The Print Position controllers (PPC) are designed for use in high speed printing press applications where precise adjustment of the print position on the web or final sheet is required.

Input signals from product detectors and a shaft encoder are used to generate the output control signals to the inkjet printer.

Typical applications are for use on newspapers where print rates up to 70,000 copies per hour or 11 metres per second are required.

Two types of PPC have been supplied:

Provides direct control of print position from the front panel with ON/OFF controls and selection between 2 product sensors for Straight/Collect operation.
Suitable for use with Freeform print and long cable lengths.

Operates with differential or NPN output open collector shaft encoders for low noise and high reliability.

PPC4

This is a specially designed unit used on multiple installations with a UK National newspaper.

It is integrated into the printing press control desk and used to independently control the print positions from 2 inkjet print heads operating with Freeform print at up to 70,000 copies per hour. Front panel indicators are provided for printer and fluids status and sensor input signal monitoring.

An RS485 differential output encoder is located 50 metres from the PPC4. Buffered and processed signals are sent from the PPC4 to the printers located over 50 metres away.

25 units have been successfully commissioned on 2 sites in the UK.

Print Position is controlled by thumbwheel switches on the front panel. A total count up to 9999 is available, which corresponds to 9999 shaft encoder pulses for matrix printing or, in the case of Freeform print, the controls are scaled to provide a change in print position of 1 character width per 6 counts on the delay switches.