LabelLink invests in die-cutting innovation

Labellink, a division of WA Stemmet Consulting, recently invested in a Wink’s SmartGap® TOUCH adjustable anvil cylinder to enhance the die-cutting capabilities of its ROTOCON ECOLINE RDF 340 digital printed label converting and finishing system.

The company opted for the digital SmartGap TOUCH, instead of the entry-level SmartGap ADVANCE model, as it offers numerous productivity- and efficiency-enhancing functions controlled by a touchscreen.

‘After extensive market research, it was evident that Wink is the leader in terms of quality and productivity, so it made business sense to invest in the SmartGap TOUCH system,’ comments LabelLink’s Wiaan Stemmet. ‘The automated system gives us peace of mind as it takes care of the die-cutting – a very sensitive and important step in the label-converting process.’

According to ROTOCON sales director, Pascal Aengenvoort, the SmartGap TOUCH system comprises an anvil cylinder with a high-precision adjustment unit and support roller to ensure maximum stability. ‘The interface, which is clearly arranged and user-friendly, is connected to the BLACKBOX unit that controls the adjustment units and the anvil cylinder.’

‘The ROTOCON team did the installation quickly and professionally last month, and made sure everything was up to standard. The simplicity of the system speeded up the operator training – they familiarised with it quickly,’ says Wiaan.

According to Pascal, set-up times are reduced because pre-settings are supplied in the QR code of the flexible die. The integrated camera in the SmartGap TOUCH system reads the dies via a QR code and automatically adjusts the cutting depths.

Wiaan adds: ‘The automatic calibration and easy-to-use QR code system make the SmartGap TOUCH a win for us and our customers because it has resulted in time and cost savings, allowing LabelLink to supply competitively priced and excellent quality products to the industry.’

He also points out that the ROTOCON team has been part of WA Stemmet Consulting’s success since the company was founded in 2003. ‘Nothing is too much effort for them, and the technical team that manages the installations is top-class,’ concludes Wiaan.and

The ultimate in automatic gap adjustment

ADJUSTABLE anvil cylinders have become indispensable in modern label production because the smallest deviations in the narrow gap between the magnetic and anvil cylinder, determine rotary die-cutting success or failure, especially with the demands created by the variety of materials and ever thinner liners.

Wink’s SmartGap TOUCH hardware and software are designed so that extensions can be integrated rapidly and flexibly. Although the system already offers many automation features and advantages, it can achieve even more with the AUTOCONTROL extension.

"Can you imagine driving a car without an adjustable seat? Neither can we. That’s why you can position the controls of Wink’s SmartGap adjustable anvil cylinders where it suits your machinery best. This is especially useful if your die-cutting unit needs a housing.”

Die care guidelines

To get the best possible performance from and extend the lifespan of your cutting tools, follow these handy tips for correct use, gap checks and storage.

Careful handling

Never bend a flexible die or put it down on the blades.
Always clean the reverse side of the die thoroughly with ROTOCON Iso pro before mounting it onto the magnetic cylinder.
Only use a Wink-lifter to remove flexible dies from the cylinder.
Remove all paint and glue residue after use and lightly oil both sides of the die.

Press pressures

Check for exact positioning of pressure-bridge on the
cylinder bearers.
Ensure that bearings and shafts are running free from
backlash.
Pay attention to adequate pressure between magnetic,
rotary and anvil cylinder.
Increase cutting pressure very slowly.
Clean and oil the bearers and pressure rollers regularly with felt strips.
We advise the use of pressure cells.

Cylinder savvy

Clean the cylinders thoroughly with ROTOCON Iso pro before use.
Lift cylinders into and out of the machine carefully.
Never put a magnetic cylinder down on the magnetic area.
Don’t ever place a rotary cylinder on the cutting lines.
Regularly remove paint and glue residues with ROTOCON Iso pro.
Control damage to cylinders by avoiding excessive bearer pressure.
Oil the cylinder with ROTOCON Protec before storing.

Mind the gap

Measure the gap regularly.
Check or change the magnetic and anvil cylinder, if the gap is one-sided or the tolerance is too large.
Consider gap changing when ordering new cutting tools.
Inspect bearers, bearings, pressure rollers and gears regularly.

Safe storage

Wrap each flexible die separately in oil paper.
Store the dies in suspended file pockets or in the original cardboard tubes in which they’ve been supplied.
Ensure the blades are facing upwards during storage.
Keep the certificate of quality and the cutting sample provided.