Galil Motion Control, Inc. · 800-377-6329 · www.galilmc.com
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high-resolution film imager
developed in Massachusetts by
Graphics LX Corp. has elimi-
nated a costly step in the printing
process while improving output quali-
ty. Using a Galil motion controller,
the GLX LFR-70 converts Postscript
files directly to film for use with plate
projection systems. This integrated
system eliminates the need for hard-
copy laser printing and subsequent
camera work, while using only 5% of
the film required for traditional full-
format imagesetters. The 5600 dpi reso-
lution of the GLX LFR-70, combined
with its 6 micron laser spot size neces-
sitates tight control of the imaging
head and film drive systems.
This high-precision process relies on
the Galil DMC-1530 three axis motion
controller with expanded I/O. Galil's
dual loop control algorithm is used to
control the path of the laser across the
film, synchronizing a 0.1 micron linear
encoder and a 5000 count rotary
encoder to provide precision stage
movement. This Galil feature allows
exacting control of the imager head,
Postscript files are converted directly
into film, eliminating the need for
hard-copy laser prints.
A Galil Controller
Leads to Savings in
the Print Industry by
Graphics LX Corp.
eliminating
oscillations due
to backlash
while maintain-
ing an average
positional error
of less than 0.4
micron.
The remaining two axes of the Galil
controller are used to transport the
film in the GLX LFR-70. Galil's elec-
tronic gearing allows film tension to be
controlled within critical boundaries to
maintain contact with the imaging
drum, while reducing excessive friction.
This precise control keeps the film
within a tight focal plane for sharp,
repeatable images.
The multitasking capability of
Galil's DMC-1500 series controller
allows the GLX LFR-70 to perform
four separate functions at once. The
Galil controller monitors 33 analog
and digital I/O points, positions the
film, updates process data, and moves
the laser head simultaneously. The
generous I/O on the DMC-1530-72
eliminates the need for external I/O
modules while controlling LEDs, pneu-
matic valves, and gear motors, and
monitoring vacuum, optical, and prox-
imity sensors and switches.
Galil's Visual Basic Toolkit provid-
ed the tools necessary to create a user-
friendly, intuitive front-end for the
GLX LFR-70. Communication, gauge
and polling controls simplified the pro-
gramming of the user interface, includ-
ing film management, system status,
and operator panel features.
The Galil 1500 series controller has
proven to be a smart move for
Graphics LX Corp., providing a full-
featured, economical solution to a
demanding design. Galil's dual loop
algorithm, Visual Basic controls, elec-
tronic gearing, multitasking, and
expanded I/O combine to provide an
ideal motion control solution for the
GLX LFR-70.
The Galil DMC-1530-72 provides
precision control for the imaging engine
of the GLX LFR-70.
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