the web processing industries, introduces the BEST LINE product series. Under the motto Performance3, this product Line presents four technologically advanced products that set new standards. The FRAMEGuide Pro, regi star 20 Pro, iPQ-Check Pro, and TubeScan Pro systems all have one thing in common: they combine maximum precision, increased efficiency, and stronger dynamics into uncompromising quality.
The highlight of the FRAMEGuide Pro web guiding system is the newly developed high-performance drive: With repeat accuracies of ±10 μm, it ensures highly precise control results in every application.
When maximum quality is the goal, “very good” performance is insufficient; this is where the BST products of the BEST LINE series come in: The high-precision quality assurance systems FRAMEGuide Pro, regi star 20 Pro, iPQ-Check Pro, and TubeScan Pro enable performance that far exceeds industry-defined benchmarks thanks to enhanced functions. The intelligent, new key features ensure even greater control and inspection accuracy in the Pro models of the established BST systems, ensuring flawless precision in web processing production processes across industries.
FRAMEGuide Pro: Revolution in high-precision applications
The highlight of the FRAMEGuide Pro web guiding system is the newly developed high-performance drive: With repeat accuracies of ±10 μm, it ensures highly precise control results in every application – an invaluable advantage in applications requiring maximum precision, such as in battery and fuel cell production or the pharmaceutical industry. The compact FRAMEGuide Pro can be optimally and flexibly integrated into all machine layouts due to its lowest possible overall height, with fixed and moving frames arranged at the same level. Optional motorized sensor adjustment adds flexibility and ensures maximum efficiency in web guiding.
regi_star 20 Pro: Maximum measuring accuracy with RSC matrix camera sensor
The second high-performance star in the BEST LINE has been specially developed to produce safety and function-relevant end products in the organic, photovoltaic and printed electronics industries. With its high-precision scanning and control algorithms, the high-resolution RSC matrix camera sensor regi_star 20 Pro detects even minimal deviations in the smallest dot mark fields, enabling ultra-precise measurement accuracy of up to 2 μm. In conjunction with the FRAMEGuide Pro, regi star 20 Pro provides unrivaled control comfort and precision at the highest level for every measurement, allowing users to significantly optimize their production processes immediately and in the long-term.
The innovative inspection system TUBEScan Pro provides maximum performance when used in cutting and converting machines for packaging printing and labels, and detects defects even faster and more reliably.
iPQ-Check Pro: Print defect detection at high speeds
The BST iPQ-Check Pro high-precision system is one of the printing industry’s leading inspection systems, providing maximum precision in print defect detection even at high speeds and very wide webs. With a maximum resolution of up to 16 K, it inspects web widths of up to 2.90 m. The detectable print defect size is 0.02 mm², and this quality standard is guaranteed even at web speeds of 600 meters per minute. Like the standard iPQ-Check model, iPQ-Check Pro can be easily integrated into any machine due to its extremely compact design. As a smart tool for quality management, iPQ-Check Pro combines uncompromising print image inspection with high-precision web monitoring across the entire print format, thus sustainably improving print quality.
With its high-precision scanning and control algorithms, the high-resolution RSC matrix camera sensor regi_star 20 Pro detects even minimal deviations in the smallest dot mark fields, enabling ultra-precise measurement accuracy of up to 2 μm.
TubeScan Pro: High-Precision Inspection System for Flawless Print Quality
TubeScan Pro is another high-speed talent in the field of print inspection: the innovative inspection system of the BEST LINE provides maximum performance when used in cutting and converting machines for packaging printing and labels, and detects defects even faster and more reliably. Even with web widths of up to 550 mm and speeds of up to 500 meters per minute, high precision is maintained with resolutions of up to 0.1 mm. The integrated press control system actively positions detected errors at the target position for error correction, ensuring perfect print quality while reducing waste. For optimum cooperation with the press, TubeScan Pro can be integrated precisely into the SMARTData workflow.
The BST iPQ-Check Pro high-precision system is one of the printing industry’s leading inspection systems, providing maximum precision in print defect detection even at high speeds and very wide webs.
