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 is creating a big stir. As the Interpack launch suggests, packaging is a key market, in particular for commercial printers looking to move into the market. It is also relevant to commercial printers that currently outsource their die-cutting.
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 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 is the same ease-of-use as the rest of the Horizon range, 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 Currie does offer a day’s training
How much does it cost?
A fully loaded machine is ballpark $95,000. Dies, which are produced by third parties, have varying costs, depending on the complexity of the design. Currie is working with RotoMetrics for the dies it is using. Kocher & Beck can also produce suitable dies, and has been working with Horizon distributors around the world.
The 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
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
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
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