Sil-Die has received a worldwide patent for its Dedicated Foiling Bed (DFB) system, which it claims can reduce makeready times of repeat work by well over 50%.


Dies are mounted onto a 2mm-thick honeycomb chase, which itself is tailor-made to fit onto the existing honeycomb chase of the foiling or embossing machine.


Sil-Dies managing director and inventor of the DFB system, Laurence Cook, said: "Well go down to a customer and measure their machine exactly, whether its a Bobst, Gietz, Heidelberg or whatever."


Essex-based Sil-Die can then make as many of the 1,800 bespoke chases as required.


"Its real value is in repeat work. Instead of doing a complete makeready again, you can just get out the chase, put it on, and away you go. The other advantage is that you can lift it, its light," said Cook.


Each DFB chase is held to the machines chase by bolt clip locks, although the dies remain adjustable. Cook added that each chase pays for itself within three or four runs.


Smurfit UK operations director Pat McNeill said: "The makeready process using DFB is very efficient. Were making savings on times of up to 70%."


Story by John Davies