Sustainable Water Management in the Face of Climate Change
Lighthouse project for energy-efficient irrigation system with durable and robust SIMONA PE 100-RC Line pressure pipes
Climate change is associated with extreme weather conditions such as heat waves and droughts. Such events also have an impact on agriculture: the proliferation of droughts causes severe soil damage and crop failures. Against this backdrop, innovative solutions in support of the economical and efficient supply of water for the cultivation of arable land are being welcomed with open arms at a political level. The Ministry of the Environment, Nature and Transport of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia recently funded the “Bedburg-Pütz Irrigation Project” with up to 5.6 million euros. The sprinkler system featuring optimised irrigation management is intended to provide sufficient water for the fields, especially in dry summer periods, and thus ensure good harvests. Environmentally friendly installation as well as the durable and robust properties of the underground piping system are as essential to the overall concept as the irrigation technology itself. Hard-wearing PE 100-RC Line pressure pipes engineered by SIMONA were the natural choice. They were laid by IFK GmbH using the cost-effective and minimally invasive ploughing method.
Those managing the project opted for PE 100 RC-Line pressure pipes. The extruded polyethylene pipes combine the benefits of durability and efficient handling.
Potatoes, carrots, onions and the like – even field vegetables tend to “feel the heat” in summer. What may seem innocuous actually turns out to be a significant threat to food cultivation. As a result of climate change, with ever warmer and longer-lasting hot spells, the soil is drying out and crops are facing the challenge of water shortage. As a consequence, harvests may be significantly impaired or crops may fail entirely. With this in mind, farmers from North Rhine-Westphalia have recently joined forces to form a public association aimed at implementing an efficient irrigation system for their fields, featuring optimised control and watering technology.
The ploughshare with the displacer is the so-called leading edge when it comes to underground installation: it loosens the soil so that the pipe can be pulled into it.
Comprehensive, cross-regional distribution of water
The project in Bedburg-Pütz represents a modern approach to climate change adaptation. Thanks to optimised irrigation management and improved distribution technology, the irrigation system supplies the fields in the Bedburg region with water throughout the year in a manner that is both economical and efficient. This also includes the area surrounding the Garzweiler open-pit lignite mine. In the context of open-pit mine dewatering, the groundwater was removed down to a depth of 260 metres by means of pumps. Irrigating the above-mentioned crops with the help of the public water network, availability of which remains limited, would be challenging and extremely expensive. With this in mind, the water needed for irrigation is to be pumped from the southern section of the 2,400-hectare association-managed area in Bedburg to the open-pit mine in the north via a network of water pipes spanning a length of approximately 20 kilometres. During dry periods, therefore, water supply is assured not only for crops grown in Bedburg but also for those cultivated in neighbouring areas. In addition, water distribution featuring optimised irrigation management offers a number of options for future expansion in support of climate-friendly regional supply. At the same time, it provides the basis for greater diversity with regard to cultivation, thus adding value for the farms and incentivising other downstream processing companies to settle in the region.
A key feature of the construction project in Bedburg-Pütz: the laying operation included several pipe sections comprising up to 60 pipes that had been welded directly to each other to create the extensive pipeline system.
Durable pipe systems
In future, 2,500 hectares of arable land are to be irrigated with around 1.5 million cubic metres of water per year. For this purpose, the project includes the construction of six deep wells and a pipeline network spanning around 20 kilometres. The latter is made up of highly durable and robust PE 100-RC Line pressure pipes manufactured by SIMONA AG, one of Germany’s leading producers of semi-finished thermoplastics and pipes. Durability is one of the key features of the single-layer pressure pipes made of extruded polyethylene. PE 100 pipes boast a service life of more than 100 years. Another benefit is their internal and external corrosion resistance, which ensures maintenance-free operation. The smooth internal pipe surfaces reduce pressure losses over the entire service life. In addition, the PE 100-RC pipes offer increased resistance to slow crack growth and high resistance to point loads. Thanks to their low weight, installation is simple, fast and cost-effective, even with long pipe lengths. Added to this is their high flexibility, which helps to prevent fractures of the pipe in the event of pressure surges or ground settlement. The polyethylene pipes comply with DIN 8074 in respect of dimensions and tolerances, in addition to meeting the quality requirements of DIN 8075. Last but not least, the polyethylene pipes are recyclable and thus resource-friendly, which further underlines the eco-friendly focus of the Bedburg-Pütz construction project.
