When printing on metal, transporting metal foils is a tricky part of the coating lines. Koenig & Bauer MetalPrint has therefore launched Venturi, a transport technology based on the air cushion effect, for gentle, precise substrate handling.
Sheet transport relies on finely calibrated air nozzles that generate a uniform cushion of air on the transport table. Metal sheets glide along almost without contact, minimizing the risk of scratches or deformation. Two narrow vacuum belts ensure precise guidance and reduce slippage, guaranteeing optimum sheet positioning.
A solution for complex substrates
This technology is of particular interest for conveying difficult substrates, such as scroll sheets. Even at high production speeds, conveying remains smooth, avoiding stoppages and unnecessary operator intervention.
What's more, the system automatically adjusts to different sheet formats, eliminating the need for manual adjustments.
Venturi technology can be applied to several segments of coating lines: intermediate conveyors, coating machine outlets, transport bridges, as well as loading and unloading machines.
Positive feedback from industrial tests
A full-scale test was carried out on tinned steel and aluminum sheets of various formats, including straight and scroll cuts.
The results confirmed more precise and regular feeding than with conventional systems. The elimination of manual adjustments in the loading area and the reduction in human intervention were particularly appreciated.
Seduced, the customer decided to implement Venturi technology on other production lines.
For Ralf Hipp, CEO of Koenig & Bauer MetalPrint, "with Venturi air-cushion conveying, we are setting a new milestone for coating lines. This technology boosts productivity while improving conveying precision and overall process quality."
