Photos courtesy of Monarch Instruments
With today’s integration of computer-to-plate technologies, variable printing, specialty conversions and laminated packaging, flexo printers are favoring web systems. As a result, on-press, full-speed, quality checks using strobes have become important to both operators and production managers.
For this reason, new FTA member Monarch Instrument recently introduced two handheld strobes: the Nova-Pro 365 and Nova-Pro 385, with high-intensity LED technology that provides both white and UV illumination without the harmful effects of O3, aiming to provide accurate color recognition and better print quality results.
As press speeds increase from 8,000 to 20,000 and now 40,000 impressions per hour using curing units, the company says its strobes have eight to 20 times faster flash rates than conventional options and adjustable flash durations. The Nova-Pro 300 and 500 models have an integrated laser tachometer, so processing equipment speeds are synchronized instantaneously with a squeeze of the trigger, or they can be coordinated with Vision Systems and downstream production units by using the on-board input/output ports. The patent pending technology provides a bright flash in a short time with a homogenous wash of light for sharp imagery.
In the past, secure printing marks were only for monetary and government documentation, but UV invisible inks are now used for brand identification, supply chain traceability, ballots, event tickets, pharmaceutical labels and special effects in printing. To see UV invisible ink on press, Monarch’s UV strobes span the UVA printer’s ink range. The technology works by eliminating UV filtration used by other strobe manufacturers and incorporating true UV LED technologies.
Beside on-press quality control, Monarch strobes have been used in the predictive maintenance industry for more than 20 years. Anything that rotates, reciprocates, vibrates or produces a repetitive pattern can be captured in time and place by the Nova-Pro strobe. The company reports that a signal from a vibration analyzer can be plugged into the Nova-Pro input to automatically synchronize the flash rate. Other popular input sources include Vision Systems and a full range of optical, magnetic and coil sensors.
“The Nova-Pro 500 kit has combined the favorite Nova-Strobe features our customers have relied upon for years into a comfortable, ergonomic package designed for demanding industrial environments where they are used,” says Tim French, director of sales. “The brightly lit, colored display control panel aligns the user’s line of sight with the target for easy access and readability. Adjusting settings and mode changes are accomplished with simple, intuitive, button pushes.”
The Nova-Pro 500 Kit includes strobe, integral laser module with remote dock, two standard Li-ion battery packs, battery charging station with interchangeable wall plugs, NIST certificate, operation manual, and deluxe water-tight latching carry case.
You must be logged in to post a comment.