COPRA Decal Cutter - The Automatic Ceramic Cutting Machine with Integrated Autocut Software and Vision System

COPRA® Decal Cutter is a ceramic decals cutting machine which using computer aided technology, integrated autocut software and vision system. Even it is a high technology machine, the operating of Copra® Decal Cutter does not require any specialized computer knowledge. It is simple and easy to use. Decal Cutter allows one person to perform 5 manufacturing steps simultaneously: piling, camera perforating, separating and sorting/quality control. The Copra® Decal Cutter generates cutting curves of highest and repeatable accuracy – from the first cut. This device is very effective method of producing decal transfers, It’s capacity is up to 35 printing sheets per minute.

COPRA Decal Cutter - Automatic Ceramic Cutting Machine

Easy to Use
The interface of the integrated AutoCut software is very user-friendly. Even unexperience persons will be able to operate the device successfully. In the certain case of malfunctions, your data M service technician is able to log into your COPRA® Decal Cutter System via a remote service module which is optionally available. He will track the error quickly by using a wide range of checking functions. This will minimize a possibility of down-times.

Digitising the Cutting Lines
A printed sheet with decal transfers is laid on the desk. The operator sketches the cutting lines on a transparent piece of paper lying on top and starts the scanning process. An integrated vision system automatically scans the whole paper sheet. Optimum cutting curves are calculated automatically by the control unit. Interfaces like HPGL, DXF or PostScript are available in order to import data from CAD systems.

More than 600 Sheets per Hour
After the scanning process, up to 35 sheets can be fixed pneumatically on the cutting desk. Considering a typical stitch distance of 1,3mm that is kept constant and independent of the feeding speed, the perforation head reaches a speed of 130mm/s. Depending on the length of the cutting lines the decals can be taken off after 1-2 minutes in blocks and the desk can be charged with a new stack of transfers. The perforation head can now immediately start
with the perforation process as the cutting curves have already been stored in the control software.

High Precision Cutting
The advantage of using COPRA® Decal Cutter for the production of ceramic decals lies in its high efficiency and accuracy. The tracking curve data that are scanned and stored in the control unit during the first run are sent to the perforation unit with a neglectable tolerance of ± 0,2mm.

COPRA Decal Cutter - Camera and Perforating Units

COPRA Decal Cutter - Perforating the Decals

Based on the knowledge of image processing systems and mechanical engineering, a decal cutting machine has been developed to assist the decorating process. Modern transfer application machines have started to become more popular and required precisely cut decals. This requirement could be solved by data M´s Engineering’s decal cutting machine.

The cutting machine detects the contour to be automatically perforated using a built-in camera. The perforating unit can be moved in the XY-plain and is capable of cutting complex
shapes and up to 50 sheets can be cut simultaneously without the need of stapling.

Programming the machine is simple operation and a windows-based control unit is used:

• A new decor is programmed by drawing the cutting line
• The cutting line is then scanned by a video camera
• Alternatively, HPGL- or DXF-files from CAD-Systems or PlateScribe can be imported

The cutting programs are stored on a personal computer and can be recalled whenever required. The CNC-control unit gives a constant stitch distance by synchronizing the perforating unit with the linear actuators.

In addition data M Engineering provides its customers with software development for man/machine interfaces, design and manufacturing of special-purpose machines as well as image processing systems for quality control and production processes. The use of 3D design systems allows prototypes to be visualized and design to be optimized before parts are
machined.

COPRA Decal Cutter - Automatic Ceramic Cutting Machine’s Benefits:

• Decal cutting machine with optimum repeatable accuracy
• Integrated vision system for path detection
• High level of automization: 5 working steps, 1 person
• Easy to use
• Automatic optimization of cutting sequence
• Cuts up to 35 sheets at the same time, in one run
• Interface to CAD- and layout software programs

Specifications of The Automatic Ceramic Cutting Machine - COPRA Decal Cutter:

• Computer: IBM compatible computer with network interface
• Operating system: MS Windows 2000/XP
• Software: AutoCUT data M
• SW-Interface: HPGL, DXF or PostScript
• Camera: 1/2" CCD-B/W camera module
• Frame: aluminum profiles with plastic desk
• Motors: 3-phase stepping motors; via ball screws
• Perforation unit: ball beared crank drive with asynchronic frequence-controlled motor
• Cutting speed: 130mm/s, maximum feed: 300mm/s
• Remote control  maintenance: via ISDN
• Weight: approx. 350kg
• Air pressure/ connection: 6 bar/G 1/4"
• Electricity supply: 220V-50Hz-16A

More info about The Decal Cutter Ceramic Cutting Machine can be found at COPRA’s
website.