Directory printer Impresora Sudamericana in Montevideo/Uruguay has upgraded two reel splicers on its 1998 UNISET to restore their reliability. Over a period of two weeks, printservices technicians upgraded one reel splicer per week and integrated them in the printing system.

Retrofits assure customers of the availability of their printing systems and upgrade press automation to the latest level. A control retrofit brings much better system performance with higher product quality and fewer production interruptions. This enables upgrades or InlineControl systems to be planned and integrated perfectly in existing latest generation presses. Combined with Interbus technology and Ethernet communication, the new control with the relevant application software also improves the efficiency of press diagnostics.

A leap forward in the development of control and operating functions
A retrofit was developed for the reel splicers equipped with EAE controls which involves complete replacement of the hardware. The new control unit is located on a modified mounting plate at the reel splicer control cabinet and is equipped with the latest PECOM hardware, drive technology and Ethernet communication. This new reel splicer control module is pre-installed and checked in the factory to ensure fast replacement at the customer’s premises, which avoids long downtimes and loss of production. Spare parts are readily available and remote maintenance is improved.

With this retrofit, the reel splicer is integrated in the press control system and so messages from the reel splicer are displayed at the control console. “We are very pleased that the modern control technology has greatly improved the productivity of our pressline and the quality of our products,” says Gustavo Tutzo, Operations Manager at Impresora Sudamericana. “One notices the leap forward in development particularly with operation at the control console. The training was very helpful in getting familiar with the new procedures. Our printers are most enthusiastic about the central control functions.”