An "all-in-one" inspection bar for reel-to-reel production will take QI Press Controls into the digital web printing space.
The new IBS-100 to be launched at DRUPA this month is the first production of the association with Intro International, assets of which QI acquired earlier this year.
The system enables 100 per cent inspection and can be combined with QI's existing register and density measurement and control software, so that image-based density control, colour register control and perforation, cut-off control or side-lay control can be combined with inspection.
While there are obvious applications in packaging converting, the system provides a unique solution for inkjet web press users printing reel-to-reel for offline finishing. QI research and development and IT Brian Gajadhar says the first of its kind worldwide: "Never before has a supplier been able to combine so many functionalities in a single bar sensor."
Following the Intro acquisition, QI plans to intensify its efforts in packaging and digital printing markets, with the IBS-100 "a first concrete step".
Gajadhar has been closely involved in the development of the IBS-100, but says the measurement system needs to be integrated in QI's existing analysis and control software. "Our analysis and control systems were already pretty good, and we wanted to keep all the intelligence which has enabled QI to expand in the past.
"The colours still need to be measured, and QI's register measurement and control system has also been integrated into the system." This allows differences in colour and register to be managed without colour bar and identifying marks, and this information can now be retrieved from the printed image. The same is true of perforation, cut-off control or side-lay control for the complete image.
"The only difference now is that we have a unique measuring instrument which is able to provide the 100 per cent full inspection at very high resolution. Every little error, every tiny drop of ink which is in the wrong place can be pinpointed exactly."
The system will also recognise small text and barcodes, key elements in packaging and digital printing. Complete printed pages will be displayed on the screen, with operators able to zoom in on areas requiring attention.
QI managing director Menno Jansen is delighted with the synergy between the two companies and their teams, and the "immediate payoff" which has resulted: "Just like 20 years ago, we're launching a product which is unique in the global market," he says. Jansen promises more "interesting products and technologies" from Intro will be added to QI's product portfolio.
"Of course, investments will have to be made to continue developing their other products. But as you can see with the IBS-100, this is already delivering exciting end products."
Q.I. Press Controls develops and delivers innovative, high quality optical measure and control systems. We are globally active in the newspaper and magazine printing industry. Our total solutions are supported by a worldwide service network. These reliable systems are proven in the market of existing and new printing presses and offer our customers structural better results.
Sister company EAE Engineering Automation Electronics will launch its latest press control desk, the Windows 10-based Desk 7, at the show. Portrait-style touch screens are set into workspaces on either side of the desk, with inputs made using softkeys rather than membrane keys, and the inkzone keyboard retained.
"The EAE Desk 7 reflects our pledge to drive more innovations for the newspaper printing industry in the future," says managing director Werner Ringel. "Our new control console helps control the web press more efficiently and gives printers a better picture of press settings and running processes."
Pictured: QI's IBS-100 and in a digital press application