A die output lane assembly for receiving a blank through an opening of a die-cutter machine includes a frame, a support structure, and a memory device. The support structure is attached to the frame to form a lane and is configured to receive the blank from the opening of the die-cutter machine and temporarily store the blank in the lane. The memory device is configured to store data associated with the die output lane assembly thereon. The data includes at least one of a dimension of the die output lane assembly, a dimension of a cutting die of the die-cutter machine, a dimension of the blank, a pick position for removing the blank, a retraction path for removing the blank, a speed of part handling, or placement position data for storing the blank.

A composite die retaining board and composite die are provided. The composite die retaining board includes a master die retaining board having a die rule insert-receiving recess, and a die rule insert installed in the die rule insert-receiving recess. The die rule insert has a shape that is complementary to the shape of the die rule insert-receiving recess. A plurality of interlock features extending from an outer periphery of the die rule insert and interlock with interlock bays formed and intersecting with the die rule insert-receiving recess. Methods of exchanging a die rule insert with a different die rule insert are also provided and enable a rapid swapping-out of different die rule inserts.

A die press device includes a first platen for receiving installation of a die board comprising dies, a second platen capable of moving between a first position away from the first platen and a second position close to the first platen, a first chase bar and a second chase bar mounted on a surface of the first platen, and a control system for controlling a first movement of the first chase bar and a second movement of the second chase bar.

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 expand or retract under atmospheric variations. Among other advantages, the invention allows better stability of the cutting-die, faster leveling on press, and increased the number of re-knifing and longer run-time.

A system may include a blade die, a first clamping caul positioned on a first side of the blade die, and a second clamping caul positioned on a second side of the blade die. A molding surface of the blade die and a molding surface of the first clamping caul may be configured to bend a first interchangeable blade positioned therebetween into a first shape in response to a first compression force. A second molding surface of the blade die and a molding surface of the second clamping caul may be configured to bend a second interchangeable blade positioned therebetween into a second shape in response to a second compression force.

A system and method for aligning and installing graphical dies onto an embossing press or foil stamping press is provided. The system includes a number of die support panels having a number of threaded openings disposed in columns and rows in a grid like fashion and identified with x and y axis indicia. The system also includes a number of dies with a number of apertures each identified with a pair of x and y axis indicia. Fasteners and indicia are used to align and attach the dies to the die support panels in a predetermined position. The system preferable further comprises one or more adjusters used to make minute positioning adjustments to the die after it is installed on the panel.

A system for forming a metal strip into a die having a predetermined shape through a series of forming operations is described herein. The system includes a base configured to support the metal strip as the metal strip undergoes the series of forming operations; a feeding device configured to advance the metal strip between each forming operation of the series of forming operations and grip the metal strip during each forming operation; a bending device configured to bend a portion of the metal strip extending from the feeding device as one of the series of forming operations; a forming head configured to house a pair of forming tools and provide features to the portion of the metal strip extending from the feeding device as one of the series of forming operations using the one or more forming tools; a robotic arm configured to selectively provide the one or more forming tools to the forming head; and a computing unit in communication with the robotic arm and configured to transmit a control signal to cause the robotic arm to retrieve the pair of forming tools and provide the pair of forming tools to the forming head.

A magnetizable cylinder has a cylinder body formed from a magnetizable material with an outer cylindrical surface configured to receive a flexible cutting die. The cylinder body has first and second axial ends spaced apart by the outer cylindrical surface and a hollow interior. First and second journals are joined to the cylinder body with interference fits. At least one of the first and second journals has a weep hole extending through the journal into the hollow interior of the cylinder body. The interference fit of the journals to the cylinder body result from thermal changes of at least one of the first journal, the second journal, and the cylinder body prior to joining the first journal to the cylinder body and the second journal the cylinder body.

A method of installing a sleeve on a die cylinder of a die cutter, the sleeve having a thickness that reduces a gap between the die cylinder and an anvil cylinder of the die cutter. A first locking component of an anvil cover is secured in a locking component receptor of the anvil cylinder and the anvil cylinder is rotated until a second locking component of the anvil cover is pressed by the sleeve to couple with the first locking component in the locking component receptor of the anvil cylinder.

A stamping tray includes a tray body and a base board. The tray body defines a number of mounting grooves for receiving workpieces to be scrapped. The base board is located on a side of the tray body away from the mounting grooves. Each of the mounting grooves defines a through hole extending to the base board.