To ensure that the starter ring gears run smoothly in the car, a metal strip is welded on when the rings are balanced on the Hofmann fully automatic balancing machine. A geometry measurement station is also integrated into the process. Once the rings have been balanced and geometry verification is complete, the test and inspection results have to be documented for every single part. An ink jet printer, which is integrated into the delivery conveyor of the balancing machine, applies a marking which in this case is a data matrix code (2D code) including a clear text marking. Data matrix codes (2D codes) significantly increase the information density per unit area compared to one-dimensional barcodes (1D codes). To mark the starter gear rings, 36 characters are encoded onto a space with an edge length of 6.8 mm.
The ink jet printer has to meet certain basic requirements. To be machine readable, the printing must be very accurate and precise. However, the code application process must be fast and cost-effective to avoid any impairment to the production process. A circumferential 30 mm bead on the rings presents a particular challenge during the marking process, because the spacing between the print head and the printing surface has to be 33 mm. To reduce cost and effort, a print method had to be found which did not require a positioning mechanism.

Georg Fischer, Engineering Manager at Hofmann, explained that “fortunately KBA-Metronic AG was able to supply the alphaJET C ink jet printer which can accurately apply the marking without problem from a distance of 33 mm”. No other ink jet system has this capability.
With its 48-dot matrix head, the alphaJET can perform continuous, non-contact ink jet printing on up to 6 lines, and the individual lines can be shifted bitwise. It can reliably meet the resolution and quality requirements of data matrix code applications. The alphaJET C is suitable for use on nearly all products and materials. It is user programmable and can be integrated into any production line.
To verify legibility, a HawkEye 1525HD reader is used to check the marking and verify that it can be read properly. There is a Profibus-DP link to the controller, and an Ethernet port is available for remote operation and monitoring. The reader is enclosed in an IP 67 housing for use in harsh industrial environments.
Georg Fischer summarized the relationship with KBA as follows: “Our customers need professional advice on their specific issues, and they normally need it right away. This means that we have to provide individual, cost-effective solutions very quickly. We value KBA-Metronic AG as a reliable professional partner when we are faced with difficult challenges.”

KBA-Metronic AG is a medium-size company with around 300 employees. The company was founded in 1972 and is located near Würzburg, Germany. KBA has been a subsidiary of Koenig & Bauer AG since 2004.
KBA-Metronic specializes in the development, design, production and marketing of printing and marking products. By leveraging its impressive innovation capabilities, the company has continued to expand its extensive product portfolio.
KBA-Metronic is the only company in Germany which is able to exploit the synergies which result from in-house marking and offset expertise. KBA-Metronic solutions are used in industrial applications where printing, lettering or coding is applied to any product or packaging. Well-known companies in the automotive, food and pharmaceutical industries around the world use KBA laser, inkjet, hot stamping and thermal transfer products.
KBA-Metronic also supplies products for the expanding sheet, card, CD and DVD printing segment of the offset market.

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