Optimizing Paper Picking Capability: Light Weight & High Speed

Abstract

This paper discusses development work Check Technology Corporation undertook to optimize the paper feeding capability of their unique high performance, large format cut sheet printer–the Imaggia. This printer employs multiple input tray dynamic collation technology, coupled with ion beam imaging, dry toner-based non-impact printing technology. The goal was to extend the throughput performance by 30% from commercial versions already in production, and simultaneously drive the printing capability down to even lighter weight sheets - in the 14lb or less, true basis weight range. This requirement is necessary to handle specific challenges in security printing, specifically USA consumer check printing applications which commonly use very lightweight duplicate, or carbonless, counterfoils for the consumer to keep an automatic, detailed record of his checkbook transactions.Reliably feeding and handling large cut sheets, including short grain in process direction, up to 18in wide and 20in or more in length, at speeds of 130 feet per minute, faced us with new challenges to manage the mechanical instability of such sheets subject to significant aerodynamic and impact forces at these rates. We will discuss solutions we pursued to dampening paper ripple effects to ensure reliable feed behavior and the development of innovative dynamic electro-mechanical feed motion profiles we developed to be capable of agiley adjusting their characteristics according to the stock weight/characteristics being fed. With these methods, we were able to randomly dynamically feed sheets ranging from 14 lb. to 110 lb. basis weight within single jobs forming part of complex on-demand, secure personalized documents.