Development of an on-line modular printed-web inspection system

This paper describes the development of a modular inspection system for the on-line inspection of printed-web (a continuous sheet of paper on a roll) material. Real-time inspection during the high-speed printing of high-quality, multicolor web materials can determine process deviations that could degrade product quality in time to take corrective action. This action can effectively and directly reduce spoilage within the current process and eliminate losses in subsequent processes. The system was initially developed for the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) for postage stamp production but can be adapted to almost any printed-web quality-monitoring applications.