Rotometrics installs first Versa-Cut anvils in UK
Rotometrics, the global manufacturing leader of rotary tooling, has introduced a new range of adjustable anvils called Versa-CutTM. Designed with dual adjustment to give the press operator precise control of liner strike, Versa-Cut offers parallel and single-side adjustability to overcome the challenges associated with substrate inconsistencies, thinner liners, and uneven die wear. Neil Lilly, Sales Director of Rotometrics UK explained: “Versa-Cut’s stability comes from its fully hardened bearers and body, as well as its lower operating temperatures that minimise thermal expansion. And, unlike other adjustable anvils, Versa-Cut needs no external lubrication that might contaminate the web.”
First in the UK to adopt the new anvils is Aztec Label in Kidderminster, whose owner Colin Le Gresley has fitted one to each of his three Nilpeter presses and is already noticing an improvement in performance. “Versa-Cut gives us the ability to use the same tool on different substrates, which saves time and money, and will allow us to reuse our large and expensive tooling inventory.” Aztec has recently been striving to improve its production efficiencies and recently was at 99.5% time taken for work planned across three-shift based machines for the entire month. “What it’s doing is allowing us to run much closer to our maximum efficiency point,” he added.
Aztec Label specifies all its Rotometrics tooling to be suitable for PP as a general standard, unless it knows it will be processing more aggressive substrates. The adjustability of Versa-Cut provides maximum flexibility with a single tool and even permits adjustment while the press is running, which according to Le Gresley is one of its greatest assets: “The ability to run continuously on any job is always a bonus because it saves time and money and gives a more consistent product,” he said. Effectively, Versa-Cut takes one of the variables out of the production process by coping with changes or variations in the substrate. With his press operators giving Versa-Cut a big ‘thumbs-up’ for ease of use, Colin Le Gresley is well content with his latest investment.
Concluding for Rotometrics, Neil Lilly commented: “As one of our long-term customers, we are delighted that Aztec has been able to realise the benefits of Versa-Cut, which brings a new level of control to the die-cutting process.” Capable of working with flexible packaging and folding carton as well as label stocks, Versa-Cut offers precise adjustment over the full range from +/- 0.102mm, with parallel increments of 0.002mm. The single-side adjustment is infinite over a range of +/- 0.0381mm.