Laser cleaning system applied to rollers

The drum cleaning system of the machine is an inseparable part of the printing equipment. This task was previously performed manually, but today it is mainly done by the automatic cleaning system. These automated systems operate quite efficiently, but the chemicals they use are harmful to the environment. However, Spanish machinery and equipment manufacturer Sitexco has used modern laser technology to develop a cleaning system that is both efficient, flexible, and energy-efficient.

Soft surface cleaning

One of the great advantages of this machine solution is that it can control power consumption. For example, the laser intensity can be adjusted according to the residual amount of dirt on the roller or anilox roller. Compared to the traditional cleaning process using chemicals or plastic balls, the cleaning of the surface with a laser is gentler because it does not damage the roller or the transfer roller. Another big advantage of this solution is that it can increase processing speed. With the laser, even a drum with a diameter of 6 meters can be quickly cleaned. The working principle of this cleaning system is very simple. When two additional rollers rotate the roller or transfer roller, the laser beam volatilizes the residual dirt on the material surface.

Sitexco's new generation of machines can use B&R's ACOPOSmicro and stepper motor technology to handle extremely precise positioning tasks

Easy to expand B&R technology

This highly reliable automation solution not only speeds the cleaning process but also reduces the amount of maintenance required. Another goal that the new system has achieved is that it can flexibly handle all sizes of rollers and anilox rollers. “We wanted to find a solution that would meet all the model requirements. Eventually we found that B&R was able to provide a solution with the best scalability,” explains Erico Cruz, general manager of Sitexco. “Our cleaning equipment requires a smaller control system. The Power Panel 400 combines control and display, which allows us to provide our customers with a wide range of system attributes and create a strong competitive advantage for them.” X20 I/O The X2X link connects the module, frequency converter and ACOPOSmicro for high-speed data transmission. The Power Panel is used to operate the stepper motor for positioning control, while the SDC library allows the stepper motor to be controlled like a servo motor. “In the past, we had to use servo motors because stepper motors could not provide reliable positioning. Now we can use the B&R stepper motors with built-in encoders, which provide us with precise and reliable control, with good The price/performance ratio," said Cruz.

The graphical performance on Power Panel 400 is also important for Sitexco. The high-quality 32-bit color display provides powerful support for laser sighting to ensure optimal cleaning results.

After a short development time, Sitexco put this highly reliable cleaning equipment on the market. Together with B&R, they successfully developed this control system that satisfies all laser cleaning equipment requirements and ensures maximum efficiency.