The Role of Steel Counter Plates in the Die Cutting Cycle
Die cutting is a fabrication process wherein low-strength materials are cut through a die, generating custom shapes and designs. Some of the materials that can be subjected to die cutting include rubber, fibre, cloth, paper, foil, plastic, and metal.
Cutting, forming, and shearing operations are often produced by die cutting. And today, fabricators can utilise various types of die cutting processes, which include flatbed die cutting, rotary die cutting, and digital die cutting. The differences among these types typically include the materials that can be processed, part size, tolerances, overall costs, and lead times. One thing, however, that is somehow similar to these die cutting variations would be the use of steel counter plates in the die cutting cycle.
A Quick Review of Die Cutting Machine
The process of die cutting is done through a machine that has a press and a die. Presses used for the die cutting process usually have a feeder unit, an in-feed module, a cutting station, waste removal tools, and parts collection and delivery system. A feeder unit works by transferring a workpiece from the feed tray to the in-feed module of the press before registering it to the cutting station. The cutting station, alternatively, maximises a custom-designed steel rule die assembly that is often attached to an upper plate and a lower counter plate. As the steel rule die assembly carries out its processes, the desired cuts, perforations, creases, and other designs are all generated to the material.
All scrap materials are then removed through a stripping system. Some types of die cutting machines have additional systems that can monitor and regulate the consistency and precision of the entire cutting mechanism and cutting cycle, ensuring that the cuts will obtain good quality throughout their operations.
The Purpose of Steel Counter Plates
As previously mentioned, the steel rule die assembly is often attached to an upper plate and a lower counter plate. The counter plate normally has a flat surface that is covered in indents and score marks. This specific part often acts as the receiving end of the action done by the cutting blades and die cutters. It also helps in embossing customised and predetermined shapes towards workpieces through the help of its apertures and crease marks. Most counter plates are made from steel or phenolic.
Normally, a counter plate is coated on one side with an adhesive. It can also be equipped with a fastening mechanism. Once the feeder unit loads a workpiece or blank onto the counter plate, the die cutting assembly will then perform its works. The workpiece will ultimately obtain holes, creases, and score marks that are needed for certain industries and their respective applications.
What is great about steel counter plates is that they can generate high-quality products with an accurate set of intended creases, score marks, and holes. They can likewise minimise set-up time and maximise performance and productivity of the entire die cutting process.
Buy Steel Counter Plates at Triforme
To obtain steel counter plates for your die cutting processes, feel free to contact us at Triforme. We commenced our operations in 1981, specialising in the manufacture of flatbed steel rule cutting formes, flatbed label dies, die cutting supplies for printing and scrapbook industries.
Get in touch
47 Vinter Ave. Croydon
VIC 3136
Email: design@triforme.com.au
Phone: +61(3)9723 4400
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