MINI SIGMA-NIP

Sensor Products Inc. introduces Mini Sigma-Nip® for converting and printing/packaging, an electronic nip analysis system which measures roller profiles and diagnoses roll alignment with unprecedented speed, cost-effectiveness, and accuracy.  The technology for Mini Sigma-Nip® derives from Sigma-Nip®, which characterizes roller profiles for larger rolls.  Mini Sigma-Nip, which measures nip widths of rolls with circumferences smaller than 20” (51cm), can also diagnose alignment and measure larger hard rolls that have narrow contact upon closing. Mini Sigma-Nip’s® sensors capture data and record nip width readings while the sensors are in the closed, (non-rotating) nip. Adjustments to load are made in real time while the software continuously updates as it is being viewed on a standard computer that has been connected to he sensors through wireless or USB. Problems with alignment, skewing, and crown deficiencies are quickly exposed. Mini Sigma-Nip® is extremely useful for continuous maintenance, as well as during equipment setup and shutdown. Data that has been stored on its software can be reviewed for future comparisons.  Blanket life is extended by virtue of routine tests.  Web control is improved as evenly loaded roller sets are much less likely to cause web breaks and costly down time. Uneven material pulling, sheet walking, wrinkles, jams and print misregistration are greatly reduced.

conMinimal computer knowledge or training is needed, since the system prompts the user through the few steps needed for installation and set up. Software enhancements include a Comparison Mode, where up to three nip width readings can be viewed simultaneously, and an Alignment Tool, which instantly draws a line to indicate nip width variations. In Mini Sigma-Nip®, the 168 microscopic sensor points that comprise each finger are densely packed within a smaller 3.3 in. (8.4 cm) active sensing area, yielding nip measurements with very high resolution.