Networked solutions for resource-saving production. BST presents quality-assurance systems for the entire plastics cycle at K 2022

“We will be presenting our iPQ-SurfaceFILM surface inspection system for the first time at K 2022 – an application designed specially for plastics and films. Two of the system’s stand-out features are its new, intuitive operating concept and the unique value for money it offers,” says BST Global Sales Director Sajid Malik. In hall 4, booth C44, the company will be presenting its iPQ-Surface surface inspection system, which has been optimized for converting films, together with multi-layered solutions for quality assurance of printed materials and web guiding systems with variable sensors and maximum precision. BST will also be demonstrating the possibilities offered by open-interface digitization of production processes with SMARTData. SMARTData enables the collection, analysis and processing of quality-related data across all processes. This allows BST to provide clear answers to key problems in the circular economy and to explain at the customer’s premises how these issues impact on quality, efficiency and cost optimization.

“Impending raw materials supply shortages and the current energy crisis are placing considerable pressure on the industry. Our range of solutions helps companies achieve high quality and low reject rates while fully utilizing the available machine speeds. Our intelligently networked solutions increase the overall effectiveness of the plant and reduce total cost of ownership,” says Malik.

Surface inspection for reliable quality in materials production

Material defects in the films a machine produces can be caused by a number of issues, including temperature fluctuations in the extrusion process and other external factors. BST’s iPQ-SurfaceFILM surface inspection system ensures reliable detection of deviations in quality and documents them with positional accuracy. This quality data can then be used for downstream processes, such as the rejection of defects. The software offers numerous interfaces for simple integration into Industry 4.0 environments, thus directly helping to improve the customer’s processes.

Various quality-assurance solutions for the further conversion of plastic materials will also be on display at the BST booth. The iPQ-Center precisely combines hardware and software components in an intuitive, multi-touch interface that allows customers to use familiar, smartphone-like gesture control to gain central access to all their digital web monitoring and inspection functions – from zooming to selecting image areas, viewing the entire web width, and determining measuring points for spectral color measurement. The BST system thus delivers top-level quality assurance in the printing process and maximum user-friendliness at the same time.

Cost-efficient TubeScan technology now also for extensive web widths

Always 100 per cent in view – the cost-efficient TubeScan XL inspection system is now also available for web widths up to 1,700 mm. The consistent further development of the proven TubeScan technology for the special requirements of wide webs provides a cost-effective entry point into 100% inspection. “With over 2,500 systems sold for label and narrow web applications, TubeScan is very popular all around the world. The TubeScan XL will now fill an important niche in our portfolio with regard to increased cost awareness,” says Malik.

Unique web guiding systems

If guiding based on the web edge is not possible, the production process often requires an extra guide line printed at the edge of the material that can be cut off once it is no longer needed. BST’s camera-based sensor CLS CAM 100 enables the customer to avoid the waste this method produces – the sensor guides the web directly based on objects or motifs in the printed image. This means that guiding accuracy is maintained precisely, even if there is a risk of fluctuations in the web tension – and at the highest web speeds. BST systems thereby ensure process reliability and optimum quality for the end product. This reduction in waste and offcuts not only improves economic efficiency, but also leads to greater sustainability in production. And because time is money, these products have been designed to be intuitive and quick to set up – minimal set-up and downtimes create more space for activities that actually create value.

In addition to the CLS CAM 100, BST will also be presenting the FRAMEGuide, a rotating frame with maximum guiding accuracy and a distinctive design. FRAMEGuide is the only pivoting frame on the market with the lowest possible height. As such, it is optimized for integration into narrow machine layouts. FRAMEGuide can be used for all installation positions and web guides.

SMARTData: complete quality documentation and forward-looking process optimization

“With SMARTData, we are able to deliver complete, cross-process and position-accurate quality data mapping from different processes. Think of it as a digital routing slip that documents all the quality data for all your processes,” Malik explains. But in addition to the precise documentation of the manufacturing process, the system also offers enormous benefits in terms of production efficiency: thanks to the position-accurate data allocation, rejects can be detected at an early stage and surgically removed from the production line. As a result, the subsequent production processes are supplied exclusively with flawless materials, thus laying the groundwork for top product quality across the board. This can play a huge role in reducing overall plant costs. SMARTData optimizes processes and plays an important role in the predictive maintenance of machines and components.

About BST 

BST GmbH, an elexis Group company, is one of the leading suppliers of quality-assurance systems for web-processing industries. The company, which is based in Bielefeld, north-west Germany, offers solutions for web guiding, surface inspection, web monitoring, 100% inspection, color measurement, color management, register control and automation. The company has decades of practical experience in these areas, with installations for more than 15,000 customers all over the world in the printing and packaging, paper and film, rubber and tire, battery and fuel cell, and printed and organic electronics industries. BST stands for high-quality monitoring, smooth production processes and first-class service worldwide.

www.bst.elexis.group