Provident Offers Scanning Microscope

Published: April 04, 2018

APPLETON, WI | Provident Group says the AniCAM 3D Scanning Microscope is the capturing device for Troikas Quality Control Applications to measure flexo plates, anilox rolls, and gravure cylinders. These applications are proven to enable printers to know the condition of their rolls or plates and make savings by reducing press set-up time and waste.

Its design allows the camera to be placed on flat material and/or ceramic, chrome, or steel cylinders. The internal high-tech motors can be stepped in fractions of a micron. The 3D images are generated from a number of “photos” taken at a different focus depths. Software combines the sharp parts of each image and creates the 3D representation of the substrate for which depth, opening, volume, dot shape and profile can be analyzed.

The following can be measured:

• Average cell volume
• Cell frequency in lpi or lpcm
• Cell opening diameter
• Cell wall width
• Cell depth
• Cell angles

The camera unit is equipped with two light sources: Coaxial light is directed straight down onto the surface of the material and reflected back up the same path and onto the camera. It is essential for the Autofocus and readings. The Radial Light is a 2 x 9-LED ring system that is designed to radiate light into the cells, which leads to an optimum illumination for most accurate readings. Company says verifying the volume of a set of anilox rolls is essential for maintaining ink balance on press. Having a set of rolls that one knows have similar volumes will reduce time-consuming and costly ink strengthening and its associated work-off ink; it can reduce the need for ink extending and some work-off ink inventory. All measurement information and images can be printed or exported for use in 3rd-party software for comparison between historic and current information. User can track the changes in volume of anilox rolls and monitor their condition. Having a graphical history of wear on the anilox rolls allows user to plan, financially and in production, for roll replacement or refurbishment.

The AniCAM is very portable, therefore measurements can be taken in the press room, the plate room, or in the anilox storage area, making it a practical tool for all print departments.

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