Microscan Introduces the World’s Smallest Machine Vision Smart Camera with Embedded Ethernet

Microscan, a global technology leader in barcode, machine vision, and lighting solutions, announces the availability of the Vision MINI Xi industrial compact smart camera with embedded Ethernet. As part of Microscan’s award-winning AutoVISION® machine vision product suite, this tiny powerhouse is packed with features for close-range industrial auto ID, inspection, and other machine vision applications.

Microscan’s new industrial Vision MINI Xi is the world’s smallest fully-integrated smart camera with embedded Ethernet, measuring in at 1 in (25.4 mm) x 1.8 in (45.7 mm) x 2.1 in (53.3 mm) and weighing 3.2 oz (91 g). The Vision MINI Xi features both Ethernet and serial connectivity, a 24-volt interface, and optically isolated I/O in one compact package.

Manufacturing engineers looking for robust inspection, color matching, symbol decoding, or OCR can count on the Vision MINI Xi to fit into tight spaces in assembly line manufacturing and component tracking applications. The Vision MINI Xi can handle dot peen marks on power-train components, laser markings on medical devices or PCBs, as well as traditional printed barcodes on packaging and labels.

Together with the easy-to-use AutoVISION machine vision software, the Vision MINI Xi is the ideal solution for manufacturers who need to read barcodes, but require the flexibility to add additional inspection capabilities to their processes using a single hardware device. All Microscan smart cameras run on the same vision software with easy job portability, or upgrade to Microscan’s advanced Visionscape® platform with 50+ machine vision tools without the need to switch cameras.

Microscan is a global leader in technology for precision data acquisition and control solutions serving a wide range of automation and OEM applications. Founded in 1982, Microscan has a strong history of technology innovation that includes the invention of the first laser diode barcode scanner and the 2D symbology, Data Matrix. Today, Microscan remains a technology leader in automatic identification and machine vision with extensive solutions for ID tracking, traceability and inspection ranging from basic barcode reading up to complex machine vision inspection, identification, and measurement.

As an ISO 9001:2008 certified company recognized for quality leadership in the U.S., Microscan is known and trusted by customers worldwide as a provider of quality, high precision products. Microscan is a Spectris company.

Masterwork launches the Mk1060ERS Die Cutter

Masterwork Graphic Equipment has expanded its product line-up following the launch of the MK1060ERS, an automatic platen die cutting machine with stripping and blanking facilities. Die cutting is the core technology behind much of its equipment and Masterwork is constantly pushing forward the boundaries of what can be achieved with the process. The MK1060ERS offers even greater accuracy, speed and stability than previous models while also being easier to operate.

The MK1060ERS incorporates five processes - feeding, die cutting, stripping, blanking and waste conveying - allowing one operator to turn printed sheets into finished products in a single pass. Optional devices include pre-stacking and stripping preparation stands. The timing belts incorporated into the feed table improve the presentation of stock to the front and side lays, while the slow-down device enables thin paper to be controlled accurately.

Continuous feeding is aided by the high level of automation, with sheet detectors and control devices reducing waste. Masterwork has equipped the stripping unit with a quick locking facility for easy operation and fast positioning of the stripping board. The high quality transmission mechanism and smooth cam movement ensure stability and accuracy. Separation sheets can be inserted automatically in the non-stop blanking unit at pre determined quantities.

The MK1060ERS can handle sheets from 400 x 350 mm to 1,060 x 760 mm, and offers an impressive die cutting area of 1,060 x 745 mm with an accuracy of 0.075 mm. The machine can be used with paper/board between 0.1 – 2 mm thick and corrugated board up to 4 mm. High productivity is aided by speeds of up to 6,500 sph. The feeder and delivery pile heights are 1,550 mm and 1,200 mm respectively.

“Our R&D teams and engineers are extremely experienced in every area of die cutting and this allows us to continually develop and test new ideas,” says European sales manager Ken Farnsworth, who heads the European office in Wakefield, UK. “All our machines are built to be highly productive, easy to operate and robust - the MK1060ERS offers a die cutting force of up to 260 tons.

“Masterwork now has the most extensive product range of die cutting machines in the world, many of which incorporate multiple finishing processes. The company is rapidly expanding into Europe as well as many countries around the world such as Brazil, Israel, Australia and Canada. Several customers have installed more than one machine, with a leading packaging printer in France recently investing in its eleventh Masterwork line, while we have clients in Turkey, Brazil and Russia that have also purchased several models. It’s an exciting time for us and we expect to be announcing further additions to our range during 2014.”

