08. March | Cutting die | Corrugated board | Whitepaper

Always the right counterpart.

The quality of a creasing is crucial for the appearance, functionality and further processing of a corrugated board package. For perfect creasing, every cutting-die needs its matching counterpart.

But which counter material is right for you? We have the answer. And the right counter plate. Whether matrix, rillma or steel counter plate for the best creasing performance.

Best creasing performance when die-cutting corrugated board.

The quality of a crease is crucial. For the appearance and functionality of a corrugated board package as well as for further processing in the gluing and packaging machine. The creasing quality is mainly influenced by the correct counter material. Often, no counter plate is used when die-cutting corrugated board. However, in order to achieve optimum creasing results, the use of a counter plate makes absolute sense. The counter plate should always be matched to the requirements of the job. For maximum creasing performance with each individual job.

Matrixes, rillma or a steel counter plate can be used as counter material. Each of these counter plates has its advantages and disadvantages. As you will see in the following text, the answer to the question of which tool technology is the right one is quite clear: it always depends...

Creasing matrixes
Creasing matrixes are very popular because they are cheap and flexible. But only at first glance. This is because as the number of creasing rules in a cutting-die increases, so does the number of creasing matrixes and thus the set-up time for the counter plate increases as well. In addition, creasing matrixes wear out quickly due to their soft material. They are therefore particularly recommended for short runs with few creases and low demands on creasing quality. This is because they can lead to marks on the blank and are not suitable if finishing techniques such as embossing or reverse-cutting are to be used.

Rillma (Pertinax)
rillma are inexpensive and proven for any application. The use of rillma is easier than that of creasing matrixes. rillma is placed on the cutting plate and die-cutting can begin. rillma is available in various designs and can thus be adapted exactly to the respective requirements. Patrices for embossing, reverse-cutting plates and other special technologies can also be easily integrated with rillma. rillma are more durable than creasing matrixes and are therefore suitable for jobs with longer runs and repeat jobs. However, those looking for maximum process reliability and perfect cuts will find what they are looking for with the steel counter plate.

Steel counter plate
The steel counter plate is characterized by very short set-up times. Only the register to the cutting-die has to be prepared. Shorter make-ready times are only possible if no counter plate is used. For long runs, the steel counter plate is ideal because it does not wear out, even with long running times. However, it is not only a good choice for the longest runs because it is extremely durable, but also because it ensures a smooth production process with high machine speeds, as well as the best die-cutting and creasing results. 

As you can see: when it comes to selecting the right counter plate, it always depends on your individual requirements. We have summarized the various selection parameters for you in a decision guide. You can find this decision-making guide and much more information on the subject of efficient stripping of corrugated board in our free white paper.

If you need additional support from our experienced specialists in deciding which technology is right for you, please contact us. We will be happy to answer your individual questions. Our Marbach specialist Ralf Nuyken looks forward to hearing from you: ralf.nuyken@marbach.com, Tel. +49 5223 9638-63