Full Circle

The through-hardening process, which can take up to several days, is a lengthy but necessary step that cost printers valuable lead time. While through-hardened steel has performed admirably, new processes that reduce the treating process from days to just hours, while still providing adequate revolutions, are here, says Potraz. At RotoMetrics, one of the most recognized diemakers in the world, a proprietary heat treating process—not some exotic plating or coating—is what gives its dies a reputation for staying sharp longer, says Steve Lee, vice president. Other diemakers, like David K. Hart in Rosemont, PA, mentions the advent of laser hardening of blade edges as an option to consider.