Application in the graphics industry

The equipment

The measuring equipment basically consists of a microscope and a computer. The microscope serves as registration apparatus. A camera sends the images through to a computer. There the images are stored and analyzed. From the various microscopic images, ingenious software then deduces a series of relevant measuring data about the object concerned.

The problem

In the graphics industry, the impression cylinders of the rotary presses need to be scrutinized regularly.
Printers must know about minute height differences in the ink holes to be able to accurately assess how much ink must be applied in order to achieve good printing results on various materials. Besides, the measuring data are a good indicator for the quality of the cylinder.

Not only the depth of the so-called 'cells' is vital information; the volume and the surface are important, too.
Sometimes there are tiny channels that run between the cells. A printer is also interested in the size of those.

The solution

The Checkmaster II has a ready-made solution for all these demands. It takes a series of images from the cell or the group of cells. The measuring area is automatically selected (if desired). Simply put, this is what happens:
Based on a focus analysis, the Checkmaster knows when the maximum height difference has been reached. Then the software starts computing. All the intermediate values are deduced from the image, thus enabling the system to draw up a complete three-dimensional pattern of measuring points of the cell.

The results

Almost instantaneously, the most important measuring data appear on the monitor screen, crystal clear and complete.
Hundreds of images can be stored for later inspection, calculation or comparison. These files can easily be transferred to other applications; via networks too. And of course it is always possible to print the measuring data, with your company logo included if desired.

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