According to managing director Steve Waterhouse, the machine replaces hand-fed platens, which he claims are unsafe.

While users are still able to climb into a platen, the Goldline works more like a hydraulic press, with the sheet taken through the machine using a toggle system.

Waterhouse told PrintWeek: "This is the most significant development in manual die-cutting for 90 years. With all the problems and dangers using handfed platens, this new development is big news for the industry.

"Recently there have been several issues with safety and operator usage of hand-fed platens. So for over two years we have been working with our clients and design team to develop and bring the Goldline to market."

As well as the safety element, Waterhouse said that the machine applied much more pressure than a platen and cuts paper, plastic, corrugated board, box board, display board and kiss cuts.

It is available in a number of sizes, from 890mmx640mm through to 2,100mmx1,600mm. Wider-format machines may be available in the future – although that will be at least two years away.

Waterhouse said that the price of the machine would be comparable to that of a high-end hand-fed platen. He added: "We want to give printers the chance to protect their human asset, and that is the operator."