Tag Archives: Challenge

The NEW Photo Book Trimmer is here!

Challenge Machinery CMT-330 TC Photo Book TrimmerThe NEW Photo Book Trimmer is here!

CMT-330 TC Three-Knife Trimmer

The new generation of CMT-330TC three-knife trimmer features expanded capabilities making it the perfect machine to trim photo books. Featuring a 10.5″ color touch screen control panel for ease of use; Integrated bar code reading system for automated set up; Integrated in-line and near-line book feeding components; Graphical display of book path throughout the system; Automatic book size detection; Trims landscape formatted books up to 12″ x 12″ (305mm x 305mm), perfect for photo books; Powerful hydraulic powered cutting; Trims books up to 2″ thick; True three-knife on-demand book trimming.

The CMT-330 TC will be unveiled at Graph Expo 2016 in Challenge Machinery’s Booth #1025. Stop by and see their latest paper cutting equipment up close!

Features:

  • New 10.5″ Color Touch Screen control panel
  • New Integrated Bar Code reading system for automated set up
  • New Integrated In-line and Near-line book feeding components
  • New Graphical display of book path throughout the system
  • New Automatic book size detection
  • New – Trims landscape formatted books up to 12″ x 12″ – perfect for photo books!
  • Powerful hydraulic powered cutting
  • Trims books up to 2″ thick
  • True three-knife on-demand book trimming

Additional information coming soon. Visit our website for more information about Challenge Machinery’s NEW CMT-330 TC three-knife trimmer.

Mid-State Litho, Inc.
5459 Fenton Rd.
Flint, MI 48507
www.midstatelitho.net

Titan 265 TC Paper Cutter

Titan 265 TC Paper Cutter

The Titan 265 TC paper cutter features a 10.5″ color touch screen TC controller with variable data entry mode, automatic fraction to decimal calculation and unlimited program storage capacity. Clamp mark waste is reduced or eliminated with programmable electronic clamp pressure control per cut.

Innovative advances improve the task of program creation through features such as repeat and loop commands, USP port for thumb drive program delivery, network capable hardware with an Ethernet port, labeling cutting and sheet division tools and more!

The TC System is the first paper cutter controller in the world to recognize common .csv format program files making offline programming simple and easy to implement at any size print operation.

Features:

  • Electronic clamp pressure control – programmable
  • Variable mode data entry (fraction, decimal, metric)
  • Automatic fraction to decimal calculation
  • Line light cut position indicator
  • Automatic false clamp plate detection
  • Hydraulic cutting & clamping
  • Rugged steel & cast iron construction – solid 1” thick aluminum table
  • UHMW adjustable knife bar gibs
  • 2-year warranty
  • Up to 26 cuts per minute
  • Ability to receive .csv files making offline programming and memory storage simple
  • Repeat and loop commands streamline program entry
  • JDF and network capable
  • USB port for simple thumb drive program entry

Learn more about the TC Control System Operation below:

Mid-State Litho, Inc.
5459 Fenton Rd.
Flint, MI 48507
www.midstatelitho.net

Knife Care Tips from Challenge Machinery

challenge-paper-cutter-knife_12

Knife Care Tips from Challenge Machinery

KNIFE SAFETY ! Knives are DANGEROUS!!! They are heavy and very sharp, even after use. Keep the edge away from your body and keep the area clear of others when handling knives. Never touch the cutting edge! To prevent personal injury and damage to the knife, always keep knives in their holders with screws tightened. You are aware of the dangers, but others may not be. Never attempt to hone, polish, or service the knife in any way. Failure to follow safety procedures may result in severe lacerations or dismemberment.

Knife Blade Life

Knife blade life, or the time between sharpenings, can be affected by many factors. One important factor is the type of paper being cut. Abrasive paper, such as recycled paper, soft paper such as newsprint paper, and bound books can all significantly shorten knife blade life. Also, if the knife depth is set too deep, the knife will cut too deep into the cutting stick and can dull the knife blade.

