Setting New Standards in Press Protection and Gluing for Web Printing Presses

11/9/2005

May 1st, 2004

DRUPA 2004, DÜSSELDORF 6th – 19th MAY
STAND C22, HALL 16

Baldwin Technology Company Inc. supplies printers all around the world with integrated solutions for web offset presses. Its advanced systems complement production and finishing in commercial and newspaper press lines. Fast web break protectors prevent damage at even the highest press speeds. At drupa 2004, Baldwin is launching the new S-18 WebCatcher, the new M180-M190 ProTect web severer and the MicroSet 497 inline gluing system.

Introducing the S-18 WebCatcher™, Maximum Protection at Speeds to 18 m/s
A torn web at full production speed represents an ever-present risk in the press room. In particular, in heatset web offset printing the web is pulled back into the last printing unit and is wrapped around the cylinders. Costly unscheduled production stoppages and severe damage to blanket and plate cylinders as well as other mechanical parts in the printing process are the possible consequences of such wrap-ups.

As the market leader for systems that prevent press damage, Baldwin offers specially designed digital controls and rapid reaction sensors that minimize unproductive and costly press downtime that can result following a web break. At drupa 2004, Baldwin is launching the S-18 WebCatcher™, the fastest and most economically effective web catching system available on the market today. The S-18 is the logical extension of the proven S-15 WebCatcher™, which is used by printers around the world for press speeds up to 15 meters per second.

The fully automatic S-18 WebCatcher™ detects a web break and instantly activates the web catching device between the last press unit and the dryer. The S-18 incorporates new dual DSA sensor technology, ensuring that a broken web can be sensed from either side (operator or gear), which is essential at high speed to achieve unparalleled performance and reliability. Before it wraps around cylinders, the broken web is detected by the web break sensor and the control mechanism ensures that it is caught, drawn out of the press unit and guided to the base of the dryer infeed.

The S-18 system, which operates with all web presses currently on the market reliably at speeds of up to 18 metres per second, can be retro-fitted to existing presses without any problems. The S-18 is also qualified for use in two web application as well (stacked or straight).

M180 and M190 ProTect Web Severer
At drupa 2004 Baldwin is launching the M180 - M190 models in the proven ProTect web severer range. These are further developments of the M160 – M175, which are now standard protective systems for modern web offset presses. Compared to older versions, reaction time is reduced by as much as a third. In addition, one model of the updated series is suitable for all paper weights up to 250 g/m2.

Depending on the model, ProTect is installed before the press units or the floatation dryer, in order to catch the incoming web or guide it out of the production process. The sensors in the press line report a web break, the pneumatically driven system promptly severs the web or clamps the head piece of the following web section. In this way the possibility of a web wrap in a press unit is reduced to a minimum or completely prevented.

Baldwin ProTect systems are compatible with all current web presses on the market and available for different web widths. Their small size means that they can be retro-fitted to existing presses without any problem.

Fold Softening and Longitudinal Gluing with MicroSet 497™
The contact less MicroSet™ system is an operationally proven solution for longitudinal gluing on web presses. The inline gluing system applies a continuous or intermittent glue line in the running direction. The fold aid function can also be used if desired.

Depending upon the configuration, the application heads of the MicroSet™are mounted to clamping crossbars in the folders. Each head is fitted with a high speed axial valve that guarantees uniform gaps in the glue line at all feasible productions speeds.

Precise MicroJet nozzles are available for different glue line applications widths. The glue for each head can be set via a touch screen and is fully automated. Users can either select from several standard gluing patterns or program a pattern according to individual requirements. The advantage of this is that the application of the glue can be interrupted for perforations or the positions of cuts so as to keep the dies and finishing units clean. The non-stop mode on the other hand ensures an unbroken application of glue. Motor-driven remote adjustment of the application heads over a large range of positions fitted as standard shortens change-over times and increases user friendliness.

In addition to glue application, the MicroSet™ 497 system also offers problem free production in folders and effective protection against fold breaks. The entire system can apply fold aid fluid and glue at the same time. For example, whilst two application heads assist the folding of the web along a line to form a sharp edge by softening the fold, glue may be applied at another position. A metering and filter unit adds a special fold aid concentrate to tap water as work proceeds. Folding is also assisted by the use of dispersion adhesives during gluing.

The fold aid fluid is also used for the fully automatic cleaning of the system as well as flushing the application heads. Automated cleaning of the applicator heads before start of production at press stops, during blanket washing and at the end of production. During production manual cleaning is possible.

The system is easy to operate and user-friendly due to its touch panel displaying all possible functions. All functions and operational parameters, such as filling levels of the tanks or the graphic and numeric indication of the application heads’ position, are also displayed. The entire system, including control technology, meter, filter units and supply tanks, is contained in a clearly arranged system cabinet.

Naturally, Baldwin supplies MicroLine™ glues and fold softening additives adapted to the MicroSet Systems in containers of different capacities.

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