Copyright Cahners Magazine Division of Reed Publishing USA Nov 1998
The latest technology for diemakers/diecutters is a major step forward from conventional cutting methods. Laser cutting is gaining rapid acceptance by dieboard makers and converters alike because it can cut, weld, drill, sheet mark, kiss-cut, scribe, heat treat and engrave very precisely, quickly and in ways that were not previously possible.
Staying ahead of the laser curve is Chicago-based Wisniewski Steel Rule Dies, Inc., the first diemaker to purchase Laser Machining, Inc.'s CM11OD laser dieboard system.
Richard Wisniewski, president, unintentionally entered the laser market as he sought to give the company's established clients the best product in a shorter time frame without overworking his staff.
He felt that eventually, conventional technology would make strides. "But you can't match the quality of the laser. You can get close, but not match it." Last year, using the CM-11OD dieboard system helped boost sales 10 percent. This year's projection is for 15 percent growth. "We are a five-person shop," says Wisniewski. "Putting in this new equipment makes us more competitive, but we are working smarter, not harder."
Small shop beams down new approach LMI's CM-110D dieboard system is aimed at the small to mediumsized diemaker. With a cutting area of 48 x 48 in. on the XY table, the unit was truly a new approach in the diemaking industry when it debuted. Its small, compact footprint offers the same quality as larger dieboard systems, it is user friendly and affordable-priced under $200,000