THE demands on packaging standards are constantly rising and price competition is increasing, posing new challenges for converters. The right tool also plays an important role, which is why cutting dies should be used that are worth their price in terms of quality and performance. It is worth investing in a good tool instead of paying for the perceived savings with reduced production performance, high process costs and unnecessary waste of resources.

‘The CITO Quality Label was created to ensure that converters know which materials have been used on the cutting die. This quality symbol attached to the tool means that high-quality CITO ejection material has been used, says southern African market representative, Bruce Beswick, MD of Beswick Machinery.

‘CITO ejection material is suited for all applications in solid and corrugated board conversion. Whether large runs with high output rates, repeat jobs or smaller orders, it is possible to produce efficiently and to a high standard. The use of high-quality material is worthwhile because even in standard applications the production output has a decisive influence on the actual costs,’ Bruce remarks.

Special properties for quality performance

He explains that the elastomers have been specially developed for die-cutting technology so that the product properties exactly meet die-cutting process requirements and deliver optimum results for even the most demanding orders and complex layouts. ‘The ejection materials are equipped with CITO’s original EasyFix technology. This adhesive technology enables quick, easy and exact attachment of the elastomers as the cutting rules don’t stick, the makeready is significantly faster and the cutting die remains intact.’

The products are now almost all ISEGA-certified and can therefore be used safely for food packaging production. In addition, the colour-coding enables clear identification of the respective function, making usage safe and user-friendly.

‘Benefits of cutting dies with the CITO Quality Label include optimum machine performance and maximum output, efficient and safe processes that use resources carefully, standardised and constant tool quality, cutting dies with high output rates and long durability, and significant potential savings in production costs,’ Bruce asserts.

Online application support services

In addition to high-quality material for the cutting die, CITO digital offers technical assistance in the use of the material. THE CITO GROUP’S application experts have developed the CITO Ejection Performance Guide for the selection and calculation of the optimal ejection material. Application-oriented, practical and comprehensive knowledge for the conversion of solid and corrugated board is accessible to users via CITO’s online seminars. These online tools convey state-of-the-art technology. Expert advice along with a personal customer contact is also part of the service package the company provides. This will support its customers and partners worldwide.