Offset Printing
Baldwin Sets New Standard For In-Line Gluing With Webtack
Wednesday 04. June 2008 - WebTack sets in-line gluing standard with precision, reproducibility and automation.
Whether for heatset web offset or semi commercial cold set, in-line gluing is required for a growing number of printed items. Baldwins WebTack system has been developed by the Swiss gluing technology specialist Robatech AG, for the application of dispersion glue and softening of the paper web. WebTack, marketed globally by Baldwin exclusively for the print industry, applies fluids via special carbide ducts in contact with the web.
For web offset presses, the WebTack applicator heads are installed on the folding guides and in front of the cross fold, depending on the desired production settings required in the overhead folding unit. The applicator heads are seated on cross beams, either singly or in pairs. Predefined and individually programmable glue patterns enable a fast, waste-saving make-ready and give the option of remote motorized adjustment of the applicator heads both horizontally (laterally) and vertically (towards the web). These settings can be made via corresponding links to either the press control station or the touch screen panel on the WebTack console.
Pinpoint-accurate fold gluing, even at top print speeds
The WebTack applicator heads have electromagnetic valves with a high switching frequency, and are controlled with extreme precision, so the intermittent application of glue remains geometrically accurate across the whole job, regardless of changes in printing speed. Application in contact with the paper web and the use of relatively high-viscosity glue mean that WebTack equipment can achieve consistent, precise glue lines, even at the highest speeds. Thanks to these features and the automation and programmable memory functions, WebTack is extremely user-friendly, and offers optimal reproducibility for repeat applications.
WebTack satellite units are responsible for the direct feed of glue, softening systems, rinse water and power to the applicator heads. These compact units allow the individual regulation of throughput volumes for each applicator head. This means that it is possible to make an on-site adjustment to suit the absorbency of the paper being used. All satellite units are supplied with liquids and power via the WebTack console.
An environmentally-friendly glue supply is available as an option directly via large bag-in-the-box containers. Using these containers, which hold 750 kg or 1,000 kg of ready to use glue, press minders dont have to change barrels often and there is also a reduction in the impact of packaging waste on the environment. Baldwin can deliver glues and softening systems specially developed for WebTack application.
To reduce WebTack cleaning and maintenance requirements, liquids are carried via rigid pipes with a relatively large diameter. Rigid pipes prevent the influx of air, and thereby stop the glue drying when the glue folder is out of operation, which means that, even over a period of two days, the pipes do not need rinsing. The precision of the glue application, user-friendliness, high level of automation and fast make-ready and changeover times, make WebTack ideal for a wide range of in-line gluing applications.