Opal inspection slitter rewinder from Ashe

Ashe Converting Equipment’s Chief Engineer Keith Fordham says that in the printing of PS-labels, all of the processing stages count for nothing if the end user detects flaws or material is not processed to required standards. Inspection, slitting and rewinding has therefore become particularly important.

Designed with a high level of functionality the new Opal detection facilities permit the choice of between five to 15 lane missing label detection systems. The missing label can be any form of label, whether it’s a basic paper label or a clear, filmic label. The system works by calculating the label repeat of every job. When the machine detects that a label is missing the Opal automatically slows to a controlled stop. The missing label will stop in an area for rectification. A large inspection area is provided for various other inspection systems together with an adjustable splice table and clamps.

The Opal range incorporates PLC control, touch screen operator input, ‘end-of-roll’ automatic slow down facility, web edge guide system and rotary scissor slitting section. Given the extensible nature of many modern labeling substrates including filmic products precision tension control is critical, without it slitting would be impossible, as the web would not remain stable. The Opal is therefore equipped with an integral Ashe electronic unwind and rewind tension control. A separate drive motor on the rewind drive provides for both under-wind and over-wind operation with precise rewind tension, as well as taper tension as standard.

Available in standard 330mm, 410mm and 520mm web widths, the Opal can be provided with die-cutting facilities for the production of blank labels, or, pre-printed labelstock, stroboscope inspection, reel lifting/handling, flag/splice detector, clear label counters, waste rewinder, and of course label detection facilities to suit customer’s requirements, which include 100% label inspection systems.

This ergonomically designed new machine range has been introduced with input from major label producers and increases throughput by rapid acceleration, de-acceleration, high top speed (three seconds to 300 MPM), and ease of use.