Low-vibration energy chain for high print quality in large-format printers

• What was needed: energy chain of type E6
• Requirements: In order not to impair the print quality, a smooth-running e-chain® had to be found. In addition, a high cable weight had to be supported and high travelling accelerations and speeds had to be possible.
• Industry: Printing technology
• Success for the customer: As the E6-energy chain was designed for smooth-running applications, it is predestined for printer applications. Even the high weight and speeds involved in the printing process pose no problems for the "whisper" chain.

With the Virtu® large-format printer, a wide variety of substrates and any number of print runs can be processed economically. With a width of up to 3.5 metres and in any length, UV-curable ink can be used to print on a wide range of substrates such as paper, films, boards, Dibond, wood, metal, glass, textiles or Forex. The printer can also be used to print vehicle labelling with metal sheets, films or textiles or building cladding.
The print head is brought to a travelling speed of up to 3 m/s by a linear drive with an acceleration of 10 m/s2. This print head must be supplied with UV ink, cooling water for the UV dryers, air supply for the inkjet technology and other pneumatic groups as well as the control system and electrics. The travel length of the print head is around 4.5 metres. When selecting the energy chain for guiding the media, attention was paid not only to the high speeds, but also to the unwinding properties of the cable routing. This is because vibrations of the e-chain® would later be clearly visible in the print image. In addition to mechanical stress (load on the cable and hose), the energy chain is also subject to external influences such as ink mist and UV scattered light.

The developers ultimately opted for an E6 energy chain. As the design of the cleanroom-compatible energy chain of the E6 series is primarily focussed on low vibration and smooth running, it has a direct effect on the print quality of the industrial printer. The E6 chains are therefore particularly suitable for industries where quiet running, low abrasion and high travelling speeds and accelerations are required.
In addition, the "whisper" chain also offers a high load capacity, which has proven to be a reliable cable guide in the industrial printer despite the high weight of the cable and hose. Today, the energy chain guides the power and signal cables with the ink, water and pneumatic hoses safely to the print head.