Vacuumatic Vicount 4PB Single-Head Paper and Card Counting Machine
| Brand | Vacuumatic |
|---|---|
| Origin | United Kingdom |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | Vicount 4PB |
| Pricing | Available Upon Request |
Overview
The Vacuumatic Vicount 4PB is a precision-engineered single-head paper and card counting system designed for high-integrity environments in commercial printing, security printing, tax stamp manufacturing, and premium packaging production. Operating on the proven dual-sensing principle—simultaneous mechanical needle-and-blade detection and rotating disc counting—the Vicount 4PB delivers metrologically traceable sheet separation and verification. Unlike optical or capacitive counters, this electromechanical architecture eliminates reliance on surface reflectivity, static charge, or ink density, ensuring consistent performance across diverse substrates including coated art papers, laminated cards, embossed security documents, and uncoated ledger stocks (25–240 gsm). With over seven decades of continuous refinement in vacuum-assisted counting technology, the Vicount 4PB represents the current benchmark for deterministic, non-destructive, and repeatable sheet enumeration in regulated industrial workflows.
Key Features
- Hybrid counting architecture: Integrated needle-and-blade sensor + high-speed rotating disc module enables adaptive mode selection based on substrate rigidity and stack integrity.
- 10.1-inch full-color capacitive touchscreen interface with icon-driven navigation—no prior operator training required; supports multi-language UI (English, German, French, Spanish, Chinese).
- Onboard industrial PC running real-time embedded Linux OS; firmware compliant with IEC 62443-4-1 for secure device configuration and audit logging.
- Configurable batch logic: Programmable batch size (2–9,999 sheets), auto-reset intervals, and user-defined pause thresholds to align with downstream collation or bundling cycles.
- Modular table options: SBT (non-air-float), SFS (non-air-float with extended feed), MFS (air-float with 760 × 760 mm deck), LFS (standard air-float, 1060 × 760 mm), and Industrial variant (1360 × 760 mm) with reinforced frame and vibration-damped mounting.
- Integrated connectivity suite: RS-232 serial port, three USB 2.0 host ports, and Gigabit Ethernet (RJ45) for MIS integration, remote diagnostics, and automated data export via CSV/Excel-compatible schema.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Vicount 4PB accommodates sheet formats from 60 × 120 mm up to A3 (297 × 420 mm), with maximum stack height of 220 mm in needle-and-blade mode and 160 mm in disc mode. It maintains ±0.1% counting accuracy across certified reference batches per ISO 12647-7 (process control for printed sheets) and ASTM D685–22 (standard practice for paper and board conditioning). All electrical subsystems conform to CE marking requirements under the EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and EMC Directive 2014/30/EU. Optional label insertion module (5–9999 labels per batch) meets ISO/IEC 15459-3 for serialized item identification in traceability-critical applications such as fiscal document production.
Software & Data Management
The embedded software provides full GLP/GMP-aligned data governance: time-stamped counting logs with operator ID authentication, configurable password levels (Supervisor / Operator / Guest), and encrypted local storage (2 GB internal flash). Batch records include timestamp, count value, mode used, substrate type tag, and error flags (e.g., double-feed detected, skew alert, low-stack warning). Export functionality supports scheduled FTP push, USB mass-storage dump, or direct MIS synchronization using standardized XML schema compliant with CIP4 JDF 1.5. Audit trails retain ≥12 months of activity history and support FDA 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic signatures when paired with optional PKI certificate integration.
Applications
- Commercial printers requiring precise pre-press sheet reconciliation before offset or digital press runs.
- Security document facilities producing banknotes, passports, and tax stamps where batch accountability is mandated by central banks or revenue authorities.
- Label converters managing variable-data print jobs with integrated label insertion and sequential numbering verification.
- Packaging manufacturers handling corrugated blanks, folding cartons, and foil-laminated cards where thickness variation challenges optical systems.
- Paper mills performing QC sampling and bale-level yield reporting prior to shipment.
FAQ
What substrate grammage ranges does the Vicount 4PB support in each counting mode?
In needle-and-blade mode: 25–240 gsm; in disc mode: 60–210 gsm (using triple-disc configuration).
Can the Vicount 4PB integrate with industry-standard MIS platforms?
Yes—via native JDF 1.5 support over Ethernet or RS-232, enabling bidirectional job ticket exchange and automated count confirmation.
Is air flotation required for standard operation?
No—SBT and SFS configurations operate without air supply; MFS/LFS/Industrial variants require compressed air (5–7 bar, oil-free, ISO 8573-1 Class 2).
How is counting accuracy validated and maintained over time?
Through built-in calibration routines traceable to NPL (UK) reference standards; annual third-party verification recommended per ISO/IEC 17025.
Does the system support regulatory audit requirements for pharmaceutical or fiscal printing?
Yes—full electronic audit trail, role-based access control, and tamper-evident log export meet EU Annex 11, FDA 21 CFR Part 11, and OECD GLP principles.
