Abstract: Flatbed applicator having a frame (10) comprising first and second leg sections (11a, 11b) arranged at opposite longitudinal ends of the applicator (1) and at least one longitudinal beam (21, 22) extending in the longitudinal direction (L) of the applicator between the first leg section and the second leg section; a table (30) being supported by the frame and comprising a first guide rail (36a) and a second guide rail (36b) being parallel to the first guide rail (36a); and a roller support structure (50) rotatably supporting a roller (40) and comprising: a transversal beam (51) extending underneath the table; and a first guide unit (56a) supported by the first guide rail and second guide unit (56b) supported by the second guide rail. The roller support structure comprises at least one third guide unit (60) being attached to the transversal beam (51) and supported by the at least one longitudinal beam (21, 22).

Abstract: Flatbed applicator comprising a table having a working surface (23), a roller (30), and a roller support structure (40) having a carriage configured to guide the roller between a raised configuration in which the roller is separated from the surface and a second, clamped configuration in which the roller is actively pressed against the surface. A pair of shuttles rotatably carry the roller and, for each shuttle, an actuating unit comprising a rotatable actuator shaft is configured to linearly actuate the shuttle, the actuator shaft being rotatably actuated by a stepping motor. A switch is configured to be activated when the roller is brought into direct or indirect contact with the surface to trigger the stepping motor to perform a predetermined number of final stepping motor steps to press the roller against the surface to bring the roller to the clamped configuration. A related method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Flatbed applicator comprising a table having a working surface (23), a roller (30), and a roller support structure (40) having a carriage configured to guide the roller between a raised configuration in which the roller is separated from the surface and a second, clamped configuration in which the roller is actively pressed against the surface. A pair of shuttles rotatably carry the roller and, for each shuttle, an actuating unit comprising a rotatable actuator shaft is configured to linearly actuate the shuttle, the actuator shaft being rotatably actuated by a stepping motor. A switch is configured to be activated when the roller is brought into direct or indirect contact with the surface to trigger the stepping motor to perform a predetermined number of final stepping motor steps to press the roller against the surface to bring the roller to the clamped configuration. A related method is also disclosed.