Kirk-Rudy’s first servo-equipped machine handled speeds up to 350 fpm, but even faster operation, along with greater accuracy, became the redesign target.Īnother design goal was to simplify the current control system of four individual PLCs with an HMI control panel. But attaching three tabs in a more-complicated arrangement while keeping up speed necessitated the move to servomotors. It then folds it underneath while the mailer continues to move.Įarlier machines with this design used stepper motors.
The tabber needs only one transport table. Paper-handling equipment maker Kirk-Rudy in Atlanta came up with the KR545T Tabber, a machine that can apply multiple tabs or labels on three sides in a single pass.
They wanted a single, compact system that could attach the new back tab without slowing the workflow. However, both big and small mailing services didn’t like the idea of buying a new machine or finding the space for a table to hold it. The first and most-obvious solution was to simply add another tabbing machine. This action must be done as the mailer travels in a straight line at up to 350 fpm. Paper being fed with an open edge for inkjet printing of the address has to be turned 90° to add the back tab. Adding that third tab on the trailing edge of the paper made the process more difficult. Mailers now needed three tabs instead of two. The new specifications call for tabs on the leading and trailing edge of the paper to avoid jams during handling. Previous rules placed two tabs at the top of the mailer. Machines today must accommodate sample packets, CDs, plastic cards, and other items not traditionally associated with mail.Ī few years ago, the USPS updated its specifications for tabbing - how tape goes on mailers such as brochures, newsletters, flyers, and so forth. Postal paper handling has changed in the past 40 years. A switch from stepper motors to servodrives did the trick. When postal regulation changes mandated the placement of a third piece of tape on mass mailings, a manufacturer of paper-handling equipment had to economically meet the new requirements quickly.
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