Below, we will examine the basic differences between the three Zimmer Microperforating rules and the applications each might best be suited for. These rules are; Invisible, Invisible II and MicroMax. I. The Invisible line of rules is the original collection of Zimmer microperforating rules, introduced well limited depths due to the special way they are manufactured. They were originally designed to perforate single sheets or other thin applications, though certain thicker applications are sometimes achievable too. The thickness that can be converted is directly related to the fineness or coarseness of the tooth pattern in question. In other words, the finer or more teeth per inch, the thinner the application the rule can effectively handle. For examples, a 50 TPI Invisible rule would not usually be recommended for use on applications thicker than .010” while a 30 TPI Invisible rule would often be effective on applications up to .016” thick. When an application may be too “thick” for the use of a particular Invisible rule, the probable result of using such a rule would be that the rule might cut fully through the stock, rather than perforating it. While this rule has been available for many years, it still has its ideal uses and potential advantages. Among these are; its effectiveness on many thin or single sheet applications, its availability in coils, and its relatively lower price. II Invisible II microperforating rule is the recent result of Zimmer’s ongoing efforts to produce more effective steel rules. Drawing on the positive aspects of its predecessor, the original Invisible rule, the Invisible II line is made in a new manner that produces a squarer, deeper tooth, employs a more bendable base material, is also available in coils, and is potentially more economical, especially in volume. The advantages of this product line to the forms, label and printing industries are primarily its effective uses on thicker materials than with the original rule and a lower price. For the diemaking and converting industries, this product not only allows perforating of thicker materials, it vastly improves bending characteristics and is perfectly suited for use in automatic rule processors. III MicroMax is Zimmer’s premier line of microperforating rules. It is made by EDM (Electric Discharge Manufacturing) equipment, which explains its higher price and why it is only available in strips-not coils. The teeth of this rule are made to a standard depth of .020” and are almost perfectly square. This rule is ideal for thicker, multi-part or mutli-ply applications. It is most often produced in a very hard temper and therefore, is not easily bendable. However, it can be specially ordered in lower tempers for applications requiring bending. It may also be special ordered in deeper depths than the .020” standard for applications on especially thick materials. |
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