Two-dimensional Register Modeling and Control in Multi-layer Roll-to-roll e-Printing Systems

For the adaption of roll-to-roll printing method to the printed electronics, it is mandatory to increase the resolution of register control. A two-dimensional register was derived considering both the lateral motion and strain of a moving web, and the transverse position of a printing roll. Also, a correlation between machine directional register and cross directional register was analyzed and the correlation was modeled as a oblique machine directional register. A feedforward control method was proposed to cancel out the disturbance of 2-D register from upstream span. The mathematical modeling and proposed control method were validated by numerical simulations and experimental verification in various operating conditions using a multi-layer direct gravure printing machine. These results show that the proposed feedforward control scheme greatly improved the control performance of register control in overcoming the upstream disturbances