Kiss Cutting with Heat just Got Bigger
Acme Specialties: 28x41 and 40x56 Crest Clamshells
Problem
Acme Specialties, Inc. established in 1933 in Hatfield, PA kiss cuts and die cuts a variety of products including large displays, large display pieces, industrial parts and decals for equipment manufacturers. Acme runs materials such as plastics, chipboard, foam and other non-metallic materials. After many years in business, Acme needed a new press and they realized that many of their equipment manufacturers no longer offered the same support or, in some cases, any technical support at all. Acme wanted to purchase a new handfed press from a company Acme could call if they ever had a problem, question or even special request. They also needed a press that would hold tight tolerances for registering to their customers' printed pieces.
Solution
Acme met Rob and Bob Weidhaas many years ago when the company needed to repair two of their Thomson presses. At the time, Acme Specialties ran primarily heavy-duty Thomsons, and Vice President, Chris Shinners, was pleased that he found Weidhaas, a reliable company that was enthusiastic about repairing and engineering clamshells. Through the years, the Weidhaases have continued to support their customers and maintain their focus on clamshells. In 2003, Shinners bought his first Crest 28x41 from the Weidhaas Group primarily based on his good relationship, but also because of the tight tolerances on the Crest Clamshell.
Results
Acme Specialties found that the Crest Clamshell kiss cut beyond their expectations, and the Weidhaas Group continues to support Acme. When Acme Specialties suggested that a thin heater would improve their ability to cut plastics, Weidhaas researched and designed a thin-plate heater that directly attaches to the platen, as opposed to the usual method of installing the heater on the back of the press. Shinners now easily cuts styrene with minimal hairing and has developed some proprietary techniques based on his new heater's capabilities. Acme Specialties says the flat platen helps them to set up jobs with virtually no make ready, and Shinners says his jobs don't lose their make ready after a few days of kiss cutting.
This year, Acme ordered the Crest 40x56 Platen Clamshell for larger applications, such as oversized display pieces.
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