What does the machine do?

It’s a compact rotary die-cutter that uses magnetic metal dies for cutting and creasing. An optional stripping unit means finished products can be taken off the delivery for shipping or folding and gluing. 

When was it launched and what market is it aimed at?

Launched in May at the Interpack show in Düsseldorf, the first RD-4055 to arrive in the UK is in the new Intelligent Finishing Systems (IFS) showroom in Hemel Hempstead. According to IFS it is creating a big stir with many of the companies pre-registered for Print Efficiently keen to find out more. As the Interpack launch suggests, packaging is a key market, in particular for commercial printers looking to move into the market. “It’s also relevant to commercial printers that currently outsource their die-cutting,” says IFS technical director Alan Harrison.

How does it work?

An operator mounts the magnetic die on the cylinder, registering it using the built in pins, then the machine takes up the die and it’s pretty much good to go, with fine tuning handled from the touchscreen. A unique feature is the ability to use a small die and make repeated passes to cut the full length of the sheet. The machine handles the registration from pass to pass. While this does slow down the throughput it also cuts the cost of the dies. So, if you have ultra short runs, it might be a cost-effective option. 

How does it differ from previous products?

Compared to other die-cutters the RD-4055 is designed to be easy to use and compact. “It’s the same ease-of-use as the rest of the Horizon range,” says Harrison. “It’s easy to run; you don’t need to have the skills needed to operate an old platen.”

How productive is it? 

Speed is 6,000 cycles per hour. It’s considerably faster than an old platen but not up to the speed of a dedicated flatbed die-cutter or the more industrial rotary cutters from the likes of Bograma. However, it’s significantly less expensive than either of those options. Also, while it’s not as fast as an inline cutting cylinder running on a litho press like the Kocher & Beck or the Cito RSP, the target market includes digital print firms who won’t have a press hanging around to hang a rotary die off. 

What is the USP of the product?

Ease of use is the trump card. While most die-cutters look like they were put together in the reign of Victoria, this is a modern machine with a touchscreen control panel and job memory. It’s compact, quiet and complements digital printers.

What training and support is on offer?

There’s not much to learn, but IFS does offer a day’s training, either at its Hemel Hempstead HQ or on site. Training is carried out using a set of test and promo jobs that IFS developed to show off the machine at the Print Efficiently events, which include cutting, creasing and perforations. So as your operators learn they also create the collateral to help promote the machine. 

How much does it cost?

A fully loaded machine is £65,000. Dies, which are produced by third parties, cost between £90 and £200 depending on the complexity of the design. IFS is working with RotoMetrics for the dies it is using. Kocher & Beck in Coalville, Leicestershire can also produce suitable dies, and has been working with Horizon distributors on the continent.

What is the sales target?

To date there are no machines in the UK, although several on mainland Europe. Harrison expects to sell five in the first six months. If you want one you’d better be quick as there is now a waiting list for orders from the Horizon factory. 

SPECIFICATIONS

Type Rotary die-cutter

Max speed 6,000cph

Max sheet size 400x550mm

Max substrate thickness 0.5 mm

Price £65,000

Contact IFS 020 8997 8053 www.ifsl.uk.com 

ALTERNATIVES

Bograma 550

At twice the sheet size and twice the speed the 550 offers four times the throughput of the RD-4055, which is just as well as it’s four times the price. Unlike the Horizon, this Swiss-made machine can be incorporated into a complete finishing line with folders fore or aft, and handles webs or sheets. There are a number of UK installs but to date the machine has been seen as such a competitive advantage that the users have chosen to keep quiet.

Type Rotary die-cutter

Max speed 12,000cph

Max sheet size 550x750mm

Max substrate thickness 0.5mm

Price £250,000

Contact Friedheim 01442 206100 www.friedheim.co.uk

Kluge EHF

While it’s not a direct competitor, the Kluge EHF might be worth a look for some businesses. It’s a more versatile machine with the ability to foil and emboss as well as die-cut but it needs a skilled operator to wring the best out of it. 

Type Foil stamping, embossing  and die-cutting press

Max speed 2,850iph

Max sheet size 356x559mm

Max substrate thickness n/s

Price £40,000

Contact Kluge 01453 836 522 www.klugeint.com

Kocher & Beck IOC

If you’ve got an offset press the IOC can be mounted on a spare unit to cut and crease inline during printing. It’s not a direct competitor, but might be more suitable for some applications.

Type Offset cylinder-mounted  metal die-cutting kit

Max speed Press dependent

Max format Press dependent

Max substrate thickness n/s

Price Starter kits from £235 for a B3 press

Contact Kocher & Beck 01530 812400 www.kocher-beck.co.uk