Dies & tooling

RotoMetrics launches new flexible die portfolio

Piotr Wnuk — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 02:01:42 +0000

Maxcess has launched a new RotoMetrics flexible die portfolio that combines the manufacturing and operational processes of RotoMetrics, Electro Optic and MLC Brazil to offer the right technology for every application.

The new portfolio consists of the re-engineered improved value and performance SmartFlex series for paper and film, the increased versatility and longevity of the Prime Series for a wider variety of Paper and Film applications, the improved accuracy and longevity of Dura Series for complex film and abrasive applications.

In addition, RotoMetrics also offers Specialty Dies like GoldLine Special for thin film liner applications and MicroBlade for small and intricate spacing applications. All dies are engineered to work with any press or converting line.

‘We spent a significant amount of time asking our customers the biggest converting challenges they were trying to solve,’ noted Kiki Chosid, regional vice president of sales at Maxcess. ‘And, our customers told us they needed flexible dies specifically engineered for today’s materials, including thinner liners, abrasive materials and inks and the growing use of small blade spaces and intricate patterns, as well as for the sheet fed rotary die cutting markets.

‘We automated and enhanced our manufacturing processes to better manufacture flexible dies to improve blade consistency to ensure reliability and eliminate potential die strike issues. We streamlined our durability and chroming processes to improve flexible die longevity converting abrasive materials and inks.

According to the company, enhanced automation minimizes deviations in total plate height and blade flat resulting in up to 30 percent improvement in manufacturing consistency for better die performance against the anvil.

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1 month ago

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RotoMetrics launches new flexible die portfolio

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The new portfolio combines the operational processes of RotoMetrics, Electro Optic and MLC Brazil.

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The new portfolio combines the operational processes of RotoMetrics, Electro Optic and MLC Brazil.

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Arden Dies recognized for digital transformation

Piotr Wnuk — Thu, 16 May 2024 01:26:11 +0000

Arden Dies, headquartered in Marple, Stockport, has been recognized with the Digital Transformation Award by the North West Family Business Awards. These awards celebrate the success and accomplishments of family-owned businesses across the region in all industries and sectors.

This recognition comes as Arden Dies celebrates its 60-year anniversary. Brothers Frank and Philip Poynter founded the business as a die-maker from the cellar of their family home in Stockport. Now, in its third generation of family ownership, the Arden Group of companies comprises die-making, engraving, and software arms and is one of the leading names in the packaging sector, employing around 300 people worldwide.

Martin Poynter, managing director of the Arden Group, said: ‘Ever since the early days of Arden, we’ve always strived to be at the forefront of technological innovation, committed to embracing new technology to better serve our customers and drive growth.

‘Our founder, my father Frank Poynter, was a trailblazer in the die-making industry and the first to adopt new laser technology in the 1970s. His vision for technology and innovation is an ethos we still hold today and this recognition reinforces our position as a leader in the sector and motivates us to continue pushing the boundaries of what's possible.

‘The Arden Group is proud to be a family business, built on strong family values, so it’s a real honor to be recognized in the North West Family Business Awards, during what is a very special anniversary year. This award is testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team, as well as a celebration of our family's legacy of innovation spanning over six decades.’

The judges were impressed with Arden’s forward-thinking culture and participation in the Made Smarter program, a government-backed initiative that supports manufacturers in adopting cutting-edge technologies and digital skills to boost productivity, drive growth, and create new jobs.

Since its involvement with the program, Arden has incorporated 3D printing into its manufacturing processes and is currently developing a cloud-based ERP system to streamline and automate its business operations.

In April of this year, the Arden Group completed the acquisition of Lasercomb Dies, a company specializing in die and tooling manufacturing for the packaging and carton industry. A few years ago, it underwent a major rebrand with a modern look and a new website.

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2 months ago

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Arden Dies recognized for digital transformation

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UK-based die-maker honored for its commitment to digital innovation during its 60th anniversary year.

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UK-based die-maker honored for its commitment to digital innovation during its 60th anniversary year.

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Maxcess webinar: Tension, tooling and tag & label

Chelsea McDougall — Tue, 14 May 2024 13:35:33 +0000

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Rotometal restructures business into three units

Akanksha Meena — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 09:52:09 +0000

Rotometal, European manufacturer of rotary tooling, has restructured its business into three specialized units in a move designed to bolster innovation and advance customer service.

This strategic initiative signifies Rotometal's dedication to continuous improvement and a deeper understanding of its clients' needs. Each unit will concentrate on a specific product segment, fostering a more targeted and efficient approach across the company's entire product portfolio.

‘We're constantly looking for ways to enhance the value we deliver to our customers,’ said Gabriela FitzGerald, marketing manager for Rotometal. ‘By establishing dedicated business units, we can ensure in-depth expertise, streamlined processes, and exceptional service for every aspect of our offerings.’

