What is a Magnetic Cylinder and Why is it Important in Flexographic Printing?

Flexographic is a highly popular printing technique in the packaging and labeling industries. In addition to essential equipment such as UV LED curing systems, one crucial component in the rotary printing and die-cutting process is the Magnetic Cylinder.

Press Systems Group (PSG) is the official distributor for Rotary Technology, an international manufacturer of high-precision rotary tooling. Here, we will explain: What a Magnetic Cylinder is, how it works and its importance in Flexography, what Flexible Dies are, and why choosing high-quality tooling. 

What is a Magnetic Cylinder?

A Magnetic Cylinder is a cylindrical metal roller embedded with high-strength magnets on its surface. It is used to secure flexible dies firmly onto the roller surface during rotary die-cutting operations. This is widely used in printing applications for labels, stickers, plastic packaging and paperboard packaging.

Rotary Technology - Magnetic Cylinders​

Why is the Magnetic Cylinder VITAL in Flexography?

The Magnetic Cylinder is arguably the heart of the die-cutting process in flexographic printing, particularly for industries involved in printing labels and packaging. These industries rely heavily on speed, job versatility, and efficient quality control. The importance and benefits of this include:

  • Reduced Downtime and Increased Speed: Job changeovers are quick and easy. Simply peel off the old Flexible Die and place the new one, which drastically reduces machine downtime. This method is ideal for low-volume, high-variety print jobs.
  • Cost Efficiency: Flexible Dies are significantly cheaper than Solid Dies, thereby reducing the production costs for each project.
  • High Precision: Magnetic clamping ensures the die’s position is highly stable and constant, resulting in sharp and consistent cutting quality.
  • Production Flexibility: Supports a wide variety of complex design patterns.
  • Storage Savings: Flexible Dies are thin sheets that are easy to store systematically, saving valuable storage space.

How Does the Magnetic Cylinder Work?

The Magnetic Cylinder is a powerful magnet used to clamp the flexible dies or cutting dies. While this process is crucial, its operational principle is quite simple.

  1. The press operator places the flexible dies onto the surface of the magnetic cylinder, ensuring the flat metal base contacts the magnetic surface.
  2. The flexible die is accurately positioned and installed on the magnetic cylinder, with the magnetic force holding the die tightly in place.
  3. As the magnetic cylinder rotates, the flexible dies precisely and consistently cuts or stamps the material passing underneath it.

What are Flexible Dies and Why are They INDISPENSABLE to the Magnetic Cylinder?

Flexible Dies are cutting dies used to cuts or stamps material, manufactured from thin steel sheets. These thin plates are created using advanced processes like chemical etching and CNC machining. This technology ensures the pattern and the fixed blade edges are accurate to the micron level. 

The Flexible Die is an integral component that works directly with the Magnetic Cylinder. The metal magnetic cylinder acts to securely clamp the Flexible Die, ensuring the die is stable and ready for high-speed operation. This symbiotic relationship is essential for achieving precise, consistent rotary die-cutting results.

Why Choose Magnetic Cylinders from Rotary Technology?

The Magnetic Cylinder is a critical component in the flexographic process, making the choice of a reputable, long-standing, and high-quality brand essential.

Rotary Technology, a manufacturer of high-precision Rotary Tooling based in Guangzhou, China, offers compelling advantages:

Key Product Highlights from Rotary Technology

Premium Material and Manufacturing

  • High-Grade Steel Construction: The roller body is manufactured from high-quality Steel, guaranteeing strength and durability.
  • Superior Magnetic Clamping: Rotary Technology uses magnets with high suction power, secured with a specialized adhesive. This ensures the magnets remain firmly bonded and maintain their performance throughout the product’s lifespan.

Wear Resistance for High-Performance

  • Features a Bolted Bearer Design, where the roller edges (bearers) are securely fastened using bolts that undergo vacuum heat treatment for enhanced durability.
  • Subjected to an advanced heat treatment process to significantly improve wear resistance. Ideal for continuous, high-efficiency die-cutting operations that demand superior durability and consistent performance.

High Precision

  • Manufactured with standardized processes that ensure exceptional dimensional accuracy, directly contributing to high-quality and precise die-cutting results

Compatible with High-Quality Flexible Dies

  • Offers a range of premium flexible dies, made from European-grade spring steel and manufactured with CNC precision, ensuring micron-level blade height and spacing accuracy.
  • Multiple blade surface coatings available such as nickel, chrome, or nano-diamond technology. To enhance durability and significantly extend lifespan. Perfect for specialized applications like kiss-cutting and film label die-cutting.

Contact Press Systems Group 

For more information, please contact the official distributor in Thailand. 

Press Systems Group – Your Focused Distributor and Expert in Label and Packaging Printing Solutions.”

Address: 3030 Moo 10, Samrong Nuea Subdistrict, Mueang Samut Prakan District, Samut Prakan 10270, Thailand

Phone: +66 (0) 2 118 3852

Mobile: +66 (0) 61 789 4744

Email: info@presssystems.co.th

LINE ID: @presssystemsgroup