Increase Rotary Die Cutter Speeds with Stack/Bundle Productivity

Increase Rotary Die Cutter Speeds with Stack/Bundle Productivity

In the fast-paced world of corrugated production, efficiency and speed are paramount for maintaining a profitable operation. To increase production, some converters have invested in a high performance rotary die cutter only to find they are still not reaching the rated speeds offered by these OEM’s. Often, the delivery end equipment simply can’t keep up with the new system or is restrictive with regards to finished product mix flexibility. Though your new RDC can run faster, it is limited by the back end and you may have to settle for reduced speeds of your star asset to ensure that finished goods make it to the end of the line and out the door with quality maintained.

A.G. is proud to manufacture cutting-edge material handling solutions designed to meet and exceed the speeds of today and in the future. Capable of running up to 13,500 kph+, our G3 RDC Stacker is equipped with multiple patented and patent pending systems designed to increase production efficiency. Optimized for stacks or bundles, in a single machine, A.G. has engineered a modular full line system, including the eBreak Bundle Breaker, eZF Load Former, Bundle Conveyor System and more – fully integrated for maximum thoughput.

In this blog, we’ll explore how you can increase rotary die cutter speeds through investments in post-RDC machinery and innovation upgrades with A.G.

High-Performance Layboy Section (HPLX): Elevating Die Cutter Speeds

layboy rotary die cutter stackerThe layboy is the first touchpoint with the stacker as it catches and controls the board as it comes out of the rotary die cutting nip. To reach top speeds, your layboy must quickly and precisely catch the board and remove scrap before it moves on to be stacked in full piles or bundled. Capable of running at speeds exceeding 13,500 KPH, the High-Performance Layboy Section (HPLX) is a powerhouse in die cutter speed optimization. Offering three nip points and a second air knife at the exit of the layboy, the HPLX enhances the quality of finished goods by effectively catching the board and removing scrap at top production speeds.

SRX Scrap Release Layboy: Precision Scrap Removal

To take it up a level, A.G. has engineered a patented scrap release layboy with high-velocity blowers, a new engineered air knife and variable speed control. Working in tandem with the HPLX, the SRX  has a patent-pending gap built into the belt pulleys allowing scrap trapped under the belt, a relief area to fall. Assisted with a blast of air from the new air knife design, the belt pulley gaps are offset to maintain control of the sheet while allowing the most scrap to fall through.

Full Stacking Mode with DSS & eTamp Combination

The DSS and eTamp are engineered for separating a stream of sheets into full stacks with auto set-up for diverting, dividing and tamping. This equipment combination enables top productivity for full stacking operations. View our blog on choosing the right equipment for stacks or bundles to learn more.

Divert & Separate System (DSS): Streamlining Corrugated Sheet Handling

DSS rotary die cutter

The Divert & Separate System (DSS) is a game-changer in corrugated sheet handling optimization. Positioned behind the layboy, this patented transfer deck is perfect for the plant that runs numerous jobs that are 2-4 outs with a high repeat rate. Equipped with eight arms, The DSS automatically diverts, separates, and neatly streams corrugated sheets coming off the stacker. Adjustments can be made with a simple swipe on the HMI, enabling automatic diversion and separation at full production speeds. The DSS also facilitates order recipe recall, completing the flexibility with your production process.

eTAMP™ Servo-Driven Tampers: Automation for Efficient Stacking

etamp rotary die cutterThe perfect complement to the DSS is the auto hopper set-up offered by the AG eTAmp. The only solution for converters running multiple outs without a bundle breaker, and for handling automated set-ups when confronted with a high percentage of 2, 3, or 4-out unnicked die cut orders. The eTAMP™ Servo-Driven Tampers can automate the setup of the entire hopper section, dividers, side tampers, backstop, and rear tamping.

View our blog on choosing the right equipment for stacks or bundles to learn more.

Dynamic Bundle Breaking Mode with no Feed Interruptions

For boxmakers running orders with nicked together sheets, the eBreak bundle breaker and HSHE can quickly and easily collate and break bundles of all configurations, without any feed interruption on the RDC. Here’s how:

High Speed Hopper Ejector (HSHE): Uninterrupted Operation at High Speeds

high speed hopper rejector RDCEliminate feed interrupts with the high speed hopper ejector (HSHE) upgrade on the G3 stacker. A patented system designed for speeds of up to 12,000 kph, the system utilized a backstop with a second set of “fingers” allowing the board to continue stacking while the X12™ Lift Table cycles down and back, creating room for the new bundle. The result is uninterrupted operation, contributing significantly to the overall efficiency of the production line. Paired with the bundle conveying system, it ensures the fastest cycle time during the discharge or movement of bundles.

eBreak Bundle Breaker: Dynamic Breaking in a Single Log

Bundle BreakerThe eBreak™ Bundle Breaker is engineered to break bundles of various configurations and heights, quickly and easily. Using its patent-pending movable platens, the eBreak™ system allows for a fully dynamic and customizable positioning of the entry and exit platens. These components can be set up to move independent of each other or synchronized together to provide a clean break for a variety of nicked bundle configurations. Variable, straight, nested, offset configuration etc. – the eBreak can break it all in a single log.

View our blog on choosing the right equipment for stacks or bundles to learn more.

