RP® dies provide significantly longer die life and like-new cutting quality through the use of shearing blades on the upper and lower die, co. says. These dies can reportedly make 15 million to 350 million revolutions before resharpening, and according to co., one folding-carton converter had passed the 1-billion revolutions mark before its dies needed resharpening. The dies can be used with web widths from 6 to 70 in. and cut material thickness up to 0.125 in. They handle paperboard, high-density plastics, masonite, corrugated, recycled and coated boards.

BERNAL, INC., 800/BERNAL-1, fax: 248/299-3601, www.bernaltech.com

If a project has very long runs requiring clean and consistent hole evacuation or materials that are difficult to cut, a rotary punching unit should be considered as an alternative to diecutting, recommends the supplier. Punch units can be designed and made for platform mounting or as modules that can be placed in the press die station. To remove waste, a vacuum system can be attached to the die cylinder or rings, and the punched pieces are removed as the press is running.

TOOLS & PRODUCTION, INC., 626/286-0213, fax: 626/286-3398, www.toolsandproduction.com

Co. offers the application-oriented CNC and EDM solid rotary dies. The CNC series includes the RD80, which is designed for most pressure-sensitive applications, and the RD90, which is heat-treated to a higher degree of hardness than the RD80 to be able to handle longer runs and some metal-to-metal cutting. The RD100 is designed for multiple-layer expanded content labels and other materials such as unsupported films, foam and putty. The RD200 is said to be ideal for thinner film materials. In the EDM series, the MU100 is effective for metal-to-metal applications and long-run pressure-sensitive jobs, as well as for cutting intricate shapes and designs.

ROTOMETRICS, 800/325-3851, fax: 800/ROTO-DIE, www.rotometrics.com

The Eagle 360™ lets converters attach tool-steel, flexible-plate dies to non-magnetic cylinders. Special alloy, wear-resistant materials are used for maximum die life, and the blades are sharpened with an automated edge-finishing technology. This diecutting system is ideal for folding-carton and other multiple-die applications, co. says.

EAGLE ROTARY SYSTEMS, INC., 517/783-2500, fax: 517/780-4996, www.eaglerotary.com

Co.'s flexible rotary dies are chemically-etched and machine-sharpened. These lightweight dies are ideal for nearly all materials and applications, and there is no need to backgrind the dies, co. says.

WILSON MANUFACTURING CO., 800/364-5248, fax: 314/416-8008, www.wilsonmfg.com

The rotary punching systems from co. are specifically geared to cut the thinner fibers used in nonwoven products and have production speeds up to 2,300 fpm. Available die/anvil materials range from D2 to tungsten carbide, with reduced or eliminated dust. They can be retrofitted into most web-processing machines and, depending on the web width, a cantilevered design is also available. Hot needle tools are offered for use with nonwovens or thin-gauge materials, while cold systems are ideal for micro perforations. Systems can be web or servo-driven motor. Turnkey off-line punching solutions are available as well.

SCHOBER USA, 513/489-7393, fax: 513/794-0119, www.schoberusa.com