Multi-Span Tension Control for Printing Systems in Gravure Printed Electronic Equipment

The tension system is one of the most critical systems in gravure printed electronic equipment. It possesses a complex structure that spans the entire feeding process, from unwinding through printing to rewinding. This article focuses on the research of multi-span tension control for printing systems. Firstly, the characteristics and requirements of the tension-control system in the printing section were analyzed, and a multi-span tension-control structure was devised. Then, based on the coupled mathematical model of the multi-span tension system, a static decoupling model was formulated, and a first-order active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) controller was designed utilizing active disturbance rejection control technology. Finally, to verify the control performance of the ADRC decoupling controller for the printing tension system, simulation and experimental studies were conducted using MATLAB/Simulink R2018a and a dedicated experimental platform, and the results were then compared with those obtained from a traditional PID controller. The research findings indicate that the designed multi-span tension-control system demonstrates outstanding decoupling performance and anti-interference capabilities, effectively enhancing the tension-control accuracy of gravure printed electronic equipment.