LGM Graphics
By Randy Bruce, HLI Technician
On a recent application using the L-723 Ultra-Precision Triple Scan® Laser Alignment System* and the L-740 coupling Laser we had great success installing a printing press.
The press being installed was a Hantscho Mark 16, 4 color printing press. Using the scan planes of the L-743 we made each unit from the roll stands to the folder square within .00″ to each other from end to end. We also insured each unit was on center line within .010″ from end to end (100′).
Since it was a CNC press, it can, if needed, adjust the roll automatically to be in line with the centerline of the plates. Upon start up, the press didn’t adjust any rolls, so the press was run up to half capacity (20,000 cycles per hour). After startup the press was checked for any adjustments that might be needed and none were found. The press was then increased to full capacity (40,000 cph) with no ill effects found. The installer I was working with said he had never seen a press start up as easily and on line as this one did in his 30 years in the business.
Using the L-740 coupling Laser reduced the drive shaft alignment from 3 days to 5 hours and the whole alignment took approximately 5 days, with a much higher accuracy than optics or wire alignment could ever achieve.
The installer’s comment (John Crumm, Litho Repair Service) after seeing this system work was that “If your press has not been laser aligned, then your press has not been aligned!”
* The L-723 Triple Scan® Laser Alignment System that was the subject of this case study has been superseded by the L-743 Ultra-Precision Triple Scan® Laser Alignment System.