Cutting Die Maintenance Essentials and Its Importance in Business

Machine maintenance is necessary for continuous functioning, especially where production is always a critical part of the business. For rotary die cutting system, lack of station care can spell not only loss of equipment investment. It can also disrupt production and profit. We came with a discussion of the essentials of cutting die maintenance and its importance.

 

Maintenance practices

  • Problem identification
    The most obvious indicator that a rotary die cutting station requires maintenance is the occurrence of a problem. While it is not advisable to wait for problems to arise, part of station care is to immediately determine operation or functionality issues. With the machine’s complex components, it is vital to address station problems through proper and speedy problem identification.
  • Downtime measurement
    Preventive measures for rotary die cutting care involves downtime monitoring. Station operator should ensure that there is limited to zero downtime to prevent affecting product distribution flow. This enables the business to hit inventory and the sales targets period after period.
  • Regular lubrication
    Working with different materials against the steel parts of the rotary die station exposes the machine to friction problems. Friction often leads to heat that complicates the whole die cutting process. The key to counter this hazardous heat is lubrication. Station operators should perform lubrication on vital components to prevent heat build-up.
  • Pressure adjustment
    Aside from the heat, rotary die cutting station is regularly subjected to pressure, which is another source of friction. The station operator is responsible for controlling the pressure used and applied by and to the machine. It requires a proper balance to apply enough pressure for cutting while preventing heat to ensue.

 

Benefits of Conducting Die Cutting Maintenance

  • Extends the life of your dies
    Proper and regular care of your die cutting stations helps you extend its life and function. What separates a good operator from a bad one is not just the capacity to buy top-of-the-line die brands, but as well as the ability to take good care of it.
  • Ensures proper functionality
    Your business relies on the proper functioning of the die cutter. Conducting thorough proper care on a regular basis keeps its operations as effective as your production needs require. Downtime, whether short or long, can mean bad costs you can’t profit.
  • Meets OEM Specifications
    It’s not enough to have your cutting stations working. It should be working according to the standards of OEM specifications. This will support your distribution strategies while creating a reputation for high-quality manufacturing processes.

 

To keep you rotary die cutting stations in good working conditions, have only an experienced professional conduct regular maintenance and repair.

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Die Cutting, its Importance in the Industry

New Developments are made to improve production speeds, quality and customer satisfaction. Increasing demand comes to a rapidly growing need for better and faster technology in all trade sectors. Die Cutting, a constantly evolving finishing technique that relied heavily on its field relevance.

Die Cutting Machines are used to cut/emboss different materials from paper, vinyl, vellum, and cardstock to fabric, plastics, thin metals, and leather in order to give a definite shape. These machines that use dies to help cut, shape, and design materials help save time and cost compared to traditional cutting methods.

It has greatly increased the efficiency of a number of industries, including packaging, automotive manufacturing and mobile phone assembly in particular. It allows workers to cut crisp, clear shapes directly from substrates, it is a fantastic option to create sleek and impactful packaging.

Integrating die cutting in production strategy benefits both single and multi-piece packaging designs.

Why do manufacturers adopt processes die cutting?

  • Technology advances in both the manufacturing process and the commodities created by die cutting have made it a more and more efficient way to incorporate oddly shaped or delicate parts into product designs. For this reason, die cutting especially benefits applications in the electronics and medical industries, improving products from headphones to hearing aids.
  • Growing populations mean growing markets for all kinds of products. It enables factories to achieve high-volume production runs for sensitive components that used to take longer or cost more to assemble using other techniques.
  • Growing disposable incomes have driven the growth of specialty item manufacturers of specialty seeking to cater for those wishing to associate with unique brands. It enables even small businesses to achieve high-volume production runs as required without sacrificing each item’s quality.

Die cutting continues to grow as an essential method of manufacturing products that consumers use every day. It is capable of operating any type of metals, allowing manufacturers to produce sleek, stylish products without sacrificing efficiency or affordability.

There are many Cutting Dies Industry, but who will help keep your business thriving and make sure provide excellent service to all? The answer is International Cutting Die (ICD). Skilled Professional Staff and Industry Experts, hosts Leading-edge Machinery and Equipment and guarantees high quality of products and services locally and internationally.

Contact us at 708-343-3333 or email your queries to info@icd-inc.com.
Our Services: www.icd-inc.com/services/

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Understanding Rotary Die Cutting

Die cutting is often used to make unique shapes from plastic, foam and rubber materials.

It’s important to consider all specific project requirements before starting a die cutting project since there are several different types of services. Whether it’s Flatbed, Digital and Rotary Die Cutting, look for the best fit for the project because each service has its own distinct advantages based on production output, material capabilities, costs, etc.

What is Rotary Die Cutting?

