Cylindrical Web Indentation
Continuous mechanical processing uses rotating cylinders equipped with specialized blades to create precise indentations in moving webs of paperboard. The technique of rotary die scoring is essential for high volume production lines where flatbed die cutting is too slow to be economical. Unlike a crease which displaces fiber, a score involves a controlled partial cut that weakens the board along a specific line.
This process allows for clean folds in heavy materials like corrugated board or thick solid fiber grades.
Depth Control
Accuracy in the vertical position of the scoring blade is critical for preventing the complete severance of the web. Precise adjustments are made to ensure the score reaches exactly the intended percentage of the board thickness.
Tooling Configuration
Many systems utilize a male scoring wheel running against a smooth female anvil or a matching grooved cylinder. The choice of blade profile, such as a V shape or a U shape, depends on the desired folding characteristics and the fiber direction of the substrate. Faster line speeds require more robust cooling and lubrication for the rotating components to prevent heat buildup.
Operators monitor the quality of the score to ensure that it provides a consistent hinge without compromising the stacking strength of the finished box.
