This document discusses converting centerlining, which aims to increase consistency and reduce variability in the converting process. It does this through nip point calibration and machine timing/registration. Nip point calibration ensures components are properly distanced, reducing errors. Timing/registration decreases set-up times and waste by properly positioning machine section gears. Maintaining accurate timing is important as crews' failure to do so commonly undermines centerlining efforts. The document provides examples of external timing marks and emphasizes that consistently keeping machines timed is key to establishing a centerlined, efficient converting process.

1. MACHINE TIMING
AND REGISTRATION
STRIVING FOR CONSISTENCY
IN THE CONVERSION
PROCESS

2. CONVERTING
CENTERLINING
(QUICK OVERVIEW)

3. BENEFITS OF CENTERLINING
• Reduced unscheduled
1 downtime
• Ease in training of
2 employees
• Increased machine
3 reliability
4 • Consistent Quality

4. CONVERTING
CENTERLINING
Why is it Important?
Centerlining allows us to control the steps and
actions within the manufacturing process. The
result is a quality product that meets our
customers’ quality requirements from crew to
crew and from run to run.

5. THE CONVERTING
CENTERLINING PROCESS
Converting Centerlining is a systematic method of
increasing throughput and decreasing variability in
the conversion process.
There are 2 Sections of the Converting Centerlining
Process:
• Nip Point Calibration
• Machine Timing and Registration

6. NIP POINT
CALIBRATION

7. BENEFITS OF NIP POINT
CALIBRATION
1 • Reduce Set-Up Errors
• Removes Variation in the
2 Converting Process
• Reduces Cross Training
3 Requirements

8. NIP POINT CALIBRATION
Why is it Important?
Ensures the actual distance between
components perfectly match the indicators
and gauges on the converting machine

9. NIP POINT CALIBRATION
Nip Point Calibration is a series of SPIs
that address critical sheet control points:
– SPI-N801 Feed Section Calibration
– SPI-N802 Print Section Calibration
– SPI-N803 Anilox Roll Parallel and Calibration
– SPI-N804 Creaser Slotter Section Calibration
– SPI-N805 Die cut Section Calibration
– SPI-N807 Folding Rail Calibration

10. TIMING &
REGISTRATION

11. BENEFITS OF TIMING &
REGISTRATION
1 • Decrease Set-Up Times
2 • Reduce Set-Up Errors
3 • Minimize Waste

12. TIMING AND
REGISTRATION
What is timing?
Machine timing is the relationship
between the position of machine section
gears and the feed section.

13. MACHINE TIMING
Refers to the proper positioning of the gear-train
when the machine is closed.

14. MACHINE TIMING
• Crew’s lack of discipline to maintain timing is
a common failure of centerlining.
• Timing marks should be clear.
• Machines must be maintained in a timed
state.

15. MACHINE TIMING
• Different machines may have different timing marks
and procedures.
• Some machines will have external timing reference
marks on the outside of the machine that line up with a
pointer or a scribed position.
• Some machines have internal timing marks or marks on
the gear itself which must be aligned before exiting the
machine after a set-up.
• Here are some examples of timing marks:

16. EXTERNAL TIMING MARKS
United Die Cutter
The black dial is the timing indicator and 12 o’clock is the timed
position.
Register ring: Does not
Move when the machine
Is running.
Timing Indicator: turns at a 1:1 ratio with the gear
Inside the machine.

17. EXTERNAL TIMING MARKS
United Die Cutter
Black dial is clear but no real clear timing reference point.

18. EXTERNAL TIMING MARKS
Ward Die Cutter (Bullet Registers)
Ward Die Cutter timing ring lined up with the timing
reference point.
Timing Ring

19. TIMING SUMMARY
• All crews must maintain their machines in a timed
state!!!
• Timing marks will vary for different machines.
• Timing marks need to be clear.
• Timing is the first hurdle in establishing a centerlined
and one box capable machine.
• Failure to maintain timing is the most common cause
for not being able to reduce set-up waste.

20. QUESTIONS?