01Initial Situation
OMEGA PHARMA wanted to use its existing handheld inkjet printer automatically on a production machine. Designed for portable use, the device had to be adapted to operate within a fixed production system.
An integration solution combining mechanical, electronic and automation work was developed. Device positioning, power supply and synchronising the print event with the machine were handled in the same project.
02Applied Solution
Machine-specific mounting brackets were designed and manufactured to hold the printer securely in the correct position. Mechanical installation was completed using these brackets.
- Design and manufacture of machine-specific mounting brackets
- Sensor and electrical connections for print timing
- Connecting the device to the automation system
Sensors and electrical connections were prepared so printing could occur at the correct point in the machine's operating sequence. This linked the device to the automation system in synchronisation with the machine.
Label roll moving through the machine, close-up of printed labels and the bracket-mounted inkjet device.
03Technical Assessment
The handheld device originally used a 5 V supply. Its internal structure and electronic board were modified to suit the production machine's 24 V control architecture.
This modification enabled the printer to operate within the machine's 24 V system. As industrial machine control circuits generally use 24 V, adapting the power supply was a key step towards permanently incorporating the device into the machine.
| Status | Power supply |
|---|---|
| Original handheld device | 5 V |
| Machine control architecture | 24 V |
| Adaptation | Device internals and electronic board modified |
04Commissioning
Mechanical mounting, sensor connections, power supply adaptation and automation integration were completed together. The handheld inkjet device was made compatible with the machine's operating system.
The device was delivered to OMEGA PHARMA ready for production line use; printing now operates as part of the machine's automation.
Label roll on the machine, close-up of the inkjet printhead and a labelled product with a printed date.
05Project Outcomes
“Mechanical and electronic adaptation of the handheld inkjet device to the machine met our expectations. Incorporating it into the 24 volt system allowed us to use printing as part of the automation.”
Alaeddin · Company Representative