The new structure will see Rotometal's operations divided into three core units.

Hard Tooling unit will champion Rotometal's cornerstone products - magnetic cylinders, anvil cylinders, print cylinders and gears. The dedicated Hard Tooling unit will prioritize continuous innovation, rigorous quality control, and customer satisfaction within this critical segment.

Composite Tooling unit will focus on composite sleeves, a key technology for both wide and narrow web printing. Composite tooling offers a combination of versatility, durability, and high performance in demanding production environments. The Composite Tooling Unit will empower Rotometal to explore advancements in material science and lightweight design to further optimize these products.

Consumable Products unit will prioritize inks and varnishes. By dedicating a team to these essential materials, Rotometal ensures consistent quality and optimal compatibility with its tooling solutions.

Rotometal's strategic restructuring offers several advantages for its customers. Dedicated teams with a deep understanding of each product line will be better equipped to address specific customer needs and deliver tailored solutions. Focused expertise within each unit will lead to streamlined processes and improved production efficiency, potentially resulting in faster turnaround times. Dedicated points of contact within each unit will ensure more personalized and responsive customer service.

Posted date

3 months 1 week ago

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Rotometal restructures business into three units

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Rotary tooling manufacturer introduces Hard Tooling, Composite Tooling and Consumable Products business units.

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Rotary tooling manufacturer introduces Hard Tooling, Composite Tooling and Consumable Products business units.

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Arden Group acquires Lasercomb Dies

Piotr Wnuk — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 01:43:13 +0000

Arden Group, based in Marple, Stockport, UK, has completed the acquisition of Lasercomb Dies which operates a die-making and engraving arm, with manufacturing site in Redditch, UK, with a team of around 80 employees. The conditions of the agreement were not disclosed, and the operations will continue as normal following the takeover.

Martin Poynter, managing director of Arden Group, said: ‘Much like Arden, Lasercomb is a leading name in die-making and engraving, so we’re delighted to bring its skills and expertise in the flatbed folding carton market into the Arden Group. While it will be very much business as usual for the long-established Lasercomb brand, we’re excited about the opportunities it presents for our customers and our combined workforce.

‘With Arden located in the North and Lasercomb in the Midlands, this acquisition will support our ambitions to expand our operations and better meet the needs of our customers across the UK and beyond, as we consolidate our efforts and share our combined knowledge of the industry.

‘In today’s economic climate, ensuring certainty in the supply chain is paramount. With this acquisition, we are better positioned to mitigate risks and guarantee continuity for our customers, while strengthening our position within the market as the largest die-maker in the UK.’

The family-owned Arden Group of companies comprises Arden Dies, Arden Engraving and Arden Software. Founded as a die-makers in 1964, this year the Arden Group celebrates 60 years in business.

Meanwhile, this year marks 40 years in business for Lasercomb, which was founded in 1984 as a manufacturer of press ready die tooling systems for the print and packaging industries.

Poynter, added: ‘2024 is a very special anniversary year for both Arden and Lasercomb, so it feels very apt that this acquisition presents a unique opportunity to combine a century of knowledge, innovation, and industry expertise, as we build on a new future together.’

Both Arden and Lasercomb are Bobst certified die-makers, which is an advanced certification for professional die-makers to provide high performance tooling.

Arden takes over the business from the three current shareholders and directors: Mark Ridings, Alistair Baxter and Mark Guest. Baxter will stay on as sales director and the current managing director Mike Allsop will also continue in his role.

Speaking on behalf of the shareholders Ridings said: ‘Reflecting on our journey with Lasercomb, we’re proud to have been part of an organization that has garnered a solid reputation as one of the UK’s leading and best-known die-makers. We feel confident that the combined strengths of Arden and Lasercomb will deliver real benefits for our customers and ensure a sustained and strong future for the workforce.’

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3 months 1 week ago

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Arden Group acquires Lasercomb Dies

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With this acquisition the group aims to cement its position as one of the largest die-makers in the UK.

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With this acquisition the group aims to cement its position as one of the largest die-makers in the UK.

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Hell Gravure Systems names new agent in Northern America

Piotr Wnuk — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 22:11:09 +0000

Germany-based Hell Gravure Systems, one of the innovation leaders in the manufacture of pre-press engraving systems, has appointed UPrint Technologies as an additional agent for the United States and Canada.

This strategic partnership marks a significant step forward in Hell’s expansion efforts and commitment to delivering quality solutions to metal decorating and label printing operations in the United States and Canada.

UPrint Technologies brings experience and an understanding of the local metal decorating and label printing market dynamics, making it the ideal choice to represent Hell additionally to Kaspar Graphics in the United States and Canada.

