In September of 2018, The Papers contracted with DCOS Automation Sweden for a press automation upgrade which includes automatic register, ink density, and cut-off control camera’s and associated control and integration equipment for the 16-unit MAN Cromoman press.

The Cromoman press configuration is four towers and one folder. The existing QTI register system will be replaced by eight CRC4 closed-loop density/register control cameras. The folder will be equipped with four PCT4 cut-off cameras. For ink density control, DCOS will integrate the CRC4 cameras with the existing MAN Roland remote ink system.

According to Todd Clark, Plant Manager for The Papers, the project evaluation took place in 2018 and after initial meetings with DCOS “We contacted several DCOS users who shared positive feedback on the ease of use and how the system has exceeded their performance expectations in terms of quality and waste control.”

Clark visited DCOS customers in Norway as part of the evaluation. “The Norway site visits really demonstrated the savings the DCOS systems can provide. The startup waste numbers were amazingly low. The other interest in the visits were reviewing the press controls upgrades offered by DCOS. This is an area of future interest for us as we consider options in keeping ahead of electronic obsolescence” said Clark.

The equipment was installed in February 2019 and according to Clark, “The system has been operational for only a few weeks and we are already seeing improved waste reduction. We have also received compliments from customers regarding print quality achieved from the closed loop color control.

Ron Ehrhardt, DCOS Sales Director for the Americas, adds an interesting “second generation” link of this project to a past project at The Papers. “In 1968 my dad sold Arch and Ron Baumgartner a 3-unit Goss Community press, and 50 years later I was able to sell Ron this automation upgrade. I think that’s pretty cool.”

About DCOS Inspection System
DCOS Inspection Systems is a range of in-house developed camera based systems for the printing industry. The systems automate a majority of the traditionally manual quality adjustments made in the printing process. This in turn increases productivity and cost effectiveness as waste, start-up time, use of consumables and manning can be greatly reduced. At the same time a high and consistent quality is guaranteed.

DCOS Inspection System measures solid ink micro marks. Offline densitometric measurement of ink solid is proven in the industry for decades, it simple and stable. DCOS has reengineered the concept and developed an online high-speed solution adaptable to any press. This technology is optimized for best performance, repeatability and effectiveness. This is proven at installation across the globe.

About DCOS
DCOS offers custom-designed automated solutions with a focus on user-friendliness, efficiency and reliability – the aim is to maximize the productivity of the customers.

DCOS offers a new approach in operation and control systems, operator interfaces, production follow-up and camera-based inspection systems for new and printing press installations, including retrofitting of existing ones. The company has printing press customers across the world and operates a strong service organization based on a network of carefully selected and skilled agents and partners.

(https://dcos.com)