MapleJet HX Nitro User manual
Sensor Connection
Quick Reference Guide Series
Release Date: 18/07/2019
HX Nitro Sensor Connection
Description:
Various sensors are used to detect the position of the product(s) in the production line. Each type depends
on the environmental and physical conditions, it is basically applied in different industries using proximity
sensors, opticals and lasers.
There are two (2) types of sensor output that can connect to Hx Nitro following the correct technical
procedures:
§ NPN Mode
§ PNP Mode
Sensor Wiring:
Most sensors consist three (3) wires :
GND
,
VCC
,
Output
.
HX Nitro supports 12V and other open-type sensors. It uses DB9 connector that enables connections
between the Sensor input and printer.
Figure 1. Different types of sensor
Figure 2. Three-wire NPN Sensor
Figure 3. Three-wire PNP Sensor
Sensor Connection
Quick Reference Guide Series
Release Date: 18/07/2019
Sensor Installation:
Guidelines
- The printing position of all products in the production line must be aligned and identical to obtain the
same direction without any vibration.
- Ensure that the product is passing accurately in front of the sensor and nozzle.
- The sensor should be installed in the direction of the printer nozzles as shown in Figure 4 & 5.
Delay Time
Delay time is a print parameter that is set in the software, Vanguard Create. It is the length of time before
the printer prints after the product passes through the sensor. Setting the delay time depends on the speed
of the conveyor and the distance between the print position and the printer’s nozzles.
Reminder: Awareness on the guidelines is very important during the installation.
Figure 4. Product passing through
the nozzle and sensor
Figure 5. Product alignment with the
nozzle and sensor
Sensor Connection
Quick Reference Guide Series
Release Date: 18/07/2019
The distance between the print position and the printer nozzle depends on the sensor's distance from the
printer.
A shorter distance between the sensor and the printer causes higher printing precision. Therefore,
it is best to position the sensor closer to the printer. By reducing this distance, the delay time in print
parameter setting in Vanguard Create should also be reduced.
Installation Note
• The sensor's distance from the printer’s nozzles should not exceed the product distance (Dp) and
the product length (Lp). 𝐷𝑠 < (𝐿𝑝 +𝐷𝑝)
• The print time is the total of the delay time and the duration of the actual message printing. This
time should not be longer than the time of the next product to reach the sensor.
• It is best to install the sensor closer to the printer.
• In order to have the highest printing speed, the delay should be as close as possible to zero.
Figure 6. Sensor and printer distance illustration
Sensor Connection
Quick Reference Guide Series
Release Date: 18/07/2019
Example:
A. Long Product
For products that are longer than the printer's width (Wp<Wa,), the sensor should be installed
AFTER
the
printer. By doing this, the delay time can be reduced to a minimum or even zero.
In the image below, you can clearly see the effect of the location of the sensor to the delay time.
Figure 7. Product width is longer than the printer
Figure 8. Sensor position after the printer
Figure 9. Sensor position before the printer
Sensor Connection
Quick Reference Guide Series
Release Date: 18/07/2019
B. High Speed Production Line
In high speed production lines, the most important parameter is the delay time and it should be set closer
to zero. However, it depends on the length of the product and the distance of the print area to the edge
of the product. If the distance is longer than the printer's width, as in example A, it is recommended to
install the sensor after the printer. On the other hand, when the distance is less, it is recommended to install
the sensor depending on the product before or after the printer.
When delay time is set to zero, the print will begin immediately after the product is detected by the sensor.
When the product passes through nozzle, the printer will again wait for the next command of the sensor
and will print based on the set delay time.
In the right image, the sensor is installed at a longer distance from the printer. When the printer prints on
Product 1, both Products 2 and 3 are detected by the sensor, but are ignored because the printer is busy
printing. It finally detect Product 4 and will print based on the delay time. To prevent this issue, the sensor
must be installed closer to the printer as shown in Figure 10.
Note that during print time, the sensor pulses are ignored until the print is complete. Print time, which
includes delay time and message printing time, depends on the message length and the print speed.
Figure 10. Sensor position closer from the printer
Figure 11. Sensor position farther from the printer
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