With a proven track record of driving sales and fostering strong relationships with clients, UPrint Technologies is well positioned to distribute Hell’s offerings and enhance brand visibility across the region.

‘We are excited to welcome UPrint Technologies to join our North American network of agents,’ said Ulrich Busche, senior sales manager at Hell Gravure Systems. ‘Its expertise and in-depth knowledge of the United States and Canadian markets will be invaluable in expanding our reach and strengthening our presence in this key region. We are confident that UPrint Technologies will uphold our commitment to excellence and deliver exceptional service to our customers.’

‘We are honored to join forces with Hell Gravure Systems and represent its esteemed brand in the United States and Canada. We are eager to leverage our local expertise to drive sales growth, build strong partnerships and ensure customer satisfaction. Together, we will strive to exceed expectations and achieve mutual success.’

With the appointment of UPrint Technologies, Hell Gravure Systems aims to reaffirm its dedication to providing superior products and services and meeting the needs of metal decorating and label printing customers in the United States and Canada.

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3 months 4 weeks ago

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Hell Gravure Systems names new agent in Northern America

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UPrint Technologies to distribute Hell’s offerings and enhance brand visibility across the region.

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UPrint Technologies to distribute Hell’s offerings and enhance brand visibility across the region.

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Kocher+Beck appoints agent for Netherlands and Belgium

Piotr Wnuk — Wed, 13 Mar 2024 00:14:57 +0000

Kocher+Beck, one of the leading global manufacturers of converting, printing and tooling equipment, has partnered with Parts4Graphics, a supplier of machines and accessories for the printing industry, which will act as a reseller for the company's products in the Netherlands and the Flemish region of Belgium.

This partnership emphasizes Kocher+Beck's commitment to expanding its reach and improving customer service in key markets.

By partnering with Parts4Graphics, Kocher+Beck aims to simplify access to its technologies and services and ensure that customers benefit from the highest quality and reliable performance.

Thanks to Parts4Graphics' extensive expertise and established presence in the printing industry, customers in the Netherlands and the Flemish part of Belgium can expect support and access to Kocher+Beck's comprehensive product offering, from high-quality die-cutting tools to precision-manufactured printing cylinders.

'We are very pleased to partner with Parts4Graphics to better serve our customers in the Netherlands and the Flemish part of Belgium,' said Nicolas Kirste, head of sales at Kocher+Beck. 'This collaboration underlines our commitment to providing exceptional solutions and unrivaled customer service. Together with Parts4Graphics, we look forward to equipping printers and converters with the tools they need to succeed in today's competitive marketplace.'

'We are proud to partner with Kocher+Beck, a company known for its commitment to excellence and innovation,' added Jan Bijl, CEO and owner of Parts4Graphics. 'By combining our strengths, our goal is to provide unrivaled added value and support to printers in the Netherlands and the Flemish part of Belgium.'

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4 months ago

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Kocher+Beck appoints agent for Netherlands and Belgium

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Parts4Graphics will distribute Kocher+Beck products in the Netherlands and the Flemish region of Belgium.

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Parts4Graphics will distribute Kocher+Beck products in the Netherlands and the Flemish region of Belgium.

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Follow a K+B Flexible Die from order to delivery

Stefani De Abreu — Mon, 04 Mar 2024 10:53:23 +0000

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Sandon Global appoints No-Me as new agent in Danish market

Akanksha Meena — Wed, 07 Feb 2024 12:00:13 +0000

Sandon Global has signed a distribution partnership agreement with Danish machinery expert No-Me bolstering its position in the European market.

The agreement will ensure continuity in the Danish narrow and wide web market when Torben Andresen, sales manager Denmark at Sandon, retires from his position after nearly four decades in manufacturing later this year. The new partnership makes No-Me the exclusive Danish distributor of Sandon’s renowned anilox rollers and sleeves, and marks its first entry into the anilox market.

Jake Roberts, sales director at Sandon, said: ‘We are delighted to announce our collaboration with No-Me, a trusted partner who we know shares our passion for innovation and excellent customer service.

‘This new agreement means our customers will experience no disruption once Torben takes his well-earned retirement. No-Me will take a proactive role in developing new business for Sandon in the Danish market while providing customer service and support. We are tremendously excited to see how this partnership can turbocharge our Danish operations and take our European presence to the next level.’

Glenn Büttner, owner of No-Me, added: ‘We have a strong relationship with Sandon and we know its reputation for quality. So, when we were looking for an anilox partner, we jumped at the chance to work with the gold standard in anilox sleeves and rollers.

‘Torben has done an excellent job of promoting Sandon Global in Denmark, and I look forward to supporting him in the build-up to his retirement. We have known each other for over 30 years, and his know-how and technical expertise mean it will be a productive collaboration for all parties.’

