Reducing tension fluctuations using isolated tension zones

摘要

A method and system for reducing tension fluctuations in a printing system are disclosed. A plurality of tension zones is defined in the printing system. Tension on the web in one tension zone is controlled independently of the tension on the web in the other tension zones. The printing system also includes at least one roller for each tension zone. The rollers receive tension control commands and control the amount of tension on the web in their respective tension zones. The printing system is used to print a first copy of the print job on the web and tension on the web in each tension zone is measured. Tension control adjustments are computed for each tension zone based on the tension measurements. The tension control adjustments are used to adjust the tension control commands to the rollers to print a second copy of the print job.

主权项

1. A method for reducing tension fluctuations in a web when printing a print job on the web, comprising:
providing a printing system with a first print station disposed opposite a first side of the web, wherein the first print station defines one or more print zones where a liquid is deposited onto the first side of the web, and a plurality of first rollers in contact with the web and adapted to receive tension control commands; defining a plurality of tension zones in the printing system, wherein tension on the web in one tension zone is controlled independently of the tension on the web in the other tension zones; for each tension zone, associating at least one of the plurality of first rollers with the tension zone, the tension control commands operating on the first roller to control the amount of tension of the web in the tension zone; using the printing system to print a first copy of the print job on the web; measuring tension changes on the web in each tension zone during the printing of the first copy of the print job; using a processor to determine first tension control adjustments based on the measured tension changes; and using the first tension control adjustments to adjust the tension control commands to the first rollers in the printing system to print a second copy of the print job, thereby reducing tension fluctuations in the web.