A knife can last anywhere between 2,000 and 5,000 cuts before it needs to be sharpened. Cutting soft paper (such as newsprint paper) or paper with high post-consumer recycled content can cause the knife to need sharpening after only 2,000 to 3,000 cuts. Cutting pure paper, such as bond paper with no recycled content, or hard paper can allow the knife to be used for as many as 5,000 cuts before it needs to be sharpened. In all cases, the operator should continually check the quality of the cut to determine when the knife blade needs to be sharpened. Some characteristics that indicate a blade needs sharpening are:

  • The knife hesitates or stalls while making a cut.
  • The sheets are not all cut to the same length (usually the top few sheets are longer than the rest of the sheets – this is sometimes called “draw”).
  • Cut marks appear on the cut face of the paper.
  • The profile of the cut (side view) is not perpendicular to the table.
  • The cut does not appear straight when viewed from the top.
  • The knife makes a “rougher” sound as it passes through paper.
  • Nicks are visible on the cutting edge of the knife.

Cutting Stick

A worn cutting stick can affect the cut quality of the bottom sheets. When this happens, the cut stick can be rotated. Usually, the stick should be rotated one or two times between knife sharpenings.

There are 8 possible cut stick positions. The stick can be rotated 4 times, and then turned end to end, and rotated 4 times again.

Bevel Angle

Challenge recommends that bevel angles for knives be in the range of 21° to 23°. In general, a 21° bevel angle will provide better cut quality when cutting soft paper (such as newsprint), recycled paper, or bound books. However, 21° angle knives can become dull sooner than 23° knives, which results in shorter knife blade life. A knife with a 23° bevel angle, on the other hand, will not dull as easily, and can provide satisfactory results when cutting most types of paper.

Helpful Suggestions

It may be beneficial to purchase more than one set of knives: one set beveled at 21° and the other at 23°. Note: A set consists of 3 knives: one in the machine, one as a back up, and one at the grinder.

If the machine seems to strain but the cut quality is still good, reduce the pile height. You may also carefully apply glycerin to the bevel when cutting hard, coated paper. Tie a cloth to the end of a stick; dip the stick in glycerin, and apply. Never apply by hand! In lieu of glycerin you may lightly rub white bar soap along the bevel. Lubrication will prolong the life of your machine and reduce maintenance.

Knife Care

  • To prevent corrosion, knives are coated with light oil. It should be REMOVED WITH CARE.
  • While removing or installing a knife, be careful not to allow the edge to bump against the machine. Nicks will result.
  • If a knife bolt is damaged, replace it. Always keep knife bolts securely tightened. Always use the heavy-duty knife bolt washers provided by Challenge. Failure to do so could result in scratching or marring of the clamp face. Store knives in a dry environment to prevent corrosion. Never attempt to service a knife in any way.

Mid-State Litho, Inc.
5459 Fenton Rd.
Flint, MI 48507
www.midstatelitho.net

TC Console for Challenge Paper Cutters – Operational Video

Operational Video of the Challenge Machinery TC programmable console. Available on the Titan 200 and 230 paper cutters and standard on all Titan 265, Champion 305, and 370 paper cutters.

Champion-305TCChallenge Champion 305 TC Paper Cutter
The NEW Champion 305 TC Paper Cutter is durable, accurate and easy to use programmable hydraulic powered paper cutter. With many new features and innovations improving efficiency, this work horse for cutting is still the only cutter available in this size range that ships from the factory CE, UL, and cUL safety standard certified and is in full compliance with the ANSI standard for paper guillotines and trimmers for North America.

Challenge Titan 200 TC Challenge Titan 200 Paper Cutter
The Titan 200 is based on a solid cast iron and steel construction for maximum durability. The intuitive menu-driven controller allows variable mode data entry with up to 99 jobs/9,801 total cut position storage. The optional electronic clamp pressure control minimizes waste. Machine self-diagnostics and error indication walks the operator through any potential difficulties.

Titan_230_WebChallenge Titan 230 Paper Cutter
The Titan 230 is built on a foundation of solid cast iron and steel construction for maximum durability. The Titan 230 meets the toughest safety standards in the industry today. Category 4 light safety curtains and intuitive menu-driven controller allows variable mode data entry with up to 99 jobs/9,801 total cut position storage. Machine self-diagnostics and error indication walk the operator through any potential difficulties.

