Hardened Tooling
Precision machined metal plate used in the die cutting process to provide a flat and unyielding surface for the cutting rules. A steel counter die is required for high volume production where the accuracy of the cut must be maintained over millions of impressions. This component features milled grooves that correspond exactly to the position of the creasing rules on the upper die.
Mechanical Advantage
Rigidity of the metal prevents the grooves from widening or shifting during the intense pressure of the cutting cycle. If a steel counter die is used, the converter can achieve much higher speeds and better registration than with traditional paper or plastic alternatives. The durability of the steel also means that the tool does not need to be replaced as often, reducing the long term cost of the job.
This type of tooling is typically reserved for standard carton designs that are produced repeatedly over several years.
Alignment Accuracy
Precise registration between the cutting rules and the counter plate is achieved through the use of registration pins and precision milling. This ensures that every fold and cut is perfectly positioned relative to the printed graphics. The result is a more consistent finished product that performs better on automatic assembly lines.