ITW Trans Tech: PadPrint: Four-Color Pad Printing on 35mm Slide Mounts

SYSTEM DESCRIPTION:
Applying Four-Color Process Image to 35mm Slide Mounts

Here is the system we designed to our customer's specifications, which included interfacing our pad printing equipment with their supplied components:

Loading:
The slidemounts are indexed into the loading station via the customer-supplied magazine-feed indexing conveyor. Once in place, a single part is automatically picked up and placed onto one of four fixtures which are mounted to an electro-mechanical dial indexer.

Indexing:
Next, the part is indexed to the print station of the MKM 80 pad printing machine. Our MKM 80 is an electro-mechanical printer that features sealed ink cups, an integrated pad-cleaning tape-off device, with a fast cup & cliche changeover.

Removal:
After printing, the slidemounts are indexed to the part removal position. The parts are then removed from the fixtures via a programmable, high-speed electronic pick-and-place shuttle and transported to the customer- supplied "spear" carrier holding area. The parts are then dropped sequentially onto the individual spears. This floor-mounted array holds a total of six spears.

Programmable Logic
Controller (PLC):
The system PLC counts parts and, after filling the first unload "spear" with a maximum number of printed slidemounts, signals the unloading pick-and-place shuttle to automatically extend to the next spear position. After filling the next spear, the shuttle continues until all six are filled.

Note: at the customer’s request, the program we wrote for this system allows for spear removal or replacement at any time. The PLC keeps track of count and position, and, when operation is interrupted, resumes unloading in the proper sequence. This gives the operator the flexibility of unloading the filled spears whenever it is convenient, not just when they are all filled.

Other System Features & Benefits:

Heavy-duty machine base with Blanchard-ground, one-inch cast-aluminum plate with adjustable support legs minimizes vibrations and provides stability.

Pneumatically-controlled, automatic pick-and-place loading mechanism with sturdy aluminum extruded frame; integrated proximity switches; non-lubricating air cylinders with separate flow control; hardened linear way rails; two large capacity roller guides– all promote accurate part loading.

Four-station dial indexing table with aluminum dial plate fitted with four one-up holding fixtures supply positive location and support of parts.

Complete set of guarding ensures safe equipment operation as per OSHA standards, including extruded metal frame with solvent resistant plexiglas™ panels and safety interlocks on all access doors.

Complete set of electrical controls to include PLC numbered wiring, switches, sensors, terminal blocks and control panel enable full monitoring and service of all functions.

Back to Current Issue of PadPrint

IN THIS ISSUE:

• Syringe Barrel Pad Printing: Adaptation & Innovation

• Automation Case Study: 35mm Slide Mounts

• Ergonomic Challenge: Build a Better, Manual-Load Golfball Fixture

• Fixture FAQs: Practical Answers

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