BOBST introduces its most highly automated and productive die-cutter
At drupa 2016 the all-new BOBST MASTERCUT 106 PER die-cutter made its world premiere. This brand new, completely redesigned press features a wide range of new and improved systems.
Philippe Milliet, head of BOBST’s business unit sheet-fed, said: “The MASTERCUT 106 PER builds on the success of our market-leading EXPERTCUT 106 models, which have become the benchmark in the carton industry for die-cutting performance. The re-imagining of the MASTERCUT, with its new range of systems, means it can now run at an incredible 11,000 sheets an hour. That’s 20 per cent faster than the before.”
The systems that make up this new machine include the new, enhanced SMART FEEDER 3 and POWER REGISTER 3, which together ensure high uptime and high speed running. The new MASTERCUT also features new ‘MATIC’ machine setting for the highest degree of automatic operation available on any die-cutter, and a completely new HMI.
SMART FEEDER 3 is the latest generation of the BOBST automated, intelligent sheet feeding system and works in tandem with the machine’s POWER REGISTER system to reduce in-production stoppages and maximise productivity.
POWER REGISTER, BOBST’s acclaimed no-contact sheet-registration system, which was introduced at drupa 2000, has a 65 per cent larger correction range at the front edge of the sheet, virtually eliminating all feed-related stops. It also allows print reading from underneath, which is essential when die-cutting litho-laminated sheets.
Automated setting with big time savings
The MATIC systems on the new MASTERCUT 106 PER mean that the die-cutter configures itself fully automatically from feeder to delivery, with no operator intervention needed. This gains users at least 10 minutes per job set-up, or up to 1,800 extra sheets. Such a saving represents substantial extra availability that can be used for additional production.
MASTERCUT’s MATIC settings are precise and it automatically configures, among other items: the feeder section, suction head, side blowers and guides, transport equipment on the feed-table, POWER REGISTER 3 lateral camera, Bernoulli sheet breaking tablets, and electronic functions for the stripping and blanking tools settings. A new ‘End job – New job’ function automatically stops the machine, unlocks all the tooling and then sets itself for the next job when the new tooling has been put into place.
Maintaining quality at 11,000 sheets per hour requires very precise control of gripper bar motion. BOBST has an exclusive double cam gripper bar advance system which, even at full running speed, ensures the gentle acceleration and deceleration of the sheets as they come to a halt in the die-cutting, stripping and blanking stations. This system allows for the use of small nicks, which in turn mean excellent finished box quality despite the very high machine output.
The first and last sheet evacuation system on the new MASTERCUT detects damaged sheets, locks stripping and blanking tools in their upper position to prevent them processing the sheets and passes them directly to the waste evacuation conveyor.
Services that are Internet ready
Along with access to the worldwide network of BOBST services centres, the MASTERCUT 106 PER also offers HELPLINE PLUS and CONNECT services. These enable remote troubleshooting, access to production monitoring apps, and the ability to be integrated into plant management software.
You can see the new MASTERCUT 106 PER currently on show at drupa, which is fitted with the optional AUTOMATIC PILE TRANSFER system. Visit Hall 10 Stand A60.