Rotary Die Cutting is die cutting that uses cylindrical dies attached to a rotary press to convert flexible material for example web. A highly accurate and precise cutting method, very cost effective on high volume orders and less waste produced compared to other methods.

Types of Rotary Cutting Dies

Flexible cylindrical rotary dies are composed of a thin sheet of engraved metal that is usually tool steel affixed to a separate magnetic cylinder while solid cylindrical rotary dies are composed solely of an engraved solid metal cylinder. Both are flexible and solid dies are capable of cutting most types of materials, each carries its advantages and disadvantages in regard to manufacturing applications.

A comprehensive approach is required in choosing the right type of die for a rotary die cutting operation. Aside from the material being cut and the required specifications you also need to consider the initial and overall investment costs, and the optimal lead and turnaround time.

Flexible vs. Solid Dies

Flexible dies are suitable for easier, less abrasive materials and shorter runs, while solid dies are more for harder, abrasive materials and long-term and large production run. Flexible die machine’s initial investment is more expensive than solid dies due to costly magnetic cylinders, re-purchasing the cheaply manufactured flexible die component can prove to be more economical in the long-term. Solid dies may be more expensive to manufacture, but when cutting consistent designs in large quantities, the cost of it may be justified as the dies are less likely to need replacement mid-production. And it does not require a large investment in supplementary components as with the magnetic cylinders necessary for flexible dies. Flexible dies may be simpler and faster to obtain, but they are more prone to experiencing fatigue and need replacement. Solid dies may take longer turnaround times, but it’s more durable and likely to last through more production cycles.

These are just some things to consider when choosing between flexible or solid rotary dies for a rotary die cutting application.

rotary die

Benefits of Rotary Die Cutting

It offers several advantages including consistent and uniform precision cuts, reduction of material waste, decreased lead times, rapid turnaround times and high volume production.

Rotary Die cutting consists primarily of heavy cylindrical anvils and customized rotary die sets, geared towards high a volume of tight tolerance applications. International Cutting Die (ICD) employs state-of-the-art-servo-driven press solutions. The versatile nature of rotary solutions proves to be a core competency for ICD with different modules and operations.

ICD, a world leader in rotary die making. Contact us at (708) 343 3333 or email your queries to info@icd-inc.com.

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How to Maintain a Functional and Profitable Rotary Die?

A rotary die cutter is a serious investment that is an essential part of the production process. Its malfunction can mean loss not only of your investment, but also of your possible profit. While a piece of equipment is susceptible to wearing and tearing, there are a few things that you can do as an owner or operator to decelerate the lifespan of the equipment. Here are four ways you can maintain a functional and profitable rotary die:

  • Put Safety on Top of Everything

Operating and maintaining a rotary die has inherent risks heightened with improper personal safety practices. A rotary die can be challenging to handle and a small oversight can lead to serious consequences. Operators should understand that any accident equates to additional liability to the company or business, which may result in financial losses. Thus, you should follow safety procedures at all times no matter how small or trivial it may seem. You should first be trained regardless of previous experiences because each die supplier may incorporate slight differences in function and anatomy.

  • Ensure There’s Enough Lubrication

Among the mechanical factors that can affect the function and therefore the profitability of the rotary die is the friction and heat that occurs in the process. Steel and heat is not always a good combination in rotary die cutting. It may result in equipment damage, inefficient product and bad produce. Hence, leaving the company yet another unprofitable products. What rotary die operators can do is to ensure that there is enough lubrication to regulate friction and heat. This means that part of the daily monitoring and maintenance is to check and determine if lubrication is needed from time to time for safe and efficient operations.

  • Be Aware of the Condition of the Anvil

Like all other parts of the equipment, the anvil also wears and tears from usage, especially that pressure is constantly applied to it. However, most operators focus on the die itself and often forgets that the anvil is also an important component of the equation. A positive feature of an anvil is that it is replaceable when it does not work as sharp it used to. To protect your possible profits, you should also consider the condition of the anvil as you operate day by day. You need to have a spare anvil in place at all times to prevent stoppage of production.

  • Handle Equipment With Proper Care

Alongside personal safety, you should also exercise proper care with the equipment and all its accessories and components. What sets apart a profitable operator from an unprofitable one is the ability to extend the life of the equipment while still producing quality results. There are suppliers and installers that provide durable equipment, but that is subject to the usage and abuses of the users.

For professional care and servicing, International Cutting Die provides expert maintenance services you to extend the life of your dies, ensure proper functionality and meet OEM specifications.

Contact Us to discuss your cutting die requirements:

(708) 343 3333
info@icd-inc.com

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Everything You Need To Know About Die Cutting

Die Cutting remains in the shadows of its finished products. The engineering and design that goes into it and the skills of building and maintaining stations are shrouded with the convenience it brings through its produced objects— as it should be. Many of the products that we enjoy on a daily basis have gone through die cutting. But, what is this ‘die cutting’ is? What significance does it bring?

