Kocher + Beck has long been a valued supplier of a wide range of printing products. From magnetic cylinders to winding technology, the company’s versatile product portfolio has assisted label converters in getting products out to the store shelves.

Kocher + Beck’s high-quality magnetic cylinders feature cutting-edge materials that produce a magnetic force of 9.1 N/cm². If higher forces are required during the production process, this value can be increased by a multiple of five by using special magnets. The lower the tolerances, the more precise the results. To learn more about how Kocher + Beck engineers magnetic cylinders with excellent concentricity and gap size tolerances of 3 µ or less, L&NW sat down with Ed Bigos, Kocher+ Beck’s Northeast regional technical manager.

Bigos has been in the rotary diecutting industry for more than 30 years, with roles in manufacturing, technical support, regional sales and sales management. Focused on the technical aspects of the business and customer support, he is an expert in troubleshooting and solving converting challenges. By helping customers with their challenges, Bigos helps converters maximize efficiency while reducing waste and downtime.

L&NW: What are the benefits of using Kocher + Beck’s magnetic cylinders? 
EB: Kocher + Beck offers the tightest tolerances possible for concentricity and air gap on our magnetic cylinders, coupled with an industry leading standard lead time of 6-7 working days from PO to shipment.

L&NW: Can you explain the importance of this technology to the final printed label? 
EB: The tight tolerance with Kocher + Beck’s magnetic cylinders allows for a stable, consistent cylinder base to eliminate a potential variable in the diecutting process. By taking care of this variable, we help ensure excellent quality for our customers.

L&NW: How has your technology evolved to meet the needs of the modern printer? 
EB: The need for tighter tolerances of magnetic cylinders has been in demand as the industry/customer demands for down-gauging liners has continued to evolve from 1.2 mil PET liner to .92 mil and as far as .75 mil.

L&NW: What materials does Kocher + Beck use to ensure enhanced performance? 
EB: Kocher + Beck uses a stainless-steel body to resist corrosion, in addition a three-piece design with thorough hardened and tempered bearers for increased durability and performance. The three-piece design allows for potential repair of damaged bearers to be replaced without having to replace the complete cylinder. 

However, most importantly, the stainless steel used holds excellent properties for the magnetic force.

L&NW: How do your magnetic cylinders work in concert with your die technology? 
EB: The tight tolerances held with Kocher + Beck flexible dies (+/- 3 microns), in concert with the tight tolerances of the magnetic cylinder, allow for consistency, repeatability and predictability, reducing potential downtime and more press uptime. 

In addition, for smaller repeat sizes, or for thicker flexible dies, there is also high strength magnets available to provide additional magnetic holding power if needed.

L&NW: What other services do you offer to improve your customers’ performance here? 
EB: Kocher + Beck offers a no-charge audit for customers’ magnetic cylinder library. The audit is crucial and beneficial in determining the condition of a magnetic cylinder inventory and how they could possibly be affecting the cutting dies and the cutting process.  

The audit provides the opportunity/visibility to ensure the magnetic cylinders are kept within tolerance range. The audit is also recommended to be performed on an annual basis. As in all processes, what is measured can be managed.