Cutting, Stripping, and Blanking

Only available as part of a package

The Cutting Series provides a comprehensive look into the various cutting techniques and processes used in packaging production. From platen cutting to digital die-cutting, this series covers the essential methods that contribute to efficient and high-quality packaging. It is aimed at professionals involved in manufacturing, production, and tooling, offering both foundational and advanced knowledge to optimize cutting operations.

Harold Leete

North America Director of Sales, Folding Carton Division

BOBST

Harold Leete is an accomplished sales executive with over 25 years of experience in the printing and packaging industry. Currently serving as the North America Director of Sales for the Folding Carton division at BOBST, Harold leads a team of Regional Sales Managers and oversees national accounts for companies with multiple manufacturing locations across North America. Before this role, he spent nearly 11 years at HP Inc., where he held various positions, including HP Indigo Sales Account Manager and Business Development Manager for Industrial Print.

Harold’s career also includes significant experience as a Regional Sales Manager at BOBST and sales roles at Heidelberg and Bottcher America Corp. His expertise spans folding cartons, digital printing, print on demand, offset printing, and packaging. Earlier in his career, Harold served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army, where he completed several leadership courses and earned the distinction of Honor Graduate in the Basic Non-Commissioned Officer Course.

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10.1 Cutting Overview - Learning Objectives
In this session, students will be introduced to the fundamentals and history of platen die cutting in the folding carton industry. They will explore the components of the die cutting process, the evolution of equipment, and key terminology used in the field.
You must register to access.
10.1 Cutting Overview - Video Lesson
Open to view video.  |  5 minutes
Open to view video.  |  5 minutes
You must register to access.
10.1 Cutting Overview - Assessment
5 Questions  |  Unlimited attempts  |  8/10 points to pass
5 Questions  |  Unlimited attempts  |  8/10 points to pass
You must register to access.
10.2 Feeder and Feed Table - Learning Objectives
This lesson focuses on the feeder and feed table components, which are critical to the platen cutting process. Students will understand the functionality of the non-stop feeder and suction feeder system in die cutters, the functionality and importance of the side guide in die cutters and be able to explain the importance of single-sheet registration and analyze sheet detection systems in die cutters.
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10.2 Feeder and Feed Table - Video Lesson
Open to view video.  |  3 minutes
Open to view video.  |  3 minutes
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10.2 Feeder and Feed Table - Assessment
4 Questions  |  Unlimited attempts  |  8/11 points to pass
4 Questions  |  Unlimited attempts  |  8/11 points to pass
You must register to access.
10.3 Platen Cutting - Learning Objectives
In this lesson, students dive deeper into the mechanics of platen cutting itself. This lesson covers the basic components and principles of the platen die cutting process, including the roles of the feeder, platen section, stripping station, and blanking station, as well as how each component contributes to the overall process. Students will also explore the historical evolution of automatic platen die cutters, including the key innovations from the original automatic platen die cutter to the advancements in stripping and blanking.
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10.3 Platen Cutting - Video Lesson
Open to view video.  |  4 minutes
Open to view video.  |  4 minutes
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10.3 Platen Cutting - Assessment
5 Questions  |  Unlimited attempts  |  8/11 points to pass
5 Questions  |  Unlimited attempts  |  8/11 points to pass
You must register to access.
10.4 Stripping and Blanking - Learning Objectives
Students will explore key historical advancements in the die-cutting process, with a focus on the evolution of stripping and blanking techniques from the 1950s and 1960s, their components, and their ongoing impact on labor efficiency in today's industry. By the end of the course, you will be able to identify the critical tools and functions involved in both stripping and blanking and analyze when to apply blanking versus hand removal based on production needs.
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10.4 Stripping and Blanking - Video Lesson
Open to view video.  |  6 minutes
Open to view video.  |  6 minutes
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10.4 Stripping and Blanking - Assessment
6 Questions  |  Unlimited attempts  |  8/9 points to pass
6 Questions  |  Unlimited attempts  |  8/9 points to pass
You must register to access.
10.5 Air Hammer Stripping - Learning Objectives
This lesson introduces air hammer stripping, explaining how it differs from machine stripping, why it is used for short or complex production runs, and the labor, noise, and waste challenges associated with this manual process.
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10.5 Air Hammer Stripping - Video Lesson
Open to view video.  |  2 minutes
Open to view video.  |  2 minutes
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10.5 Air Hammer Stripping - Assessment
3 Questions  |  Unlimited attempts  |  4/5 points to pass
3 Questions  |  Unlimited attempts  |  4/5 points to pass
You must register to access.
10.6 Delivery - Learning Objectives
Leaners will be able to identify and explain the functions and operations of the stripping delivery system and the blanking delivery system, highlighting how each system manages the transportation and handling of products in the die cutting process. They will also be able to outline the operational steps of a blanking die cutter, including sheet feeding, registration, die cutting, and palletizing, and evaluate how these steps contribute to efficiency and product quality.
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10.6 Delivery - Video Lesson
Open to view video.  |  4 minutes
Open to view video.  |  4 minutes
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10.6 Delivery - Assessment
3 Questions  |  Unlimited attempts  |  5/7 points to pass
3 Questions  |  Unlimited attempts  |  5/7 points to pass
You must register to access.
10.7 Value Added Processes (Embossing, Debossing, Hot Foil Stamping) - Learning Objectives
Learners will be able to distinguish between embossing and debossing, identify the materials used, and explain their application in the folding carton industry. Additionally, students will be able to identify the components and processes involved in hot foil stamping; as well as explain the role of materials, required equipment (platen section, mylar backing, etc.), and key factors like heat, pressure, and dwell time in hot foil stamping.
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10.7 Value Added Processes (Embossing, Debossing, Hot Foil Stamping) - Video Lesson
Open to view video.  |  6 minutes
Open to view video.  |  6 minutes
You must register to access.
10.7 Value Added Processes (Embossing, Debossing, Hot Foil Stamping) - Assessment
4 Questions  |  Unlimited attempts  |  7/9 points to pass
4 Questions  |  Unlimited attempts  |  7/9 points to pass
You must register to access.
10.8 Rotary Die Cutting - Learning Objectives
This module explains rotary die cutting and how it differs from flatbed systems, highlighting its continuous operation, key components, and suitability for high-speed, long-run packaging production. Learners will also understand how stripping and blanking function within rotary setups to produce finished cartons.
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10.8 Rotary Die Cutting - Video Lesson
Open to view video.  |  7 minutes
Open to view video.  |  7 minutes
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10.8 Rotary Die Cutting - Assessment
5 Questions  |  Unlimited attempts  |  8/11 points to pass
5 Questions  |  Unlimited attempts  |  8/11 points to pass
You must register to access.