6 January, 2012
Beta LaserMike introduces the LaserSpeed® non-contact encoder to help manufacturers accurately and consistently measure the length and speed of products during sequential printing applications. Manufacturers are realizing real productivity gains with this technology by significantly reducing maintenance errors and improving process control.
“Laser-based length and speed measurements have become the standard measurement technology for sequential printing applications,” said Mr. V. Kumar, India Country Manager for Beta LaserMike. “For example, manufacturers have installed our LaserSpeed encoder at various locations on the production line, such as adjacent to the printing system just after the jacket is extruded onto the wire or cable. Many manufactures have installed the LaserSpeed encoder before the capstan station or take-up reel. Placing LaserSpeed next to the printing system where the marking occurs enables manufacturers to better track the actual product length and speed. The result is increased productivity, improved product quality, and bottom-line savings.”
Contact-type measurement devices, such as tachometers or mechanical wheel encoders, are inaccurate due to slippage, dirt build-up, and frequent calibration. In many cases, measurement inaccuracies can range upward around 2% or more. Products such as CAT, CV, power, telephone, and other types of cables are very expensive to produce. A high measurement inaccuracy can create a substantial quantity of material scrap or waste, costing manufacturers a significant amount of money in unnecessary expense.
The LaserSpeed measurement system is a direct replacement for error-prone mechanical contact encoders. It uses advanced, laser-based technology to precisely measure the length and speed of wire and cable for sequential printing applications. This laser encoder projects a unique pattern on the surface of the product without making contact. As the product moves, light is scattered back to the LaserSpeed unit. This information is translated into product speed and pulses are produced to determine the product length. These pulses can be sent directly to the printing system via quadrature output. Pulses can also be sent to a PLC system. This enables manufacturers to control the exact spacing between print marks with +/-0.05% accuracy. Under controlled conditions, it is possible for LaserSpeed to approach +/-0.02% accuracy.
Beta LaserMike offers a complete line of LaserSpeed systems with measurement speeds up to12,000 m/min (39,400 ft/min) and down to the true zero speed, standoff distances up to 1000 mm (39.4 in), and measurement depth of field up to 100 mm (3.0 in). LaserSpeed has no moving parts and is factory calibrated, reducing the need for routine adjustments and maintenance.