The PrintVision Helios label inspection system mounted on a Rotoflex press.
Although it was launched two years ago, the AVT PrintVision/Helios print inspection system has introduced several new add on modules which were demonstrated at Labelexpo in Brussels. The add-ons include the Closed Loop Inspection, an online verification solution that compares current or live prints to ‘good copy masters’ from sources such as prepress PDF files, approved copies or previous jobs; WorkFlow Link, which links print quality information to finishing equipment, enabling repair and removal of flawed material before shipping; and PrintFlow Manager, a quality data management system for controlling production quality from your desktop computer.
Nigel Compton, packaging business manager for AVT’s Australian agents Agfa, says the local market is warming to AVT and he’s sure things will hot up once the add-ons become part of the offering.
"Four systems have already been installed with three more on the way,” says Compton of the Australian market. “There is considerable interest in the product although the market is taking a little time to warm to the technology and the fact that it works."
Compton says that instead of the inspection process for critical work being performed manually, the Helios offers 100 per cent automatic inspection, making it ideal for quality-critical jobs.
“For example, pharmaceutical labels cannot afford to have decimal point in the wrong spot when it comes to dosage,” he explains. “Such a dot may not have been there in the beginning but through the printing process became part of the end result. The Helios offers a quality control solution with the ability to detect a print spot defect down to 0.026mm squared at two per cent contrast at speed."
AVT was demonstrating the Helios on partners’ stands at Labelexpo, such as MarkAndy, AB Graphic International, LeoMat and Rotoflex.
