Why is Steel Rule Die Calibration so Important?
The foundation of effective platen diecutting is the ability to quickly set a precise kiss-cut impression, which can be sustained for the entire production run. One of the problems with platen diecutting is the excessive amount of patching, shimming, or paper tape application to a paper image of the die layout positioned behind the steel rule die (illustration 1c). This is the primary focus of press makeready, and it is often the cause of considerable lost productive time, as the steel rule die knives get progressively further damaged and more and more patch-up is required.
