KWSP were approached by a client in the wall coverings and fabrics market to design, develop and build a pilot-line machine to utilise a digital industrial inkjet print-head.
The Challenge
- A 1m by 2m print carriage housing 100 print heads, ink systems, electronics and plumbing
- Factory temperature changes of up to 250C
- A print head carrier weight of around 800kg (if using a traditional aluminium-based structure)
The Requirements
- Structural mounting and accurate adjustment for the print heads
- Accessibility & serviceability of the machine
- Minimised weight & scale
The Approach
- Development of a schematic in CAD
- FEA to optimise structural properties
- Modular control systems
- Vertical suspension of print-head mounting plate
- Lightweight carbon fibre monocoque structure
The Results
- Lowered cost of maintenance
- Near zero coefficient of thermal expansion
- Ventilation and extraction of fumes
- Stable and consistent print heads
- Reduced cost and weight – taking mass from 800kg to 140kg
Click here for the full case study.