China's die-cutting and hot-stamping equipment is fully advancing into new technological fields

In recent years, the global packaging printing industry has developed rapidly. Not only has market demand increased significantly for several consecutive years, but the post-printing processing requirements for printed matter have also become increasingly stringent. Therefore, the rapid market development has placed dual requirements of "quality" and "quantity" on die-cutting and embossing equipment.

　　In terms of die-cutting technology, it has evolved from early vertical platen die-cutting technology to horizontal platen, rotary-platen, and rotary die-cutting technologies, as well as the recently developed laser die-cutting technology. Horizontal platen die-cutting machines have also developed from fully automatic to semi-automatic with waste removal, fully automatic with waste removal, and full waste removal die-cutting, among other technologies. In terms of embossing technology, it has evolved from vertical platen embossing to horizontal platen embossing, and to internationally leading rotary embossing, roll-to-platen embossing, and roll-to-platen embossing. In terms of equipment functionality, it has evolved from single-function die-cutting or embossing machines to multi-station integrated die-cutting and embossing machines, integrated die-cutting and waste removal machines, etc. The continuous pull of the packaging market and the development of new technologies and processes have driven the rapid development of die-cutting and embossing equipment towards high technology, diversification, and integration.

　　1. Development towards automation, intelligence, and digitalization

　　With the continuous increase in labor costs and the continuous decline in the profits of the printing industry, saving time on auxiliary operations has become a necessary consideration for die-cutting and embossing equipment. Therefore, data communication between multiple programmable controllers, LCD intelligent operation displays and human-machine dialogue, digital servo, holographic aluminum foil surface tension control, and holographic embossing precision manufacturing technology will all be applied to die-cutting and embossing equipment. At the same time, as a post-printing surface finishing process, the production line composed of die-cutting and creasing and digital printing equipment can be used for personalized processing and on-demand processing. Die-cutting and embossing, along with pre-printing and printing, have become an indispensable part of the digital printing process. Therefore, die-cutting and embossing technology will also be incorporated into the CIP4 digital workflow, and improving the compatibility and application range of die-cutting and embossing equipment in this area is an inevitable trend in the development of domestic die-cutting and embossing equipment.

　　2. Strengthen research on key technologies

　　Due to the special structure of die-cutting and embossing equipment, its key technologies are quite different from other printing and packaging machinery, and its design and manufacturing technology is the most difficult. The key technologies that restrict and affect the precision and speed of domestic die-cutting and embossing equipment are the direction that needs to be strengthened in the future. For example, the intermittent motion drive mechanism of the die-cutting rule, domestic die-cutting and embossing equipment generally uses a parallel indexing cam mechanism, while Bobst equipment uses a sector gear mechanism. In addition, conjugate cam-driven active platform mechanisms, photoelectric front and side register positioning devices, online working pressure detection functions, and embossing control systems are also key technologies worthy of in-depth research.

　　3. Multifunctional die-cutting and embossing equipment with independent intellectual property rights

　　In order to make post-printing processing technology more perfect and precise and improve operational efficiency, combining die-cutting and creasing with embossing, debossing, and full waste removal processes or functions is also one of the future development directions of die-cutting and embossing equipment.

　　After years of development, domestic die-cutting and embossing equipment manufacturers have accumulated certain design and manufacturing experience. Based on digestion, absorption, and imitation innovation, developing high-end products with independent intellectual property rights is both a requirement for technological progress and a need for the development of enterprises themselves. The MW1050YC finished product automatic die-cutting machine launched by Shanghai Ya Hua ended the history of this type of machine relying on imports; its TYM1050 series automatic embossing machine has the functions of longitudinal and transverse double-directional foil feeding, holographic positioning embossing, and plain silver embossing, and the longitudinal embossing can be expanded to a maximum of 9 axes, and the transverse can cover the entire embossing width, with multiple patents. The MK920SS platen automatic die-cutting and embossing machine recently launched by Tianjin Changrong, by adding a molding unit, can complete repeated embossing or embossing and then die-cutting in one pass, reducing the number of paper passes and shortening the interval time of multiple processing, minimizing the difficulties caused by paper deformation due to processing for subsequent processes.