Fujifilm and Inca Digital have introduced new robotic tools to further the scope and application range of the Onset X HS range of ultra-high productivity large format printers.
Utilising Dual Flex and High Five robotics, the range includes a semi-automatic (manual load and automatic take-off) configuration and a fully automatic loading, take-off and stacking system, designed specifically to handle flexible and difficult materials, such as unconditioned corrugated board.
There are four automation options for the Onset X HS range – the 3/4 semi-automatic system, a fully automatic material loading system, a fully automatic handling system for unconditioned corrugated board, and a fully automatic handling system with integrated flexible loading.
The 3/4 automation system allows for single sheet, multiple sheets or double-sided print in registration. The operator loads sheets onto a preload table and the system takes over the rest, stacking it on a pallet for simple removal of the printed media. What’s more, the system allows the operator immediate, direct access to the bed and registration points for quick switch between manual and semi-automatic work.
The fully automatic material loading system is designed to handle conditioned and dimensionally stable sheets. It works in conjunction with the 3/4 handling unit to provide full automation, handling multiple sheets with highly accurate registration. The loader can be moved away from the machine to allow access to the print bed.
The corrugated board solution incorporates a fully automatic handling system, specially designed to handle difficult materials like unconditioned corrugated board. Vacuum-to-vacuum transfer ensures precision handling, from the robotic arm pickup to placement on the print bed and stacking of the printed board.
Finally, Dual Flex features integrated flexible loading that enables printers to transition seamlessly between lay table loading and dual robot automation. This system provides full capability to load and unload flexible, semi-rigid and rigid sheets with a seamless switch from one operation to the other. In full automation mode, the dual robots also offer an optional ‘flip to print’ mode – High 5 – for front to back, double sided print requirements without manual intervention.
Such automation technology assists with long run production, as well as reducing job changeover times and the need for manual intervention between runs.
Matt Brooks, head of products and solutions at Inca Digital, said, ‘The new automation options available with the Onset X HS range are the result of close collaboration with our current Onset X customers. Longer run, full automation is becoming more and more common, and with the introduction of highly sophisticated robotic arms from ABB and Inca’s uniquely designed sheet pick-up technology, our Onset X customers can now produce extremely high volume, high quality print work in even less time. The ultra-high productivity and rapid job changeovers optimise production levels like never before.’
He continued, ‘A fast and powerful handling system is vital for the Onset X to perform to its full capacity, helping to maximise job turnaround speeds and job changeovers for longer runs. We’re delighted to be launching these advanced automation solutions to the market, helping our customers to achieve optimum productivity and print quality, and we have already seen a great deal of interest in these new types of automation solutions.’
Inca Digital has partnered with Zund to showcase how such technology can be used to fully automate a print-to-cut workflow; read more in the March/April 2021 issue of Digital Labels & Packaging, and here
