First fruits of QI Press Controls’ acquisition of EAE are a new camera which combines register and density control functions.

The new IDS-3D device – to be shown at the World Publishing Expo in Amsterdam – succeeds the orange-coloured, dual-sensor mRC-3D camera system which debuted at DRUPA 2012.

The new camera is blue, but more important differences are ‘under the bonnet’, the Dutch developer says.

“EAE’s takeover by the owners of QI Press Controls has enabled developers in both companies to combine the best of both worlds,” says joint chairman Menno Jansen.

Algorithms for EAE’s Loop colour density system and QIPC’s IDS have been implemented in the single system Functions operate on full-colour print lines, without the need for printed bars, strips or markings.

IDS-3D also incorporates the automatic cleaning system of the mRC-3D, using a film cassette in front of the lens for cleaning when the system recognises it has been smudged. Simultaneous closed-loop corrections include colour, unit and cocking register (the latter for heatset), colour optimisation to ISO 12647-3 and -2 including water balance. It also signals incorrect plate positioning and other irregularities or print errors.

Jansen says first orders have already been placed.