Operators Manual
ALS 230
Release 11/05 Page 39 Menu structure
Blow on time_____________________________________________________ APT2
Function: Only used when an applicator is necessary. It defines for how long the label is blown
onto the product.
Available only with applicator.
Range: 1 ... 7500 ms
Restart delay ____________________________________________________ APT3
Function: This parameter defines the time for a next label dispense after the applicator cycling
is completed.
Available only with applicator.
Range: 0 ... 5000 ms
Time constant compensation _______________________________________ APT4
Used to control the labelling position when using an applicator in conjunction with APSF.
The parameter APT4 is set to the time that the label takes to reach the product from the start of
the applicator cycle. For blow applicators this will probably be less than 25 ms, for EP (air-
cylinder) applicators the time will be much more - possible 60 ms to 100 ms depending on the
length of the air cylinder.
To calculate the correct value proceed as follows:
Set APT4 to 1. Run the conveyor at a fairly low speed such as 10 m/min and note the label
position on the product. Now run the conveyor at a much higher speed such as 25 m/min and
note how far the label position has shifted back.
Use the following formula to calculate the correct value for APT4...
(LABEL SHIFT (mm) x 60) / (Vhigh - Vlow) = APT4
Vhigh represents the higher conveyor speed used (in m/min)
Vlow represents the lower conveyor speed used (in m/min)
eg. If the shift is 3mm and the conveyor speeds 10 m/min and 25 m/min are used the correct
value for APT4 is:
(3 x 60) / (25 - 10) = 180 / 15 = 12
The calculated value should then be tested by running the conveyor at a high and a low speed
and checking that the placement position does not change. If the label position moves back
slightly at higher speed then increase APT4 a little, if it moves forward at higher speed then
decrease APT4 a little.
Note: The EGRA parameter must be set correctly as well as the APT4 parameter
for correct label positioning on the product.