The performance of our re-register systems is limited by the press itself.  When running on a press in good condition, "real world" registration accuracy would be close to +/-0.008".   Because of its superior design, installation, training, and maintenance of each system is a breeze.  You can have one fit into your existing press in as little as eight to twelve weeks.

Read on for more information, or contact us to find out more.

The Master Console

The heart of our system is a computerized console with a touch screen monitor.  The system prompts the operator to enter the basic job parameters such as die repeat and register position.  The system will also record the setup information in a job file as a permanent record which may be retrieved next time the same job is to be run.

Once any job is set up and running, a graphic display of the amount of correction taking place and any residual error is shown on the computer screen in real time.  This features allows the operator to evaluate the repeat quality of the material being processed and the amount of correction needed to maintain register.

In the case where multiple stations are being used, each station's register position may be changed independently of the others either locally at the station, or from the touch screen.  The master console is capable of supporting from one to twelve stations.

Satellite Units

A satellite unit is made up of the software and hardware associated with a single print or die-cut station.  Each unit may be controlled from the station itself, or from the master console.  All setup parameters are communicated to the satellite units from the master console, therefore no user input is needed.

Performance

The system itself has a resolution of .002 inch increments.  This does not necessarily translate into the "real world" tolerance of +/- .002 inches.  The accuracy of the system is dependent upon other factors not under the control of our system.  The factors that typically influence accuracy are: the condition of the basic press - specifically gear backlash, torsional wind up of drive shafts, tension controls, cleanliness of drive rollers, and so on.  Other factors that may influence accuracy are the nature of the substrates run through the press.  For example, and unsupported 70 gauge polypropylene will stretch very easily, especially when heated by the dryer, thus requiring good tension control.

Registration accuracy on a typcial pressure sensitive film or paper stock, run on a press in good condiditon would be at least +/- 1/64" and probably closer to +/-0.008" in the "real world".   For re-register, accuracies of +/- 1/64" to +/- 1/32" are more likely, depending on the amount of repeat variation in the pre-printed material.  The system will accommodate compound errors such as registration errors inherent in the substrate itself, in addition to offsets typical of a press speed change, and will cope with a moderate amount of stretch.  The system is designed to operate at  speeds of up to 300 frames per minute.

Installation

The installation time of our system is from one to three days depending upon the layout of the machine, its age, model, amount of optional equipment, and the number of stations being adapted.

Training

Operational training usually requires one day of training and familiarization, followed by on additonal day of running a live job.   This extra day assures that the operator understands the system and all of its capabilities in a practiacal sense.  Any future support of course, is always available if desired.

General guidelines that will optimize the yield and operational ease of any given job will be provided by Total Register for implementation in the planning and layout stages.  These guidelines will be of particular value when working with holographic materials since the "rules" may deviate slightly from conventionally printed materials.

Maintenance

Our system has very few mechanical parts and therefore requires very little maintenance.  The only practical maintenance required is routine cleaning of the CRT touch screen.

Delivery

All of the system components are standard stock items.  A delivery time of eight to twelve weeks is needed for the mechanical design and adaptation of our drive motors and detectors to your particluar press.

Total Register has a vast amount of experience in the area of registration systems particularly in the holographic field.   Our systems have produced many billions of re-registered products on very diverse types of equipment all over the globe, and we are recognized as the world leader in hologram registration equipment.  If you have any questions, or need more information, please feel free to contact us.