Faster, more environmentally friendly, more cost-effective: applying the ploughing method, even long pipe sections can be laid in a short space of time and with significantly less environmental impact.
Cost- and resource-friendly installation method
When it came to installing the pipes, the choice was made to lay them by means of the ploughing method. Salzburg-based IFK GmbH is a specialist in this field: cables and pipe systems are inserted directly into the ground using a plough. Applied since the 1960s in Germany, the method has been steadily refined and is particularly suitable for arable land and wetlands, along roads and paths as well as in forests and woodlands. The state-of-the-art ploughing method combines the benefits of outstanding environmental compatibility and superior cost-effectiveness. It is the perfect choice when it comes to laying long lengths of pipe in a short space of time – faster than with an excavator. In addition to reducing construction time and causing less disruption to traffic, this procedure also comes with a lower risk of accidents, is cable- and pipe-friendly, and usually allows the surrounding vegetation to recover quickly because of the “minimally invasive” (similar to a zip) displacement of soil. The cost savings, e.g. compared to construction with a trencher or excavator, are considerable.
The plough consists of a ploughshare, the laying box as well as a winch which is hooked up to a towing vehicle. At the starting point, the ploughshare is inserted into the ground – along the specified route – to the desired depth; in Bedburg-Pütz it was 1.7 metres deep. The towing vehicle pulls the pipe laying unit – together with the ploughshare and pipes – towards it by means of a winch. The ploughshare loosens up the ground as it is drawn forward, and the pipes are thus pulled into the ground. The soil then closes up over the pipe again and can also be compacted if necessary. In Bedburg-Pütz, several hundreds of metres of pipe were laid as welded sections. Since February 2023, eleven kilometres of water pipeline, featuring PE 100-RC Line pressure pipes, have already been laid for the eastbound line. A further nine kilometres of SIMONA pressure pipes for the westbound line are to follow in June 2023. They serve as water pipelines for the sprinkler systems. Construction work is scheduled for completion in August 2023.
A long section of the newly laid pressure pipes leads north to the Garzweiler open-pit lignite mine, the objective being to supply the fields there with sufficient water throughout the year.
State funding for lighthouse project
The rationale behind the irrigation of arable land for the purpose of ensuring the regional supply of the Ruhr region and the Rhine corridor – with up to 10 million consumers – is to guarantee the cultivation of food in the long term. With this in mind and given the choice of a state-of-the-art installation method and extremely durable and robust pipes, the Ministry of the Environment, Nature and Transport of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia rates the project as a so-called lighthouse project in the context of climate change adaptation and is funding the construction of the irrigation system with up to 5.6 million euros.
In March, Röchling Industrial took over the SMC specialist Compotech AG, Weinfelden, Switzerland, retrospectively as of January 1, 2023. From July 1, 2023, the company will be called Röchling Industrial Weinfelden AG.
Röchling Industrial Weinfelden AG in Weinfelden, Switzerland: The SMC specialist specializes in the manufacture of large-format molded parts made of glass fiber reinforced composites and fits perfectly into the Composites division of Röchling Industrial.
Röchling Industrial is thus consistently pursuing the path of renaming its now 43 worldwide locations according to the uniform pattern from Röchling Industrial and adding the location name.
“The reason for the name change is to make visible the strategic focus of all activities on the industries in which we serve our customers,” says Franz Lübbers, Member of the Röchling Group Board of Management and responsible CEO for the Industrial division, explaining the decision to merge all Industrial subsidiaries to be named uniformly worldwide.
In this way, Röchling communicates the industry orientation of the Industrial division to the market on the one hand and creates a uniformity that connects all locations and employees on the other.
“With the renaming of Compotech, the idea of synergy becomes particularly clear. The products and the material and application know-how of the new Swiss colleagues are an ideal complement to our activities, especially in the field of rail vehicle construction,” emphasizes Florian Helmich, COO Röchling Industrial.
Röchling Industrial Weinfelden specializes in the production of large-format molded parts made of glass fiber reinforced plastic. The components manufactured using the SMC pressing process are further machined on CNC machining centers. The high-quality painting, bonding and assembly of whole kits are also part of the offer.
