C&T Channel Matrix (C&T) is a world leading supplier of die consumables and creasing matrix and the latest rubber-cutting machinery. Atlantic Formes, located in Barnstaple, North Devon, prides itself on a reputation based on 25 years of experience in the trade, and sound relationships forged with its customer base.
Atlantic Formes produce cutting formes for many different types of cutting and creasing machines, from high-speed Rotary Diecutters, Flatbed autoplatens, hand fed platens to single-shot Rollerpress for die-cut point-of-sale products. Atlantic Formes are experts in corrugated conversion tooling and manufacture and supply tooling for the solid carton board business sector.
Working in partnership with C&T, Atlantic Formes has recently made a strategic investment in the latest rubber-cutting technology, complimented by a powerful CAD design system. This new asset has allowed Atlantic Formes to better service the growing needs of its wide customer base across the UK.
Nick Welland, Managing Director at Atlantic Formes, wanted to invest in the latest rubber-cutting technology to enable them to cut rubbers for both corrugated and solid board tooling. Nick had been looking at the CLEARTECH XPRO OC1311 machine, which covers all application areas in just one machine (pen plotting for layouts and make-ready sheets, sample making and rubber cutting). However, Atlantic wanted to focus on progressing the cutting of its Sprintcell rubber (known as Crystal Face) supplied by C&T, using customisable sheet sizes. Nick explains; “we wanted a bespoke machine that would be suitable for our current and future needs. Working with C&T we commissioned a unique machine the CLEARTECH XPRO 0505 cutting machine, which was made to our exact specification by manufacturer Clear Tech.”
From initial discussion to full installation, the whole process took 8-10 weeks. C&T, in conjunction with the manufacturer, helped with the installation and gave training and support over a 2–3-day period. The Clear Tech machine even came supplied with spare cutting mats and oscillating knives.
Nick explains; “It allows us to cut 6mm to 16 mm rubber heights, of all types, from Sprintcell, Vulkollan to SpeedX. We also took this opportunity to upgrade our CADCAM systems. This upgrade was supported and assisted by C&T who advised us how to go about this process to make sure we had the latest rubber and nesting programming.”
Benefits to Atlantic Formes and its clients:
The new machine is quicker, more efficient and removes the bottlenecks in the rubbering department.
All rubber is cut to the correct size and ready for application onto the dieboard.
The rubber is cut while the dieboard is being lasered saving production time.
The process saves man time and reduces operator errors and as a result, reduces wastage of rubber.
The finished tooling is neat and tidy, and all the rubber is cut to the exact shape of the die profile improving the overall quality of the die tooling.
The end client benefits from a superior die which is more effective at ejecting and therefore can be run at higher speeds, making production more efficient.
Nick summarises; “C&T is part of the growing C&T INTERNATIONAL GROUP of companies, with global networking and influence. We have been working with them for many years and will continue to work in partnership to help us innovate our business and better service and support our own customers. This ‘made to measure’ machine has been the perfect solution for Atlantic in terms of exactly what we wanted and the space we had to accommodate it.
www.candtmatrix.co.uk