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The Baumer hhs Xcheck DCM die-cutting monitor can monitor product mix-ups in the sheetfed die cutters used by folding carton manufacturers. The quality control system can reliably read and decode not only 1D barcodes, but also 2D data matrix and QR barcodes.
Because the SmartCam DCM is a matrix camera, it can reliably read codes, even if sheets are still moving slightly. This makes the Xcheck DCM suitable for use in the newest die cutters, which are equipped with register systems that position sheets while they are in motion.
The Xcheck DCM can monitor product mix-ups from top or bottom. The latter configuration is required, for instance, when processing blister packs with back printing, pharmaceutical packaging with inside printing or laminated and printed microflute. For these applications, the system can be flexibly adapted to customer needs. The same applies to sheetfed die cutters with dynamic feed systems. Finally, the new camera can easily be integrated in existing die cutters as a standalone system to monitor product mix-ups. In this case, the SmartCam DCM can be flexibly positioned using machine-specific adjustable crosspieces.
The Xcheck DCM is operated from a 15.6-in. touch display that runs the Xtend3 operating software from Baumer hhs. The display offers intuitive ease-of-use and displays statistical information for machine operators that indicates if they need to intervene in the process.
In addition to 2D data matrix and QR barcodes, the SmartCam DCM reads standard, Pharmacode, and EAN/UPC barcodes.
“Customers in the folding carton industry have wanted the option of using 2D barcodes to monitor product mix-ups in die cutters for a long time. But this method of quality control places very high demands on the capabilities of the camera equipment and on decoding the data it reads,” explains Ralf Scharf, folding carton business development manager at Baumer hhs. “We have now cleared this hurdle with our high-end SmartCam DCM camera, developed by our experts specifically for the Xcheck DCM system. The camera’s extremely high read rate is perfectly attuned to our latest-generation Xtend3 controller. With this solution, sheetfed die cutters can now be monitored for product mix-ups using 2D barcodes at maximum production speeds.”
