Having started with a small laser and rule bending machines, Artize Die Makerscommenced its business in the year 2011 in New Delhi for producing laser dies, paper cutting dies, wooden dies, bakelite dies and screen guard dies. It also made flat-bed dies for labels, cartons and blister packs; male and female stripping dies and online embossing dies.
In mid-November 2015, Artize finished installing a laser cutting machine from Cutlite Penta of Italy supplied by Delhi-based AS Print Aids. Mukul Luthra, managing director of Artize Die Makers says, “We invested in a laser cutting system since we believe this is the fastest and best way to grow. In terms of our customer’s needs this is a machine that will provide the best and most consistent quality dies which should help them in their business.”
This new machine is part of a bigger plan to expand the company’s operations and volumes. Artize recently bought a semi-ready 13,000 square feet space in the Kundli industrial area. Luthra explains, “Initially, we had not decided to get this space so soon but this new laser cutting machine arrived earlier than expected and we had to rush and get this space. Although still partially under construction the new laser diemaker is the first machine to be installed. It is nevertheless in full production and with built up space of 18,000 square feet, we are one of the bigger die-makers in the country.”
The machine is performing to expectation, says Luthra. He says, “I have been to the factories of the top diemaking machines and performed the same tests at all of them. Although all the machines more or less performed well, I decided on this machine because of its power, accuracy and lower gas consumption. There was the cost element as always but the clinching factor was the association of AS Print Aids with whom I have been associated for several years and they have been a great help. Further, this machine was readily available which reduced my waiting period by a huge margin. This machine has a bed size of 1.5 metre x 2.5 metre and the latest third generation 2 KW Rofin generator. With a stable beam and an engraver that can write even text, this is one of a kind of machine. I would claim this machine to be the finest and fastest in preparing die boards for the insertion of cutting, creasing and perforation rules in its class in India at the moment.”
Mukul Luthra is an enthusiastic first generation die-maker still keen to learn more about the craft and technology of his trade. Arun Gandhi of AS Print Aids says, “Mukul has shown a lot of passion and energy in his business. He has travelled to Italy and the US to learn more about diemaking and to hone his skills. In fact, he has attended the International Association of Diecutting & Diemaking (IADD) shows in the US to enhance his technical knowledge about the diemaking business.”
Luthra adds, “Automation in die manufacturing is a new thing for the Indian market so awareness is less. Earlier printers or converters had to rubberize the dies themselves
but we are the first and only die manufacturer in India who are providing pre-rubberized dies for our customers. This reduces a lot of time and effort of our customers and increases the life span of a die.” Gandhi adds, “This is more like having good tyres in your car. Unless the tyres are good, the car will not be able to perform to its best.”
At the moment, Artize is supplying to converters with autoplaten diecutters as well as the traditional clam-shell converters. Carton manufacturers as well as label printers are its customers. With the plant in Kundli, Artize will be able to supply high quality dies to all of Northern India. “With this machine and facility in place we expect to expand our volumes – at least to double in a year. The amount of business that laser diemaking can generate is beyond calculation at the moment as the technology is new and there are only a few suppliers at the moment. The cost increase for high quality precision dies is marginal and would hardly trouble quality carton converters. I am confident that this new technology will help me to meet the demands and needs of my customers in the most qualitative and efficient way,” Luthra concludes.