Challenge has been recognized as the industry leader in providing innovative paper cutters that are built to last. Challenge’s current line of paper cutters continue the long legacy of Challenge safety, productivity, innovation, and durability.

Mid-State Litho, Inc.
5459 Fenton Rd.
Flint, MI 48507
www.midstatelitho.net

Round-Cornered Products

Leave a reply

Round-Cornered Products

Successful Round-Cornered Products

Following these five tips will help your Challenge Machinery customers avoid many mistakes that commonly occur when working with round-cornering equipment:

  • Keep the knife and die sharp and in good alignment. Dull knife and other poor adjustments lead to irregular cuts. Carefully sharpen knives with a 35-degree bevel and finely hone them (#32 micro cut or better) to remove coarseness and burrs.
  • To ensure good corners, always firmly place paper against the left and back guides.
  • Are you experiencing unusual noises and irregular action when you run your machine? A maintenance check is probably due. Have your machine checked by a qualified person.
  • Exercise care when handling and changing the knives.
  • NEVER leave the machine running unattended!

Challenge SCM Hydraulic Cornering Machine

The Challenge Single Cornering Machine (SCM) is the perfect solution for production-level round cornering requirements. Available as either hydraulic or manual, the SCM features a table designed to handle any size stock, six sizes of precision, heavy-duty knife and die sets, integrated chip catch bin, and high pile capacity. Both models are designed to ensure years of trouble-free production. Challenge cornering machines minimize operator fatigue and provide the power needed for cornering difficult jobs of index and coated stock. Give you jobs the added professional quality with our dependably accurate cuts with each cornering stroke of our single cornering machines. Read more here>>

The Challenge Advantage

At Challenge Machinery, our goal is to design, manufacture, and market equipment that adds value to your customers’ printed products. We offer drills, paper cutters, book trimmers, cornering machines, and other print finishing equipment that can improve your customers’ productivity and make their lives easier.

Additional product information is available at www.midstatelitho.net or if you would like to receive a brochure for Challenge please contact MSL at sales@midstatelitho.net. MSL can also be reached at 1-800-343-4231.

Mid-State Litho, Inc.
5459 Fenton Rd.
Flint, MI 48507
www.midstatelitho.net

Challenge Machinery Paper Drilling Tips

category_header_challenge

Important! To prevent the drill from overheating, always avoid drilling too slowly. The table should be brought up as rapidly as possible allowing the drills to easily cut through the paper. Also, adjust the vertical table guide to return the table to the down position as rapidly as possible to avoid spinning the drills in the stock.

Slotted Holes – Instead of punching slotted holes for five and seven hole universal binding work, save time and cost by drilling a 1/2 inch diameter hole in place of the slot. The slot is only intended to allow the post or ring to be used in either location, and the large hole permits this.

Plastic Bindings – Drilling holes for plastic bindings, instead of punching them, is practical and saves a great deal of time, particularly on long run jobs.

Keep Drills Sharp – A dull drill is the major cause of drill breakage and production tie-ups. Usually after three hours of drilling, depending on the type of paper being processed, the drill should be sharpened. A dull drill results in poor quality work.

Keep Drills Clean – A dirty and rusty drill will not permit the free upward passage of the drill chips. Pressure built up by a clogged drill will split or break the drill. To keep it free from dirt or rust, clean the drill of all chips after each use and apply a light oil to the inside and outside. Drills should be cleaned out immediately after each use. This is particularly true if a coated or varnished stock has been drilled. On these jobs the coating on the chips frequently fuse the chips into one solid mass when the drill cools, causing breakage the next time the drill is used.

Lubricate Drills – Lubrication assists in the passage of the chips and helps avoid overheating of the drills. Use readily available stick lubricants for this purpose. Hold the end of the stick against the side of the rotating drill. Be sure to touch the cutting edge with the lubricant also. Wipe off excess oil before drilling. CARE MUST ALWAYS BE TAKEN WHEN HANDLING DRILLS.

