BST Pro Mark® Introduces New Line of Integrated Web Guide Controllers

BST Pro Mark® has introduced, the ekrPRO series, a new family of web guiding system controllers designed to greatly simplify design integration of web guiding systems into converting machines. The ekrPRO product line is built upon a modular open architecture that uses CANbus communications protocol. The system contains three basic building blocks: PROCom is the system commander, PRONet functions as a remote set of brains and an output device, while PROKey provides control of the system from remote and, if needed, multiple locations. The unique design architecture results in eight benefits for designers and
manufacturers of converting equipment:

1. Optimal design flexibility,
2. Networking of many components and control of multiple webs from one central point is easily accomplished.
3. Simple connection to PLC’s, PC’s or various other BUS communications systems,
4. Easy communications with off the shelf equipment and components which support CANOPEN protocol, and other common bus communications systems,
5. Greatly simplified integration of web guiding components into many different standard operating systems used on today’s converting machines.
6. Powerful intelligent software simplifies use and eliminates some previously required hardware. Servo center and material definition are now accomplished automatically.
7. The compact 7” X 3 1/4” X 21/4” size makes this the smallest web guiding system controller ever made. This allows placement directly on the guiding device, or wherever it will be most functionally useful to the operator.
8. The ekrPRO family runs on 24 volt DC power, further simplifying design integration. The product features a powerful direct output for actuators double that of BST’s previous systems (up to 380 lbs. actuating force) and accomplishes this without any external power module.

Building upon the over 20,000 BST ekr web guiding systems installed worldwide, the ekrPRO family provides unparalleled flexibility for engineers and designers of various converting machines such as printing presses, extruders, and highly complex converting machines such as diaper making machines and tire manufacturing lines.

Other benefits of the new ekrPRO family are:
- They can be used with a wide range of sensors - - ultrasonic, infrared, reflection and CCD cameras.
- They can be used to guide many different materials – paper, film, foil, nonwoven and even rubber substrates.
- They are fully backwards compatible with the full range of BST edge sensors.

New ekrPRO systems are available for guiding to web edges, center guiding, line or contrast guiding, and can incorporate BST’s unique “watchdog” function – a fail safe for identifying and effectively guiding webs with missing print or off-center
splices.

BST web guiding systems are sold and serviced worldwide by subsidiary companies of BST International. North and Central America are serviced by BST Pro Mark® in Elmhurst , Illinois, USA and South America by BST Latina, located in Bele
Horizonte, Brazil.

BST Pro Mark® is a manufacturer of process control systems. It’s product line includes visual and automatic defect detection systems, web guiding systems, web cleaning systems, bar code verification systems, closed loop register control for offset and flexo and fountain control systems for offset.

BST Pro Mark® is a division of BST GmbH, a wholly owned subsidiary of Electro-Mechanik GmbH and member of Elexis AG, a German conglomerate traded on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the share-index number 508500.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
John D. Thome
BST Pro Mark®
650 W. Grand Avenue, Suite 301
Elmhurst, Illinois 60126
E mail: jthome@bstpromark.com
Telephone: 630.833.9900
Fax: 630.833.9909
www.bstpromark.com

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