6. Blanking – License Plate Manufacturing
November 17, 20158. License Plate Identification – License Plate Manufacturing
November 17, 20157. Components of blanking line
7.1 Horizontal Call Handler
The essence of horizontal call handler is to come up with a safer and at the same time easier to load system that will be essential in holding as well as supplying number plate substrate as it is fed through the blanking line. In addition to those beneficial aspects, the horizontal call handler also leads to more convenient way of handling the substrate coils thus also mitigating the chance of coil damage.
7.2 stock reel
If the horizontal call handler is not available in the blanking process, the operator can also rely on stock reel. In fact, stock reel is one of the most standard equipment used along with a high-end number plate machine in the license plate industry. Since it can be a daunting task to load the aluminium coils, it usually commands the use of an overhead hoist.
7.3 Optional Wash
If you are engaged in the license plate manufacturing industry, you should never disregard the importance of operational sanitation. In connection to this, the essence of using option wash or rinse tank is that is spruce up any residual contaminants from the surface of the substrate. Number plate machine operators usually recommend and use an insulated tank that contains cleaning solutions to remove the excess liquid from the spot. Another beneficial aspect is that is also improves the adhesion of the protective coating of the number plate. In licence plate production, you need to have a sensitive understanding that steel substrate typically needs rinsing and cleaning while aluminium substrate only requires a hot rinse.
7.4 Applicator
The function of applicator is to apply a reflective shooting to the material substrate as well as rewinds the protective liner. Typically, in pre-printed protective covering, you have to keep in mind that changes in the temperature and humidity can lead to slight changes in the actual size of the image. Although these changes can be small, they could be noticeable especially with regards to the size of the blank. It is on this matter where in the efficiency of a controls system steps in. Just as a quality number plate machine is a must, a control system is also imperative that without it, the center image in the blank would be cut off from top to bottom. In short, without the control system, the blank is useless.
7.5 Graphic registry system
With this feeder or graphic registry system, the laminated stock is essentially fed to the Blanking Press and Banking Die. In order to make the process precise as much as possible, number plate machine operators usually make use of a precision Servo Roll Feed. The job of this tool is to receive timing signal from the Blanking press and the feeder. It is also on this process the use of a photoelectric signal is very relevant. The said tool is used in the detection of registration marks on the sheeting and at the same time controlling the material that is being fed to the Blanking Die. As a result, the operator can make sure that the graphic printing has a consistent location on the blank. In connection to this, modern technology has also spared the license plate industry from the older day’s usage of roll feeds that are mechanically driven.
7.6 Drop thru Blanking Die
One of the most significant inherent functionalities of number plate machine is to make sure that there is no scrap or waste being generated during the manufacturing process. That’s why inmate operators optimize their work by means of counting on the efficacy of Drop Thru Blanking Die. This is designed in order to streamline waste reduction in the license plate industry. As it also has intricate features and functionalities, it is very important that every operator as well as supervisor should be adept with its usage.
7.7 Compound Blanking Die
This type of blanking die or mould is widely used in the production of flat license plates. It incorporates the blanking process to the border embossing with the same unit.
7.8 Embossing
So, how are depressed characters produced by a number plate machine? This is carried out through a process called embossing. It is one of the operational facets of number plate production which means the creation of raised letters, symbols, or numbers for the number plate. The main reason there are many license plate manufacturer who adhere to this method is that it is difficult to forge.
7.9 Embossing presses
These hydraulic presses are sturdy machines that are excellent when it comes to assuming the job of a number plate machine. These presses are very helpful especially if the operation needs a higher embossing pressure.
License plates that are traditionally embossed are typically designed with the help of custom feeder and embosser mounted in embossing presses. In most numbers of plate machine, operators make use of a two-station system which allow the loading of the blanks by a single operator while the task of the second operator is to change the embossing dies. In order to keep the operators break off from any pinch points, it is very essential that they keep abreast with safety design features.
7.10 Sliding Die
This refers to a single stations system that utilize a female and a male rim die for the border of the license plates while each character that needs to be embossed is optimized with the use of an interchangeable block dies. Just in case you are not aware, female block dies are designed alongside with specialized elastomeric pads in order to control the embossing process. With this, the task of loading blanks and changing of the embossing dies can be carried out by a single operator. Just like with any other facilities and features of a plate number machine, it is very important that there are safety features for maximized protection of the operation personnel.
To give you an idea about the absolute power of a Sliding Die, it boast a production capability of 300-400 number plates in every hour enough to call it a sustainable approach in the production of license plates. However, due to modern technology, these digits are not limited to that range. Meanwhile, for single aluminium license plates, they usually need about 60 tons of embossing pressure. Furthermore, a pair of aluminium number plates is oftentimes embossed with the use of a Sliding Die. This embossing process is referred to as rubber counter embossing. However, every number plate machine operator needs to know that the application of this embossing method is limited especially in the production of steel plates.
