The concept of high-performance tooling (HPT) was jointly launched to provide new standards for die makers and the processing industry as well. The goal is to provide a tool classification which allows top performances on your equipment. Customers who choose tools made with CITO consumables can be sure of the best quality and performance on their BOBST die cutters as well as excellent technical and process support for complex and unusual applications. Tool manufacturers and converters alike not only benefit from the vast BOBST expertise and knowledge gained from decades of equipment manufacture and consumables supply but also their various ongoing performance enhancement and tooling management programs. The CITO Quality Label may be applied to all tools made with CITO consumables giving customers peace of mind that their tooling has been made with OEM approved elements so high performance is given, because only components and material that ensure optimum machine performance are applied.
CITO ULTIMATE: high-performing creasing system
‘CITO constantly optimises cutting and creasing processes; tools and materials are developed further as needed. We are focused on our customers and provide professional support with experience, know-how and training and make sure to find the right solution for every requirement. The R&D department uses state-of-the-art high-speed video, simulators and measurement technology,’ remarks Oliver Kellermann, chief sales officer (CSO) at CITO GROUP.
In the field of creasing technology, the company offers one of the largest ranges of creasing systems. CITO products stand for perfect creasing quality and optimum cost-benefit. A good example of this is CITO ULTIMATE, the high-performing film-based creasing system. The flexible coating with a sturdy base ensures consistently high and constant creasing quality from the first to the very last sheet. Due to the back-springing shoulders, exactly the same conditions are created for every crease. Both in laboratory tests and in practice, runs of over 500 000 sheets were produced with a constant crease quality.
Increasing demand of corrugated board converters has prompted CITO to successfully expand its product range to include microwave and corrugated board. For these materials in particular, both long runs and absolutely consistent creasing quality are decisive factors. CITO ULTIMATE reduces breaking of the crease. The extremely chamfered outer edges prevent visual damage of the surface. The flexible coating compensates for fluctuations in the corrugated board and allows constant creasing quality with the highest quality standards.
CITO ULTIMATE is also ideally suited for repeat jobs and archiving in combination with 1mm cutting plates. The patented creasing system is available in approximately 600 different sizes, specials sizes and specialties.
CITO Ejection Material: Approved quality pays off
The materials used on the tools are a key factor when it comes to performance and quality. Often, materials are used that are produced in bulk for completely different industries. However, these materials have not been developed for the die-cutting process and usually do not have the required physical properties. Moreover, these materials are also not UV resistant and lose their mechanical properties when in storage. The consequences of this development are long set-up times, inconsistent production flow, reduced machine speeds, shortened tool life and last but not least waste of resources due to unnecessary waste. Michael Schuster, head of sales at CITO remarks: ‘We therefore recommend that only elastomers are used that have been specially developed for the diecutting process.’
There are various labels and systems that allow tool users to verify which materials have been used. Like the ISEGA certificate: this approval for food packaging guarantees that the materials do not contain any chemicals that are hazardous to health. Another quality feature is the adhesive technology used to attach the elastomers to the cutting die. This system, called CITO EasyFix, guarantees that the ejection material can be fast, easy and precisely attached to the die. In addition, this system prevents cutting rules from becoming glued to the counter material – which would otherwise result in a considerable additional expenditure in the machine set-up times. Another quality seal is the CITO Quality Label, cutting dies with this quality sign stand for optimum performance, efficient processes and outstanding quality. ‘Thanks to the Quality Label on the cutting tool converters know that high-quality elastomers have been applied to the tool,’ comments Bruce Beswick, director of Beswick Machinery.
‘Packaging challenges and standards for packaging are increasing and to stay ahead, companies should use tools that are worth their price in terms of quality and performance. Because good quality is worth it. It is worth investing in a good tool instead of paying for the supposed savings with reduced production output, high process costs and unnecessary waste of resources,’ concludes Oliver.
Ed’s Note: Beswick Machinery are the South African agents for BOBST and CITO.
