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One is expecting a big worldwide commercial launch of the Hans Gronhi laser diecutters at drupa with its larger LD660S laser diecutter and engraver on show. However, we were able to see the smaller LC 340 running at the Hong Kong Print and Packaging Fair where it was demonstrated kiss-cutting stickers by its local distributor, Hong Kong’s Universal Printing Equipment and Supplies.
Hans Gronhi is the Chinese mainland press manufacturer that acquired Japanese press manufacturer Shinohara in 2012. In fact the Hans Gronhi was also shown at Labelexpo in Brussels in 2015 and also at Monotech’s stand at the Pamex exhibition in December 2015 in Mumbai but some of us, including yours truly managed to miss it there.
The LC340 laser diecutter shown running in Hong Kong is a small footprint device built on a Shinohara infeed and stacker – essentially a digitally controlled laser plotter that can diecut, kisscut, etch or engrave and perforate a variety of paper, board, self-adhesive, plastic, aluminum and copper substrates. The designs or cutting and creasing lines can be very precise and intricate. Creasing can be only be accomplished by perforation or by cutting dashes.
Notable at the demo was the dramatic flame that accompanies the laser moving over the material to be cut – quite remarkably without any discoloring or vestigial burn marks. The impressive machine has a small footprint and the price seems extremely attractive considering it is claimed to process 1,600 sheets an hour.
One can look for several models of these mini-laser diecutters at drupa at the Hans Gronhi stand including various sizes and types of feed including a roll-to-roll model for labels. The laser’s power can be adjusted for various materials and cutting depths. A camera aligns with a mark on the substrate for cutting accuracy which is claimed at 0.1mm.
Monotech India sells the Hans Gronhi laser diecutter in India and it’s available for demonstration in its demonstration centre in West Delhi. Monotech is also the dealer for the bigger and naturally more expensive Highcon Euclid laser diecutter and creasing machine and the Scodix digital enhancement machines of which it has already sold around two dozen in India.
