ACA purchases its first Heidelberg die-cutter

Glasgow-based postpress specialist, ACA has purchased its first Heidelberg B1 die-cutter with stripping. The Easymatrix was chosen for its automation, flexibility and ease of use. It will be delivered in the second quarter of the year.

The Easymatrix 106CS is a model which can handle work up to 750 x 1,060mm and from 90 to 2,000gsm paper and board and up to 4mm thick corrugated material. It  has very quick makeready capability and runs at up to 7,700sph.

Like the battery of carton gluers it will run alongside, the Easymatrix can handle a wide range of cartons including spirits boxes, food packaging and promotional and decorative items such as cosmetics boxes.

ACA director Dara Changizi said: “This machine will help us to expand our packaging capacity as we take on work from all four nations of the UK. Packaging was 50% of our sales before the pandemic started but is now 75% and growing. We recognise the brand strength of Heidelberg and the robust build and level of automation on the Easymatrix. Feature,s like the touchscreen control panel and easy exchange of die-cutting tools, will make it easy for our operators to run. We were aware that one of our customers Zenith Group uses Heidelberg die-cutting and foiling machines and that influenced us, too.”

Other features include non-stop feeder and delivery, with easy adjustment of rollers, brushes and side lays and double sheet detection. Up to 260 tonnes of pressure can be applied, ensuring the cut quality and accuracy is precise.

The Easymatrix is an example of the effectiveness of the partnership between Heidelberg and Masterwork (MK), which manufactures its packaging postpress products.

Heidelberg UK managing director Ryan Miles said: “The Easymatrix has been a hugely successful die-cutting model in our range. We are pleased that an expanding trade finishing/converting operation like ACA has decided to go ahead and purchase from us and we hope very much that this will be the start of a great partnership moving forward.”

ACA employs 80 staff, offers 70 different postpress processes and operates out of a 40,000sq ft factory, including a 5,000sq ft clean room for food and other hygiene sensitive work.