Machine knives are some of the unsung heroes of the manufacturing process.

They are silent, dedicated workers that help cut and shape our products from raw material to packaged product.

Without them, all the engineering skill, all the experienced labor, and all the automation in the world would yield a whole mangled heap of unfinished everything.

I’m not sure why the tools and parts that make our processes work don’t get more attention. Maybe they’re not as fun to watch as high-tech robotic automation. Maybe they’re less easy to relate to than a line of skilled workers laboring at a factory.  Maybe both are true, but that doesn’t make knives any less important.

To illustrate my point, here are just five simple things we use every day that without machine knives would be, at the very least, much less convenient.  At the very worst, they’d be impossible to use. (more…)

It goes without saying that innovations in packaging materials and the evolution of packaging as we know it are great things.

We’re evolving with the expectations of a new breed of consumer.  We’re reducing waste, saving cost and resources as we invent, test, and improve new materials; making us leaner, meaner, and greener than before.

But did you ever consider how changes-for-the-better in package materials  can spell changes-for-the-worse when it comes time to cut that material down to size?

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“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 talk to a number of people out there, and visit with others at shows or on the road when we can. We’re unsure, however, how many of you out there are aware of York Saw and Knife’s capabilities to manufacture specialty knives for OEM’s and their end users.

York Saw and Knife can outfit your slitter, scorer, bologna slicer… whatever. Our manufacturing system for producing knives and blades is one of the most flexible in the world, and we can produce premier product prototypes in less time than industry standards.

We also feature no minimum quantity order requirements.

The Challenge: Stump Our Team With Your Cutting Quandry

OEM or end user, we challenge you to stump our customer support team and applications engineers with a blade (that you intend to produce/use). We’re confident we can manufacture any blade you can throw at us (although we’d prefer if you just mailed it or sent drawings).

Our version will be high quality, economical, tough, precision and feature less lead time. If we can’t, well, I don’t know. You’ll win the challenge and I’ll have to send something your way.

In a little over two weeks, York Saw and Knife is hitting Chicago to take part in the 2008 Pack Expo. We’ll be there November 9 – 13. We’re currently finishing our final preparations for the show – crossing t’s and dotting i’s.

Pack is an event devoted to the packaging industry, serving suppliers and buyers of packaging machinery, materials, components and services. This year, the show is held at McCormick Place and co-located with the Process Expo and Converting & Packaging Printing (CPP) Expo.

We’re looking forward to Pack, and the opportunity to visit with past and current customers and vendors, and meet some new people. If you’re attending Pack, Process or CPP, stop by the York Saw and Knife booth (#E-7827) to say “hi” and see our full displays of leading-edge cutting tools.

“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.