The precise positioning capabilities of Rockwell Automation's PowerFlex 700S AC drive system enables it to replace outdated mechanical line shafts and gearboxes in printing, web handling and other tension control applications. PowerFlex 700S is also ideal for new presses used for printing Rotogravure, for magazines and packaging, and for those printing Flexographic Gearless for packaging.
The electronic line shaft system offers printers a convenient method of maintaining speed and registration control of printing presses. Users can enjoy the benefits of shaftless drive control, including increased flexibility, improved power transmission and reduced downtime.
"Printers who are looking to upgrade or revamp their current control system will benefit from the flexibility and state-of-the-art performance of the PowerFlex 700S drive in an electronic line shaft configuration," explains Gerry Niebler, print marketing manager, Rockwell Automation. "In addition to eliminating the costs of mechanical replacements and spare parts, the system provides precise positioning and synchronisation for increased productivity."
With the electronic line shaft capability, users can reduce the mechanical complexity of their system by eliminating expensive rotating components like gears, shafts, clutches and couplings when transmitting power from line shaft motors to the press itself. This, combined with its open architecture and standard off-the-shelf products, helps provide improved usability and support over traditional line shaft drive control. The solution provides a simple retrofit option for adding units on an existing press and helps eliminate the need for expensive components.
Drive-to-drive synchronisation may be achieved with SynchLink – a high-performance, high-speed, drive-to-drive fibre optic data link that transmits synchronised drive and application information for multiple drive synchronisation. Designed to improve accuracy in printing applications, SynchLink facilitates the transmission of a speed and position reference to help ensure all drives are tightly synchronized, thereby allowing registration and compensation moves to be performed electronically (versus mechanically, on a printing press).