Ever since the SP 102-CE Autoplaten stole the show at drupa in 1982, Bobst’s flatbed die-cutters with cam-driven movement have paved the way for mass production of high-quality consumer goods. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the mechanism that made it all possible.
“Often copied but never equalled,” is how Marco Lideo, head of product line die cutter stampers, flexo, Litho Lam describes Bobst’s cam-driven platen system, which was first granted a patent back in 1982 and subsequently launched at drupa that same year.
Originally devised by inventor and engineer Georges Polic, it remains one of the greatest innovations in die-cutting technology after 40 years on the market.
This unique mechanism for the cutting station in the Autoplaten press – which itself was invented by Bobst and launched in 1940 – has been implemented across evolutions of the company’s portfolio of flatbed die-cutters.
Customers across the globe have benefited from the much smoother operation and faster speeds enabled by this invention, which allowed the first SP 102-CE model to deliver a record-breaking 10,000 sheets per hour.
“Right from the very early days, Bobst has led innovation in die-cutting with superior technologies and machines that supported the acceleration of the consumer-oriented market,” Lideo said.
“From the early 1980s, when mass consumption first took hold, to today’s e-commerce driven society, BOBST continues to provide solutions capable of supplying products at the most competitive productivity rate thanks to revolutionary mechanisms that allow for easy integration into the substrate converting process.”
The patented cam platen technology, which is still the reference point in the industry today, drives the current VISIONCUT, EXPERTCUT and MASTERCUT 106 and 145 models, the SP 162 CER, and the MASTERFOIL 106, along with many legacy machines.
According to Lideo, such is the quality of the early flatbed die-cutters that many are still in operation after decades of service, providing customers with speed and high productivity.
To mark 40 years in operation, Bobst invited a group of long-standing customers to an anniversary celebration in Switzerland, to thank them for their loyalty and commitment.
Hosted at the Competence Center in Mex, the visitors were given a presentation of the product line, a tour of the factory, and the demonstration of the MASTERCUT 1.65, NOVACUT 106 with ACCUREGISTER and the Digital Inspection Table, before enjoying a celebratory lunch.
Lideo said Bobst die-cutting technology has contributed to the success of many of the businesses that were in attendance.
“As we celebrate an incredible 40 years of cam-driven platen technology and the many, many businesses that have benefited from this innovation over the years, we also look ahead to many more opportunities for our customers to break productivity records and secure their futures with BOBST die-cutting technology as a foundation,” Lideo added.
