Correct the deviation of printing drums in micron increments.

Client’s Issues

The client has a trouble with the deviation of CMYK-color drums by few microns during printing.
Even a slight deviation can greatly affect the quality of print, causing printing unevenness.

"Optical fiber sensors" have been used to control drum positions, however, because of the low accuracy of 20µm, the deviation cannot be corrected in micron increments.

We received an inquiry through an internet search for "precision positioning sensors".

Metrol’s suggestions

"Optical fiber sensors" has a 20µm dead zone between the signal set position(ON) and the signal return position(OFF) called "movement differential", where detection cannot be made.
Therefore these sensors are not suitable for positioning that requires high precision.

Metrol's "High-precision Positioning Switches" are free of movement differential by their precision mechanical switch structure, achieving 1µm repeatability.
The deviations of printing drums can be corrected in micron increments and improvement in printing quality can be realized.

In addition, Metrol's "High-precision Positioning Switches" are available at relatively low price, which is about the half of "optical fiber sensors".

Comment from Metrol representative

"High-precision Positioning Switches" introduced here have been widely adopted for applications such as "stable detection of the bobbin position" for the automated knitting machine and "precision positioning of the object on the conveyor" that are difficult for "optical fiber sensors".

If you are having trouble with "sensors" or "positioning", please feel free to contact us.

For further information about the products used in this application