C&T Matrix and Sprint Finishing partner to drive die making efficiency with the first UK Adewo x1EPro installation

Print Solutions

&T Matrix (C&T) has reinforced its commitment to supporting the die making and print finishing industries by successfully installing the first Adewo x1EPro rule processor in the UK, delivered in partnership with Sprint Finishing in Leeds.

Sprint Finishing is a well respected print company offering a comprehensive range of services, including full design, print, and finishing management supported by its own in-house forme making department, which produces all its die formes for both their manual and automatic die cutting machines.  

Traditionally, the department has operated using laser cut die boards, which are then fitted with steel rule and rubbering to create finished formes. The team also utilised a basic Easybender machine capable of cutting, lipping, bridging/notching and bending rule. However, as production volumes increased and turnaround times became more demanding, it became clear that a more advanced solution was required.

Working closely with C&T, Sprint Finishing undertook a review of its forme making process to identify opportunities for improvement. C&T provided guidance on the latest technologies available and advised on the most suitable solution to enhance productivity while maintaining flexibility. Following this consultation, the Adewo x1EPro rule processor was selected as the ideal addition to their operation.

As the first installation of its kind for the supplier in the UK, the project marked an important milestone for both companies, who were keen to adopt a new approach to their production capabilities.

C&T supported from initial consultation and specification through to installation and commissioning.

The Adewo x1EPro is designed for straightforward integration, requiring only a low energy single phase power supply, six to eight bar compressed air and a network connection to process DXF/DWG files. This ensured a smooth installation, enabling Sprint to bring the system into production quickly.

Training and ongoing support also played a key role in ensuring that Sprint’s team could maximise the machine’s capabilities from the outset. This collaborative approach helped ensure a seamless transition into an enhanced workflow.

The Adewo x1EPro has since delivered significant operational benefits. One of its key advantages is the ability to produce straight rule components quickly and efficiently, while Sprint’s existing bending equipment continues to manufacture shaped rule sections. This parallel workflow eliminates the need to frequently change rule coils between cut and crease operations, reducing downtime and increasing overall efficiency.

As a result, the time required to prepare and complete die forms has been reduced, enabling a higher volume of formes to be produced each day.

Flexibility has also been greatly improved. The X1EPro is equipped with tooling for perforating and cut crease rule production, allowing Sprint to respond immediately to varying customer specifications. Previously, these requirements often meant ordering specialist rule from third party suppliers, involving lead times of two to three weeks, minimum order quantities and additional cost.

With the new machine, Sprint can now produce these rule types in-house, on demand. The system can manufacture a wide range of perforation patterns, with a minimum gap of just 1 mm, ensuring that specific customer requirements can be met quickly.

The machine’s multi-coil holder, which can accommodate up to seven different rule types, enables fast changeovers and reduces setup time. This enables operators to quickly change job requirements.

The Adewo x1EPro can process 2pt, 3pt and 4pt rule across a range of heights up to 60 mm. It can also produce cut, lip, bridge/notch, perforating, cut crease and stripping rule components.

To support efficient handling, the system is supplied with both a standard flat tray collector and an automatic tray collection system, allowing rule lengths to be separated and organised with minimal manual intervention.

Steve Bell, managing director of Sprint Finishing, commented: ‘The addition of the Adewo x1EPro has made a significant difference to our forme making operation. We are now able to produce more formes, more quickly, and with far greater flexibility. The ability to manufacture perforating and cut crease rule in-house has reduced our reliance on external suppliers and given us much better control over lead times and costs. It has genuinely improved both our efficiency and our responsiveness to customer needs.’

Steve Fear, C&T Matrix, added: ‘Working with Sprint has been a great example of how the right technology, combined with the right support, can deliver real operational improvements. From the initial discussions through to installation and training, our focus was on ensuring the solution truly met its needs. We are proud to have delivered our first Adewo x1EPro installation in the UK and to support Sprint.’