If you are just getting started in industrial die cutting, one of the things that you need to decide is what type of die cutting equipment you want to invest in. You’re more likely to gain competitive ground if you take advantage of process automation as much as is possible, but there are machines of all types available. Instead of finding yourself overwhelmed with the choices, take some time to consider the important things before you start shopping. Here are the four key factors to consider when you’re investing in die cutting machinery.
Considering Your Primary Materials
Before you can choose any die cutting equipment, you need to be sure that it can cut through the material you’re going to be working with. Not all die cutting machines cut through the same materials. Some can handle more heavy-duty products than others. If you focus on the strongest and most durable material you might cut, that’ll give you the confidence that it will cut through anything you need to work with.
Most of the designs for die cutting machines include a cutting blade with a pad beneath. The pad is typically crafted from PVC or a similar material. It’s ideal for cutting most materials without a problem, but you won’t be able to cut anything fibrous or hard steel with this type of plastic pad. Instead, you’ll want to invest in a die cutting machine with a steel plate for these materials. As an alternative, you can also opt for machines that allow you to adjust the depth of the die so that the blade doesn’t actually strike the pad.
Evaluating Your Production Needs
One of the biggest threats to your business success is your ability to produce enough products to meet consumer demand. You’ll need to consider how many pieces you need to be able to turn around every hour and then look for equipment that meets your total output need.
Industrial die cutting equipment comes with varying output rates because the cutting mechanism functions at different rates. You’ll want to consider all three points of measure – tonnage, bed size and stroke. The tonnage rating of the equipment is directly related to the volume you can produce. If you need to turn out several thousand pieces of a specific product, you need a die cutter that can meet the total tonnage of production you require.
If you’ll only be handling small orders with low volume in each order, you won’t need to be concerned with a large bed size. For businesses that require large volume orders, you may want to think about investing in a flatbed machine. That will make it easier to accommodate larger orders in one process. Finally, when your business is likely to face rush orders and fast turnaround demand, you need a system that has a cutting stroke that is fast enough to turn out the number of pieces you need in each production hour.
Opting for Helpful Features
In some business situations, you may need to have specific features to help you get the job done right. Some of the die cutting machines will be equipped with a stripping function. This helps you to clear waste material from inside the machine, including the trim pieces. In most cases, it’s either a central board or a tool mounted in the upper portion of the machine.
You can also find feeders that are drawn by a vacuum pump, non-stop feeding tools and other modifications designed to make manufacturing quicker and easier. Think about what can improve your production process and consider customizing a machine to meet those needs.
When you finally choose the right die cutting machine, you can have confidence in your production line and the output statistics. Make sure that you understand how to operate and maintain the equipment, though, because most need routine service and maintenance to keep them functioning at their best. With these tips and the help of a maintenance technician, you can keep your production numbers steady and meet your consumer demand.
