Printing slotting die-cutting machine (usually referring to corrugated cardboard printing die-cutting and slotting linkage line, commonly known as "printing die-cutting machine" or "watermark machine") is the core equipment for cardboard box production. To master it proficiently, it is necessary to systematically grasp the following key points from theory to practice:
1、 Core Principles and Structural Cognition for Printing Slotter Die cutting machine
This is the foundation for operating and debugging equipment, and you must have a clear understanding of the role of each part of the machine.
Paper feeding department: responsible for smoothly and accurately feeding the stacked corrugated cardboard into the machine one by one. The key is to adjust the gap and air pressure of the leading edge and side gauge to ensure smooth paper feeding and no double feeding.
Printing Department:
Principle: It is usually flexographic printing, using water-based ink.
Structure: Understand the relationship between the anilox roller (ink metering), plate cylinder (installing the plate), and impression cylinder (applying pressure).
Core: Understanding that the number of lines on the mesh roller determines the amount of ink applied, thereby affecting the depth of the printed color.
Slotting section: By rolling the blade wheel up and down, the folded wire groove is pressed out on the cardboard. The key is to adjust the depth and position of the slotting knife, which should not only cut through the surface paper but also not damage the corrugated.
Die cutting department:
Principle: By installing a template (die cut version) with blades and indentation lines, precise cutting and indentation of cardboard can be carried out.
Structure: Understand how to install die-cutting plates and the role of the bottom mold (cutting board).
Core: Master the adjustment of die-cutting pressure. Excessive pressure can damage equipment and templates, while insufficient pressure can result in incomplete cutting.
Waste cleaning and stacking section: Remove the waste materials after die-cutting and stack the finished cardboard boxes neatly. The key is to adjust the suction force and the height and speed of the stacking platform.
![]()
2、 Preparation points before production
Adequate preparation work is a prerequisite for efficient and high-quality production.
Order and drawing confirmation:
Carefully read the production order, confirm the carton size, printing content, and slotting and die-cutting position.
Verify CAD drawings or samples to ensure all data is correct.
Installation and calibration of printing plates and die-cutting plates:
Printing plate: correctly adhere to the printing plate cylinder, ensuring accurate circumferential and transverse positions, and smooth seams.
Die cutting plate: firmly installed on the die-cutting drum, and subjected to "sampling" or "indentation" calibration to check whether the cutting line is completely consistent with the design and whether the pressure is uniform.
Preparation and blending of ink:
Accurately mix ink colors according to customer color cards or standards.
Adjust the viscosity and pH value of the ink to achieve the optimal printing state (usually measured with a Chaen cup for viscosity).
Preliminary setup of the equipment:
Based on the thickness of the cardboard, preset the gaps and pressures for each unit (printing, slotting, die-cutting).
Install the correct slotting knife and crimping wheel.
3、 Key points of debugging and monitoring in production
This is a concentrated reflection of the skill level of operators.
Precision control of registration:
Vertical alignment: Adjust the phase of each color group printing plate cylinder to align the printing positions of the front and rear colors.
Horizontal alignment: Adjust the axial position of the printing plate cylinder.
Die cutting alignment: Adjust the relative position between the die cutting unit and the printed pattern to ensure that the die cutting contour is perfectly aligned with the printed content.
Control of printing quality:
Color uniformity: Check for "color difference", "white spots", and "missing prints". By adjusting the ink volume and printing pressure to solve the problem.
Image clarity: prevent the occurrence of "ghosting", "burrs", and "ink pulling". This may be related to excessive printing pressure, printing plate issues, or poor ink drying.
Quality control of die-cutting and slotting:
Die cutting: Check for "cutting through", "continuous cutting", and "broken lines". By finely adjusting the die-cutting pressure and bottom mold to solve the problem.
Slotting/creasing: Check if the depth is appropriate and if the creasing is full, to facilitate subsequent carton forming. Too shallow is not easy to form, and too deep will reduce the compressive strength of the cardboard box.
Monitoring of equipment operation status:
There is no abnormal noise when the monitoring device is running.
Observe whether the paper feeding, transfer, and delivery are smooth, and whether there are any paper jams or stacking phenomena.
Pay attention to whether the ink circulation system and drying system are working properly.
4、 Maintenance and safety points for Printing Slotter Die cutting machine
Ensure long-term stable operation of equipment and personal safety.
Daily maintenance:
Thoroughly clean the ink pump, ink tank, mesh roller, and printing plate after work to prevent ink from drying up and clogging.
Clean the dust and oil stains on the surface of the machine.
Check and replenish lubricating oil at each lubrication point.
Regular maintenance:
According to the equipment manual, regularly inspect and replace gears, bearings, pneumatic systems, etc.
Check and replace worn components such as slotting knives, die-cutting molds, etc.
Safety operating procedures:
Absolutely prohibited: reach hands or any part of the body into dangerous areas (such as between rollers) while the device is running.
Stop the machine for any adjustments, cleaning, or repairs.
Familiar with the location of the emergency stop button and able to respond quickly.
Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (be extremely careful when operating rotating parts without gloves).
Mastering these key points requires a process of accumulating experience from theory to practice. By mastering these core points, we can ensure that the printing slotting and die-cutting machine is always in the best working condition, extend its service life, and create stable and reliable economic benefits for the enterprise.
Contact Person: Mr. Johnson
Tel: +8613928813765
Fax: 86-20-3482-6019