Mastering the operation of a die cutting machine is essential. This article details its steps, safety, and maintenance, guiding you to handle it proficiently.
1. Preparations Before Operation
Machine Inspection: Before turning on the die cutting machine, carefully examine all parts of the machine. Check whether the cutting tools are sharp and firmly installed, and see if there are any damages or chips. Inspect the pressure system, including hydraulic, pneumatic or mechanical transmission components, to ensure that it operates normally and the pressure can be adjusted. For example, check whether the hydraulic oil level is within the normal range and whether there are any leaks in the pneumatic pipelines. Also, check the electrical system to ensure that the wiring is properly connected, the switches and buttons function well, and the control panel display is accurate.
Material Preparation: Prepare appropriate materials according to the die cutting task. The materials should be flat, free of wrinkles and impurities, and the thickness should meet the specifications of the machine. For example, if you are going to die cut paper, make sure that the humidity of the paper is moderate to avoid affecting the die cutting effect due to being too dry or too wet. For plastic or composite materials, understand their material properties so as to set appropriate die cutting parameters. Meanwhile, place the materials correctly on the feeding table and adjust the position and tension to ensure that the materials can be smoothly fed during the die cutting process.
Die Installation and Debugging: Select a die that matches the shape and size of the die cutting. When installing the die, strictly follow the operation manual of the machine. Clean the die installation area and the surface of the die to ensure that there is no debris left. Install the die accurately in the corresponding position of the die cutting machine and use appropriate fixing devices to lock it firmly. After the installation is completed, conduct preliminary debugging. Manually or run the machine at a low speed (such as at about 10 revolutions per minute) to check the cooperation between the die and the machine, such as whether the up and down movement of the die is smooth and whether the contact with the materials is even.
2. Basic Operation Process
Starting Up and Parameter Setting: Turn on the power of the die cutting machine and wait for the machine to complete the self-inspection and initialization process. Set appropriate parameters on the control panel according to the type, thickness of the materials and the die cutting requirements. These parameters include die cutting pressure, die cutting speed, stroke length, etc. For example, for thinner paper, the die cutting pressure should be appropriately reduced to avoid damaging the materials; while for harder plastic materials, it may be necessary to increase the pressure and adjust the appropriate speed. After setting the parameters, check and confirm again to ensure that the parameters are accurate.
Feeding Operation: Start the feeding system and slowly feed the prepared materials into the die cutting machine. Observe the feeding situation of the materials to ensure that they enter the die cutting area smoothly and evenly. During the feeding process, adjust the feeding speed and tension as needed to ensure the matching accuracy between the materials and the die. For example, if you find that the materials are offset, you can adjust the position of the feeding guide rollers to correct it. Meanwhile, pay attention to avoid material jamming or accumulation during the feeding process, so as not to affect the die cutting quality and the normal operation of the machine.
Monitoring the Die Cutting Process: During the operation of the die cutting machine, closely monitor the die cutting process. Observe the contact situation between the die and the materials, and check whether the die cutting depth and precision meet the requirements. If it is found that the die cutting depth is not enough, it may be necessary to appropriately increase the pressure; if the die cutting is not neat or there are burrs, it may be that the cutting tools are blunt or the pressure is uneven, and it may be necessary to adjust or replace the cutting tools in time and check the pressure system. Meanwhile, pay attention to the running sound and vibration of the machine. If there are abnormal sounds or excessive vibrations, stop the machine immediately for inspection, and continue to operate after troubleshooting.
3. Safety Precautions
Personal Protective Equipment: Operators must wear appropriate personal protective equipment when operating the die cutting machine. This includes safety glasses to prevent debris generated during the die cutting process from splashing into the eyes; protective gloves to protect hands from scratches by the edges of materials or being pinched by the die; and work clothes to prevent clothes from being caught in the machine. For example, when handling sharp metal dies or cutting hard plastic materials, protective gloves are particularly important.
Machine Safety Protection Devices: Ensure that the safety protection devices of the die cutting machine are intact and operate normally. For example, the protective door should be able to close and lock effectively, and the machine should automatically stop running when the protective door is opened to prevent operators from accidentally contacting the running die. The emergency stop button should be easy to operate and reliable in function, and it should be able to quickly stop the machine in emergency situations. In addition, regularly check other safety devices such as safety light curtains and limit switches to ensure that they are sensitive and effective.
Operation Specifications and Training: Operators must receive professional training and be familiar with the operation process and safety regulations of the die cutting machine before they can take up their posts. Operate strictly in accordance with the requirements of the operation manual and do not arbitrarily change the parameters of the machine or conduct illegal operations. For example, it is strictly prohibited to reach into the die cutting area to adjust materials or dies during the operation of the machine to avoid serious safety accidents. During the training process, focus on cultivating operators' safety awareness and emergency handling ability so that they can quickly take correct measures in case of failures or dangerous situations.
4. Maintenance and Care Points
Daily Cleaning and Lubrication: Clean the die cutting machine after work every day. Remove dust, debris and residual materials on the surface of the machine to keep the machine appearance clean. Meanwhile, lubricate the moving parts of the machine, such as guide rails, lead screws, gears, etc. Use appropriate lubricants and lubricate according to the specified dosage and method to reduce friction between components and extend the service life of the machine. For example, use lubricating oil or grease to lubricate the guide rails to ensure that the sliders can slide smoothly on the guide rails.
Regular Component Inspection and Replacement: Regularly inspect the key components of the die cutting machine, such as cutting tools, dies, pressure system, electrical system, etc. Check the wear of the cutting tools and grind or replace them in time according to the wear degree. The dies also need to be regularly inspected for their accuracy and integrity, and if there are deformations or damages, they should be repaired or replaced in time. The seals, pipelines and other components of the pressure system should be regularly inspected for leaks, and the wiring, joints, controllers and other parts of the electrical system should be inspected for looseness, aging or damage. For example, check and maintain the cutting tools every 100 hours or after completing 1,000 die cutting tasks to ensure their sharpness and performance.
Treatment for Long-Term Idle: If the die cutting machine will be idle for a long time, appropriate measures need to be taken for treatment. First, conduct a comprehensive cleaning and maintenance of the machine, such as the daily cleaning and lubrication work mentioned above. Then, place the machine in a dry and well-ventilated environment to avoid damage to the machine caused by moisture and corrosive gases. Apply anti-rust agents to the key parts of the machine to prevent metal parts from rusting. In addition, start the machine for a short idling operation every 1 month to allow the various parts of the machine to be properly activated and avoid component adhesion or damage caused by long-term inactivity.
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