What is die cutting?

Die cutting is fundamentally the process of cutting any material through the use of industry-grade machine or a simple personal cutting equipment (for personal use). It is necessary to produce precise and clean-cut items in mass quantity. To make it easier and more relatable, think “cookie cutter.” Yes! It is like cutting your cookie doughs into those adorable shapes using a sharp cutter, known as a die or a specialized metal sheet with blades to cut through paper, cardboard, fabric, rubber, and more complex materials into the desired shape or form.

Where did it come from?

When you trace the history of die cutting, you’ll find yourself in the Industrial Revolution with a mallet. Shoemakers, apparel creators, and label producers use the mallet to create patterns from leather, which will then be used to create shoes. As technology advances, die cutting has evolved from the manual tools like the mallet to small machine known as the clickers. These are small portable tools that cuts through more than just leather. At present, we now have electronic die cutting equipment connected to computers for digitized control and operations.

What are the different cutting machines?

The two basic machine types are the rotary cutter and flatbed cutter. The rotary cutter deviates from the flat clicker machines, where it has cylindrical or rounded dies and against it is a rounded anvil that is pressed into the material to cut the desired form. The flatbed die cutter is more of a flat-type cutting device instead of the cylindrical press. The die presses the material (i.e. fabric, rubber, paper) mechanically or through a hydraulic press into the press head to create the pattern or form.

Everything-You-Need-To-Know-About-Die-Cutting

What is in the process?

Depending on the type of die machine used and the supplier, processes can vary. It does not, however, veer away from its very function. A rolling die presses materials through a running cylindrical mechanisms that enables you high-volume production. If you use a flatbed die, materials are pressed flatly against two opposing plates that’s as easy as stamping for increased work efficiency.

Where are its applications?

Die cutting is a versatile discipline that cuts across various industries. It finds application in packaging, labeling, plastic materials, clothing, electronics, paper supplies, and medical projects. The important consideration in utilizing cutting dies in businesses is having stations or tapping die cutting suppliers that provide customized design exclusive to your product and service design.

Need Help In Your Die Cutting Needs?

International Cutting Die (ICD) offers a wide variety of capabilities to meet your most challenging die cutting needs. From concept through installation, ICD can partner with you to meet all of your tooling specifications. No matter what your industry, our tooling offers high-performance and maximum efficiency.

Click here to see more of our services: www.icd-inc.com/services/

Contact us at (708) 343 3333 or email info@icd-inc.com for further queries.

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Why ICD is a Leader of Die Supply Industry?

Teaming with the right organization makes businesses unstoppable and ready to take on the company to the next level of success. While results are optimum, getting there can be challenging. Choosing the best firm to partner with can be baffling, especially in the die supply industry where design meets functionality requires a supplier that provides integrated services with product quality and customer satisfaction is a priority. We can list down all the things that make us a great ally for you, but it is far more important that we show you what we can do for you.

A Wide Array of Design Capacities

International Cutting Die (ICD) leads the die supply industry by promoting a full stack of design capabilities that bring your businesses competitive advantages. Our team, armed with state-of-the-art tools serves businesses under any commerce from installation to change and maintenance. You’ll get access to the most modern rotary cutting dies with unlimited configurations and create complex and intricate die patterns and reliefs to suit your needs and specifications.

Leading-edge Machinery and Equipment

Expediting work here at ICD are our reliable machinery and equipment. We don’t only have these tools to create designs, we also collaborate with you in installing and managing your die cutting stations for your operating needs. We customize your die cutting stations, according to product details. The ICD team can likewise rebuild your existing stations, reconditioning equipment regardless of supplier. It’ll help you meet industry standards, improve efficiency and productivity and extend cutting lifetime.

Professional Staff and Experts

Although we have been in operation only in 2002, our team has an aggregate experience of almost 100 years covering traditional to modern approaches that you could exploit. That is, our experiences honed our skills to put your design and engineering visions into a working reality. Our experts conduct product evaluation to ensure that our product effectively translates to answering your demands and preferences.

Expansive Industry Coverage

We have the capabilities and technology to service different commerce and trades. ICD has served non-wovens, paper converting firms and the medical industry, helping them augment their operations. We don’t categorize projects as big or small, we make sure that we provide excellent service to all. Our team handles products with large sizes, different kinds of materials used and differing machine speeds. With each assignment, we take it as an opportunity for learning and expanding our portfolio, while fulfilling your needs.

ICD-Photo

Treading through the die cutting supply market can get overwhelming and puzzling for some. Our friendly staff will be delighted to help you out and walk you through the whole process. Contact us at 7083433333 or email your queries to info@icd-inc.com.

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