For today’s packaging and display graphics producers, ever shorter runs and just-in-time production have become unavoidable facts of life. With the new Zünd board-handling system—consisting of a board feeder, transport system, and stacker—Zünd multifunctional digital cutters provide the ideal setup for fully-automated, unattended digital cutting.
During the loading process, a choice of settings guarantees reliable board seperation. A pre-positioning system ensures that every board is accurately placed on the cutting surface even if it comes off a stack that is less than perfect. The automatic transport system moves the board through the active processing area of the machine and into the off-load zone, where a unique drop-in-place system flawlessly stacks the cut boards on a pallet. Since the stacking method involves very little unsupported movement, there is no need for leaving bridges to hold pieces in place. Finished stacks can be easily removed with a pallet jack while the machine continues cutting.
Zünd Cut Center software together with a few simple hardware controls ensures user-friendly operation. All components of the machine remain readily accessible so the system can easily convert to semi-automated or manual operation for one-offs or other short runs that do not warrant fully automated production. Because of the same modularity characteristic of all Zünd system components, the Board Handling System can be implemented in stages, going from fully manual, to semi-automated board loading, and at the highest level, fully-automated, unattended loading and stacking.
High Process Reliability and Automation The fundamental advantages of digital cutting are widely known by now. Since digital dies (i.e. cut files) require no physical storage, the elimination of traditional dies saves production costs and space. The digital cutting process makes it possible to create far more complex contours and permits even last-minute changes. Tighter registration capabilities allow for printing larger sheets, and setup is also far quicker and easier. The new Zünd board handling system, designed for fully automated production of signage, displays, packaging, etc., takes the advantages of digital cutting to the next level. With total automation of both the loading and unloading process, virtually no setup or operator intervention is required. Because of the stacking method used, no bridges are required to hold pieces in place, which greatly facilitates separating cut pieces from waste. All of this translates into significantly enhanced productivity, while limiting personnel requirements to loading and unloading pallets of stacked boards and finished product. In developing fully automated material-handling, care was taken to not limit the system to high-volume production situations. The accessibility and easy set-up of the system allows for short orders and samples to be produced just as efficiently. Whether for sampling, short or long production runs, the innovative Zünd board-handling system is the ticket to greater efficiency and new opportunities.