U.S.-based Brandtjen & Kluge (Kluge) has introduced the new Kluge ApexFoil Foil Stamping and Diecutting Press that offers major innovations in application range, make-ready times and efficiency. The small to medium format foil stamping and diecutting press was highlighted as part of a technical program at the FSEA/IADD Odyssey Technical Conference in Schaumburg, Illinois in May, and it received rave reviews from attendees. The technical program was focused on processing difficult applications and substrates and reducing the make-ready times of these applications. The Kluge ApexFoil is an evolution of the Kluge EHD/EHF Series of Presses, currently the world’s best-selling small-format foil stamping and diecutting press (as of June, 2017). “We were driven to develop the ApexFoil in response to customer feedback and a clear understanding of their evolving business needs,” said Michael Aumann, CEO of Kluge. “The functionality of this innovative new product will allow for better efficiency and more output in an ever-changing workflow environment driven by digital print technology.” The key properties of foil stamping have always been characterized as the 3 T’s – time, temperature and tonnage. Until now, those properties have been difficult to measure and control. Now, operators can use the ApexFoil’s Compass Control System that includes patented features to greatly reduce – and in some cases even eliminate – the make-ready on every job.
Other key features include:
- A sleek new machine design with sliding Clearview interlocking safety guards, a PLC Touchscreen interface, a multi-point LED lighting package, and high-performance Delrin work surface.
- Improved foil performance with a programmable foil system that can hold a tolerance of +/- .016″ at the foil gap, and also provides programmable step-and-repeat capabilities.
- 24/7 programmable dual surface heat control with timer control to pre-heat die and make-ready surfaces prior to a shift start-up.
- A foil, die and make-ready alignment system that reduces set-up times and boosts set-up efficiency.
- Accurate quick-set tool-less registration adjustments and an ultra-lightweight die mounting plate, require less operator effort and can save up to 5 minutes of set-up time during job changeovers.
The commercial release and first official exhibition of the ApexFoil will be at Print 17 in Chicago this September. Application testing and demonstrations are currently ongoing at Kluge’s manufacturing facility and corporate headquarters in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin.
