We take immense pride in contributing to our clients’ significant achievements.
Thus, we were elated when HP—our partner since 2011—entrusted us with the installation and commissioning of their newly unveiled HP PageWide Advantage 2200 with Brilliant Ink for its European debut at Hunkeler Innovationdays 2023.
Held this year at the Lucerne Exhibition Centre in Switzerland from February 27 to March 2, Hunkeler Innovationdays is a premier international event that unites leading digital printing and finishing companies worldwide to showcase their latest innovations.
With only twelve days to assemble, commission, and test HP’s new inkjet press before the event’s commencement, we encountered several unforeseen challenges. Nevertheless, our seasoned team of engineers adeptly navigated each obstacle.
Arrival of Equipment and Commencement of Assembly
The press journeyed from HP’s factory in Corvallis, Oregon, to the exhibition center in Switzerland. To accommodate this, we scheduled staggered deliveries over the project’s initial two days.
The first shipment arrived on day one, containing essential modules and components—including the print engine module (PEM), turnbar module, passive web cooling module, and the WCM electrical cabinet.
While awaiting the remaining crates, we began uncrating various modules and marked reference lines on the floor, preparing for assembly on day two.
Additional crates arrived the following morning; however, some were delayed due to a canceled flight. This posed a challenge, as the delayed shipment included critical parts such as the dryer to web cooling module tunnel, electrical schematics, labels, and more.
Undeterred, we divided our engineers into three teams to maintain progress: one team managed crate unloading, the second handled uncrating, and the third initiated press assembly. We also devised alternative strategies to advance in the absence of the delayed components.
Our assembly team commenced by aligning the PEM with the pre-marked reference lines and leveling it. Subsequently, we aligned and anchored the turnbar module to the PEM and secured the cooling module to the PEM.
Next, we positioned the ink distribution system (IDS) in its designated location and connected it to the press. Finally, we placed both dryers within one to two meters of their final positions.
Fortunately, the delayed components arrived the following morning. Despite their late arrival, we had already made substantial progress.
By the end of the third day, we had uncrated all remaining items, positioned and connected the press side rack, trammed and leveled the Hunkeler Unwinder UW8 to the turnbar infeed, fitted the tunnels between the dryers, and completed 90% of the wiring.
This progress positioned us well to begin integration on day four. However, an unforeseen challenge soon emerged…
An Unexpected Challenge Arises…
Several days into the project, we learned that the installation media would be delayed until the following week.
This could have been a significant setback—if not for the nature of the event. Fortunately, being at an industrial print press trade show allowed us to utilize media from the exhibition for the printhead-to-paper spacing (PPS) and initial calibrations while awaiting the delayed shipment.
This adaptability enabled us to proceed as planned and stay ahead of schedule. Over the subsequent days, we successfully carried out the installation and completed the wiring.
We began by aligning, tramming, and leveling the Hunkeler Rewinder UW8 to the press outfeed and then integrated the dryers, web cooling modules, and other components. Our team meticulously ensured that all connections were secure and that each module functioned as intended.
Successful Commissioning and Testing
With the installation phase complete, we transitioned to commissioning and testing. Our engineers conducted comprehensive system checks, calibrations, and test runs to verify that the press operated at peak performance.
We collaborated closely with HP’s technical team throughout this process, ensuring that every aspect of the press met their stringent standards and specifications.
By the end of the twelfth day, the HP PageWide Advantage 2200 with Brilliant Ink was fully operational and ready for its European debut at Hunkeler Innovationdays 2023.
Conclusion
This project exemplified our commitment to excellence, adaptability, and collaboration. Despite logistical challenges and tight deadlines, our team’s expertise and dedication ensured the successful installation and commissioning of HP’s new inkjet press.
We are honored to have played a pivotal role in this milestone and look forward to supporting our clients in their future endeavors.