About Web Registration Controls

Back

We make electro-mechanical controls for web-converting packaging machines. Eyemark Controls keep the printing on the web in sync with the cutoff knife. One typical application would be form, fill & seal machines.

Registration systems are used to control the operation of machines that convert continuous length, printed materials into individual sheets or bags, for wrapping, filling, packaging, etc. Registration controls regulate the feed device of the machine so that the cutting of the material takes place at a particular point relative to the printed design.

The method of maintaining registration control depends on the design of the machine. However, in all cases, the system functions as a high-speed switch responding to the passing of a printed registration mark through the light beam of a photoelectric scanner. In response, the feed of the printed material (web, film, foil, etc.) can be stopped completely or the rate can be adjusted through a differential control mechanism.

Machines that require the registration control to bring the material to a complete stop are classified as intermittent-motion feed. The web or film is stopped to allow a cutting or sealing operation. Examples of these applications include vertical form-fill-seal and horizontal bag-making machinery. Continuous-motion machines require the registration control to monitor and synchronize the position of the material to the overall cycle of operations. When necessary, corrections are made by adjusting the feed rate without stopping the feed itself. Depending on the design of the machine, these corrections can be one-way to advance, one-way to retard, or two-way to advance or retard. Examples of these types include horizontal form/fill/seal and overwrap machines.