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Servo-driven decorating system brings benefits

With 46 servo-driven axes of motion, this tube-decorating system gives tube makers 'infinite control' over printing and cap application.

Shown above are one of its power modules (left) and two servo drives; one drive has an FM control module attached.
Shown above are one of its power modules (left) and two servo drives; one drive has an FM control module attached.

At F&L Machinery Design, there has been a steady shift from mechanical linkages to electronics in the high-speed tube decorating equipment the firm makes. One of its most recent systems, for example, includes 46 axes of servo-controlled motion. Servo motors, drives, and other key automation components are supplied by Emerson Control Techniques.

The F&L system takes tubes through a series of operations that include infeed and outfeed buffering, corona or heat treating, registration, printing, UV curing, coating, a second station for UV curing, and cap application. The use of servo technology, says F&L engineer Tom Kelly, has decided advantages.

“It gives the customer infinite control instead of the fixed motion you get with mechanical components,” says Kelly.

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