Universal Laser Systems CLP-100NI-NPRT manual

CARTON PRINTING

Loosen the mounting column clamping bolt (Figure 43) and position the printer to the required height for printing. Swing the printer into position so that the print drum will lightly contact the side of the cartons as they emerge from between the guide rails. Check the print drum contact with the cartons while the conveyor is under power and adjust the print drum position to obtain approximately 1/4" - 3/8" deflection (Figure 44).

MOUNTING COLUMN

CLAMPING SCREW

FIGURE 43

PIVOT POINT

ADJUST FOR

1/4” TO 3/8”

DEFLECTION

PIVOT POINT

FIGURE 44

DIE POSITIONING FOR INDEXING APPLICATIONS

Non-Indexing models of the coder do not offer print registration capabilities, there- fore mounting the printing dies at a spe- cific location on the print drum is not im- portant. On Indexing machines, however, the position of the die on the print drum determines the registration of the print on the carton. Since non-porous marking inks are normally extremely fast drying, die positioning will also have an affect on the ability of the coder to reliably transfer ink to the carton surface. Production cycle rates, ambient temperature and ink selec- tion are also factors which have to be con- sidered to ensure proper performance of the system.

TRANSFER ROLL

LEADING EDGE OF DIE

LEADING EDGE

OF CARTON

FIGURE 45

Figure 45 illustrates the best die position for carton printing when using extremely fast drying inks. Note that the leading edge of the printing die should be positioned rotationally upstream of the transfer roll. When the leading edge of the carton contacts the print drum, the drum begins to rotate in a clockwise direction. The die travels a short distance and then contacts the transfer roll where ink is applied to the die face. When the die contacts the carton the mark is applied. The print drum will continue to rotate until the trailing edge of the carton passes the coder, then the print drum will automatically return to the same starting position.