Assoprint: Thunderbolt Multipower

Nov 06, 2012

Assoprint has extended its range of laser engraving machines with the introduction of Thunderbolt Multipower, a machine for engraving latest-generation silicone and rubber printing rollers. The machine is able to engrave all types of roller on the market and can be configured with various laser sources according to production requirements. Its high engraving precision ensures a sharp reduction in engraving times.

The main characteristics of Thunderbolt Multipower are the following:

CO₂ laser with variable powers (150W-200W-250W-300W-600W)
600W power with single laser
600W power with two 300W lasers in parallel
Modulator with resolution up to 1270 dpi
Motorised laser carriage
Floating head
Sealed optical path
High alignment precision
Laser management and control software
Engraving of all kinds of rollers
Roller lifting device
Motorised door

To ensure maximum engraving precision on large-format rollers (Rollmaster TR5 H18) even at high rotation speeds, the mechanical section of Thunderbolt Multipower has a rugged structure made of high stability normalised electrowelded steel. The lens carriage is mounted on special linear guides with a recirculating ball bearing carriage equipped with ground screws to give the system rigidity and precision. This reduces alignment errors and increases tolerance to vibrations.

The focusing unit (position controlled by software) features mobile lens auto-focusing driven by a stepper micromotor of aeronautical origin. Roller rotation and laser carriage shift are executed by brushless motors.

The acousto-optic modulator controls the power of the laser with high precision, guaranteeing a high degree of engraving definition and stability, a resolution of up to 1270 dpi, and up to 50% reduction in engraving times (optional).

The machine's equipment includes a lifting device for the rollers designed to aid the operator in the insertion operation.

The diameter varies from a minimum of 220 mm to a maximum of 760 mm (vertical silicone small). The maximum engraving length is 1700 mm and the maximum roller length 1800 mm (maximum weight 150 kg).

The mobile head group structure moves as a single unit during engraving. This means that the laser beam does not undergo dimensional deformations and guarantees high engraving precision over the entire surface of the roller.
The floating head allows engraving to be performed with high speed and resolution without deforming the silicone surface. The distance of the focal lens from the surface of the roller is maintained by means of a stylus with air cushion (a wide range of styluses optimised for different kinds of roller are available). The autofocus is precise and reactive as its operation is based on the mobile lens principle. The optical path is sealed to ensure continued lens cleanliness over time.

The Thunderbolt Multipower management software is capable of reading uncompressed TIFF files. A PC compatible system with Linux operating system is used. The user interface is simple and easy to use and can call up saved files from menus or via network data transfer. The system includes integrated numerical control for laser movement and positioning with repeatability and precision of ± 5 micron.

The software also features:

possibility of engraving in continuous or step-by-step mode
seamless engraving in a circumferential direction
multiple engravings with software management
module repetition in an axial direction
spot size adjustment (minimum 40 micron)
possibility of laser curve compensation up to 255 levels
recording and archiving of engravings
maintenance management with alarm diagrams
possibility of remote control and online support
all commands can be conveniently given from the console via a touch screen.

The machine can be equipped with various kinds of laser with powers ranging from 100W up to 600W and with intermediate powers of 150W, 200W, 250W and 300W; 600W power single semi-sealed laser or two 300W lasers in parallel; CO₂ sealed or semi-sealed type laser; pulse repetition at 100 kHz with direct modulation or up to 1 MHz with modulator.

Possible power configurations: