Countamax, which the Wellingborough, Northamptonshire-based manufacturer launched last month, has a shoulder made from phenolic resin, and is said to be an alternative to phenolic counter material.
According to C&T Matrix the benefits include the flexibility and ease of use associated with a standard creasing matrix, but with increased durability and hardwearing properties.
The firm said around 70% of creasing in the developed world is currently performed using phenolic counter material, which is suitable for long runs and quick makeready times.
“The number of impressions that Countamax will last is vastly superior to any other matrix on the market at four to five times longer. This is as long as a phenolic counter,” said C&T Matrix managing director Simon Shenton.
“A matrix isn’t usually used for such long runs; you would usually use a counter but those are very expensive and they’re not very flexible so if the counter breaks the machine is down, whereas with a matrix you can be up and running in five or 10 minutes.
“Countamax offers the customer the flexibility of a matrix but also the long durability of counters, so it’s the best of both worlds.”
With Countamax the firm said there is also no need to rely on a die maker to make a new die if damage or wear is experienced and there are no requirements for additional accessories such as locating pins or adhesive.
The product, which is available in around 20 sizes to suit different substrate thicknesses, is suitable for pharmaceutical, food and beverage, tobacco and cosmetics packaging.
“The reaction has been very positive so far. One customer has compared Countamax with other products on the market and after 100,000 impressions the matrix looked brand new with hardly any wear at all, whereas usually you’d be throwing it away by that point,” said Shenton.
C&T Matrix sells and distributes its products to more than 80 countries worldwide. It offers several brands of creasing matrices including XTC, Pink, Kiss, Corrugate and Jazz.
The business also manufactures and supplies a broad range of accessories for die-making, die-cutting and print finishing, including ejection rubbers, counter material and patch tape. Late last year the business appointed Howard Mead as its new technical sales manager.
