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Explains the purpose and application of various sensors in production lines.
Details the three-wire sensor connection including GND, VCC, and Output pins.
Provides guidelines for aligning products, sensors, and nozzles for accurate printing.
Defines delay time as a print parameter influenced by conveyor speed and distance.
Describes sensor placement for products longer than the printer width to minimize delay time.
Discusses setting delay time and sensor position for high-speed lines and potential issues.
This document describes the HX Nitro Sensor Connection, a quick reference guide series from MapleJet, focusing on the setup and installation of sensors for printing applications.
The primary function of the HX Nitro Sensor Connection system is to detect the position of products on a production line, enabling precise printing by a MapleJet printer. Various types of sensors are utilized, including proximity, optical, and laser sensors, with the choice depending on the specific environmental and physical conditions of the industrial application. The system supports two main sensor output modes: NPN and PNP.
Usage features of the HX Nitro Sensor Connection are detailed through comprehensive wiring diagrams and installation guidelines. Most sensors used with the HX Nitro system are three-wire sensors, typically consisting of connections for Ground (GND), Voltage Common Collector (VCC), and Output. The HX Nitro supports 12V and other open-type sensors, utilizing a DB9 connector for robust connections between the sensor input and the printer. Specific wiring configurations are provided for both NPN and PNP three-wire sensors, illustrating the pin assignments on the DB9 connector for proper integration. For NPN sensors, pin 3 is designated for the NPN print sensor, pin 5 for +12V, and pin 1 for GND. For PNP sensors, pin 9 is designated for the PNP print sensor, pin 5 for +12V, and pin 1 for GND.
Sensor installation is a critical aspect of the system's usage, with several guidelines provided to ensure optimal performance. It is essential that the printing position of all products on the production line is aligned and identical to maintain consistent direction and minimize vibration. Products must pass accurately in front of both the sensor and the printer nozzle. The sensor itself should be installed in alignment with the printer nozzles. Visual aids, such as diagrams showing a product passing through the nozzle and sensor, and product alignment with the nozzle and sensor, help clarify these installation requirements. A key reminder emphasizes the importance of adhering to these guidelines during installation.
A significant usage feature is the "Delay Time," a print parameter set within the Vanguard Create software. This parameter dictates the duration between the sensor detecting a product and the printer initiating the print. The optimal delay time is influenced by the conveyor's speed and the distance between the desired print position and the printer's nozzles. The document explains that the distance between the print position and the printer nozzle is dependent on the sensor's distance from the printer. To achieve higher printing precision, it is recommended to position the sensor closer to the printer. Consequently, reducing this distance also necessitates a reduction in the delay time setting in Vanguard Create.
Further installation notes provide crucial insights into maximizing printing efficiency and accuracy. The sensor's distance from the printer's nozzles (Ds) should not exceed the sum of the product distance (Dp) and the product length (Lp), expressed as Ds < (Lp + Dp). The total print time, which includes both the delay time and the actual message printing duration, must not be longer than the time it takes for the next product to reach the sensor. For best results, installing the sensor closer to the printer is advised. To achieve the highest possible printing speed, the delay time should be set as close to zero as possible.
Examples illustrate the impact of sensor placement on delay time, particularly for "Long Products" where the product's width is greater than the printer's width. In such cases, installing the sensor after the printer can minimize or even eliminate the delay time. Diagrams clearly demonstrate the effect of sensor position (after versus before the printer) on the delay time.
For "High Speed Production Lines," the delay time becomes an even more critical parameter, ideally set close to zero. The optimal sensor placement in high-speed environments depends on the product's length and the distance from the print area to the product's edge. If the distance is greater than the printer's width, the sensor should be installed after the printer. If the distance is less, the sensor can be installed either before or after the printer, depending on the product. When the delay time is zero, printing commences immediately upon product detection. If the product passes the nozzle, the printer will await the next sensor command and print based on the set delay time.
A crucial point for high-speed lines is the potential for missed prints if the sensor is too far from the printer. If the sensor is installed at a longer distance, the printer might detect subsequent products (e.g., Products 2 and 3) while still busy printing on the first product. These subsequent detections would be ignored, and the printer would only react to a later product (e.g., Product 4) based on the delay time. To prevent such issues and ensure all products are printed, the sensor must be installed closer to the printer. During the print time, which encompasses both the delay time and the message printing time, sensor pulses are ignored until the current print job is complete. The total print time is influenced by the message length and the print speed.
Maintenance features are not explicitly detailed in the provided document. The focus is primarily on the initial setup, wiring, and installation guidelines to ensure proper functionality and optimal printing performance. Regular checks of sensor alignment and cleanliness would be implied for consistent operation, but specific maintenance procedures are not outlined.
General| Print Technology | Thermal Inkjet |
|---|---|
| Print Resolution | 600 x 600 dpi |
| Maximum Print Speed | 70 m/min |
| Connectivity | Ethernet, USB |
| Operating Temperature | 5°C to 40°C |
| Supported Barcode Types | QR Code |
