Female Die Channel

Matrix Selection

Press operators install vulcanized rubber, creasing matrix strips or milled steel counter plates containing precisely dimensioned channels aligned beneath each male rule. The width of the channel groove equals the rule width plus double the paperboard thickness, while channel depth typically matches target sheet caliper. Incorrect channel dimensions force paperboard fibers into shear failure or fail to stretch lower plies, leading to liner rupture or loose, poorly defined corner edges on finished folding cartons.

Precision registration between upper creasing rules and lower channel grooves prevents asymmetrical crease profiles that cause box skewing during gluing.

Fold Precision

Channel wear broadens the groove width over extended production runs, leading to sloppy crease beads and variable folding resistance. Insufficient channel depth prevents full rule penetration and causes liner cracking along fold lines. Clean channel edges produce crisp, square folding box edges.