Cable guides for reliable media supply for large-format printers

Heleva is not just a sheet feeder for supplying large-format printers. Behind the scenes, an intelligent management system executes loading commands from the printer or sends it information about the media to be processed.

However, the focus is on transporting the print media, which weigh up to 20kg and can be 20mm thick, from the pallet to the large-format digital printer. A lifting table automatically aligns itself to the height of the stack. The suction cups take the sheets from the stack, place them on the table and align them perfectly for feeding. This cycle is repeated until the print queue is complete or the material on the pallet has been used up. Once the workflow has been configured, the process can run fully automatically and without supervision.

As large-format printers have reached a very high level of productivity and require a full-time operator due to their high speed, the feed systems run around the clock. For this reason, the repetitive feed process must be completely fail-safe, which also applies to the cables and cable guidance at the lifting table. Each time the suction cups are extended to the pallet and back, the cable guidance moves with them.

Heleva boosts the potential of the most advanced digital printers, making them productive around the clock while minimising the need for monitoring and increasing productivity. The automation of this relatively simple and repetitive process significantly increases the efficiency of print shops.

As the process runs autonomously and the necessary productivity can be achieved, a reliable solution for the cable guidance also had to be found. Many cycles required low-wear parts that supported the smooth and precise movement of the lifting table and grippers. This is the only way for the media supply systems to be operated profitably.

Lightweight plastic energy chains are used to guide the chainflex cables for the power supply, even in combination with tight installation spaces and small bend radii. They allow for Heleva's particularly short loading times and thus more competitive processes in the printing industry.