The new location is already integrated into Röchling Industrial’s Composites product line. Together with the locations in Haren/Germany, Nancy/France and in Cleveland and Mount Pleasant in the USA, it forms a unit that produces SMC molded parts, pultruded profiles and pressed sheets, wound components up to precisely machined and assembled modules with a unique know-how for fiber-reinforced composites.
“With the new name of Röchling Industrial Weinfelden, we are signaling to the market that Compotech is now included in a powerful group with a unique range of composite products and services that offers customers real added value,” says Uwe Kassens, Director Europe Composites responsible for the activities for composite materials at Röchling Industrial.
Molecor Joins the Cause to Protect Marine Ecosystems on “World Oceans Day” Thanks to the Operation Clean Sweep Programme
Oceans are the main lungs of the planet—they are responsible for producing much of our oxygen and are home to most of Earth’s biodiversity, which is why it is so important to preserve them.
8 June has been chosen by the UN to mark World Oceans Day. The purpose of this occasion is to inform the public of the impact of human actions on the ocean and promote the sustainable management of the world’s seas.
Clearly, the marine environment is one of the ecosystems that is most affected by improper waste management. While humans produce all kinds of waste, plastic has become the main focus in the media, since its very high durability—an indisputable advantage in terms of fostering a more circular economy—makes it last over time, and it has become ubiquitous as a source of pollution at the global level. We must not forget that microplastics, plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, which are often invisible to the human eye, have been identified as emerging environmental pollutants, and therefore, it is critical to manage them properly and prevent them from being discharged into the environment.
As indicated in the slogan of the World Environment Day celebrated on 5 June, #BeatPlasticPollution, action must be taken to prevent improperly managed plastic waste from polluting our waters. To this end, in addition to the regulatory actions being taken across the different countries, the industry is launching its own initiatives to help achieve this mission.
One of them is the Operation Clean Sweep (OCS) programme, a global, voluntary initiative in the plastics industry that seeks to prevent the leakage of plastic particles into the environment. In Spain, this programme, which is licensed by the ANAIP (Spanish Association of Plastics Industries) has the support of the Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge (MITERD).
Molecor, taking responsibility for this problem as a manufacturer of PVC pipes and fittings, and as part of the value chain of the plastics industry, is #committedindustry to the preservation of ecosystems, including the marine environment. That is why all manufacturing plants have committed to the OCS programme.
This alignment and commitment involves assessing the plant’s situation, mapping possible emission sources, implementing codes of good practices for pellet cleaning and control and deploying the necessary actions to prevent and mitigate possible sources of leakage to the environment at all stages of the production process, without forgetting the need to train and raise awareness among employees.
In addition, to reinforce this commitment, the TOM pipes and ecoFITTOM Oriented PVC (PVC-O) fittings manufacturing plant achieved the corresponding AENOR certificate of conformity in 2021. The rest of the production plants are in the process of certification, and it is estimated that they will obtain it in a few weeks.
Molecor is aligned with the United Nations 2023 Agenda, and its activity contributes to several of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this case, these actions contribute directly to SDG14, Life Below Water: the preservation and sustainable use of the oceans must remain a priority.
Complete Robotic Solution Designed in Just One Minute with The RBTX Machine Planner
New online tool from RBTX powered by igus allows users to design robot working environments quickly and without CAD knowledge
Ideally, a customer can decide on a suitable robot quickly. But how do you create the perfect workplace for the new assistant? The Machine Planner on RBTX.com, the online marketplace for Low Cost Robotics, helps with the design of a complete automation solution, from robotics to frames to conveyor belts to grippers to safety systems. Price and delivery time are calculated in real time.
