What is the die-cutting machine?
I.What is the die-cutting machine?
Die-cutting machine (commonly known as beer machine, cutting machine) is the core equipment of post-press. It uses knife die / steel wire to cut materials into specified shapes and press out creases under pressure, and can also be used for bronzing and waste discharge. It is widely used in packaging, electronics, self-adhesive and other industries.
II. Core Principles
-Die cutting: steel knife cuts material in a fully broken / semi-broken shape.
-Indentation; steel wire pressed shallow groove for easy folding (such as paper box)
-Stamping: hot stamping of patterns / text by heating the die
-Waste discharge: Separate finished products from leftover materials.
III. Mainstream model (press-printing method)
1.Flat press flat (most commonly used)
-Principle: flat blade die + flat bottom die, vertically pressurized.
-Features: high precision (+0.1mm), easy machine adjustment and low cost; Medium speed (about 5000 beats/h)
-Suitable for medicine boxes, cosmetic boxes, greeting cards small batch / complex graphics.
2.Round pressing (high-speed mass production)
-Principle: upper and lower roller die rotates, line contact continuous die-cutting.
-Features: The fastest speed(200-400sheds / minute ) and high efficiency;Expensive plane making, suitable for coal/Large quantities
-Applicable to self-adhesive label,
corrugated box beverage packaging and reef materials.
3.Round flattening（taking into account think material)
-Principle: rotary drum + flat plate table, reciprocating die-cutting.
-Features: medium efficiency, suitable for thick corrugation; it is seldom used in China and the maintenance cost is high.
-Suitable for: food / medicine corrugated boxes, thick paper products.
4.Laser die-cutting (without tool die)
-Principle: laser beam melting cutting, computer controlled path.
-Features: no tool die, precision+0.05 mm, easy to make complex graphics; The equipment is expensive and suitable for proofing / small batch.
－Applicable to high-end gift boxes, electronic parts, anti-counterfeiting labels and personalized customization.
IV. Key Components
－Knife die: laser knife die (common), etching knife die and ODC die;Determines shape and precision.
－Pressure system: mechanical / hydraulic / pneumatic, control die-cutting depth and strength.
－Paper feeding / waste discharge: Feida paper feeding, automatic waste cleaning and automation.
－Positioning system: registration accuracy + 0.1mm to ensure multi-color / bronzing alignment.
V. Common Materials and Processes
－Materials: cardboard, corrugated paper, adhesive EVA, foam, double sided adhesive tape, PET/PC film, thin metal sheet.
-Process: full break (cut through), half break (not cut through), indentation, bronzing, concave-convex, fitting and waste discharge.
VI. Selection Shorthand
－Small batch / complex / fine products → flat pressing
－High volume/coil/ high speed → round pressing
-Thick corrugated/repacked → round flattened
-proofing complex hollowing out / no-knife die → laser die-cutting
VII. Key Points of Routine Maintenance
1.Clean the knife die and table top every day to avoid sundries crushing the die.
2.Regularly check the pressure balance to prevent die-cutting with different depth.
3.Clean and oil the knife die after use, and lay it flat to prevent moisture and rust.
4.Lubricate the transmission parts and change the oil regularly to reduce wear.