A family-run business, No-Me specializes in products for the packaging and graphic industries. Büttner has worked in the packaging industry for over 40 years and established the No-Me business in 2013. His daughter, Christine Büttner, is the company’s sales manager tasked with overseeing the new anilox segment and will be the new first point of contact for Danish customers.

Posted date

5 months 1 week ago

Short title

Sandon Global appoints No-Me as new agent in Danish market

Short summary

The agreement ensures continuity in Danish market when Torben Andresen Sandon's sales manager Denmark retires after four decades this year.

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The agreement ensures continuity in Danish market when Torben Andresen Sandon's sales manager Denmark retires after four decades this year.

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Labelexpo Europe 2023 – dies and tooling

Piotr Wnuk — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 01:51:09 +0000

Associations, events & awards 16 January 2024

Labelexpo Europe 2023 – dies and tooling

Dies and tooling suppliers zero in on automation, efficiency and waste reduction.

At Labelexpo Europe 2023, we saw an increased focus on automation, efficiency and waste reduction on both inline flexo presses and digital press finishing lines.

Indeed, there are good reasons to believe that we have reached something of a technology plateau in terms of speed and print resolution of narrow/mid‐web presses, so future productivity gains are likely to come from the increased efficiency and automation of post‐print converting and embellishment operations.

Setting and monitoring correct die‐cutting pressure is an operation that has a huge impact on the overall productivity and waste levels of a flexo or digitally label printing operation. At Labelexpo Europe 2023, visitors saw a continued move towards automation, starting with the introduction of motors to drive pressure settings along with the ability to store and recall jobs.

TECHNOLOGY

Kocher + Beck introduced the Gapmaster EM (Electronic Move), a retrofittable electrical drive unit that replaces the mechanical handle on existing Gapmaster units. Onboard motors allow for easier gap alterations from 0.25 – 10 microns. Adjustments can either be made by touch entry or a rotary dial which provides haptic feedback for the operator while observing the cutting results. Kocher + Beck also displayed its latest KMS digital pressure gauge for detecting changes in cutting pressure.

Maxcess Group, which includes RotoMetrics, showed its AccuAdjust technology designed to solve liner variability issues across all liner material types. AccuAdjust allows for independent or simultaneous bearer adjustment using a digital controller. The system can be adjusted on both sides at a standstill or when the machine is running. Each AccuAdjust unit comes automation‐ready for the upcoming RotoAdjust operator interface upgrade, which will add electronic motors for touchscreen adjustment and Industry 4.0 analytics, along with the ability to store and recall jobs.

Maxcess previewed its next‐generation RotoMetrics Rotoscan adjustable anvil, claimed to be ‘the industry’s first fully automated intelligent die station’ delivering real‐time adjustment for material variation. Proactive monitoring will reduce scrap and waste with Industry 4.0 analytics and one‐touch ordering of new dies. The unit will be commercially available in 2024.

Tecnocut showed its E‐Diffsystem adjustable anvil, designed to control the movement of the anvil roller electronically to +/‐ 1 micron tolerance. It works by replacing the existing anvil roller or any existing die‐cutting unit. The module includes a calibration function to automatically return to zero position and jobs can be stored and recalled.

FLEXIBLE DIES

The main development in flexible dies is more effective coating technologies. Kocher + Beck showed a new FDA‐certified anti‐stick coating that results in less adhesive residue on the cutting edges.

Lartec presented new finishes for flexible dies that provide greater durability and cutting precision. Maxcess introduced a new range of flexible dies, while complete die and rotary tooling systems were also shown by Rotary Sp. z o.o. and Rotary Technology (Guangzhou).

A game‐changer on the converting end of the press and finishing line has been the development of fast semi‐rotary die‐cutting units now installed on both flexo presses and high‐speed digital label converting lines. Omet, for example, demonstrated a semi‐rotary die‐cutting running at 100m/min with fully automated die loading and eject.

Also critical has been quick‐change rotary die‐cutting assemblies. Tecnocut showcased its Pit Stop die‐cutting cylinder system being changed in 30 seconds, while Kocher + Beck demonstrated its quick‐change die‐cutting station.

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Andy Thomas

Strategic director

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Dies & tooling

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Dies & tooling

RotoMetrics launches new flexible die portfolio

Arden Dies recognized for digital transformation

Maxcess webinar: Tension, tooling and tag & label

Rotometal restructures business into three units

Arden Group acquires Lasercomb Dies

Hell Gravure Systems names new agent in Northern America

Kocher+Beck appoints agent for Netherlands and Belgium

Follow a K+B Flexible Die from order to delivery

Sandon Global appoints No-Me as new agent in Danish market

Labelexpo Europe 2023 – dies and tooling

Andy Thomas

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