Page 44 - Print21 Jan-Feb 2022

Die-cutting
../continued from page 43
has also noticed a move towards more automation on the machines, and logistics feed in the die cutter feeders, which the Cutpro Q series is equipped to provide.
Print & Pack: TooLink
by Bobst
TooLink is a digital solution that connects with die-cutters and simplifies the change- over, which according to Bobst, allows for efficient and agile box converting.
"TooLink connects the dots to create
a more fluid packaging production system. It reduces the risk of human error by removing the need for operator intervention, ensuring extreme precision for zero-fault die-cutting, boosting quality and reducing waste," said Carsten Wendler, managing director of local agent Print & Pack, explaining that all new Bobst 106 format die-cutters are TooLink ready, including Novacut, Expertcut, Visioncut and Mastercut machines.
TooLink-prepared tools are manufactured by a Bobst-certified die-maker. A secured data chip is built into the die and creates an ID for every tool. When the tool is inserted in the machine, the chip is read, and the production-ready recipe with correct alignment and settings is automatically transferred to the machine.
Wendler says that all it takes for the operator is two clicks on the die-cutter’s Human-Machine Interface (HMI).
“As packaging converters look to boost capacity through 2022, the key areas of focus in terms of die cutting and tooling will remain a higher machine uptime, increased productivity, enhanced automation and greater ease of use,” he said.
Smartech Business Systems: NeoCut-0806 Digital Die Cutter
The NeoCut-0806 Digital Die Cutter cuts, kiss cuts, and scores for short-run packaging, custom-shaped cards and labels, without physical dies required.
Utilising a flatbed table and digital
Business opportunities: Die cutting
cutting technology, it can cut, crease and perforate a range of substrates including paper, laminates, adhesives and synthetic stocks up to 800 x 600mm in size, and up to 600gsm, sticker/label stock, magnets (using the oscillating tool), paper corrugated cardboard (B,C and E Flute) and low- density PVC foam board (up to 6mm).
According to Raj Dang senior vice president, Smartech Business Systems, one of the standout features of the NeoCut-0806, is the build and precision of its cutting head.
“This machine needs to have an accurate cutting mechanism to ensure output is perfect every time. Printing registration marks on the stock before it goes through the cutter, allows the cutter to compensate for image drift,” he explains.
In terms of market trends, Dang
has noticed that a number of printers, copy shops and finishing houses are
now looking at new ways to grow their business, especially during times of Covid.
He has also identified a growth
area in packaging, as the need for on-demand short runs increases along with the demand for prototyping for packaging work.
It appears that despite the challenges of the last two years the die-cutting industry is growing, as packaging has become a buoyant market. More and more small and medium sized printers are installing machines in-house. Larger print houses are looking to replace inefficient models as labour costs rise. Remote training, repairs and servicing, bigger formats, faster machines, technology that can drive these machines are all high in the wish-list stakes.
Packaging is not going away, as the trend to convenience, smaller and single person family units grows,
as marketers look to increasing versioning, and in packaging it is fibre-based packaging that will grow the most, as brands – sensitive to their customers – turn away from plastic. Print businesses of all sizes can take advantage of the new generation of die cutting machines available. 21
44 Print21 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022
Key features of Koenig & Bauer Cutpro Q series
• New architecture guide for cleaning and separating frames.
• Cut2Print input technology.
• Koenig&Bauerfeeder.
• 8 bar chain circuit.
• New concept for distance / interleaving.
• Format 760 x 1060.
• Simplifiedtoolframes.
• Newstructure.
• New industrial design.
• NewintuitiveinterfaceFormat760x1,060mm.
• Substrate from 90 g / m2 up to 1.5 mm board
and up to 3 mm corrugated cardboard.
• Productionspeedof9,000sheets/hour.
• Developed by Koenig & Bauer Rapida
presses.
• Modern and industrial design.
• Stackcenteringatautomaticnon-stop.
• Doublesuctionstrapsonthetable.
• Air assistant for sword retraction.
Key features of Bobst TooLink
• Bobst die-cutters can be data-chipped with TooLink.
• Brings together converting process to transform production flexibility, job turnaround times, and overall productivity.
• Because everything is connected, a higher level of production data and insight can be accessed.
• The TooLink chip:
• provides a unique digital identification for
every die
• isinstantlyrecognisablebymachine’sHMI
• includes a production-ready job recipe,
enabling faster set-up
• has a lifetime production record for
monitoring of instant maintenance or replacement.
Key features of the NeoCut-0806 Digital Die Cutter
• No dies required: Produces short-run packaging, custom-shaped cards and labels without physical dies required.
• Versatility:Cuts,kisscuts,scoresandperforates a range of substrates including paper, laminates, adhesives and synthetic stocks up to 800 x 600 mm in size and up to 600 gsm.
• Buildandprecisionofcuttinghead:Comeswith four cutting tools and a scoring wheel, and up to 3 tools can be added in the tooling head.
• Automated operation: With a stack height of 100 mm, the NeoCut-0806 maintains its productivity. Each sheet 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.