The need for quality control is a fundamental requirement in all aspects of the printing process, but never more paramount than in the finishing sector. With more than 20 years of experience and technical know-how in optical recognition, Optigraf is one of the world’s leading companies in the field, and it for this reason that Friedheim International agreed to be its exclusive agent in the UK and Ireland.
The highlight of the Optigraf range of optical systems is called Opticam®, which it is claimed is a benchmark for optical quality control for all phases in the finishing process. The core of the Opticam® system is the patented camera, in which all the functions for image processing are integrated. It also features an integrated light source, and one of its major attributes lies in its compact size, measuring only 70 x 40 x 98 mm.
The Opticam® system can be fitted to a wide range of possible applications, including the following: gathering machines; saddle-stitchers; folding machines; sewing machines; cover feeders for perfect binders; casing-in lines; sheet collators for calendars, etc. Its normal reading distance is between 50 to 80 mm, although this can be optionally extended to 160 mm with a change of lens and external illumination.
It has always been Optigraf’s goal in the development of its systems to recognise as near to 100%, if not 100%, of printed products by optical image recognition, thereby avoiding the need for the additional imprint of print marks or barcodes. By utilising such systems, the user must have the absolute certainty that he is delivering only correct products to his customer, thereby reducing the likelihood of having to fact costly claims for inaccurately produced work!
As a result of this need for constant vigilance, Optigraf is aware that it is necessary to continually monitor and update its optical systems, and its research team is always looking for new components derived from the digital camera industry that it can apply to its hardware, together with innovative software solutions.
In addition to the Opticam® system, Optigraf also offers two other optical recognition systems: Ultracam and Unicam. The Ultracam system uses a PC monitor, thereby offering maximum comfort to the operator. With this system, the number of the station that caused the error is displayed on the screen in large legible letters, along with the image of the wrong section. After the operator has removed the wrong signature from the feeder, production can be continued by simply re-setting the system (this is also possible by optional remote control).
The Unicam system has a configuration developed by Optigraf in order to reduce cost. This has been achieved by removing some of the components that add to an operator’s comfort, such as being able to view the optical recognition system by PC. With this system, wrong sections are signalled by a lamp located directly on the feed station, and any faults that occur are then corrected at the hopper.