Erhardt+Leimer unveils latest tech advancements

At this year's Labelexpo Europe, taking place in Brussels from September 11 to 14, Erhardt+Leimer will showcase new rotary drives and the new generation of the SmartScan print image inspection system. The E+L stand will also feature systems and equipment for web guiding, web tension control and print monitoring.

Recently, E+L expanded its actuator product range with the addition of rotary actuating drives. The motors of type AD 11 and AD 12, marketed under the EL.Motion brand, are 'intelligent' drives with an integrated controller. These drives, designed for position control, speed control or torque control, are ideally suited for applications requiring quiet operation and longevity. Two external limit switches can be directly connected to the drive. This combination of distributed intelligence with a dedicated interface concept allows for a decentralized drive topology, reducing wiring and space requirements in the control cabinet. Erhardt+Leimer provides a wide range of communication standards for these drives.

The AD series comes with EL.Net technology, enabling control tasks without an external controller. E+L offers a variety of sensors and input/output modules for this purpose. All drives include web-based management as standard. This means when connected via Ethernet, the motor can be addressed from a PC browser for setting adjustments or status queries. Furthermore, E+L prioritizes open connectivity and offers open access via Ethernet/UDP or certified standard protocols like Ethernet/IP, Profinet and Powerlink.

New generation of SmartScan

The new generation of SmartScan can be installed on printing machines and rewinders as usual. SmartScan – or the MIS2 model to be precise – is now faster, more compact and sports a new design.

On the 2K resolution variant, the company has achieved speeds of up to 600m/min. The 4K variant is also catching up, now reaching speeds of up to 400 m/min. Enhanced LEDs and an optimized lighting concept yield even better image quality. The reflection module for displaying reflective, usually metal-coated materials or finishing foils (e.g. gold, silver) is now standard. The same applies to the exchangeable background panel, which is particularly beneficial for transparent materials.

With this package, users can feel confident in many areas, such as label or packaging printing. The camera units' height has been significantly reduced, but the standard functions like the integrated lighting on the rear panel or the roller guidance haven't been compromised. A new installation concept simplifies integration in the printing machine or the rewinder.

Previously, SmartScan was available with a maximum width of 560mm (22 inches), but the latest generation also offers 660mm (26 inches) and 760mm (30 inches).

In addition, the software has been enhanced and expanded. New defect detection algorithms spot defects with even greater reliability.

The same applies to the defect classification system, which categorizes defects like missing labels, an unremoved matrix, print errors and glue joints or flags even more reliably.

Further defect classes such as hole, barcode or incorrect length are also available. With these comprehensive options for defect and error capture, detailed evaluations can be performed to understand and optimize production processes.

The tried and tested 200 percent inspection technology will continue to be used. Improvements have also been made to the detection of hole defects and to the illumination of fluorescent materials. However, special applications, like the production of labels with integrated RFID antennas, will also benefit from the new features.