Morgana Systems has introduced the Uchida AeroDieCut, a platen-based die-cutter that combines conventional die-cutting formes with automated paper feed and the ability to emboss/deboss as well as to crease, cut and perforate.
Described as ‘traditional meets digital’, the AeroDieCut uses conventional wood-and-steel cutting or creasing formes with a patented system of moving rollers to apply the necessary pressure. It suits short-to-medium run work, handles paper sheets up to 365 x 515mm (maximum finished size 310 x 485mm) at up to 1000sph and accepts cutting formes up to 350 x 550mm with die-boards up to 18mm thick and cutting rule height between 23.3 and 23.8mm.
The unit can perform step-and-repeat work, using the same forme up to five times per sheet and with its fully enclosed design is said by Morgana to be safer than conventional platen die-cutters. A Tri-suction feeder should ensure consistent paper feeding, with double-sheet detection and cut-mark sensing to compensate for image shift on the printed sheets. Control is via a 4-in touch screen with 100 job memories available for repeat work. For longer runs there is an optional separator unit for deflecting cut waste into a bin; an optional conveyor delivery table also makes the collecting process more efficient at volume.
Ray Hillhouse, vice-president offline business at Morgana, said. ‘This unique new product offers print shops an ideal entry-point to the highly lucrative die-cutting process. Work that was previously sent to a third-party supplier can now be produced in-house cost-effectively. However, the AeroDieCut offers more to users than just straightforward cutting and creasing. Adding such capabilities as embossing can help a printer to offer something that little bit extra – making an invitation, or even a business card, really stand out and get noticed. The price advantage provided by using a one-up forme in a step-and-repeat mode gives the printer additional margin that could otherwise be lost to the die maker.’
Morgana also notes that since die-making is a well-established and mature business, those needing to source dies externally should be able to achieve competitive prices.
