Cover Story
C&T Matrix introduces new products and solutions to die makers – thanks to its acquisition of Clear Group
C
&T Channel Matrix (C&T) is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of creasing matrix and ejection rubber for the print and packaging industries. In February 2022, C&T acquired Clear Group, strengthening its leadership position in die consumables and offering customers multiple benefits in terms of product sourcing. Clear Group is a market leader in the manufacture and distribution of die supplies in Spain and Portugal. In recent years, Clear Group has made significant investments in its manufacturing processes, adding laser cutting, rubber conversion, injection moulding and die machinery to its extensive production capability. As a result of the acquisition, C&T is now able to offer a vast array of injection moulded components, a new perforating system for inline use, new machinery for rubber converting and cutting and a new range of steel plates.
Injection moulded components are essential parts when producing a die. These additions also include commonly used moulded parts such as plastic nuts and bolts which are used for die storage and transportation and edge protectors to protect
the dies. Furthermore, C&T’s in-house toolmaking, allows them to design, and now manufacture, bespoke plastic components according to exact requirements.
C&T now offers the Perf-Offset range to customers - an innovative and effective system for cutting, creasing and perforation. The product is placed on the cylinders of litho presses and can be easily set up, allowing simple finishing techniques to be brought in-house rather than outsourced, saving both time and money. Perf-Offset is a two-part system, comprised of two self-adhesive strips. The first strip is the perforating, creasing or cutting rule which is placed onto the impression cylinder. The second part is an anvil strip which is attached to the blanket. It is this unique system that differentiates Perf-Offset from standard litho-perf products, as there is no need for special perforation blankets. The adhesive used on the strips can withstand high temperatures and will remain fixed, within register, throughout the entire process.
C&T has a new range of 1mm steel cutting plates. 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 and a range of standard sizes.
New rubber machinery options from C&T Introducing the new Virtual Rubber (VR-500), machine invented and patented by Clear Group. It is a true innovation for the die making industry, reducing the time taken to rubber a die by up to 75%. The machine comprises a dual projection unit which visually displays where the pieces of cut rubber from a single sheet are to be placed and glued on the die. The projection simultaneously projects on the sheet of cut rubber and on the die board, allowing the die maker to quickly see where the individual pieces of cut ejection rubber are to be placed.
Simon Shenton, managing director at C&T commented, “The VR-500 from Clear Group is a huge innovation for the die making industry. The VR-500 projects each piece directly onto the die board for a quick and easy placement of the rubber. Our customers already report up to a 75% reduction in rubbering time, greatly improving productivity and throughput.”
As a result of the acquisition C&T has also added the XPro machine to its a range. The XPro is a 3-in-1 plotting, drawing machine with a multifunctional cutting table. It allows users to cut rubber sheets, cut and crease sample cartons, produce stripping blankets and plot layouts. It is also compatible with all trade software. The XPro machine is available in four different sizes and the head unit features a multi-tool device, allowing cutting (using an oscillating knife), creasing, kiss/cut, a pressurised pen and laser pointer. “Effectively, the XPro offers three uses in one machine. Therefore, not only can the machine offer essential rubber cutting capabilities to UK diemakers, but it can also be used to manufacture sample cases,” adds Simon.
“We are delighted to be able to offer the UK market new product and solutions such as the rubber cutting machine from Clear’s range of products. The addition of these new components and equipment used in die manufacturing will greatly increase C&T’s offering and can even provide cost saving and unique solutions to our customers”, summarised Simon.
Xwww.candtmatrix.com
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July/August 2022
www.convertermag.com
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