Diecutting Odyssey journeys to new territory

IADD-sponsored event May 1-3 in Nashville will unite trade fair with show-and-tell clinics and real-time demonstrations.

By Editor in Chief Mark Spaulding -- Converting Magazine, 3/1/2001

The Intl. Assn. of Diecutting & Diemaking will offer the converting industry an unusual technical and educational opportunity in the form of its 2001: A Diecutting Odyssey, to be held May 1-3 at the Nashville Convention Ctr.

The event, organized by Larson Worldwide, Norwell, Mass., is a combination technology exhibition that also features fully operational diecutting and diemaking TechshopsT-show-and-tell clinics with real-time diemaking/diecutting demonstrations. More than 100 booths on the show floor will be filled with the latest high-tech equipment and next-generation materials.

The Odyssey's educational sessions will focus on all of the diverse segments of flatbed, multi-contour and rotary diecutting and diemaking for cutting and trimming soft to semi-rigid materials. Fully functioning machinery such as lasers, automated rule benders, flat routers and presses in the Techshops will allow qualified experts to perform various diemaking and diecutting operations while processes are narrated for the attendees' instruction.

On-site training on view

Seventeen seminar sessions and four vendor demonstrations on a variety of topics are designed to help diemakers and converters improve their productivity and boost the bottom line. "Diecutting Odyssey takes diecutters, diemakers and industry suppliers on a voyage through the expanding universe of the diecutting industry," says Cindy Crouse, IADD executive director. "The educational demonstrations will feature innovative processes and provide expert technical training."

Preliminary program includes diecutting troubleshooting via the Internet; folding-carton diecutting; automated rule processing; automatic platen diecutting; corrugated carton design for rotary dies; diecutting efficiency; alternative materials converting; rotary laser technology; reducing setup times; improving nicking techniques; steel-rule die knifing; the paperless die shop; soft-anvil rotary diecutting; calculating tonnage for a variety of materials; overcoming challenges; multifunctional rotary cutting; problem-solving clinic; using CNC waterjet-cut ejection materials; and converter-operated diemaking plants, among others.

Converters offer solutions

Significant participation by converters in the Techshops is planned. Some companies expected to present their solutions to attendees include folding-carton maker Rock-Tenn Co., product-ID label converter Matthews Intl. and corrugated-box manufacturer Packaging Corp. of America.

"If my employees could attend only one show this year, it would be the Odyssey," says Ken Holliday, president of diemaker SouthEastern Die, Decatur, Ga. "There's no other trade show or educational opportunity of this scope in 2001 that is specifically geared toward our particular industry."

All Odyssey exhibits, lunches, the Techshops and most programming will be located in the Nashville Convention Ctr.'s Technology Hall. Show hours are 8:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 1, and Wednesday, May 2, and 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Thursday, May 3. For registration information: 800/229-3346, 781-659-2115, fax: 781-659-2411, www.iadd.org/odyssey

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