Surfscan, the Cardiff-based provider of true 100 per cent web inspection, brings to market its CHECKpress system for 100 per cent  real time defect detection, 100 per cent of the time.

After extensive research and development, Surfscan can now provide end users with a web inspection system which can be customised to meet their exact requirements, and can easily be installed onto any press. Providing accurate and repeatable defect detection, the system operates at high speeds and is able to detect the tiniest of specks in a very busy area. Both set up and ongoing configuration require minimal time and training.

Using stabilised illumination and a high quality digital linescan camera, the CHECKpress system can scan for print defects on almost any web width. The size of defect to be detected can be set via the user-friendly touch screen interface, eliminating false error conditions. With such a high degree of flexibility on system specification, Surfscan harnesses current CPU capabilities to achieve maximum throughput from 2K,4K and 6K pixel digital linescan cameras for defect detection in all web widths, but can still maintain the higher production speeds usually associated with wider webs. Depending on the resolution specified, the system can inspect from 60 metre per minute to 450 metre per minute.

CHECKpress will begin checking for both random and repeating defects as soon as a print job commences, with both visible and audible alarms used to indicate errors, differentiating between persistent faults and ad hoc discrepancies. It continues to check even when a fault has been noticed, with a defect map archive giving coordinates of faults and total accepts and rejects within each printed reel.

The CHECKpress system reduces the amount of waste between press and rewinder, whilst increasing running speeds and reducing downtime. With its accurate defect analysis, the operator is able to make up any shortfall before the job is removed from the press, giving him confidence and freedom of control.

The system operates on Windows NT systems and is housed in a dual processor industrial PC incorporating all image processing cards and relevant software. All systems are fully validated and CE compliant, and are delivered with a 12 month warranty.