Die-Cutting and Tooling

Book excerpt: The die-cutting and tooling process is among the most critical areas of label converting and finishing. The sophisticated technology it uses enables the production of quality die-cut and converted labels and their application to multiple surfaces, using a wide variety of substrates, on many different presses. With a better understanding of this often overlooked discipline, you can improve production standards and significantly reduce costly downtime due to pressure-sensitive quality faults. This book explains the complex and vital role die-cutting and tooling plays. Through a series of detailed explanations, photographs, diagrams and charts, the author provides a detailed look at modern tooling technology - how the tools are manufactured, their use and applications, how they should be handled and stored. It includes a section on troubleshooting on the production line and a glossary of terms to ensure any unknown phrases are quickly understood within context. Label converters, industry suppliers and label buyers and all other professionals involved in label converting and finishing will find this book a valuable reference source that helps them run a more profitable business. Chapters include: The label printing and converting process Die-cutting of label webs to shape and size Optimizing the die-cutting process Special tooling for cutting, perforating, hole punching and slitting The nature, use and manufacture of embossing dies and cylinders The hot foiling process and the use and manufacture of foiling dies Cylinders, anvils, support rollers and magnetic cylinders Ancillary equipment for setting, measuring, testing, monitoring and adjusting tooling Inspecting, cleaning, handling, storage and safety considerations A guide to troubleshooting when using label dies and related tooling Glossary of die-cutting and tooling terminology