DAEHO Machinery Unveils the Upgraded iCutter with Enhanced Productivity, Convenience, and New Cutting-Edge Technologies - drupa 2024

July 2024 - Monthly Printway

Since introducing the world’s second and Korea’s first CIP4-supported paper cutting machine, the iCutter, at drupa 2008, and forming a SmartStream partnership with HP at IGAS 2015, DAEHO Machinery has continued to expand its market presence and advance its technology. What was the main concept of drupa 2024 for DAEHO?

At drupa 2016, DAEHO demonstrated its Level 1 system that could create cutting processes linked with CIP4. Since then, we have met numerous professional operators on site, learned from their expertise and know-how, and incorporated their feedback into our automatic cutting process generation. As a result, the system has been upgraded to Level 2. Compared with eight years ago, many more printing companies—such as Sungwon Adpia, Red Printing, and Adsland—are now utilizing the CIP4-based automation implemented in the iCutter. At this year’s exhibition booth, we showcased the upgraded iCutter, featuring new technologies such as the CIP4 linkage functions currently used in Korean printshops, the black box feature, and the block program. Thanks to DAEHO’s unique software capabilities—being the only company besides Germany capable of producing CIP4-supported paper cutters—dealers from India and Europe expressed strong interest. The machine was well received for its ability to improve productivity while being easy to operate, even for beginners.

 

The display screen showing printed images drew attention.

The upgraded iCutter unveiled this year includes a newly developed image display function that allows operators to visually confirm images during complex cutting tasks, reducing cutting errors. In addition, the cutting algorithm has been redesigned for easier operation. For two-touch cutting, the operator can choose between outer and inner cutting lines. The system automatically detects all possible cutting lines based on JDF position data and, through path optimization, identifies the most efficient sequence to cut the maximum number of sheets—similar to how a car navigation system finds the shortest route to a destination. The operator is provided with several options and can select the cutting path that offers the highest efficiency. The system displays the cutting sequence on the machine screen, and when connected to a larger monitor, more detailed information is shown. With the newly designed UI, operators can easily view the current cutting position and sheet feeding direction at a glance, and even experienced cutters have expressed high satisfaction.

 

What were the reactions from overseas visitors to your booth during the exhibition?

Since debuting the world’s second CIP4-supported cutter at drupa 2008, global interest in automation and shorter working times has increased significantly. During this exhibition, many visitors were curious to see how the JDF setup image appears on the cutting screen and how this enables more efficient operations. Even dealers from India—who were typically more price-sensitive than function-focused—showed strong interest in the CIP4-supported system and inquired about partnerships. End-users operating cutters on-site also demonstrated high interest in the differentiated features during live demonstrations, confirming the strong potential for the upgraded iCutter to expand into global markets. At drupa 2016, when numerous Chinese cutter manufacturers participated, many dealers were extremely price-sensitive. This time, however, they acknowledged the technological gap between Korean and Chinese cutters and visited our booth multiple times to discuss technical details. This shows that the global post-press market trend is shifting from price-focused to function-focused. While India remains a price-sensitive market, we plan to promote our products there more aggressively, emphasizing reliability and competitive quality.

 

Where is the CIP4-supported cutting system currently being used overseas?

The CIP4-supported system is extremely easy to use. The operator simply scans the job ID barcode printed outside the cutting lines; the system then automatically retrieves the corresponding JDF file over the network. After confirming the JDF image displayed on the screen, the operator creates the process, and within 1–2 seconds, the desired workflow is generated. The screen displays the most efficient cutting order, so the operator only needs to insert the sheets accordingly and press the cutting button. In Korea, online print platforms such as Red Printing, Sungwon Adpia, and Asland—known for fast production of various print sizes—are using DAEHO’s CIP4 system. Overseas, several print facilities in the Americas are also adopting it.
Because DAEHO is an HP SmartStream partner and has incorporated feedback from HP’s U.S. production research data, one American customer who previously operated two shifts for cutting work can now complete all cutting within regular working hours after adopting DAEHO’s CIP4-supported system. This not only increased productivity but also reduced operator intervention and human error. Given that cutting work is both physically demanding and hazardous, many Korean printshops face labor shortages. DAEHO plans to continue enhancing convenience, safety, and production efficiency so that anyone can easily and safely perform cutting tasks using the CIP4-supported system.

 

As digital presses become larger and faster, interest in postpress equipment is also increasing.

In the past, postpress equipment such as cutters was often bundled with offset press purchases. Nowadays, however, companies investing in digital presses carefully evaluate the technical functions of their finishing machines. DAEHO’s CIP4-supported cutting system is integrated into HP’s SmartStream workflow, and we plan to expand cooperation with other major manufacturers such as Fujifilm and Canon in the near future.

 

Beyond paper, in what other fields is your cutting technology being applied?

Earlier this year, we delivered a specialized cutting machine to the Korea Minting and Security Printing Corporation, capable of cutting plastic films used in the production of passports and ID cards rather than paper. Since these plastic films are highly sensitive to scratches, the cutter must detect and trim the material edges with 0.01 mm precision while ensuring smooth and stable transport—tasks that the DAEHO cutter performs reliably.
Additionally, DAEHO cutting technology is being applied to a variety of materials, including large-scale LCD polarizing films produced in Korea and abroad, and multilayer flexible packaging films. We are working to diversify the applications of our cutting technology further. Going forward, DAEHO plans to develop features that automatically compensate for paper expansion during digital printing and continue upgrading our technology through R&D—aiming to expand into markets such as India and Europe.

 

Source: Monthly Printway, July 2024 Issue