Holmen releases technical guidance for die cutting and paperboard design

Holmen has published technical guidelines aimed at improving the efficiency and precision of die cutting and ram punching operations for paperboard. The company highlights that successful production of complex shapes depends on carefully balancing tool geometry with the physical properties of the specific paperboard grade.

A core component of the guidance involves managing environmental moisture, which directly affects the brittleness and cut quality of the material. By maintaining stable humidity, manufacturers can avoid production inconsistencies. Furthermore, Holmen details the strategic use of rubbering on cutting dies to ensure proper sheet ejection and to protect the structural integrity of "nicks"—the small segments that hold cut blanks in place during the machine transfer process.

The recommendations also address the specific challenges of double-sided printed paperboard, where higher rubber hardness is required to prevent ink flaking. These operational standards are intended to help converters minimize waste and maintain high speed throughout the die cutting process.