Bobst delivers “next-gen” die-cutter tech for connective enhancements

07 Sep 2020 --- Printing and converting equipment company Bobst continues its path of digital connectivity in the packaging industry with the launch of two connected technology solutions, die-cutter MASTERCUT 106 PER and digital recipe management tool TooLink. The combined deployment of these platforms enables a massive reduction in setup time and costs, as well as increasing profitability “for unrivaled productivity,” says François Martin, Senior Marketing and Communication Advisor at Bobst.

“The MASTERTCUT 106 PER and TooLink are very unique products no one else can offer. It provides unique features that large converters are expecting,” he tells PackagingInsights.

When asked what comparable technology already exists on the market, Martin responds: “Today, each supplier has part of the puzzle, but the entire ecosystem is not yet integrated. This is a ten-year journey, but it will happen.”

“We have identified connectivity, digitalization, automation and sustainability as the cornerstones of packaging production now and in the future,” adds Bodo Junge, Product Marketing Director Folding Carton at Bobst. “Our vision for the industry is ultimately about enabling converters to adapt and respond quickly to brand owners’ constantly changing requirements.”

Bobst’s new packaging industry vision applies to the label, flexible packaging, folding carton and corrugated sectors. “In labels, its deployment is more advanced,” Martin notes.MASTERCUT 106 PER and TooLink epitomize the new BOBST vision for an entirely connected packaging production system.

The master die-cutter paired with data-chipped tech
MASTERCUT 106 PER is a flatbed die-cutter with a high degree of automation and production capability. Bobst regards it as the “world’s only die-cutter that can be set from just a single point of control and the automation of functions and settings, from ‘feeder to delivery.’”

This translates to minimal operator intervention during operation. Stripping and blanking tools settings are now completely automated due to the new Matic Plus system, which uses cameras to measure the position of tools and then aligns them automatically in register to the printed sheet. Jam detection and settings have also been automated on this new machine, as has the non-stop rack system in the delivery section.

This “next-generation” die-cutter incorporates TooLink, a platform that connects the die-cutter with a digital ID that enables instant recognition through the machine’s HMI. The machine automatically detects chip-equipped tools and provides a production-ready job recipe, leading to both waste and time savings of up to 15 minutes during job changeovers. It also allows automatic job recall without any operator intervention.

Sustainability and agility
In a previous interview with PackagingInsights, Martin highlighted the need for packaging companies to be environmentally sustainable and agile to ever-changing market trends and consumer demands. Now, Martin further stresses the problem of the lack of skilled workers.

“The entire industry is at a major turning point. Every industry goes into significant transformations – for the packaging industry this is now and the leading converters are already closely monitoring it. No one can stop it. In this context, all the innovations we have to bring to the market will be considered by the converters as they face growing pressure from their clients for faster time to market and zero fault packaging,” he details. 

“We are convinced that in the next ten years, all industries will have more connectivity, more digitalization and more automation. Bobst will certainly not be the only [company] offering new capabilities. All converters and brand owners will benefit from [them] and at the same time, we will reduce the environmental impact of the packaging industry,” he concludes. 

By Anni Schleicher

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