All coding and printing systems depend on a continuous source of ink for proper operation. Although the ink demands of most normal coding applications can be met with pre-saturated ink rolls, high speed web printing applications can rapidly tax the capacity of most inking systems. A perfect ink supply system would feed ink to the coder in precisely metered volumes on an as needed basis and would be programmable to meet the demands of both high and low density code printing requirements. For maximum marking economy, the ink supply system should accommodate ink purchased in bulk containers. The last but perhaps the most important design criteria would be that the system should require only minimal maintenance. Universal met this design challenge with the introduction of the Programmable Ink Delivery System.

Universal's Programmable Ink Delivery Systems were developed to accurately feed ink to our Non-Porous Coders in high speed web printing applications. When web speeds exceed 400 fpm or code density exceeds the ability of the 4 oz. Reservoir Ink Cartridges to deliver adequate ink volumes - the PIDS Systems are recommended. A programmable electronic control operates a precision peristaltic metering pump which feeds ink to the coders on a predetermined basis. The control can be interfaced with web feed controls to disable the ink pump when the web stops. These units are available with 1, 2, 3 & 4 head pump modules for single or gang mount coder applications.

Following the design criteria to produce the ultimate coder ink delivery system, Universal's design team selected peristaltic metering pumps for use on the PIDS systems. These tube pumps are geared and programmed to deliver ink to the coders in 1.1 ml shots at predetermined intervals during the printing operation. A distinct advantage of the peristaltic pump design is that no ink contacts any of the pumps moving parts. The only maintenance required on these pumps is the periodic changing of the pump tubes. Raising a lever on the pump head un-clamps the pump tube and pressing two release buttons on the quick change tube couplings frees the pump tube assembly. This unique system enables tube changes in less than 5 seconds.

The Coder Connection The only remaining challenge in the development of the Programmable Ink Delivery System design was finding an effective method of transferring ink from the pump to the ink roll without compromising print quality or increasing maintenance requirements. To accomplish this task, Universal developed a unique wiper adapter assembly with no moving parts. Ink is injected between two thin plastic wipers which wipe the ink completely across the face of the rotating ink rolls. Cycling the pump at regular intervals and injecting very small volumes of ink per cycle, ensures that the coder maintains uniform print density.