Finishing & Screen Printing

New Slitter Rewinder Function with Futec

Wednesday 14. May 2008 - Futec has developed with an OEM of Slitter/Rewinder(SR) machines in Italy a new function that allows us to interface our 100% automatic inspection system (Easy Max) to their Slitter/Rewinder machine to remove defects from the printed roll.

The idea is to remove completely all defects quickly from a printed roll at the SR. The roll is first inspected in real-time at high speed (up to 800m/min) without stopping. The roll data is then viewed at the Rewind end of the machine to select the defects that the operator wishes to be removed. The operator can see all detected defect images in the roll making it easy to select and remove the defects that are critical to the end customer. Once the roll is edited the data is then sent to the PLC of the SR. From this point the SR takes control of stopping the machine at each selected defect, presenting it to the operator on the splice table so the operator can splice and remove from the final roll.

The communication link is via Ethernet with the OEM’s PLC through a specific control software, developed for this application. This software can be applied to various PLC’s and makes the application portable to other Slitter Rewinder machines.

The Easy Max system is able to detect all types of print defects (spots, colour variation, streaks, scumming and material defects, etc..) but is also able to detect fly’s, insects, hair, and every other external contamination that must be removed, especially in the food packaging sector.