Automatic Axis Correction for Shaftless Printing Presses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current processing machines, particularly printing presses, require manual and time-consuming methods for axis correction during pre-registration and normal operations, leading to significant set-up time and waste production due to large axis deviations and dynamic compensation processes.
Innovation Solution
An automatic axis correction method that divides the material web into sections, determines axis deviations, and automatically corrects clamping points based on these deviations, allowing for parallel correction and reducing manual intervention and set-up time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual axis correction is used during pre-registration, then the machine can be set up, but the set-up time is very long and significant waste is produced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic axis correction using sensors to detect axis deviations and a controller to actuate adjustment mechanisms, eliminating the need for manual intervention by operators during pre-registration and normal operations
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical adjustment by operators is replaced with an automated control system that uses sensors to detect deviations and actuators to perform corrections, transforming a manual mechanical process into an automated electromechanical system
2Stability of the object's composition
If impression rollers are engaged to form web tension sections, then web tension is maintained, but axis deviations require waiting for steady state and cause long compensation times
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors continuously detect axis deviations in real-time, providing feedback to the controller which automatically actuates adjustment mechanisms to correct deviations, eliminating the need to wait for steady state and enabling dynamic compensation during machine operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static web tension maintenance requiring steady state waiting to dynamic real-time correction where axis deviations are continuously detected and corrected during operation, allowing the system to adapt and compensate while running
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple printing units are corrected sequentially by manual adjustment, then each unit can be aligned, but the process is time-consuming and operators must wait between corrections
Solution Approach 1:
Each printing unit is equipped with sensors and automatic adjustment mechanisms that enable self-correction of axis deviations, eliminating the need for sequential manual adjustment by operators and allowing parallel or rapid successive corrections
Solution Approach 2:
The system detects and records axis deviations before performing corrections, and can pre-calculate correction values, allowing rapid execution of adjustments without manual measurement and calculation time for each printing unit
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an automatic axis correction method for use in a treatment machine for treating a material web (1), especially in a shaftless printing press (100), the material web (1) being subdividable into at least two web tension sections, a web tension section being delimited by two clamping positions (10, 50, 60) that are designed as transport or treatment devices (10). According to said method, an axis deviation from at least one clamping position (10, 50, 60) which is designed as a treatment device (10) is determined, the at least one clamping position (10, 50, 60) is then released, the axis position is automatically corrected based on the axis deviation determined earlier and the clamping point is closed after axis correction.