Cutting Systems Finishing: the final frontier for digitalisation
Print and pre-press processes have long benefited from all the advantages that ‘digital’ affords, but the
Juergen Freier.
digitalisation of post-press or finishing is still in its infancy. Juergen Freier, general manager and vice president of sales at Highcon Europe looks at the continued evolution of digital finishing in an ever- evolving packaging landscape.
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igitalisation is not a new term, indeed digital printing had its breakthrough moment some decades ago - and since then, it has been embraced as a mainstream printing technology. But, for it to deliver the true value that a digital process can offer and that it has long promised, we need to assess what happens after the printing phase and where the finishing bottlenecks lie. This is surely the next digital transformation, with an increased need to meet tight deadlines and be more sustainable driving this trend further.
For over a hundred years or more, the industry has utilised conventional die-cutting technology for high-quality cutting and creasing services. But, like
many analogue processes, die-cutting is both labour and substrate intensive, making it an expensive and environmentally challenging process. As a result, converters are either proactively looking for or are under pressure from customers, to find an alternative digital solution. Converting materials without the use of dies is an obvious alternative, as it enables cost-effective production of any run-length, meeting and in some cases exceeding, the vast capabilities of conventional finishing processes. On digital converting systems, Highcon’s specifically, cutting and creasing is separated – meaning, there is no restriction on cutting or creasing. Nicks are fully editable, so changes can be made even at the last minute - achieving the optimal balance between the ease of blanking and the integrity of the sheet. To improve gluing and reduce complexities, lasers can also be used to etch surface flaps on laminated or varnished stock too. Add to this the capabilities of variable data cutting and online editing capabilities, and we start to move into the realms of a true end-to-end digital workflow.
Converters around the world are adopting digital cutting and creasing system capabilities to reduce lead times, eliminate backlogs and improve the overall supply chain. In this new pandemic era, boxes are in even higher demand. Brands require increased flexibility from suppliers and their folding carton and corrugated packaging services, and this has further accelerated the adoption of digital manufacturing technologies to support it.
The web-to-pack (carton and corrugated) production line business model is a great fit for enabling this market change, with many successful converters starting to run both conventional and digital manufacturing processes in parallel.
At Highcon, our vision is for a fully implemented digital manufacturing strategy. This extends beyond the digital finishing solution to other areas where automation is key to unlocking new levels of workflow efficiencies for increased business success. For example, Highcon recently announced a strategic partnership with Tilia Labs, that will see tilia Phoenix, its flagship planning and imposition application, provided with every Highcon system going forward. Employing Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to enable optimal imposition and dynamic job ganging on a single sheet.
This solution reduces the overall number of set- ups and ensures a healthy set-up: production time ratio, helping to achieve optimum productivity with minimal waste.
Ultimately, with the right digital vendors, technology and workflow set-up, converters can maximize production efficiencies from their finishing process. And this enables them to run more jobs per shift, offer shorter run lengths, add value driving personalisation, significantly reduce waste and increase profitability.
The foundations have been laid and though in its early days, the digitalisation of post-press and finishing is happening - and it’s happening now. The technology continues to prove itself as a total game- changer for many converters and brands alike. Successful converters will focus on taking full advantage of digital capabilities to create real-time supply chains to synchronize supply and demand. Finishing is the final frontier for true digitalisation of the packaging process, and we’re excited to be a part of it.
Xwww.highcon.net C&T steel plates proving to be an international success
&T Channel Matrix (C&T) has launched its range of 1mm steel cutting plates in the UK four years ago. Following the success of the product in the UK, C&T has now introduced this range across other C&T International subsidiaries, including in the US, Italy, China and India.
The 1mm steel cutting plates are suitable for many makes of autoplaten including Bobst, Heidelberg, Sanwa, Iberica and Asahi machines. The plates are available in three different hardnesses – soft 20 Rockwell, medium 35 Rockwell and hard 50 HRC Rockwell – and a range of standard sizes. Simon Shenton, C&T Channel Matrix, managing director commented: “The quality of the C&T plates means we have
quickly captured a large market share with leading carton and corrugated converters worldwide. Customers love the quality of the steel, the accuracy of the laser cutting, and the flexibility of the sizes available, not only for Bobst machines but also for Heidelberg, Masterworks and other leading press manufacturers.”
As a group, C&T International sells over £3m of plates around the world and in the US and UK C&T has become the established market leader. The most popular product sold is the 35 HRC 1mm plate, but other qualities, such as 48/50HRC which come in a range of thicknesses, are also in demand. Moving into 2022, C&T is investigating the addition of new lines. “One of our advantages
is that we can make customer specific plate designs to order – this is something very few competitors can offer. We also promote
Simon Senton.
our consignment stock policy to larger end users where we are happy to put stock on the floor of the customer, ensuring they never run out of product”, concluded Mr Shenton.
Xwww.candtmatrix.co.uk
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April 2022
www.convertermag.com
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