How to choose a high-precision engraving machine suitable for die cutting?

The core of choosing a high-precision engraving machine suitable for cutting die is to select from three dimensions: equipment core configuration, functional adaptability and actual processing requirements around the material and precision requirements of cutting die, so as to avoid blindly pursuing parameters and ignoring practicality.

First, give priority to the core configuration: determine the accuracy and stability of the foundation.

Core configuration directly affects the upper limit of machining accuracy and long-term reliability of engraving machine, and is the primary basis for selection.

Transmission system: the combination of "ball screw+servo motor" is preferred over stepping motor. The positioning accuracy of the ball screw can reach ±0.005mm, which can meet the fine cutting requirements of the die (especially the metal die). Servo motor can avoid step loss in high-speed machining and reduce dimensional error.

Spindle performance: choose spindle power and speed according to the material of knife die. For processing wood/acrylic die, the spindle with 3.5-5.5kW and rotating speed of 18,000-24,000 r/min can be selected; When machining metal die (such as steel plate), it is necessary to select a high-frequency spindle with a speed of more than 7.5kW and a speed of more than 24,000 r/min to ensure cutting force and heat dissipation.

Bed structure: The integrated casting bed or thick-walled square tube welded bed is preferred, and the material is cast iron. This kind of structure has strong rigidity and good shock resistance, which can avoid uneven carving depth caused by bed deformation during machining, and is especially suitable for machining large-size knife dies.

Second, pay attention to functional adaptability: match the machining scene of knife die

Different types of knife dies (such as laser knife dies and metal knife dies) have specific requirements for the functions of engraving machines and need to be screened accordingly.

Positioning and calibration function: confirm whether the equipment has the functions of "automatic tool alignment" and "breakpoint engraving". Automatic tool alignment can quickly and accurately measure the tool length and avoid the error of manual tool alignment; Breakpoint carving can continue processing from the breakpoint after sudden power failure or material displacement, reducing material waste.

Adsorption and fixation system: choose the fixation method according to the base material of the die. Machining small-sized metal knife dies requires equipment equipped with multi-station mechanical clamps; The vacuum adsorption platform (adsorption area ≥ processing width) is more efficient for processing large-size wood/paper knife dies, and can avoid fixture indentation.

Compatibility and expansibility: Check whether the equipment supports common tool die design software (such as CAD and CorelDRAW) and ensure that file formats (such as DXF and PLT) can be directly imported. If it is possible to process metal die in the future, the interface of coolant circulation system can be reserved to avoid the trouble of later transformation.

Third, combined with actual needs: balance cost and practicality

In addition to hardware and functions, it is also necessary to make trade-offs in combination with actual needs such as production scale and budget.

Processing format: the selected format should be 10%-20% larger than the size of the commonly used knife die, and the clamping and positioning space should be reserved. For example, the commonly used die size is 1200×800mm, and the processing width of 1300×900mm or 1500×1000mm can be selected.

Brand and after-sales: Give priority to brands with knife and die processing cases to avoid technical barriers of minority brands. At the same time, confirm the after-sales response time (such as door-to-door service within 24 hours) and the supply capacity of accessories, especially the wearing parts such as spindle and lead screw, which need to be replaced conveniently in the later period.

Cost calculation: determine the equipment grade according to the processing capacity. Small batch, multi-category knife die processing, optional mid-range model (budget 100,000-200,000); High-end models (with a budget of more than 200,000 yuan) are needed for large-scale and high-precision metal die machining, but the unit processing cost needs to be accounted to avoid excessive investment.