Koenig & Bauer has announced its new CutPRO 2.1 flatbed die-cutter for corrugated board processing, jointly developed within the Group and specifically designed for production stability and high reliability in practical operation.
The company says the primary focus when designing was to optimize net output by minimizing unforeseen downtime and micro-stops. The CutPRO 2.1 can process sheet sizes up to a maximum of 1,300 x 2,100 mm at speeds of up to 7,000 sheets per hour, and is compatible with substrates from solid board to corrugated board.
Koenig & Bauer states that gripper movements were harmonized using Varioplan and Variolever technology alongside optimizations to the delivery and non-stop systems, aiming to reduce the usual causes of machine stops and micro-stops at high production speeds. To reduce unproductive downtime during make-ready and maintenance procedures, the machine is also equipped with features including an automatic chain tensioner, improved waste routing within the die-cutter and a safety mechanism for manually moving the die-cutting unit.
The CutPRO 2.1 is also said to offer tool compatibility with existing die-cutting tools and established tool sets can be seamlessly integrated into new workflows to reduce changeover costs. The human-machine interface (HMI) has been re-designed to make onboarding easier for new employees and shorten the training period, and manual procedures have been simplified.
Koenig & Bauer adds that the CutPRO 2.1 is integrated into the myKyana software ecosystem for real-time data analysis and uses AI-supported functions to provide and analyze production data, aiming to proactively minimize operating errors. The first alpha machine is due to be installed at a pilot customer’s site before the end of 2026, and intensive testing of the prototype will begin immediately after in a live production environment.
In related news, in March DS Smith revealed it was investing DKK 100 million (€13,384,000) to install an advanced rotary die-cutting line for flexographic printing at its packaging facility in Grenaa, boosting its annual capacity by up to 15 million m² of corrugated board. The investment will primarily fund the addition of five printing units and a Göpfert Rotary Die Cutter 16/28 High Board Line to the facility.
This month Plockmatic Group unveiled its ColorCut FB9550 Pro-T die cutter, designed to maximize productivity and deliver ‘ultimate’ material control with its 5-tool head and process thin self-adhesive labels and media up to 3mm thick for folders, packaging, point of sale and labels. The cutter’s tool head reportedly allows up to 3 concurrent operations and the tool slots can apply up to 2.5kg of force, suitable for active tangential operations or highlighting features on the page with a special effect deboss.
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