“Deciding whether or not to implement a PM program for your slitter or splicer is really simple: Do you want quality or not?” …packageprinting.com

There is a great article over on Package Printing on the importance of keeping your slitters & splicers optimized and safe. Actually, slitters and splicers are the subject of example – the writeup is an excellent overview of preventative maintenance programs anyone running machines should consider.

On top of talking about the why and how of implementing an effective program (including the “where” of hiring professional help) – The article makes good mention about machine knives, and how their wear time varies between applications.  On that note, I don’t think I could have said it better myself. (more…)

The following is a reprinted article from our March 2010 E-Newsletter.
To get your free copy, click here.

Tell us your thoughts on flexible packaging

Back in January we wrote about the main packaging trends to watch for 2010.  Included in that list was a prediction for the growth of flexible packaging across various industries.

Here at YSK we’ve seen a steady increase in demand for cutoff knives to fit Form Fill Seal machines used in flexible packaging. And, with almost a quarter of the year behind us, we’ve also noticed growing attention to this market in other media: be it in press releases, industry studies, blog posts, and other “expert opinions.”

So We Want to Know: How’s the outlook from where you stand?

Please take our easy 5-question survey about flexible packaging to weigh in your thoughts on one of the most-talked about industry trends. We’ll post the results in a follow-up next month.

We talked about this before, but thought it was important to expand on how we provide end users and OEM’s the same level of service and quality with every knife and saw me make.

After over a century in the cutting business, all we can say is: we get it.

As an OEM, you want a reliable solution that’s cost-effective, quick to turn around, and consistent.  We can work with your engineering team to design the best cutting edge for your specific application.

As an end user, you want the most economical solution to your knife needs without having to go back to your machine’s OEM. Maybe they’re overseas and hard to contact. Maybe their costs are too high or their lead times too long.  As long as we don’t already have a working relationship with your machine’s OEM, we are more than happy to assist you with your machine knife requirements.

No Matter Your Role – Count on YSK to Deliver the Best Knife Every Time:

• Financial Savings – Time and time again we have saved manufacturers and end users money over knives sourced from overseas suppliers.
• Time Savings – It is not uncommon for our lead times on knife fabrication to be 50 – 70% quicker than those of other suppliers.
• No Minimum Order. Need I say more?
• Free Test Cutting – Haven’t you met Ol’ Cutty yet? Anyway, we provide free test cutting services as part of helping you on your way to the optimal cutting edge.
• 106 Years of American Made Quality and  Knife Expertise
• ….oh. And We’re Fearless – Think your processing knife is a challenge to duplicate? Go on. Send it over. If we can handle shark teeth, we can handle anything!

Food Processing to Form Fill Seal, whatever your application, we’d love to work with you to design and produce a knife with the ultimate cutting edge.

Interested? Give us a call today.

Over the past month, we’ve seen various organizations publish their views and predictions for packaging and the packaging industry coming up in 2010. While everyone seems to have their own take on the subject, we discovered a number of common threads running throughout the various articles, posts, and press releases we’ve reviewed.  The following are the 5 strongest points we’ve discovered, and the effects these trends could have on the industry and consumers as a whole: (more…)

We wanted to share the video of YSK’s free, in-house test cutting machine (ol’ Cutty) in action…

This instance is from our involvement on the University of Illinois student’s senior design project. We utilized knife (E) from the picture in the previous post. It made a clean cut with the lowest cut forces.

As you can see…

YSK offers free, in-house test cutting and perforating of flexible films utilizing a plunge cut with a straight, serrated edge blade.

If you are interested in using YSK’s test cutting capabilities, email York Saw & Knife and we’ll get you on the right track.

Many customers in the packaging and converting business are exploring new types of plastics and polymer materials and experiencing difficulty in using their existing knives to cut these new, progressive materials. York Saw & Knife has developed a test cutting machine to help design engineers and plant personnel solve their cutting problems. The machine is designed to test rectangular or straight knives.

It is an easy 3 step process

1] Call one of our sales engineers at 800-233-1969 and discuss your particular application, what you are trying to achieve or type of problem you are trying to solve. We need to know what type of cut edge geometry in your material is acceptable for your application like a straight cut,”V” shape on the cut edge commonly found on candy bar wrappers, potato chip bags, etc. – or a wavy edge.

2] Send us a sample of your material either by shipping it to us @ York Saw & Knife, 295 Emig Road, Emigsville, PA 17318 or by mail to: York Saw & Knife. P.O. Box 733, York, PA 17405

3] We will test cut your material using different cutting edge geometry’s and tooth designs. V-teeth, scalloped edge, and beveled edged configurations all can be tested. We will return your sample test cuts to you and inform you which knife configurations used the least amount of force to cut your material.

Our test cutting service is free of charge and an excellent way for you to narrow down the optimum cutting edge for your particular application.

“Rubes (R) cartoon used with permission.”

Leigh Rubin points out just how complicated our lives could be in a world without perforations. Fortunately for all of us there is York Saw and Knife who can design and manufacture just about any type, size, or shape of perforating knife you may require for your particular application. For over 100 years YSK has been the leader in the design, manufacturing, and application of machine knives for all types of applications from Food Processing, Packaging, Foil, Film, Plastics…you name it we’ve been there and have had experience in it. Get in contact with us for your special application and how we can help you clean up your mess.