Keep Spindle Clean – Clean out the drill spindle frequently. This will prevent any buildup in the spindle of the drill.

Set the Drills Correctly – Do not cut too deeply into the cutting block. The drill should just touch the block and cleanly cut through the bottom sheet. During drilling, do not set the drill deeper into the block but change the position of the block frequently. Drilling deeper into the block dulls the drills quickly. Use a piece of chipboard underneath your stock. This will make handling the stock easier and will ensure that the last sheet is cut cleanly through.

Check for Drill Wobble – If spindles are badly worn or bent through misadjustment, have them replaced immediately. A wobbly or loosely held drill will break.

Check Your Drill Sharpener – The cutting edge of the sharpening bit should be inspected frequently to make certain that it is sharp and free of nicks. Never let a drill drop onto the sharpening bit. It will chip the sharpening edge. Use gentle pressure when sharpening – let the sharpening bit do the work. Check the sharpness of the drill after sharpening. The cutting edge should be razor sharp.

Just a little time and effort taken with each use of your paper drilling machine should result in trouble free operation over many years.

Mid-State Litho, Inc.
5459 Fenton Rd.
Flint, MI 48507
www.midstatelitho.net

Challenge Machinery Paper Drilling Tips

category_header_challenge

Important! To prevent the drill from overheating, always avoid drilling too slowly. The table should be brought up as rapidly as possible allowing the drills to easily cut through the paper. Also, adjust the vertical table guide to return the table to the down position as rapidly as possible to avoid spinning the drills in the stock.

Slotted Holes – Instead of punching slotted holes for five and seven hole universal binding work, save time and cost by drilling a 1/2 inch diameter hole in place of the slot. The slot is only intended to allow the post or ring to be used in either location, and the large hole permits this.

Plastic Bindings – Drilling holes for plastic bindings, instead of punching them, is practical and saves a great deal of time, particularly on long run jobs.

Keep Drills Sharp – A dull drill is the major cause of drill breakage and production tie-ups. Usually after three hours of drilling, depending on the type of paper being processed, the drill should be sharpened. A dull drill results in poor quality work.

Keep Drills Clean – A dirty and rusty drill will not permit the free upward passage of the drill chips. Pressure built up by a clogged drill will split or break the drill. To keep it free from dirt or rust, clean the drill of all chips after each use and apply a light oil to the inside and outside. Drills should be cleaned out immediately after each use. This is particularly true if a coated or varnished stock has been drilled. On these jobs the coating on the chips frequently fuse the chips into one solid mass when the drill cools, causing breakage the next time the drill is used.

Lubricate Drills – Lubrication assists in the passage of the chips and helps avoid overheating of the drills. Use readily available stick lubricants for this purpose. Hold the end of the stick against the side of the rotating drill. Be sure to touch the cutting edge with the lubricant also. Wipe off excess oil before drilling. CARE MUST ALWAYS BE TAKEN WHEN HANDLING DRILLS.

Keep Spindle Clean – Clean out the drill spindle frequently. This will prevent any buildup in the spindle of the drill.

Set the Drills Correctly – Do not cut too deeply into the cutting block. The drill should just touch the block and cleanly cut through the bottom sheet. During drilling, do not set the drill deeper into the block but change the position of the block frequently. Drilling deeper into the block dulls the drills quickly. Use a piece of chipboard underneath your stock. This will make handling the stock easier and will ensure that the last sheet is cut cleanly through.

Check for Drill Wobble – If spindles are badly worn or bent through misadjustment, have them replaced immediately. A wobbly or loosely held drill will break.

Check Your Drill Sharpener – The cutting edge of the sharpening bit should be inspected frequently to make certain that it is sharp and free of nicks. Never let a drill drop onto the sharpening bit. It will chip the sharpening edge. Use gentle pressure when sharpening – let the sharpening bit do the work. Check the sharpness of the drill after sharpening. The cutting edge should be razor sharp.

Just a little time and effort taken with each use of your paper drilling machine should result in trouble free operation over many years.

Mid-State Litho, Inc.
5459 Fenton Rd.
Flint, MI 48507
www.midstatelitho.net