Preco, LLC is a premier provider of flat bed, rotary and laser equipment solutions for advanced material processing needs. We are a leading designer and manufacturer of high-speed and high-accuracy automated processing systems. With engineered systems, contract manufacturing, an applications development team, and a multitude of resources, we are capable of providing solutions unlike any other manufacturer in the industry. Here you will find common questions about our laser processing and die cutting services and equipment needs.
Common Questions About Die Cutting
Die cutting machines are pieces of industrial or commercial manufacturing equipment used to cut materials into specific shapes. This creates many cuts of material that are identical in size and shape to one another. Die cutting machines are usually made of metal and can cut through surfaces to give it the desired shape. Common materials include:
- magnetic media
- abrasives
- foams
- gaskets
- pressure-sensitive adhesives
- filters
- various metals
These are some of the capabilities of using die cutting equipment. Die cutting machines can be operated by hand, meaning that the operator pushes a lever and the machine cuts through the material. In the present day, though, it's more common that the machine will be automatic. Our industry-standard die cutting equipment line can serve your unique project requirements. To learn more about our die cutting equipment or contracting services contact us today!
The benefit of utilizing our die cutting capabilities include tighter tolerance and consistency. Our multiple die cutting presses are able to service large orders while maintaining flexibility in design. Preco's flat bed and rotary die cutting machines offer a number of benefits, here are 13 advantages of using our Die Cutting Equipment for your manufacturing needs:
- Modular Design
- Press Versatility
- Tonage Amount
- Micometer Measuring
- Increased Material Yields
- Fast Changeovers
- Reduced Labor Costs
- Increased Stoke Length
- Four Post Press Design
- Mircoprocessor Computer Controlled
- Optical Registration Options
- Automated Batch Counting
- Optional Heated Platen
Because die cutting is a flexible fabrication process it typically uses custom-designed dies which are positioned on specialized machinery to convert various materials. Die cutting is suitable for a wide range of materials. Additionally, the die cutting process offers several different cutting operation capabilities, specific to various industries including:
Die cutting remains one of the most commonly used manufacturing processes used in a wide range of applications. Below are a few examples of how die cutting can be used to transform common materials into useful products.
- Gaskets
- Abrasives
- Pressure Sensitive Adhesives
- Filters
- Medical Disposables
- Packaging and Paper Products
- Insulators
- Plastics / Foams
- Magnets
- Solar / Alternative Energy
Flat bed die cutting is a process that uses hydraulic pressure to punch out desired shapes out of materials. A flat bed cutter uses steel rule dies that match a pattern of the shape being manufactured. This process is ideal for projects that need consistent cuts, lower volume, and larger sizes.
Flat bed die cutting:
- Cuts through thicker, denser materials because of its great cutting pressures
- Produces sharp, precise cuts
- Works on thin materials
- Affordable due to low tooling and machine costs
- Can group parts closely on the sheet
- Reduces trimmings and scrap materials
Rotary die cutting is a precise cutting method that is ideal for higher volume orders with high throughput and less waste compared to other methods. Because of the operational efficiency of rotary die cutting is the best choice for high production demand requirements. Rotary die cutting also hold tighter tolerances and is ideal for laser kiss-cutting.
Rotary die cutting:
- Highly efficient
- Has a quick turn-around time
- Offers a high degree of cutting precision
- Produces zero unproductive motion because of the machine’s constant rotation
- Tighter tolerances than other methods
- Produces less waste
There are advantages and disadvantages to die cutting over laser cutting for materials. On one hand, die cutting is useful for difficult to cut materials. Rotary die cutting for example, is able to cut through any substrates while maintaining the same speed. Laser cutting must adjust speed and depth depending on the type of cut. Die cutting is also effective if you need to cut the same pattern on a bulk of sheets, regardless of the thickness.
Die cutting advantages:
- Cuts difficult material
- Larger production runs
- Reduces scrap
- Lower cost
- Higher speed
- And more…
Laser cutting advantages:
- Precision
- Repeatability
- Quality
- Contactless cutting
- Flexibility
- Automation
- and more...
Common Questions About Laser Processing
Laser processing services use specialized equipment to produce a narrow beam of radiation, which is created by stimulating atoms and molecules at a particular wavelength which amplify light on the surface of various materials including metal, abrasives, flexible packaging, medical equipment, electronic parts, automotive, transportation and aerospace components among other industrial applications.
With engineered systems, contract manufacturing, and applications development team, and a multitude of resources, Preco, LLC is capable of providing solutions unlike any other manufacturer in the industry.
In various sectors, laser cutting services are a high-accuracy and high-precision manufacturing solution for various advanced material parts and components. Advantages for laser processing include:
- Precision cuts for metal material
- Smooth and clean cuts reduce finishing requirements
- Ideal for cutting material like stainless steel, mild steel, or titanium
- Minimal tooling saves time
- Reduces processing time
- Shorter lead times
Laser processing services are offered in a variety of industries. These services are used to optimize processes, applications, and production. At Preco, LLC we serve multiple industries, including:
We handle it all, from wide-web processing of heavy grit abrasives through micro-polishing grits for glass or fiber-optic end connectors. We offer flat bed die cutting and laser cutting technology as your advanced abrasive processing solution, with either purpose-built equipment for installation at your facility or toll converting using our suite of in-house production equipment.
- Package, Shrink Wrap and Label
- Ship Complete to Distribution Center
- Quality Testing
- Loose Discs, Disc Rolls, File Sheets and Stick-On Discs
- Laser Cutting
- Laser Marking
Our flexible packaging services include process development and toll converting to support your market introduction and long-term production requirements. In addition to a complete range of production roll handling systems, Preco also provides quality test equipment to provide stringent quality assurance protocols through your production run. Preco is certified to ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 quality management standards.
- Laser Scoring – Easy Open
- Clean and Controlled Environment
- Laser Perforation – Micro-Perforation
- Extended Shelf Life
- Laser Microwave Venting
- Quality Testing
Metal processing is the recycling scrap metal for reuse. When metal fabrication and cutting must be completed on a budget on a tight timeline, it’s essential to utilize the most efficient methods available for processing. At Preco, we specialize in laser additive manufacturing, laser welding, laser heat treating and specialty laser cutting. Our in-house staff include experienced engineers and deep capabilities. In addition to these services and expertise, our equipment capabilities are sure to meet your unique requirements.
Our metal processing capabilities, equipment, and services include:
- 12 Laser Workstations
- Fiber-Delivered Lasers Up to 10 kW
- CO2 Lasers Up to 6 kW
- Material Handling Capability Up to 10,000 lbs.
- Blast Booth
- Assembly Presses
- Industrial Part Washer
- TIG and MIG Welders
- 200 KVA Spot Welders