Configuring a new robot workstation is usually a complex undertaking, because there is more to it than just selecting a robot model. An automated production environment also requires the right workplace design which often involves manipulating complex structures in CAD programs. It is time-consuming and stressful. First of all, it is necessary to obtain offers from different suppliers via sales. Then the components must be harmonised. Besides the time it takes, it requires expertise on the part of the customer, who is ultimately responsible for
compatibility and function. It can quickly run to weeks. Small and medium-sized businesses in the trades or manufacturing industry in particular, need this time to invest in their own products. With its Machine Planner on RBTX.com, igus creates a simple solution for quickly configuring robot workstations and machine frames with robotics and conveyor technology. The new free tool is integrated into the RBTX platform, the marketplace for Low Cost Robotics. “Our new online configurator for cost-effective automation solutions makes inexpensive robotics accessible to everyone, because the user does not need any design knowledge. The Machine Planner takes over the engineering and thus combines robotic components correctly. The tool can be called up easily with a browser”, says Alexander Mühlens, Head of igus Low Cost Automation Business Unit. The Machine Planner provides a selection of different machines and application designs. Doors and back panels can be installed with just a few clicks. The size can be individually adjusted. In addition to feed automation such as conveyor belts or spiral bowl conveyors in the work area, the configurator can be used to select robots from the RBTX marketplace, including accessories such as grippers and linear systems. A few clicks and the solution is fully configured within a minute without any CAD drawings or technical clarification. A design library on the platform offers additional guidance. The solution can be adapted to your own individual requirements. Users benefit not only from speed, but also from transparency: at the touch of a button, you receive a cost calculation with the corresponding delivery time. Easy-to-understand instructions allow the customer to assemble the application on site. igus also supplies a CE template.
Quick 3D configuration for individual applications
“I was looking for an individual gluing machine without having to hire an external design engineer for planning and execution. The Machine Planner from igus enabled me to design my gluing machine with just a few clicks”, says Sven Achenbach, CEO of Sigamo GmbH. “The robot is used in production. It guarantees our customers a 100 per cent identical adhesive application on components.” Its application is just one of many possible designs that can be implemented on RBTX with the Machine Planner. Gripping robots for bakeries or pick & place applications in industry: the 3D tool is suitable for a variety of industries in which processes can be automated. With the new configurator, igus is expanding its leading RBTX platform for Low Cost Automation with a new tool in a complete package. Alexander Mühlens sums it up: “Our goal is to make automation possible simply, quickly and cost-effectively. The Machine Planner does just that for the customer.”
ArcelorMittal, Finkernagel, EJOT – How a Sustainability Chain Works
It is obvious that ambitious climate targets can only be achieved by working together. The cooperation between ArcelorMittal, Finkernagel and Ejot is a good example and a premiere for a cooperation between manufacturer, processor and end-product producer to reduce environmental impact: ArcelorMittal Hamburg produces XCarb recycled and renewably produced steel – which has a CO₂ footprint significantly lower than conventionally produced steel – which the wire-drawing company Finkernagel processes further; EJOT, in turn, produces screws from the drawn wire in cold forming, which are ultimately used for batteries in electric cars and for solar panel structures. By using XCarb recycled and renewably produced, the CO₂ savings total 80 percent compared with conventionally produced steel, and the low-carbon emissions steel ultimately benefits the energy transition thanks to its use in solar modules and electric cars. At Finkernagel’s headquarters in Altena, North Rhine-Westphalia, the three companies have now made the cooperation public.
Dr. Uwe Braun, CEO of ArcelorMittal Hamburg: “Thanks to this cooperation, we are creating a special value chain that contributes to the climate goals of the companies involved. Once again we see that low carbon-emissions steel is vital for building the infrastructure we need for the transition to carbon neutrality. After all, solar modules, efficient electric cars or wind turbines cannot be made without steel. We are already able to produce very low-carbon and, in a few years, climate-neutral steel. For us, it’s about doing our homework and continuously working on such promising projects in cooperation with our customers.”
Timo Finkernagel, Managing Director of Finkernagel: “Through our trials, we know that the XCarb recycled and renewably produced steel can be processed excellently and has no quality disadvantages compared to conventional steel. The fact that the material properties are also identical in a direct comparison is particularly pleasing. We are proud to be able to offer XCarb recycled and renewably produced to our customers and are confident that it will be well received in the market.”
Markus Rathmann, Chief Supply Chain Officer of the EJOT Group: “The entry into the processing of CO₂-reduced steel marks an important step for the EJOT Group on the way to climate neutrality, especially since the largest part of the CO₂ emissions is in our preliminary products (Scope 3). We will successively expand the use of CO₂-reduced steel.”
