Cimtec Automation Blog

Monday, October 31, 2011

Cognex DataMan 8500 (8000 Series) is Replacement for DataMan 7500 Series

The Cognex DataMan 7500 is obsolete!  But the next generation 8500 (part of the 8000 series) is ...

The Most Advanced Industrial Handheld ID Reader Ever

DataMan 8000 Series offers three unique capabilities for your industrial environment. The new Cognex DataMan® 8000 Series of readers build on the capabilities of the existing highly successful DataMan industrial handheld readers, which have been the benchmark for industrial direct part mark (DPM) code reading performance since their release.

The DataMan 8000 Series introduces several firsts to industrial handheld reader capabilities, as described further below:
  1. First Autofocus in an Industrial Handheld Reader for More Depth of Field Flexibility
  2. Innovative Modular Communications including Ethernet for Real-Time Part Traceability
  3. Cognex Advanced IDMax® Code Reading Performance for Optimum Read Rates

1. First Autofocus in an Industrial Handheld Reader for More Flexibility

The new DataMan 8000 Series is the first to offer integrated liquid lens technology in an industrial handheld reader.

The adjustable focus of the liquid lens gives maximum depth of field flexibility enabling you to use the system close up for very small 2D direct part marks as well as at a greater distance to read longer 1D barcodes, with extremely fast response times.

2. Innovative Modular Connectivity for Real-Time Part Traceability

The DataMan 8000 Series of ID readers is also the first handheld reader to offer Ethernet communication capability for easy integration into your factory network for real-time product and part traceability.

Upgrade from RS-232/USB to Industrial Ethernet with field exchangeable interface modules to modify your initial installation when your communication requirements change.

3. Advanced Code Reading Performance for Optimum Read Rates

And, of course, the DataMan 8000 Series of handheld industrial ID readers features proven patented IDMax technology and two powerful algorithms, 1DMax™ and 2DMax™, to decode virtually every type of code, every time, with unsurpassed read rates.
1DMax TechnologyFor 1D barcodes, the 1DMax™ algorithm is our best-in-class reading tool optimized for omnidirectional barcode reading that can handle extreme variations.

2DMax TechnologyFor 2D codes, 2DMax™ technology pioneered the adoption of 2D Data Matrix coding in many industries for direct part marking and high speed printed applications.

Contact Us Today to Learn More About the NEW Cognex DataMan 8500 or if You Have an Older DataMan 7500!

Monday, October 17, 2011

Cimtec to Host GE-IP Modernization Workshop Dec 6.

Dec 6, 2011:    Charlotte NC.

Signup information and promotional offer below.

Reduce the complexity, improve the performance, and lower the cost of your distributed control system

This unique workshop will demonstrate how you can save time, reduce hardware cost and improve your system’s performance. See the latest capabilities made possible by Ethernet technology, and learn about powerful integration tools to easily migrate your systems—using the integrated Profinet Network on our PACSystems RX3i controller, VersaMax distributed I/O, and a wide range of third-party devices.

Seats are limited—register below!

Sign up here:

Promotional Offer:   RX3i Profinet Starter Kit rev2

Friday, October 14, 2011

Identifying Registration Marks in Laminate Films

By using a registration mark, not only is the final print of higher quality, but less scrap is created by print passes that do not line up.

Many manufacturing processes rely on registration marks to line up sheet materials for cutting or printing. Some packaging companies use multi-laminate films for their packaging applications, and can require elaborate printed graphics that include several colors. If even one of the colors is offset, the resulting print can appear blurred. In order to maintain a high level of quality with these complex printing systems, printers use registration marks on the base film to act as an orientation point for multi-color printing so that all of the color passes a realigned. By using a registration mark not only is the final print of higher quality, but less scrap is created by print passes that do not line up.

The registration mark is only one part of the alignment process. The printing system has to be able to identify the registration mark and align either the base material or the printing apparatus accordingly. Traditionally, registration marks were aligned visually by the operator, and relied on the judgment of the operator to achieve accuracy. Other types of registration marks, such as perforations in the base material allowed the material to be aligned on pins to maintain the correct orientation. However, the human eye can only provide so much accuracy, and alignment pins are not always appropriate, depending on the type of material and its final use.

Additionally an eyespot is provided to assist with registration both by the manufacturer and by the end user. The consistency of the eyespot-to-eyespot dimension is not only of value during the printing process, but is also used to determine correct seal and cut-off dimensions for the packaging filler. Variation in either printed registration or eyespot repeatability can lead to packaging quality issues and value added product returns to the printed films manufacturer.

Using Digital Imaging to Improve Printing Quality

Today, advancements in digital imaging allow this technology to be applied to the printing process and to greatly improve the overall quality. Digital imaging can also be used to measure the distance between printed registration marks to minimize the amount of scrap that is generated.

Cimtec's Solution for Printing

Cimtec has developed a custom solution for this application specifically for the printing industry. A digital imaging system for this application consists of an optical sensor, such as a SICK high switching frequency (10 KHz) sensor, that will read the printed eyespot that is located along the edge of the material web. An SICK-Stegmann optical encoder is utilized to calculate the line speed based on the drive roll. The impression distance is then calculated by the PLC controller based on the time differential between eyespots multiplied by the line speed. The system includes a human machine interface (HMI) that has the capability to display multiple values. These values are called up individually by function keys on the controller front control panel:

  • Single impression distance measurement (F1)

  • Average impression dimension (F2-over X number of impressions as input by the operator F3)

  • Impression length tolerance value (F4-high and F5-low)

  • Impression count set point (F6)

  • Linear compensation factors (F7)



Output signals are provided when the dimensional tolerances values (F4) and (F5) are exceeded or to stop the line upon reaching the predetermined impression count (F6).

The alerts provided by this specific Cimtec solution will allow manufacturers to have a better handle on their printing operations and to maintain higher quality of the printing process. Through higher quality, manufacturers will reduce the amount of excess material as well as mis-printed material, which will in turn reduce overall production costs. Also, the improved consistency of the printing process has direct influence on maintaining a quality package during filling operations and improved end user satisfaction.