Koenig & Bauer MetalPrint presents a new inline coating thickness control system for the MetalCoat 483, optimising the production quality of metal packaging.
Controlling the coating thickness is a decisive factor for the quality of coated sheets and plays a central role in the production of metal packaging. With the new inline coating thickness control, Koenig & Bauer MetalPrint guarantees precise coating application and optimises production quality. Through automatic and continuous measurement and adjustment of the coating layer thickness waste is reduced and paint consumption is optimised.
Manual checks of the paint layer thickness are often associated with uncertainties. To be on the safe side More paint applied than actually required. This leads to increased material costs and inefficient consumption. In addition, quality defects may only be discovered late during spot checks, which further burdens the production process.
The solution: Inline coating thickness control
The new inline coating thickness control system from Koenig & Bauer MetalPrint solves these challenges. Real-time measurement and control of the paint film thickness the system ensures stable process quality and minimises both waste and paint consumption. In addition to saving on production costs, automation relieves the burden on employees, who can then concentrate on other tasks.
The system for the MetalCoat 483 combines direct drives on the painting machine with high-precision SpecMetrix measuring probes, which are installed directly after the painting machine.
„In collaboration with Koenig & Bauer MetalPrint, we offer the metal packaging industry an innovative solution for optimising the coating process: next-generation coating thickness and film weight control. Our patented SpecMetrix technology, integrated into the MetalCoat 483, provides highly accurate real-time data that enables seamless quality control and supports efficient process control.“
Vivian Bravo Beck, Project manager of SpecMetrix, a brand of Industrial Physics.
The probes continuously measure the coating thickness, while the Koenig & Bauer MetalPrint control function transmits and analyses the data to the machine control system in real time. During set-up, operators can adopt target values from predefined coating recipes for the control system or customise target values. During production, deviations from the target value are automatically recognised and correctedThe paint gap is readjusted until the target value is reached again. The precise control enables a reduction in gas consumption of up to 10 per cent. This is not only easy on the budget, but also significantly promotes the sustainability of the production process.
Successful practical test
A successful field test of the inline coating thickness control system at Blechwarenfabrik Limburg GmbH demonstrated the effectiveness of the solution under real conditions. Various paints were tested. The results showed a clear improvement in process stability, operating costs have been significantly reduced. Operators praised the automatic control and the safety that comes with it.
„The inline coating thickness control system we have installed is a wonderful example of how economic and ecological goals can be combined. Resources are conserved, quality and efficiency are increased and money is saved. The project also shows how tradition and innovation come together through the co-operation between the oldest printing press manufacturer Koenig & Bauer and the oldest metal packaging manufacturer, Blechwarenfabrik Limburg.“
Hugo Trappmann, CEO Blechwarenfabrik Limburg, President of the Metal Packaging Association
Available for new and existing systems
The new inline coating thickness control system from Koenig & Bauer MetalPrint is designed for use with new MetalCoat 483 coating machines as well as with the new MetalCoat 483 coating machines. Also for retrofitting existing installations available. It offers companies an innovative way to increase production quality while saving costs and resources.
Source: Koenig & Bauer
