Pad Printing Machine Automated Image Registration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing pad printing machines require a time-consuming and manual process to re-register print images after component wear or changes, especially during multi-stage and multi-segment printing, leading to production malfunctions and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A pad printing machine equipped with a rotary disk printing unit carrier, image recorder, and positional deviation detection system, allowing for automated re-registration of print images using reference data and register marks, facilitating quick and simple setup adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual registration procedure is used to re-position print images after component wear or changes, then the printing machine can be set up, but the setup time is excessively long and production efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical registration process with an automated optical-mechanical system. A camera captures images of register marks on the printing plate and object carrier, and a control unit automatically calculates and executes position corrections, eliminating time-consuming manual adjustment while maintaining precise print image positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates optical copies (images) of the register marks using a camera. These digital images are processed to determine position deviations, and the information is used to automatically adjust the physical positions of the printing plate and object carrier, enabling rapid reproduction of correct positioning without manual intervention.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual registration is performed after every component exchange or wear, then proper print alignment is achieved, but production interruptions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the printing machine to automatically self-correct its positioning after component exchanges or wear. The camera and control unit automatically detect position deviations of register marks and execute correction without operator intervention, allowing the machine to maintain precision while minimizing production stoppages.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where the camera continuously monitors the positions of register marks, the control unit compares actual positions with target positions, and automatic adjustments are made to eliminate deviations. This closed-loop control ensures consistent print alignment while reducing the frequency and duration of setup interventions.
3Loss of time
If automated position detection system is implemented, then setup time is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system serves multiple functions: capturing register mark positions, detecting position deviations, and providing visual feedback for alignment verification. The control unit performs both automatic calculation of position corrections and coordination of motorized adjustments, consolidating multiple functions into integrated components that reduce overall system complexity despite the automation capabilities.
Data Source
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AI summary
A pad printing machine (1) comprising at least one pad holder (4) and an object carrier (28) which is positionally displaceably relative to the pad holder (4) and is designed to receive one or more objects (8), where said pad printing machine further comprises a setup print image receiving element (48) at a fixed distance from the object carrier (28), further an image recorder (46) to generate an image of at least one zone of the setup print image receiving element (48), a position deviation detector (56) ascertaining the deviation of the actual position of a print image situated on the print image receiving element (48) from a reference position defined by reference data, and a position shift ascertaining element (60) to ascertain the shift of the object carrier (28) relative to a reference position, as well as a method for printing objects (8) using a pad printing machine (1).