BST TubeScan Eagle View provides 100 % inspection plus tenfold magnifier function in web inspection for particularly sensitive areas such as register marks, print screens or for RFID applications in compact dimensions. The outstanding feature of the sharp-vision system is the high-resolution video observation by a 5 megapixel matrix camera.
In addition to this globally unique system, BST will present numerous other innovations from the entire TubeScan family in realistic production environments from the packaging and label printing sector at Labelexpo Europe 2023. One highlight is the long-awaited new graphical user interface. It has a modern design and can be operated intuitively. A dynamic job changeover avoids machine stops and thus maximises productivity. It enables the implementation of solutions from prepress specialist Hybrid Software.
Although the tried-and-tested TubeScan systems, with a total of over 2,700 installations on printing and converting presses worldwide, already demonstrate their performance in practice, the manufacturer has now gone one better. The latest redesign of the TubeScan product family sets new standards in camera resolution, faster set-up and easier operation. The features give printers better control over their production processes and thus increase efficiency. "Our quality assurance systems are optimised in every way to meet the diverse needs of the people who use them. These are the operators of printing plants with their economic interests on the one hand and the people who operate the machines on the other," explains inventor and product manager of TubeScan, Dr Stephan Krebs. And he continues: "Our patented technology helps to reduce makeready times, operating costs, complaints and waste to a minimum while producing excellent print products. At the same time, it simplifies process control in such a way that critical events are seen quickly and reaction times are shortened through intuitive operation. That's why our innovations focus on the precise recording of printing processes, their clear display in real time and intuitive control." Furthermore, the TubeScan products can be integrated into almost all printing presses thanks to their compact dimensions: The space requirement in web running direction is only 125 mm. The modular concept covers web widths from 150 mm to 1700 mm.
TubeScan Eagle View provides magnification up to 14 μm for video inspection
Whereas with 100 % inspection cameras inspect the web without gaps and check for print defects or register variations, for example, with TubeScan Eagle View an additional movable, high-resolution matrix camera enables a zoom to any web section of 35 x 25 mm. The maximum pixel resolution of the camera increases from the previous 25 µm to 14 µm - a sharp view that justifies the product name "Eagle View". With this resolution it is even possible to zoom in on the print screen or individual inkjet dots in detail at a maximum web speed of 150 metres per minute. The cameras for the detailed view are traversing and can be easily and quickly positioned very precisely over the web via touch monitor. In addition, all TubeScan lighting options are possible: for example, the 100% inspection can run under white light and the detail view can be illuminated with UV light to examine individual print elements with luminescent colour.
New graphical user interface: navigation by touch. Zoom picture-in-picture
Eagle View as well as all other devices of the TubeScan family now come with a completely revised graphical user interface that has been thought through in detail and optimised for easy operation. There are new setting options for error classifications and error tolerances. Thanks to the matrix camera, the image display of the repeat overview is in real time. Details are displayed as picture-in-picture on the monitor and can be controlled with finger movements. This makes navigation of the detail camera easy, because the operator can easily orientate himself within the repeat and move to the desired detail area. In addition to the picture-in-picture display, the detail camera image can also be displayed over a large area via a separate monitor. This allows the operator to zoom in on and inspect sensitive print areas. With the introduction of the new TubeScan Eagle View comes an improved reel report with event history and error images as well as the clear error gallery of a reel.
Smart control allows dynamic job changes in real time
Another innovation of the TubeScan family is the option of dynamic job changes in connection with Nyquist QLink workflow as an important part of the BST SMARTData concept. "This option is trend-setting," says Krebs. "The basis for this is the implementation of prepress solutions from Hybrid Software in our system: You print several jobs on one roll. TubeScan automatically recognises the new job and fetches the associated master in real time without stopping the machine for inspection. This saves time and reduces waste." The simplifications start with the system setup: The synchronisation of the impression cylinder repeat can either be done via an already existing gear or print mark sensor, or it can be done purely software-controlled. A connection to external trigger sensors is then not necessary.
Inspection of variable data such as barcodes or serial numbers
At Labelexpo, BST will also demonstrate the inline inspection of variable barcodes and alphanumeric strings. TubeScan checks, decodes and evaluates the variable codes or character strings - at constant machine speed and simultaneous print inspection. This avoids the delivery of duplicates, unreadable codes or incorrect codes.
Conclusion:
The BST TubeScan family comes up with numerous new features that make everyday production easier, more efficient, minimise waste and increase quality. High-precision video monitoring via an additional traversing matrix camera or the inspection of variable print data provide security for particularly demanding jobs.
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