In a manual machine, the operator must feed the material pieces by hand. This is tedious, slow, and labor-intensive. An automatic machine continuously feeds material pieces to be cut. This is efficient and fast, resulting in higher productivity. The need for perfection in every industry, including die-cutting, has made automatic die-cutting processes more popular than manual die-cutting.

Automatic VS. Manual Die Cutter

An automatic machine continuously feeds the sheet used for die cutting. In a manual machine, the sheet must be fed continuously by hand, which can be tedious.

Automatic machines apply high pressures of about 250 to 300 tons. Manual machines tend to be lighter in weight compared to automatic machines.

Due to the large tonnage of automatic machines, all the tools present are balanced, which increases the preparation time. Due to the small tonnage of manual machines, lifting packages are required in order to balance the tools.

Automatic die cutting machines provide high pressure to achieve better results in single cutter operation. With the small tonnage of manual die-cutting machines, a two-knife layout is preferred.

Automatic die cutters offer in-line scrap removal and undercutting options. Manual die cutters do not offer an inline scrap removal option and require additional labor to complete this job.

In automatic die cutters, individual die cutting jobs can be repeated using thin cut sheets. In a manual die cutter, a new print preparation must be performed for each job.

Automatic molds require patching or fine tuning of the cutting level to improve the accuracy of the mold. Patching is not necessarily controlled in a manual mold.

For automatic molds, balancing knives are indispensable. However, in the case of manual molds, balancing knives are not necessarily present.

With automatic dies, balancing knives are inherent and these knives are balanced due to the high tonnage, thus preserving the life of the tool due to repetitive work and balancing. In manual dies, the life of these knives is limited to one use because the knives require heavy packing to balance and must be re-prepared for each die-cutting process.

In summary

Automatic die-cutting is low maintenance and efficient, providing excellent results in a short period of time without the need to cut costs. In addition, when the die is run on an automatic die cutting machine, it helps extend the life of the tool.

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