Computagauge
The
Computagauge is the industry standard equipment for the automatic measurement
of the length of a paper label. Used extensively by the printers of guillotine
cut labels the gauge is an easily operated instrument.
Its rugged design ensures trouble free use right in the production enviroment. The edge detection system relies on the use of fibres and geometric optics resulting in very high accuracy and repeatability.
.
" Stop costly returns
" Reduce internal scrap
" Measure with unskilled labour
A high accuracy measuring instrument for the label manufacturing industry.
BACKGROUND
As
the speed of application of labels to metal cans continues to increase
so the dimensional accuracy of the labels needs to improve. With labelling
speeds of up to 1200 per minute height and length variations of labels
in the stack will result in problems as the labels are removed from the
magazine.
Label customers therefore demand that label manufacturers supply labels
manufactured in a quality controlled environment to a high degree of accuracy.
GENERAL
Recognising
that measurement is the basis of all control, the Computagauge was designed
for the quick and accurate measurement of paper labels. Further, it has
been designed to operate in the production environment associated with
the printing and cutting of paper labels.
Located after the guillotine, samples from the top and bottom of the cut
stack can be quickly measured.
As a stand alone length measuring instrument the Computagauge gives immediate
information to the operator regarding the cutting accuracy, enabling immediate
corrective action to be taken and thus avoiding costly scrap. However,
with the communications facilities fitted the task of data recording is
greatly simplified and operator error is removed.
All measurements together with batch codes can be recorded by a simple
micro computer and detailed analysis and printout of data can be performed
at a remote location.
SPC - STATISTICAL PROCESS CONTROL
Many companies are becoming aware of the advantages to be gained by implementing a scheme of SPC. The Computagauge is ideal for application in this area particularly if the guillotine is a computer controlled unit. Measurements made can be processed and calculations made to modify the guillotine settings. Statistical software is available for the display of process variables.
OPERATION
The
instrument is simple to operate. No skilled inspectors are required. The
instrument can be operated by any of your production staff.
If coupled to a computer the label batch code is entered into the display
using the numeric keyboard. A label is laid on the machine, it does not
have to be laid accurately but a reference edge is provided to ensure
that the label is square.
One lever clamps the label in position.
One switch initiates the measuring process which only takes a few seconds.
Indicators tell the operator when the machine is measuring and when it
is ready to accept another label.
METHOD
The high accuracy of the computagauge is based on a precision ground ballscrew assembly which is used to scan the label with a fibre optic light source. The spot of light projected on to the label is detected at the label edges using large area photo diode assemblies. The distance between the edges is the label length which is determined using a precision encoder rigidly mounted to the ballscrew.
For further information on the computagauge please use the email cgauge@edwcontrols.co.uk
OUTLINE SPECIFICATION
MEASUREMENT
"
Method - Contrast detection at label edges
- Source diameter 002 inch
" Range - 9.5 - 400mm
" Resolution - .01mm (.001 inch in imperial mode)
" Accuracy - .001 inch ± 1 digit of display
" Speed - Depends on length - about 4 seconds
CONTROLS
"
Measure - Push switch
" Transmitter on/off - Push switch
" Batch Code - Numeric keyboard
" Metric/imperial - Slide switch
" Multiplexer on/off - Slide switch
" Power on/off - Rocker switch
" Signature - D.I.L. switch internal
COMMUNICATIONS
"
Hardware fixed - No programming necessary
" RS232 & RS422 - Same data format
" Rate - 2400 Baud
" Format - 7 Bits/character, one start Bit, one stop Bit, even parity
" Signature - A letter (choice of 15) to identify Computagauge
SUPPLY
"
Voltage - 117 ± 10% 60HZ and 220V ± 10% 50/60 HZ
" Current - 1 amp and 500mA
PHYSICAL
"
Size - 600 x 500 x 200mm
" Weight - 30 kg