A Basic Guide on How Flatbed Die Cutting Machines Work

February 23, 2017

The actionable end of this popular die cutting technique takes place at the platen section. It's here that the cutting shape descends with some force to impact a rigid base. Then, as those two mechanical plates make contact, a shaped object is cut from a blank. Dominating the machine, hydraulic power acts as the platen driver. Let's flesh out this rudimentary description somewhat by adding a basic guide on how flatbed cutting machines work.

Establishing the Business End

Steel rule dies take on the role of the shaped cutting edge. The hard but flexible cutting blade is mounted in a die base, which is then installed on the platen assembly. As already covered, although in a very sparse manner, the blade profile drops down energetically. It cuts paper, card, perhaps even leather or metal. What hasn't been mentioned yet is the degree of precision it takes to properly make the cut.

Flatbed Die Cutting: A Closer Look

This section deals with the fine brush strokes of this operation, not the fundamentals. Yes, a great force is applied when the plates come together on the ever-faithful flatbed model. That force, though, is exactly regulated. Four lubricated posts push the corners of the plate so that uniform pressure is applied. Next, a series of rubberized ejection inserts and an integrated stripping mechanism adds sequential flow to the die cutting plates so that the processed shapes can be produced in volume. This repeatability factor works with a finitely adjustable cutting depth to create kiss-cut media from substrate blanks. Embossed and crease cut blanks are also a daily part of this machine's operations schedule.

Pulling Back for an Overview

Blank feed mechanisms and loading cartridges form the input side of the fast-moving machine. At the heart of the equipment, lies the die cutting plates and the waste material ejectors. From here, a blank separation module collects the output cartons, or the substrate sheets exit an output delivery chute. Like a fine office laser, these input and output mechanisms adapt to the medium and that medium's workflow characteristics.

Sequential mechanical actions rule flatbed die cutting machines. That sequencing blood is provided by timing belts and electronic control systems. Otherwise, the core of the system is much the same as it's always been. A hydraulic ram pushes the four-posted plates together. The only choice left, one made by the control operator, is to order a die cutting rule that's thick enough and depth-capable enough to work with a chosen medium.

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