Since 2021, the world’s leading steel producer ArcelorMittal has been bundling all efforts towards climate-neutral steel production with the umbrella brand XCarb; by investing in technologies and start-ups, by awarding certificates for CO₂ savings in steel production and especially by low-carbon manufacturing variants. The XCarb steel made from recycled and renewable material is produced in an electric arc furnace using 100% renewable electricity and up to 100% scrap depending on the steel grade. For these steel products, emissions can be as low as 333 kilograms of CO₂ equivalents per tonne of end product.
The XCarb recycled and renewably produced used by Finkernagel and Ejot respectively significantly reduces the Scope 3 emissions of both companies. The EJOT Group aims to reduce its CO₂ emissions from the current level of approx. 190,000 tonnes per year to zero by 2035. In addition to a variety of its own measures to reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, Finkernagel is primarily focusing on the use of a low-CO₂ steel input material. According to its decarbonisation strategy, ArcelorMittal aims to achieve net zero emissions worldwide by 2050.
Omron Introduces F440 Smart camera: Offering Flexibility for Machine Design with Compact and Powerful Machine Vision
With its compact form factor, the F440 is ideal for OEMs and manufacturers seeking a state-of-the-art smart camera that combines power and quality in a small package.
Industry-leading automation solutions provider Omron Automation Americas announces the launch of the F440 Smart Camera, an innovative solution designed to add flexibility to machine vision applications. It empowers companies to embed a fully self-contained vision system within machines, providing ease of use while improving performance.
In industries such as Life Sciences, Food and Commodities, Logistics, Semiconductor and Electronics, there is a growing demand for advanced machine vision systems capable of inspecting multiple products simultaneously. This requirement calls for higher pixel resolutions to increase throughput. Additionally, industries face the common challenge of a skilled labor shortage, compounded by the need for intricate lensing and lighting setups. The F440 Smart Camera effectively addresses these issues by providing vision engineers with a fully contained vision system.
The F440 Smart Camera serves a wide range of applications, including cap inspection, fill level inspection, box count, label barcode & OCR, measurement, and more. To ensure maximum customization, it offers a variety of accessory options, allowing users to select their preferred lensing, lighting, and cabling solutions. With an industry-standard C Lens Mount, users can fine-tune the optics and lighting to meet their specific requirements. It comes equipped with the AutoVISION software platform, which offers three levels of capability tailored to different application needs.
The Advanced Design of a BOBST CI Press Reduces Bounce While Maintaining High Print Quality
Notwithstanding the huge progress of CI flexo printing over the past 20 years or so, bouncing remains a factor that can affect the quality of a printed job and result in loss of production time and unnecessary waste. Furthermore, to avoid the occurrence of it, a printer may fail to maximize the CI flexo press capabilities by limiting production speed with some applications, hence productivity.
There may be factors that together, can concur to bouncing, but the occurrence of vibrations is no doubt one of the most common contributors. If the contact of the flexo plate with the anilox roller and the substrate is inconsistent, its highs and lows during printing cause the vibrations that affect the print quality.
Other than the reduction of speed, there are different solutions that can contribute to containing the effect of bouncing, such as finding the plates or the tapes that make a printer’s printing process more consistent, along with the stability of the press itself.
The latter is exactly how BOBST has tackled the issue of bouncing on wide-web CI flexo presses: with an advanced press design that offers features that have been specifically developed to eliminate press vibrations.
These include some specific design components:
Sturdy cast iron frame
Top and bottom slide guides for the bearing caps of the anilox roller and plate cylinder
Automatic opening and closing of the bearing caps of the plate cylinders
Carbon fibre shafts, which have advanced physical properties, for plate cylinders
Drive controls that perfectly synchronize the speed of the plate cylinder with the print design
The BOBST VISION CI is a flexo press which combines all of the above features and more. All aimed at enabling production of top print quality at high speed.
The press’ advanced drive control system allows for perfect register control. This means that it is possible to achieve precise alignment of colors and images, resulting in high-quality prints that meet the most precise specifications. The frustration derived from the time-consuming process of readjusting the register is eliminated, along with unnecessary downtime and costs.
Other quality-enhancing and cost-reducing features of the VISION CI flexo press include:
impression setting adjustments by 1 µm
a one-pump inking system for the optimal flow of inks
BOBST advanced CI flexo technology, achieved through the perfect combination and integration of mechanical and electronic features ensures printing consistency and accuracy run after run, giving converters the confidence that the final product meets the highest standards of quality.
