IDEAL stack cutters deliver a quantum leap in cutting
With THE 56, IDEAL Krug & Priester presents the first stack cutter equipped with intuitive software featuring extensive product functions and a wide range of digital capabilities. The goal, in addition to comfortable operation and intelligent, intuitive control, is also to accelerate the handling of print jobs. Ralph Gärtner, Managing Director of Druckmaschinenservice Berlin, has already placed several machines of this new generation of stack cutters with his customers. Here, he shares his experiences with this new generation of stack cutters “Made in Balingen”.
THE 56 boasts an impressive array of features and sets strong standards in this product class with a particularly attractive price-performance ratio. With a cutting length of 560 mm, a cutting height of 80 mm, a residual cut of <15 mm, and an insertion depth of 560 mm, the basic specifications of this very compact, programmable stack cutter can be summarised briefly and concisely.
Managing Director Ralph Gärtner: “I have already been able to place several THE 56 stack cutters with customers. What has always convinced both me and my clients is the fact that you can switch on the machine and immediately start working. The operator finds their way straight away – even without instructions or prior knowledge – as the functions are self-explanatory. This makes working on this small-format cutting machine very simple and efficient, yet still as comfortable and powerful as with a large professional stack cutter.”
With a 40% faster pressing/cutting cycle, a 50% higher maximum pressing force, and a 100% faster back gauge, THE 56 also has MUCH more to offer in many other respects. Ralph Gärtner: “IDEAL’s promise of more performance, more speed, and more output can be fully confirmed. Compared to the previous model, THE 56 represents a real quantum leap and ensures an optimised workflow and high precision.”
The innovation that immediately catches the eye in THE 56 is the operation via the integrated digital multi-touch display. With a size of 15.6‘‘, it resembles a tablet or smartphone and ensures optimal usability and ease of operation. The display features a functional graphical interface and a main screen with a split view. This allows the user to always have the most important functions in view and access them via self-explanatory icons. There is no need to jump between different menus, providing direct access to all functions at all times.
Ralph Gärtner: “The operation of THE 56 is truly intuitive; the user always knows what to do next and finds their way immediately. This is thanks to the so-called ‘CUT-CONTROL’, which forms the core of this stack cutter. Another very positive aspect is that the display’s tilt can be adjusted steplessly with a single hand movement, allowing it to be quickly adapted to the lighting conditions and the operator’s height. This guarantees high comfort for eyes and hands.”
The programming and setting area is located on the left side of the display. Here, all main functions and saved favourites in the standard view can be controlled and managed. In this setting area, central elements such as date, time, cut indicator, cutting table lighting, and more can be set and stored globally via the touch display. The cut release buttons can also be dimmed here, or the volume of the touchscreen speaker adjusted accordingly. On the right side, a numeric keypad allows direct measurement input, for example to store chain cuts in a program. Ralph Gärtner: “Overall, the intelligent user interface is reduced to the essentials, everything is visible at a glance, and there is no menu clutter. The display always shows exactly what is needed. This makes operating THE 56 very simple, and the operator can work quickly without searching for anything.”
Many other functions also ensure particularly comfortable and easy cutting. For example, the desired pressing force of the hydraulic paper clamp can be programmed individually for each program step if needed. Additional comfort comes from the independent mechanical foot press, which can be used for precise pre-pressing or as a cut indicator. The ergonomic Precision-Drive – a kind of “joystick” – is also important for comfort and ergonomics.
Ralph Gärtner adds: “The THE 56 stack cutter has a cut indicator that truly deserves the name. Particularly noteworthy is the excellent workplace lighting. The variably adjustable working height from 950 to 1,000 mm guarantees ergonomic working for every operator and provides additional operating comfort. Last but not least, the new knife guidance, electronically monitored press bar cover, and manual fine adjustment of the back gauge promise particularly precise cutting results.”
Maximum safety is the focus of all IDEAL stack cutters, including THE 56. Ralph Gärtner: “The machine meets the highest safety standards. In addition to an IR safety light barrier on the front table, a closed rear table, two-hand cutting activation via EASY-TOUCH, the electro-mechanical knife drive with integrated safety control also contributes. Knife and cutting stick changes, as well as knife depth adjustment, are completely safe and practically implemented. This is reinforced by the PIN access lock with password protection, so the stack cutter can only be operated after entering it.”
Service work can be carried out very easily via the so-called interactive assistance. Ralph Gärtner: “For example, knife and cutting stick changes can be performed easily by following stored animated videos. Service settings such as the cut counter and many more can also be easily accessed.” The integrated help function and FAQs in the program also ensure high user-friendliness. All updates for the stack cutter can be downloaded via the supplied USB stick, keeping the user always on the latest software version.
Ralph Gärtner: “I can definitely recommend the IDEAL stack cutter THE 56. After all, who else gets a fully hydraulic machine with such features? Additionally, there is a large service network for IDEAL products across Germany.”
Druckmaschinenservice Berlin has been operating since 2000. Initially, the focus was exclusively on printing machines. Since 2005, the entire print finishing sector has been added. Machine relocations also form part of the company’s activities.