L&NW recently had the pleasure of sitting down with David Morris, president of Kocher+Beck USA, to learn about the newest adjustable anvil technology to hit the market. The GapMaster EM was on display at Labelexpo Americas 2022, and Kocher+Beck subsequently released the product to the market in January of this year.

Morris has spent nearly 30 years with Kocher+Beck, having served in multiple roles throughout the company. He was promoted to president in 2014.

L&NW: What are the benefits of adjustable anvil technology, and how has GapMaster EM been received by the industry?
DM: The GapMaster adjustable anvil system permits the adjustment of the gap between the magnetic cylinder and the anvil cylinder in precise steps of 0.8 microns. Such a system provides operators with a high level of control over the diecutting result, especially when converting down to thin PET liners. The new GapMaster EM allows adjustments as small as 0.25 microns all the way up to 10 microns at a time, via the touch screen or built in control knob. Since the release of the GapMaster EM, there has been excellent reception by the industry for the EM to be included on new GapMaster orders, as well as field level retrofits to
existing GapMasters.

L&NW: How simple is it for customers to use this new technology?
DM: The EM GapMaster system is not only available with new GapMasters, but the Retrofit version can be easily installed on-site to any existing GapMaster by the removal of the mechanical adjustment handle and replacement with the electronic drive system.  The GapMaster EM has an intuitive graphic user interface HMI that provides an easy to use live visual representation of the cylinder’s gap adjustment.  The EM system also has job saving functions, selectable maximum adjustment warnings and limits, quick gap open position, and user modifiable start positions. 

L&NW: How does customer feedback and collaboration shape Kocher+Beck’s product development?
DM: At Kocher+Beck we highly value working closely with our customers and getting their input and feedback, as they are the ones that are using our products on a daily basis. For example, with the GapMaster system, it is only by working closely with our customers that we can make sure that we incorporate the features that they themselves are looking for and require in our new EM GapMaster system. 

L&NW:What service and support programs does Kocher+Beck offer to promote reliable implementation and performance?
DM: Kocher+Beck has a program in place to support its customers on-site through regional technical representatives throughout North America and Mexico, as well as its valued partners throughout South America. In addition, customer support is available through remote customer care, as well as our dedicated engineering department. Other support programs available include magnetic cylinder audits, training and troubleshooting. 

L&NW: What can we expect from Kocher+Beck in the future?
DM: Kocher+Beck remains committed to continued investment in R&D, equipment, software, additional technology, and resources to enable it to bring the very latest technology to its customers.