by Melissa Donovan
Part 1 of 2
Cutting corrugated board is done either via dieless or die cutters. The June issue of Industrial Print magazine—as well as a webinar on our website—looks into this in more detail. Here, we are share some of the dieless options. Why would they be chosen over die cutters? Well, dieless cutters are flexible and well-positioned for smaller runs, which pairs well with digitally printed corrugated board.
AXYZ
The TRIDENT model comes in a standard three-device configuration, consisting of a spindle, tangential knife, and oscillating knife, providing the right cutting tools to process virtually all materials used in the industry. The AXYZ Vision System is used to accurately line up all printed material to ensure minimal use of bleed lines. Other devices such as the knife calibrator or the automatic tool tip sensor offer further automation to reduce manual processes.
Colex Finishing Solutions, Inc.
The Sharpcut PX Series packaging model is used for sample making and short-run production. Samples are produced easily for accurate cutting and creasing on a full range of materials including micro flute through triple wall corrugated, honeycomb, foam, chipboard, and paperboard. It features a triple interchangeable tool head, vision registration and camera, six-zone vacuum system, and solid steel welded frame.
Elitron America
The Kombo TAV is a fully automated cutting solution for packaging and display. It features a dual underside camera to process sheets print-side down, two fully independent cutting heads, Airo panel (patented) unloading system, and has two patented solutions for unloading and pallet management. According to the company, it is the only system that can move skid of material to the table, and transition the pallet once empty, from the loading to the unloading area, completely unmanned. This system continues to be evolved with added development to remove manual intervention.
Graphco
The SD-Italy hybrid F50R PRO cutting and routing plotter provides a single high-production platform that truly brings the best of both worlds together. With a processing range between two inches thick materials and label stock, and the possibility of fully automated tool change up to 13 positions, the F50R provides modularity and speed. The three independent work units are managed by individually and digitally controlled axes operate at up to 50,000 RPM. A huge step forward in terms of innovation and precision of use, with X and Y axis cutting and routing speeds up to 6.5 feet per second and a 2.3G acceleration/deceleration the new F50R leads the field in either cutting or routing.
Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems
The Kongsberg Ultimate is a game changer for corrugated and display production. The expertly engineered construction of the table delivers precision results at unmatched cutting and throughput speeds—up to 2.7G acceleration and peak cutting speeds of over 165 meters per minute.
Mimaki USA, Inc.
Mimaki USA recently introduced the CFX Series flatbed cutting plotters that offer speed, precision cutting, and flexibility to address a range of applications in the sign and graphics market such as decals, labels, point of purchase displays, signs, and fixtures. They can also be used in the packaging industry for folding cartons and cardboard processing; and in industrial cutting applications. This series includes models in three table sizes—the CFX-2513, the CFX-2531, and the CFX-2550, 2.5×1.3, 2.5×3.1, and 2.5×5 meters, respectively.
Vision Engraving & Routing Systems
The company’s most popular model is the Vision 2550 CNC Router/ Engraver. It has many available options including oscillating, which is ideal for cutting corrugated cardboard. The 2550 comes with a heavy-duty 25×50-inch T-slot table and Vision’s Advance V-Touch Pendant with a multi-functional touchscreen display, it allows for a highly intuitive cutting experience.
Zund America, Inc.
Zünd Q-Line with BHS180 is the latest flagship Zünd digital cutting system targeting primarily the corrugated display market in the graphics/packaging industry. It has a super stable, mineral-cast substructure with a brand-new linear drive system, lightweight but exceptionally strong carbon-fiber reinforced beams, along with the UNDERCAM and robotic board-handling system, plus fully automated tool management.
Zünd G3/D3 cutting systems are proven, multitasking workhorse systems. Modular and customizable at every level—from tooling to material handling and digital workflow—these systems can be individually tailored to, and integrated in, any type of digital graphics production environment. With single- or dual-beam options, dozens of specialized tools and cutting/routing modules, multiple levels of material handling and workflow automation, no other system on the market equals the versatility, upgradability, and ultimately the longevity of Zünd cutters/routers.
The next article in this two-part series looks at die cutters used in the corrugated space, With a Die.
Jun2024, Industrial Print Magazine
