Control for printing and printing lines
- Custom panel construction
- Reliable synchronization
- Full commissioning
Printing and print lines control
A control cabinet for printing and printing lines forms the heart of automation in the printing industry. These cabinets control crucial processes such as register control, synchronization and temperature control. For engineers and buyers alike, reliability is essential here, because downtime of a printing line means immediate production loss. In modern solutions, factors such as safety, energy efficiency and data monitoring come together. This creates a system that not only controls the line, but also provides insight into performance and maintenance needs.
Paneelbouw Pioniers voor Machinebouw
Met de precisie van een horlogemaker en de souplesse van een acrobaat, zet Gerbin Control zich in voor het creëren van maatwerk elektrotechnische panelen voor de machinebouw. Als veerkrachtige speler in de paneelbouw, schakelen we snel, zonder in te boeten op kwaliteit of duurzaamheid. Stap in onze wereld van innovatie en ontdek hoe we uw machinebouw-projecten naar een hoger niveau kunnen tillen.
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What are control cabinets for pressure and print lines?
A control cabinet for pressure and print lines is a specially designed panel that brings together all the electrical and electronic components to safely and efficiently control a pressure line or print line. These are cabinets that bring together PLCs, drive components, I/O modules and protection circuits, among others. In the printing industry, the cabinet plays a key role in functions such as paper transport, register control and the control of drying and UV systems.
A printing line panel must not only be reliable, but also flexible enough to integrate new technologies and protocols. Consider data processing via Profinet, OPC UA or Modbus, so operators have real-time visibility into line performance.
Important standards and guidelines
Several international and European guidelines apply to a control cabinet in the graphics sector. These ensure safety, reliability and interoperability.
CE marking and EMC
Any cabinet put into service in Europe must comply with the CE directives. This includes the EMC directive that sets requirements for electromagnetic compatibility. This is crucial in pressure lines where high speeds and many motors can cause interference sensitivity.
UL and CSA
When exporting to the United States or Canada, it may be necessary to build panels according to UL 508A or CSA. This is often phrased as “possibly conforming to UL/CSA” depending on market demand.
NEN 61439
Within the Netherlands and Europe, NEN-EN-IEC 61439 is an important standard for low-voltage switchgear and distribution devices. Among other things, this standard describes safety, load capacity and heat management of control cabinets.
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Applications in industry
A print line controller often has several functions at once:
- Paper transport and speed synchronization of rolls or sheets.
- Register control For accurate positioning of printing layers.
- Ink systems and drying units such as UV lamps or infrared drying.
- Cutting and finishing units that run exactly parallel to main production.
- Temperature and humidity control To ensure quality of printing.
The environment places demands on the cabinet. EMC sensitivity requires shielded cabling and internal separation of signal and power components. Heat generation from frequency converters or power supplies also necessitates active cooling or ventilation.
Benefits of control cabinets for printing and printing lines
A well-designed control cabinet provides both technical and economic benefits:
- Reliability: minimal downtime due to robust components and clear fault detection.
- Efficiency: Accurate synchronization reduces downtime and ensures consistent quality.
- Serviceability: Documentation in EPLAN makes diagnosis and service easier.
- Future-proofing: Modern protocols and modular design allow upgrades.
- Cost savings: Lower Total Cost of Ownership due to longer service life and less unplanned downtime.
The process from design to commissioning
A control box goes through a structured process before it is operational within a printing line:
Design and engineering
In this phase, electrical schematics are developed in software such as EPLAN Pro Panel. Here, components are selected and layouts optimized for heat, EMC and maintenance.
Panel Building
The cabinet is built in the workshop, with tight wiring, cable routing and labeling. All components are placed according to design and tested for basic functions.
Testing: FAT and SAT
Before delivery, a Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) takes place where the cabinet is checked for design conformance and functionality. After installation on site, a Site Acceptance Test (SAT) with the printing line itself.
Installation and cabling
The cabinet is connected to motors, sensors and peripherals. Network connections via Profinet or Modbus are integrated.
Commissioning
After SAT, the full boot process follows. In this process, synchronization, register control and other functions are validated. Operators and maintenance staff receive instructions and documentation to use the system optimally.
Years of experience in the field of industrial automation
Efficiency and reliability in industrial automation
With Gerbin Control as your partner, you benefit from several specific advantages. We strive for reduced Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and offer electrical components that meet the highest standards. In addition, we combine flexibility with competitive pricing, increase the efficiency of your systems and machines, and have an international network and UL/CSA certification.
Gerbin Control as your partner for control cabinets
At Gerbin Control, we understand how critical the role of a control cabinet for printing and printing lines is. Our strength lies in combining hardware engineering, panel construction, installation and commissioning into a total solution that seamlessly meets the requirements of the printing industry. Thanks to years of experience in various industries, we know which details determine reliability, safety and ease of maintenance.
We build cabinets according to relevant standards such as NEN 61439, and if required can deliver panels that meet international requirements such as UL 508A or CSA. Documentation is done in EPLAN Pro Panel, which not only ensures transparency but also easy transfer and maintenance in the future. Our expertise extends from standard printing lines to complex installations in which synchronization, register control and data links via Profinet or OPC UA are central.
This is how we offer companies in the printing industry security and continuity. With Gerbin Control, you choose a partner who delivers customization, thinks in terms of solutions and ensures that your production line continues to run optimally.
Contact us for advice or a no-obligation introduction. Together we will see how your printing or printing line can benefit from a reliable control cabinet.
Frequently asked questions about control cabinets for pressure and print lines
How is register regulation applied to printing lines?
Register control ensures that different printing layers are exactly on top of each other. This is done via sensors that measure the position of the paper or substrate and through the control box this is compared with the reference position. Small deviations are automatically corrected by adjustments in the drive speed or position of the cylinders. Thus, the print remains razor-sharp, even at high speed.
What components are incorporated into a printing line panel?
A control cabinet typically contains PLCs, inverters, servos, power supplies, relays, protection switches and I/O modules. There are also network links for communication with SCADA or MES systems. Each component has a specific role, such as controlling motors or collecting sensor data. The combination allows complete synchronization and monitoring of a PCB line.
What is the difference between FAT and SAT in control cabinets?
The Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) takes place at the builder’s facility. Here the cabinet is tested for schematic, functionality and safety before delivery. The Site Acceptance Test (SAT) takes place on site, where the cabinet is integrated into the printing line and tested in real-world conditions. Together, FAT and SAT ensure that the cabinet operates reliably and safely in the final production environment.
When is upgrading an existing cabinet sufficient?
Replacement is not always necessary. Sometimes an existing control cabinet can be upgraded with new components or modern protocols. For example, if only communication needs to be expanded to Profinet or OPC UA. This saves costs and time, while the cabinet still meets current requirements. For outdated cabinets without expansion options, however, complete replacement may be necessary.
What advantages does synchronization through a control box offer?
Synchronization ensures that all parts of the printing or print line operate at the same speed and timing. This prevents skewing, color shifts and production losses. Thanks to modern drive components and protocols, the control box can control motors, rollers and finishing units with millisecond precision. The result is higher product quality and less downtime due to error corrections.