Oosterhout - The IBS-100 (Intelligent Bar Sensor - 100 % full inspection) is the first product to be launched following the asset acquisition of INTRO International by Q.I. Press Controls (QIPC). This unique, innovative system enables 100% full inspection and can be combined with existing register and density measurement and control software from QIPC. This means that image-based density control, colour register control and perforation, cut-off control or side-lay control of the complete image can now be done with 100% full inspection. For the convenience of operators, via web-viewing, everything is fully visible during the printing process. The product is the first of its kind worldwide: never before has a supplier been able to combine so many functionalities in a single bar sensor. The first-ever joint product developed by QIPC using INTRO International’s technology will be showcased to a much wider audience at DRUPA 2016. 

Packaging print and digital print market

With the assets’ acquisition of German-based INTRO International, QIPC aims to intensify its efforts in the packaging and digital printing market. The introduction of the IBS-100 represents a first concrete step. “This is a move in the direction of the packaging industry”, Brian Gajadhar reiterates. As manager of Research and Development and IT at Q.I. Press Controls, he has been closely involved in the development of the IBS-100. INTRO International's measurement system, which gives 100% full inspection, must be integrated in QIPC's existing analysis and control software. “Our analysis and control systems were already pretty good. Needless to say, we wanted to keep all the intelligence which has enabled QIPC to expand in the past. The colours still need to be measured. QIPC’s dependable register measurement and control system has also been integrated into the system. As clients are well accustomed with QIPC, this solution will allow differences in colour and register to be managed without colour bar and identifying marks; this information can now be retrieved from the printed image. The same is true of perforation, cut-off control or side-lay control for the complete image. The only difference now is that we have a unique measuring instrument which is able to provide the hundred percent full inspection.” 

The hundred percent full inspection which the IBS-100 offers will be in an extremely high resolution. “Every little error, every tiny drop of ink which is in the wrong place can be pinpointed exactly with the IBS-100”, says Brian Gajadhar enthusiastically. In addition to these minute errors, the high resolution also functions to recognise small text and barcodes; paramount in the disciplinary environment that is the packaging and digital printing industry. “It is essential of course, to have a top-quality control screen for a high-end measurement and control system. At the push of the button, every printed page can be displayed on the screen in its entirety, with the operator being able to zoom in on those areas that require attention. Any specific copy can now be inspected in detail with this web-viewing option.”

Synergy benefits

QIPC's managing director Menno Jansen is pleased that the results have become immediately tangible. “It’s clear to see that the synergy between our know-how, our Research & Development team and the experience of INTRO International has had an immediate pay-off. Just like 20 years ago, we're launching a product which is unique in the global market.” The IBS-100 is just the beginning. In the future many interesting products and technologies of INTRO International will be added to the product portfolio of QIPC. “Of course, investments will have to be made to continue developing their other products. But as you can see with the IBS-100, this is already delivering exciting end products.”