As highlighted in IQS Directory’s article “Flatbed Die Cutting,” die cutting is a versatile and efficient process, suitable for both low and high-volume manufacturing. In industrial settings, die cutting machines can be positioned downstream of other processes, allowing for additional operations such as forming, perforating, and scoring in one or more strokes on a press.
Flatbed die cutting machines are specifically designed for thicker, more rigid materials, making them ideal for industries that require high precision and fast production rates. Unlike manual and digital die cutting equipment, which are better suited for simpler, low-volume orders, flatbed die cutting offers superior performance for complex tasks.
The process begins with feeding the stock material from a tray or roll onto the flatbed using a suctioning, pushing, or pulling system. This step is crucial for ensuring precise cuts and avoiding errors. The cutting assembly, consisting of a die board and a lower counter plate, then takes over. The die board, equipped with a series of knives, cuts the material into finished parts. It is designed to withstand high pressure without warping, ensuring consistent accuracy.
In flatbed die cutting, the steel rule (or cutting edge) plays a vital role. It can be used for full cutting, where the entire thickness of the material is penetrated, or partial cutting, which only affects part of the material’s thickness, allowing for folds. Additionally, punches can be added to create internal cut-outs in standard shapes, while rubber ejection strips help in removing the finished part after cutting.
For complex tasks requiring multiple cuts, compound dies are employed. These dies make several cuts or impressions in a single stroke, enhancing efficiency. They are particularly useful for intricate shapes and for processes that require the removal of slugs.
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Article with all rights reserved, courtesy of iqsdirectory.com.