Masterwork Graphic Equipment Limited was established in 1971 in Taiwan and in 1995 the company opened manufacturing facilities in China. A 100,000 sq metre factory in Tianjin, China, was opened in 2011 and this was extended during 2013 by an adjoining 60,000 sq metre plant. The company makes an extensive range of industry-leading post press equipment for folding carton production, including die cutting, embossing, foiling, stripping and inspection systems. Masterwork has a turnover of around $100m and employs some 800 people in China. Customers operate in areas such as cosmetics, greetings cards, cigarettes, book covers, labels and magazines. Sales, service and support for customers in Europe plus selected areas of the world are co-ordinated by the company’s European headquarters in Wakefield, UK.

Merasia presents solution to digital printing cleaning issues at Labelexpo India

Merasia, the master distributor of Teknek’s market-leading contact cleaning equipment in South East Asia, will be showing a range of innovative solutions  to clean before digital printing at Labelexpo India.

There has been a huge increase in the use of digital printing in recent years especially in Asia, as the technology has evolved to offer high quality, low volume print on a variety of materials from labels and film to packaging and wallpapers.   Digital printing equipment is particularly vulnerable to contamination as Richard Meredith, director of Merasia explains: “The presence of dust or other contaminants can potentially scratch, block or damage the print head.  When you consider that a new print head can cost up to four figures it makes it easy to calculate the short return on investment for a Teknek cleaner.”

He added: “The solution is to ensure the web is 100% free of contamination.  Teknek’s high performance cleaning rollers make direct contact with the substrate gently lifting particles down to one micron.  When the web is cleaned it eliminates the possibility of particles damaging the print head.  We currently work with leading digital printer manufacturers who integrate a Teknek cleaner into their press as a standard option.”

Esko announces expansion in India Market with new office and additional recruitment in Mumbai

The global supplier of integrated solutions for the packaging and labels, sign and display, commercial printing and publishing industries, Esko is pleased to announce a major expansion of its business in India. As a result of its continuous growth and strategic focus on the region, the company has opened an additional facility in the Mumbai region. In this office the sales and service functions for the west India region will be hosted.  

Esko in India since 1996

Active in India since 1996, Esko has formed successful and longstanding relationships with leading companies such as Universal Print Systems, Shilp Gravures, Numex, Veepee, Britannia, Pragati, Acuprint, ITC, Parksons, TCPL, Positive Packaging to name a few. The company spent the first years focusing on developing commercial opportunities. In 2007 Esko opened of the Global Resources Centre (GRC), and again new premises in Bangalore in 2009.

Last year, Esko moved its main India office to larger premises in Bangalore, where it hosts sales and service functions and accommodates a growing team of software developers and application engineers, systems integration architects and e-support services to customers around the world.

New Mumbai offices

The new supplementary facility in Mumbai will enable a better support to the local growing industry. Mr. Shrihari Rao, Sales - Director of Esko India will be leading the Esko operation in Mumbai as part of the company's investment in the region, this includes recruiting local expertise and adding new talent to strengthen the teams.

“A large proportion of our business in the South Asia region originates from the west of India and requires us to be closer to our customers. Our expanded footprint with the full-fledged sales and support team operating from Mumbai ensures that Esko continues to provide local presence and support to this growing market.” says Mr. Shrihari Rao.

“In order to meet growing local consumer demand, packaging production in India is expanding rapidly," comments Mr. Christian Korte, Senior Vice President of Esko. "Through our broad array of technologies and services, Esko helps print and packaging operations to deliver cost-effective, consistent and high-quality solutions. Our growing presence in the west of India allows us to improve our service to new and existing customers.”

New Mumbai office address:

Esko-Graphics India Private Limited

C/o. DHR Holding India Pvt. Ltd. Unit 405 to 408, 4th Floor, B-Wing, Commercial Office

Towers, Kohinoor City Mall, Kirol Road, Off L.B.S. Marg, Kurla (W), Mumbai - 400 070.

Tel: +91 22 618 80 200

Fax: +91 22 618 80 333

E-Mail: shrihari.rao@esko.com