The invention relates to steel-rule cutting dies having a die block with at least one kerf configured to receive a corresponding steel-rule intended to be partially inserted into the kerf. The die block also has at least one element having magnetic properties, such as for instance a magnet, located or embedded in proximity to each kerf for providing a magnetic field that retains the steel-rule when the steel-rule is received into the corresponding kerf. The presence of the magnetic element(s) in proximity to the kerf(s) allows maintaining the corresponding rule(s) in position within its kerf even if the kerf is cut loosely. The corresponding rule may be quickly and easily inserted and accurately maintained even if the die block expands or retracts under atmospheric variations. Among other advantages, the invention allows better stability of the cutting-die, faster leveling on press, and increases the number of re-knifing and longer run-time.

A clamping device for clamping a die board onto a die holding cylinder of a rotary die cutting machine includes a fluid pressure cylinder with an axially displaceable piston. A clamping bolt is attached to the piston, the clamping bolt has a shank and a head extending radially from the shank. The fluid pressure cylinder is configured for displacing the piston axially outwards in response to injection of fluid into the fluid pressure cylinder. The clamping device further includes a clamping spring arranged to bias the piston axially inwards.

The clamping bolt has a threaded portion by which the clamping bolt is attached to the piston by a threaded connection. The head of the clamping bolt may be configured to facilitate the application of torque to the clamping bolt for releasing the clamping bolt from the piston by unscrewing.

A mounting device (12) for mounting a tooling board (14) in a flat bed die-cutting, stripping or blanking machine comprises at least one first clamping jaw (38) which is moveable from an unlocked position, in which a tooling board (14) may be removed from or inserted into the machine, to a locked position, in which a tooling board (14) may be fixed in the machine, at least one actuator (18) which comprises a moveable piston (54) and a piston rod (56) coupled to the piston (54), wherein the actuator (18) is configured to transfer the at least one first clamping jaw (38) from the locked position to the unlocked position, and wherein the actuator (18) is coupled to the at least one clamping jaw (38) via an attachment point (60) which has a fixed position relative to the first clamping jaw (38). Furthermore, a mounting assembly (10) comprising a mounting device (12) is provided.

The present invention generally relates to a hybrid blanking frame for a sheet processing machine, a blanking system, and a sheet processing machine. The hybrid blanking frame comprises a circumferential frame enclosing an interior space. A movable bar is mounted between opposite side frame portions of the circumferential frame. The hybrid blanking frame is configured to support a full-sheet-delivery setup, a guillotine setup, and a quick-lock blanking setup.