New System Is Solution To Web Breaks Problem

The Webcatcher S14 from Baldwin, which is claimed to provide a catch rate of 90 per cent, is said to provide an affordable solution to the problem of web breaks to printers.

According to Baldwin, Webcatcher S14 is typically suitable for those printers running 16-page presses, as well as some 24-page and 32-page models.

The new Webcatcher S14 is said to be compact and supports web speeds of 13 metres per second and web widths up to 1,500mm.

The Webcatcher equipment prevents damage to the blanket, plate cylinders or ink rollers in the event of a web break, allowing normal production to be resumed after minimal downtime, claimed Baldwin.

On a heatset web offset line Webcatcher is installed between the last printing unit and the hot air dryer.

An integrated, motorised, remote controlled sensor monitors the web continuously during production.

The laser diode technology incorporated within the sensor ensures a short overall response time.

If the sensor detects a web break, Webcatcher acts immediately (ideally in partnership with Baldwin Protect web severers) said Baldwin.

A pneumatically-operated trolley crossbar in Webcatcher pushes the trailing web, which is stabilised by an air knife, on to a spinning catcher roller.

Webcatcher guides the retained paper to the floor in front of the dryer, from where it can be removed after restarting the press.

Additional facilities available with the new Webcatcher S14 include the DSA-2 (dynamic sensor adjustment) system.

If the web moves slightly to one side during production, the laser scanner within the DSA-2 system ensures optimal web break monitoring by automatically correcting the position of the web break sensor in relation to the web edge, added Baldwin.

Another optional feature that can be retrofitted to a Webcatcher unit is Baldwin's DSWP (dynamic side wrap protection) system.

It detects the very narrow wrap-ups that occasionally occur at web edges and can result in serious press damage or downtime.

The problem can be caused by damage to the web in transit, small tears in the side of the web, or defects during paper manufacturing.

By using two sensors, a Webcatcher with the DSWP facility is said to be able to keep effective control over all critical areas of the web.

Ernst Engelhardt, Baldwin's head of the web and consumables product unit in Germany, said: "The new Webcatcher S14 expands our Webcatcher family of products to create a comprehensive range that satisfies all performance and budgetary requirements within the web offset market.

The Webcatcher S14 has been positioned as a low-priced, entry-level model that can be enhanced with various options according to each customer's needs.

With its attractive package of features and characteristics, it makes a perfect retrofit for existing web presses that lack adequate protection against web breaks." Baldwin commented that 330 Webcatchers have been sold to commercial web offset and newspaper printers around the world, including more than 115 of the high-speed Webcatcher S18 model, which is said to be suitable for web speeds up to 18 metres per second.

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