BOBST Marks 85 Years of Innovative Die-Cutting Technology

BOBST is celebrating the 85th anniversary of its revolutionary Autoplaten technology. The groundbreaking platform is credited with fundamentally changing the landscape of die-cutting and carton processing forever.

Unveiled in 1940 with the AP 900, the Autoplaten press transformed packaging production by automating a process that was once manual, slow, and labour-intensive. Processing up to 70 sheets per minute at launch, it delivered speed and precision at levels never seen before. Today, every BOBST flatbed die-cutter around the world owes its core DNA to that visionary leap.

Until its creation, die-cutting was largely manual or semi-automatic and slow, limiting production efficiency and precision. By introducing automatic sheet feeding, precise registration, and continuous operation, Autoplaten transformed packaging manufacturing.

The technology was a bold response to a global market on the brink of transformation. With packaging emerging as an essential driver of commerce, BOBST’s engineers, led by Henri Bobst, chose to lead instead of follow. They dared to reimagine how sheets could be fed, cut, and delivered, integrating patented chain transport systems and toggle-joint platen mechanisms to ensure unmatched accuracy and reliability.

The resulting machine didn’t just meet the demands of its time, but set a new standard for decades to come; from the first AP 900, over a thousand Autoplaten machines were operating worldwide by the early 1960s.

“Autoplaten wasn’t simply a machine; it was a vision realised with courage,” says Marco Lideo, Head of Product Line LADSF ETERNA DIGITAL, BOBST. “85 years ago, it embodied our commitment to engineering excellence, our belief in challenging the status quo, and our promise to empower packaging converters with the tools to perform at their best, every day, everywhere. Today, it still embodies that.”

The machine has contributed to building BOBST’s reputation and influence around the world, with a showcase event in Shanghai celebrating a brilliant legacy and anticipating a future driven by innovation and vitality. These festivities began with a unique ‘Art for the Future’ exhibition, while the children of Bobst Shanghai employees unleashed their creativity around the theme ‘Imagining the Future: Happy 85th Birthday, Autoplaten’. They used their artistic talents to depict imaginative and delightful visions of a future die-cutting machine, which were put on display at the company’s Competence Center, symbolising the passing of BOBST’s innovative spirit from one generation to the next.

To further enhance inter-departmental collaboration and deepen the team’s understanding of core processes, Bobst Shanghai organised a die-cutter assembly competition, which presented a valuable opportunity for learning and exchange. Through a hands-on exercise, office staff gained a deeper appreciation for the precision assembly process, uncovering new potential for process optimisation from diverse perspectives and showcasing the company-wide commitment to craftsmanship and excellence.

The series of celebratory events culminated in a grand employee meeting at the BOBST Competence Center in Shanghai. Bobst Group CEO Jean-Pascal Bobst joined the team to celebrate the significant milestone.

In August, a special event in Mex, Switzerland, brought together both current Autoplaten experts and retired colleagues who had dedicated years of their careers to this iconic machine – affectionately nicknamed the “Grande Dame” by them. The event provided a unique opportunity to hear from key figures who have shaped the Autoplaten story, including a speech by CEO Bobst, who shared his reflections on the legacy and future of this groundbreaking technology.

The machine, which sealed BOBST’s future 85 years ago, was celebrated through powerful testimonials and a rich collection of archival footage – much to the delight of all participants. The event also offered a glimpse into the future, showcasing upcoming innovations in Autoplaten technology.

The 85-year legacy of Autoplaten serves as a powerful reminder that true progress is built on vision, courage and bold innovation. The packaging industry is currently navigating new challenges, including increasing demands for automation and sustainability practices. BOBST is active in responding to these demands, leading with the same mindset that defined 1940.