Page 45 - Print21 Magazine March April 2021

Two other new die cutters were launched earlier last year to complete the portfolio – the Powermatrix 106 CSB and Promatrix 145 CSB.
Koenig & Bauer
The rotary die-cutter CutPro X 106 has been developed on the basis of the proven Rapida medium-format press series. It incorporates the latest die-cutting technology for what the company promotes as a “boundless scope” of applications. Die-cutting, embossing, creasing, perforating, Braille texts on pharmaceuticals packaging, presentation folders or in-mould labels for paint buckets – the applications are wide.
Technical features such as the DriveTronic feeder and infeed, Venturi sheet guiding, universal gripper systems, and the AirTronic delivery provide for die-cutting performance. You can choose from a range of different configurations and equipment packages.
The company says there is a high level of automation for fast job changes, the intuitive operating concept of the Rapida platform, performance packages for diverse applications, and significantly enhanced efficiency compared to flat-bed die-cutters
The former Rapida RDC 106 is operating under the new product name CutPro X 106.
Kama
In the B2 market the Kama die- cutter supplied by Currie Group offers two main platforms.
The tried and tested die cutting, embossing and finishing machine ProCut 76 Foil is marketed on its versatility, quality and, the company says, makes even small and digitally
printed orders cost effective with its short set-up times.
For short-run packaging jobs, Kama says its finishing die cutter DC 76 Foil with the tool-free Kama stripper will get post-press setup fit for the production of glossy, enhanced cartons and for the high demands of brand manufacturers.
Kama also has a die-cutter for digital work, the ProCut 58 Foil.
It says it is the only die cutting, embossing and finishing machine for classic digital print formats and offers many applications including first-rate hot foil stamping, and is optimised for the requirements of digital printing.
Horizon
For the smaller sizes and run lengths, the Horizon RD-4055 Rotary Die Cutter, supplied by Currie Group,
is designed to meet the growing demand for short-run die-cut product, with the ability to die-cut, crease, perforate, slit, hole punch, and round corner in one process for digital and offset printed sheets.
This system features what the company says is easy change-over and simple operation. Both set-up and control can be done through an intuitive touchscreen that displays graphic illustrations. Vacuum belt feeding enables feeding and an ultrasonic sensor is used for double- feed detection on a wide range of substrates.
Die-cutting and kiss-cutting can also be performed at the same time which, the company says, makes the Horizon RD-4055 ideal for producing stickers and labels. Creasing can be achieved to avoid image cracking, making it suitable for boxes, pocket folders, and greeting cards which require an additional folding process after die-cutting.
Die cutting: Grow into packaging opportunities
Duplo NeoCut
Supplied by Quadient, and using
a flatbed table and digital cutting technology, the NeoCut-0806 Digital Die Cutter produces short- run packaging, and custom-shaped cards and labels without physical dies required. The NeoCut-0806 cuts, kiss cuts, scores and perforates a range of substrates including paper, laminates, adhesives and synthetic stocks up to 800 x 600mm in size and up to 600gsm. The company says it is an affordable and versatile solution for prototyping designs and sample productions. No dies are required.
Using the DPC Controller software, the triple tooling head follows the lines sketched on the cut file to finish applications into any shape desired. Media is held in place on the flatbed through a suction zone below the conveyor belt as
the tooling head moves throughout the sheet. The NeoCut-0806 comes with four cutting tools and a scoring wheel, and up to three tools can be added in the tooling head. These can be set to cut intricate shapes, kiss cut labels and stickers, and score fold lines to avoid toner cracking on packaging and folded pieces.
With a stack height of 100mm, the NeoCut-0806 is vacuum fed, with the air knife aiding in separation. The feed tray elevates as sheets are fed and it can be reloaded without interrupting operation.
Packaging and display print, short medium or long run, do offer print businesses two of the best options for future growth. The raft of die cutting systems in all formats and implementing analogue and digital technology means there is nothing in finishing to hold any business back that wants to enter those arenas. 21
Print21 MARCH/APRIL 2021 45