X12 Pitless Lift Conveyor Table: Continuous Operations with Safety Benefits

The X12™ Pitless Lift Conveyor Table eliminates the need to wait for discharge and stacker reset, enabling continuous stacking and feeding operations. Beyond its operational advantages, the X12™ Lift Conveyor comes with safety and financial benefits, as it requires no pits. This proven solution streamlines the infeed and outfeed process, contributing to both efficiency and worker safety.

A Full Line of Rotary Die Cutter Productivity with A.G.

A.G. has been committed to stacker innovation since 1996. With multiple patented and patented pending systems, we understand the impact your end-of-line machinery can make on overall performance and throughput. Not only the stacker, but the remaining systems such as bundle breakers, load formers, bundle conveying systems etc. can become a chokepoint in your production. In production since 2021, A.G. has released our fully electric, fully integrated new eBreak Bundle Breaker and eZF no-pit load former to offer a full line of innovation and speed.

By investing in equipment upgrades, retrofits or a full line system designed to optimize your production mix, you can elevate the speed, quality and overall performance of your existing rotary die cutter operations. Contact the A.G. team to learn more about our innovative, modular systems, upgrades and retrofits and start reaching top speeds with your RDC workhorse in no time!

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Reimagine Full Line Productivity with A.G. Stacker Solutions

Reimagine Full Line Productivity with A.G. Stacker Solutions

True profitability requires a streamlined approach to corrugated converting, from infeed to outfeed and every machine in between.  If you’re considering a new high speed rotary die cutter or flexo folder gluer, you may want to re-evaluate the surrounding machinery, such as stackers, bundle breakers, conveyor systems, load formers etc. Or maybe you’ve already purchased a new workhorse but haven’t achieved the speeds and performance expected. It could be your infeed and outfeed machines that are impacting your new machine’s productivity. Afterall, you’re only as strong as your weakest link.

Corrugated productivity is not siloed to one machine. All your machines must be capable of achieving the same speeds, performance, and throughput as the other, to achieve maximum profitability. Even more, your production team must be equipped with the knowledge and support to keep all components running in harmony. Don’t waste the potential of your greatest assets. It’s time to reimagine what productivity in your full line can truly be, with innovative material handling systems and technology from A.G. Stacker Inc.

Reimagine Production Speed

G3 rotary die cutter stacker

G3 stacker main deck

What good is a rotary die cutter capable of running 12,000 sheets per hour if the stacker can only catch 9,000? Why upgrade to a high-speed bundling system if production is limited by bundle breaking?  If you want true productivity in your line, you should invest in innovative equipment all the way through.

A.G. manufactures innovative outfeed solutions engineered for the speeds of today, AND is prepared for the speed demands in the future. Our outfeed lines include the G3™ Stacker, the fully electric eBREAK™ Bundle Breaker and eZF™ Load Former, as well as the patented X12™ pitless lift conveyor and bundle line conveying system. With an A.G. Stacker capable of 13,500+ kph, an automatic, servo controlled bundle breaker and a no-pit load former with fast cycle and set up times, you can reimagine productivity through your full line and take full advantage of your high speed converting equipment.

Reimagine Human & Machine Connectivity

A.G. Operator Control Station

For ultimate productivity, your machines must speak the same language. Having a fully integrated system will ensure all machines are running at the same speeds, with the same production plans, achieving the same goals. A machine that is not fully integrated is more vulnerable to jams, unplanned downtime, and operator error. All A.G. systems are fully integrated, utilizing the same, familiar user interface and simplified controls for standardization, efficiency, training, and ease of use.

In this digital age of information, accurate tribal knowledge is also a major factor in production throughput. By putting maintenance, parts, tutorials, and troubleshooting information in a digital application, your staff can quickly predict, plan, and prepare to keep unplanned downtime to a minimum. The GO AG™ digital application is the perfect solution to capture and distribute key production information to your production and maintenance staff. With GO AG™, operators and managers have access to custom and standard manuals, equipment models, training videos, troubleshooting guides, work instructions and more. Don’t let legacy knowledge retire with your employees! Knowledge is uptime and uptime is money. Utilize a customizable, digital application, like GO AG™, to capture the important information that keeps your full line running profitably.

 

Reimagine the Future of Corrugated

The future of corrugated printing will focus on creating lean, sustainable production. Machinery will be engineered for productivity like always, however they will achieve even greater results through more energy-efficient, eco-conscious and occasionally, patent-protected technologies. Trends dictating the future of our industry include: staffing shortages, supply chain volatility, automation, competing processes and more.

To take advantage of full line productivity, both now and in the future, you must reimagine your facility with machine assets that are incredibly fast, fully integrated, digitally enabled, and eco-conscious. A.G. Stacker is committed to innovation and manufacturing all equipment and parts in the USA. With various retrofit and modular systems, we encourage you to reimagine your full line equipment to discover the true source of what’s holding you back from ultimate productivity.

With over 25 patents and counting, A.G. has innovated a full line of solutions that increase throughput, improve quality and safety, and streamline the outfeed of RDC’s, both bundles and stacks. A.G. is more than stackers – Reimagine A.G. as your full line solutions partner for ultimate productivity and innovation. To learn about our full catalog of stackers, bundle breakers, load formers, conveyor systems and digital technology solutions, contact our team at (540) 234-6012 or schedule a consultation online at: www.agstacker.com/sales-quote.