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Uchida AeroDieCut

A B3 die-cutter that mixes the benefits of conventional technology with modern automation

die forme is mounted on the top plate
with the rules facing down, while a metal
counter-plate goes on the bottom. For
cutting-only work that’s all that is
needed, but for creasing and embossing a
thin resilient plastic counter matrix is
attached to the plate. Most die makers
can supply the counter sheet ready to
mount. There’s a choice of steel or alu-
minium counter plate – aluminium is
cheaper and less durable, but not so criti-
cal for the pressure setting.
Small multi-up jobs (such as tickets or
busines cards) can be set up with smaller
dies at one end, with the machine able to
step the sheet to repeat them up to five
times along the length. There’s a ‘tri-suc-
What does it do? Morgana, which sells other Uchida prod- tion’ sheet feeder with an ultra-sonic sen-
This is a fully automated B3 format die- ucts including the AeroCut and AeroCut sor for double feed detection, and a
cutting, creasing and embossing platen Specifications X multi-finishers, announced the UK dis- cut-mark sensor to compensate for
that uses traditional plywood-mounted tributorship in March but its first public lengthways image shift on the sheet (this
dies with metal rules. It’s compact, quiet Maximum speed appearance was at the Print Show in also senses position for step-and-repeat).
and runs off a 13amp plug. 1,000sph September. It’s available for delivery. Delivery can be to an optional conveyor
It takes dies with the standard letterpress with separator, which allows for waste to
type height that you’ll find in old Multiple-up repeats According to Gavin Blakemore, fall into a catch bin (though this only
Heidelberg Windmill-type clamshell Up to 5 per sheet Morgana’s UK national sales manager, works with certain cutting schemes).
platens and converted letterpress cylin- Die board size the target markets include current users
ders, so any die-maker can supply them. 350x550mm of small converted letterpress die-cut- What is its USP?
The price depends on the length and ters, who may be finding that skilled Blakemore says it’s a combination of the
complexity of the rules, but £150 would Die board thickness operators are retiring and new ones pre-
be typical according to UK distributor 18mm fer the automation and easy setup of the automation, price point, counters for
Morgana. AeroDieCut. creasing and embossing, the ability to
Unusually, there’s an automated step- Cutting rule height How does it work? cut, crease, perforate and emboss in one
and-repeat facility so a small die pattern 23.3-23.8mm pass plus the step-and- repeat ability.
can be duplicated along the sheet length The AeroDieCut has top and bottom How fast is it?
in the same pass. Max paper size plates, each with pressure applied by a
365x515mm
Unlike the straight-line cuts, creases and roller, which Uchida says makes it qui- Nominal speed is 1,000sph, though this
perforations of multi-finishers, dies Stock range 120- eter than traditional platens. The roller would slow down for multiple cuts on the
allow production of complex shapes such 400gsm pressure is set by a large hand screw for same sheet.
as small boxes, angles, round corners, each.
tear-off perforated coupons, as well as The official stock weight range of 120- What service, support and training is
true embossing. 400gsm ties in with most digital presses, offered?
When was it launched and what mar- but something heavier would be handy Morgana handles all service and support
ket is it aimed at? for small box work by litho. in the UK. The installation is same-day
Uchida is a Japanese manufacturer. The Blakemore says that the first user in the with operator training. Blakemore says it
AeroDieCut was launched in Europe in UK, Healeys in Ipswich, has been getting only takes about 15 minutes to plug in
2019 but the disruption from Covid up to 600gsm in practice, so the official and then level the machine once it’s in
delayed its appearance in the UK. specs are likely to change.The plywood position. There’s a 12-month warranty.

“At this price point it’s an alternative to some of the cutting and slitting multi- finishers.”

30 PrintWeek MENA December 2022 www.printweekmena.com