1. Technical requirements for water-based ink printing machines
In the entire process of corrugated cardboard water-based ink printing, the key part is the leading edge paper feeding, which is the core control station that determines printing accuracy, work efficiency, product yield, and material costs. Weikeda's leading edge paper feeding solution utilizes the VEC-VA series motion controller and the VEC-VC series high-performance servo system, solving the core "pain points" of equipment control such as accuracy, efficiency, and cost. It perfectly matches the process requirements of water-based ink printing machines, especially in multi-axis leading edge control, where its advantages are particularly obvious. Specifically, the technical requirements for leading edge paper feeding in water-based ink printing machines include:
◆ Precise and efficient paper feeding;
◆ Does not damage the paper surface.
2. Introduction to Water-Based Ink Printing Machines
Water-based ink printing presses are crucial large-scale equipment in the packaging industry. They print text and patterns onto cross-cut corrugated cardboard, then die-cut and creasing it to allow for folding into cartons. This necessitates precise phase accuracy when feeding the cardboard into the printing rollers. Excessive error can lead to issues such as paper collisions damaging the cardboard, ink overlap or blank areas causing printing quality problems, and subsequent die-cutting misalignment resulting in scrap. Damage to the bottom surface of the cardboard during feeding must also be considered. Therefore, an excellent and mature control system is the core of the entire machine and the key to ensuring product yield and production efficiency.
3. Application of Weikeda System Solutions in Three-Axis Leading Edge Paper Feeding of Water-Based Ink Printing Presses
(1) Process flow and application scheme of the three-axis leading edge paper feeding system of Weikeda water-based ink printing press
Weikeda's leading edge paper feed control system has many years of application experience in water-based ink printing presses. The system adopts a motion controller + high-performance servo architecture. The motion controller is mainly responsible for planning the timing and curve of the three paper feed axes' movements and...
Figure 1. Architecture diagram of the three-axis leading edge control system
Figure 2 Action sequence diagram
The system utilizes servo-based interactive signal processing, with the host controlling a high-performance servo to execute motion control commands, ensuring high-speed, stable, and precise control of the cardboard delivery position. The entire system is intelligent, precise, and efficient, and is easy to debug and operate.
The core components of the entire system consist of an HMI, a motion controller, three servos, and an encoder (see Figure 1), and the action timing is shown in Figure 2.
Table 1. Comparison of Selection and Effect of Three-Axis Leading Edge Control Systems
(2) Brief introduction to the control scheme of the three-axis leading edge system (Figure 3)
• The host motion controller sends a start signal, determines the initial phase angle based on the encoder signal of the main shaft, and performs electronic cam planning for paper feed shafts 1, 2, and 3, as well as the paperboard length and servo axis mechanical spacing. Each of the three paper feed shafts then executes its own action.
• Stop each cardboard sheet individually as it leaves to ensure it remains powered throughout the process and does not scratch the next sheet;
• Paper feed servos 1, 2, and 3 start simultaneously;
• When the cardboard leaves the paper feed servo 3, servo 3 begins to decelerate;
• When the cardboard leaves the paper feed servo 2, servo 2 begins to decelerate;
• When the cardboard leaves the paper feed servo 1, servo 1 begins to decelerate;
• After each paper feed axis completes its paper feeding action, it sends a signal to the host computer to enter the next action cycle.
4. Comparison of application effects and advantages/disadvantages of the system under different configurations, see Table 1.
5. Conclusion
Since its launch, Weikeda's leading edge paper feed control solution has been refined and improved through years of application and debugging experience. It now provides comprehensive control solutions and core control components such as HMIs, motion controllers, and servo systems to domestic and international customers for OEM and retrofit projects, effectively addressing their concerns regarding accuracy, efficiency, and cost control. Over the years, the company has cultivated a loyal customer base both domestically and internationally. While creating economic value for its core clients, Weikeda has also achieved significant progress and generated social benefits.
Figure 3. Flowchart of the three-axis leading edge control system
