Speedx is said to guarantee a rapid recovery on-press, making it suitable for high-speed auto platens.

Its closed cell structure results in consistent and uniform compressibility on die by absorbing the energy applied under platen pressure.

When released, the stored energy quickly allows the structure to recover and provide a fast and powerful ejection, ensuring maximum speed on-press.

Additionally, C&T said the closed cell structure of Speedx prevents water absorption from the waterjet cutting process, meaning that the rubber is suitable for adhesive bonding to the die immediately after being cut.

The rubber is produced in large blocks, and then accurately slit to the exact thickness required with the tightest tolerances, of +/- 0.2mm, which C&T said is particularly beneficial in terms of the varying thickness of plywood.

Speedx is available in a wide range of hardness, from 10 shore through to 75 shore, and each hardness has a unique colour for ease of identification on the die.

The neutral odour and soft-feel structure of Speedx is lightweight in comparison to conventional heavyweight ejection rubbers, meaning that reduced machine loads are typical for dies using the product.

As opposed to some die ejection rubbers which can only be in contact with food packaging, Speedx has a food safety certificate which states that it can be used in direct contact with food, improving its range of uses.

C&T managing director Simon Shenton said: “Speedx has improved commerciality that allows it to be positioned in the market at almost identical levels to open cell grades, often giving a better product for the same price on a die.”

Wellingborough, Northamptonshire-based C&T offers several brands of creasing matrix, including XTC, Pink, Kiss, Corrugate and Jazz. It also manufactures and supplies a broad range of accessories for die-making, die-cutting and print finishing, including steel rule, ejection rubbers, counter material and patch tape.