C&T Matrix recently announce the arrival of SPEEDX (die ejection rubber). SPEEDX is the next generation of high-performance die ejection rubber that has been engineered to provide essential benefits to all sectors of the packaging supply chain. Moreover, technical conformity in key packaging plants now expect the key elements and benefits of the SPEEDX range.
SPEEDX guarantees a rapid recovery on press and is it therefore particularly suitable for high speed auto-platens. To appreciate this one has to look at old fashioned OPEN CELL rubbers with a ‘skin/skin’ structure and the random sized air bubbles. All of these characteristics convert to lost time as the platen pressure needs to be applied at sufficient levels to allow the air to be squeezed out under compression. As a result, time is then required to allow the air to re-enter the rubber to facilitate the ejection process. The microscopic and homogeneous closed cell structure of SPEEDX converts to consistent and uniform compressibility on the die by absorbing the energy applied under platen pressure. When released, the stored energy quickly allows the structure to recover and provides fast/powerful ejection ensuring maximum speed on-press.
OPEN CELL rubbers are either produced from moulds covered in unsightly powdery release agents or they are produced from an extrusion process that has relatively large thickness tolerances (typically +/-0.5mm) SPEEDX is produced in large blocks and then accurately slit to the exact thickness required with the tightest of tolerances (+/-0.2mm). This is especially beneficial with varying plywood thicknesses. Conventional OPEN CELL rubbers absorb water like a sponge when converted on a waterjet cutter hence requiring a secondary drying process/time before becoming suitable for bonding to the die. The closed cell structure of SPEEDX doesn’t allow for water absorption found during the waterjet cutting process. This means that the rubber is suitable for adhesive bonding to the die immediately after being cut.
The opinion of many die-makers is that conventional open cell and some closed cell rubbers emit an unpleasant odour. In addition to this, some rubbers are unusually heavy in weight. SPEEDX has a neutral odour and soft feel structure that feels lightweight in comparison to conventional heavyweight ejection rubbers.
