Enabling totally automated variable overlap shingling for variable length sheeting and stacking in commercial printing and automated packaging lines
 
Rottweil/Germany - BDT Media Automation GmbH, a market leader in the development of flexible media management solutions for digital print, packaging and converting markets, was granted a US patent 8,960,666 B2 for an innovative method to create shingled streams of media utilizing the BDT Tornado technology. The method described enables the formation of variable overlap shingled streams over a wide range of media types and sizes without the need for mechanical intervention or adjustment. Using this method, media stacks with very clean edges can be collected within variable sheeter systems without the need to mechanically adjust end stops or guides. Stacks will be inherently aligned to the front edge of a pallet or trolley. This eliminates the need within converting applications to realign stacks offline and enables higher quality on applications such as cutting or gluing. Furthermore, the method works fully format-independent which helps to optimize setup times and provides more flexibility for digital workflows.
 
This new shingling method is possible because of the unique properties of the BDT Tornado modules, which create a low pressure zone to attract and control the media. Each module operates as an independent unit that is fully controllable via software. This system replaces vacuum based systems that incorporate complex suction cup or vacuum belt elements. With this method it is also possible to create overlapping streams of packaging materials including very light weight media, cardboard and flexible bags.
 
“This patent is an indication of the significant investment BDT Media Automation is making in the print and packaging market, and yet another example of the technical innovation and capability BDT brings to our customers and to our partners” said Ralf Hipp, Executive VP and Business Unit Manager of Print Media Handling.
 
This patent joins a portfolio of over 100 patents BDT has been granted.