Koenig & Bauer MetalPrint has launched an inline coating thickness control system for its MetalCoat 483 machines, aiming to enhance precision in coating applications for metal packaging production. The innovation allows for real-time measurement and automatic adjustment, ensuring consistent coating layer thickness, reducing waste, and optimizing coating material usage.
Traditional methods of manually checking coating thickness often lead to inefficiencies, including excessive material use and delayed identification of quality issues. The new system addresses these challenges by integrating SpecMetrix® measuring probes, which provide precise, continuous data. This data is transmitted to the machine control system, allowing automatic adjustments to maintain target values throughout production.
“By integrating our patented SpecMetrix technology, we deliver highly accurate real-time data that enables seamless quality control and efficient process management,” said Vivian Bravo Beck, Project Lead at SpecMetrix, an Industrial Physics brand.
The system also simplifies operations by allowing pre-set coating recipes or individualized adjustments during setup. Deviations from target values are automatically corrected, enabling up to a 10% reduction in coating material usage, promoting cost efficiency and sustainability.
Field tests conducted at Blechwarenfabrik Limburg GmbH demonstrated the effectiveness of the system. Operators reported improved process stability and reduced operating costs. “This innovation combines economic and ecological goals, conserving resources while increasing efficiency and saving costs,” noted Hugo Trappmann, CEO of Blechwarenfabrik Limburg.
The inline coating thickness control is available for both new and retrofitted MetalCoat 483 installations, providing companies with a solution to improve production quality while advancing sustainability goals.