[dropcaps style=’2′]At Plastindia 2018, A.T.E along with its group company, Valence Electrons, presented its full spectrum of printing and converting industry solutions. The products included ATEX-certified static charge eliminators, static charging systems, online static monitoring, ink circulating and conditioning systems, waste heat recovery systems, register control systems, vision/defect detect systems, and plant conditioning/ventilation systems. Valence Electrons is the first Indian manufacturing company to launch ATEX certified static charge eliminators. Ashok Sethuram, director of Valence Electrons and Anand Mehta, vice president and head – printing and packaging equipment (operations) A.T.E, discussed with The Packman about the group’s exhibits as well as the scope and potential of these solutions in the market.[/dropcaps]
Controlling and removing static electricity, ink handling and conditioning systems, recovery of waste heat, surface cleaning and removal of dust from substrates are the focus areas for Valence Electrons. Sethuram explained, “We are proud to launch the ATEX-certified static charge eliminators, static charging systems and online static charge monitoring systems at Plastindia. We are the first Indian manufacturing company to offer ATEX-certified ststic charge eliminators. These are highly efficient static eliminating bars designed for neutralizing electrostatic charges from fast moving films, paper and other non-conductive substrates (webs) in hazardous conditions. Online static measuring systems provide indication and alarms by measuring electrostatic charges on a fast moving web. Charging electrodes and high voltage generators are most useful to enhance production by creating a temporary bond or attraction between two materials, one of which is an insulator.”
According to Mehta, A.T.E’s print and packaging business (PPE) unit is the only Indian manufacturer of register controllers for rotogravure presses. Register controllers have been the mainstay of PPE, however, new product additions include vision systems to monitor print during production runs. Mehta explained, “For rotogravure printers, either there is an entry-level web or a 100% print inspection system. Full repeat web viewing system, which could monitor full width of the web in real-time was a need for many years, particularly in the Indian market. The 55-inch 4K monitor displaying images of 50+ megapixels resolution results in near-print quality web visualization. The ViewAXIS Tera was an idea given by a few printers and OEMs. They asked if they could have an intermediate system which in later stage can be upgraded to a 100% inspection system. The advantage of doing this is two-fold – first, operators get to learn to identify the defects on a full print repeat monitoring system and second is the staggering investment for the business.” DetectAXIS, a 100% print defect detection system, quickly spots printing defects that are practically invisible to unassisted human eye in real-time by comparing the captured images with a golden template. When a defect is spotted, DetectAXIS generates an alarm, and the operator can take necessary corrective actions. DetectAXIS thus ensures consistent defect-free and high print quality material dispatch.
–Pranay Mathur
