Custom Die Block & Roll Handling Solution for Printing Machinery

Safe, Efficient Die Block Handling with the Packline Compac MK5.1 Lifter

Bespoke Material Handling Solution for Heavy Die Changes and Roll Loading

At Packline, we specialise in designing bespoke lifting and handling solutions for complex manufacturing environments. When a customer in the printing and converting industry required a safe and efficient method for changing heavy dies and loading material rolls within confined machine access areas, our engineering team developed a tailored solution using the Packline ‘Compac’ MK5.1 lifter combined with custom attachments.

This project demonstrates Packline’s expertise in solving challenging industrial lifting applications involving restricted access, heavy tooling, and operator safety.

 

The Customer Challenge

The customer required a versatile lifting system capable of handling three key operational tasks on their production machinery:

  1. Die Change Operations at Two Machine Positions

The customer needed to safely remove and install die blocks weighing up to 250kg at two separate positions on the machine.

Key challenges included:

  • Restricted access between machine frames with only 560mm clearance
  • Die offset positioning creating limited lifting access
  • A machine guard obstructing one side of the lifting area
  • The die needing to clear a side plate height of 1.6 metres
  • Long tooling dimensions:
    • 950mm die length
    • 555mm reach from die centre to machine frame edge

The customer required a lifting solution that could safely manoeuvre heavy tooling within these confined spaces while ensuring quick and ergonomic die changes.

 

  1. Welding Die Handling from Below the Machine

A second challenge involved changing welding dies that had to be installed and supported from underneath the machine.

Requirements included:

  • Supporting dies from below using a platform arrangement
  • Lifting tooling up into position within:
    • 750mm headroom below the side plate
    • Additional 250mm lift once positioned
  • Maintaining stability while handling 250kg dies

This application required a bespoke lifting attachment capable of securely supporting tooling during installation and removal.

 

  1. Material Roll Loading & Waste Roll Removal

The customer also wanted to use the same lifting system for loading material rolls and removing waste rolls at varying heights.

Roll specifications:

  • 90kg rolls
  • 400mm diameter x 600mm length

Roll positions included:

  • Two positions at 535mm height
  • One elevated position at 1720mm height

Again, machine access restrictions created additional handling complexity.

 

The Packline Solution

After reviewing the application in detail, Packline proposed a customised handling solution based around the:

Packline Compac MK5.1 C300 Lifter

The solution included:

  • Electric lift operation
  • Manual propulsion
  • Modified leg width configuration
  • Extended leg length for improved reach and stability
  • Custom attachments for both suspended and platform-based lifting

The system was specifically engineered to provide safe, controlled handling of heavy dies and material rolls while operating within the customer’s restricted machine access zones.

 

Custom Die Block Lifting Configuration

For the upper die handling positions, Packline supplied:

850mm Spindle Boom Assembly

Combined with:

  • Two adjustable die blocks
  • Sliding adjustment along the boom length
  • Lockable positioning for different tooling sizes

The tooling was lifted using:

  • A set of 4 lifting chains with carabiners
  • Suspended from a single spindle attachment
  • Designed for secure lifting and precise positioning

This configuration enabled operators to safely remove and install heavy dies from above the machine while overcoming the restricted access caused by guards and machine framework.

 

Bespoke Platform Attachment for Underneath Loading

To solve the below-machine lifting requirement, Packline designed a special platform attachment based on a modified version of an existing Packline solution.

Platform Specifications

  • 400mm wide x 1100mm long
  • 70kg SWL
  • Designed to support die blocks from underneath the machine
  • Enables safe lifting for cleaning, maintenance, and installation

The platform attachment allows the die block to be securely supported during lifting operations, significantly reducing manual handling risks and improving operator safety.

 

Multi-Purpose Roll Handling Capability

The same Compac MK5.1 lifter was also configured to handle material rolls and waste rolls throughout the production area.

Benefits included:

  • Safe loading at low and elevated positions
  • Reduced operator strain
  • Improved changeover efficiency
  • One versatile lifting solution for multiple production tasks

 

Key Benefits Delivered

Improved Operator Safety

The bespoke lifting solution minimised manual handling risks associated with heavy die and roll changes.

Increased Changeover Efficiency

Quick and controlled lifting operations helped reduce downtime during tooling and material changeovers.

Bespoke Engineering Solution

Packline adapted standard lifting equipment with custom modifications to meet the customer’s exact operational requirements.

Versatile Multi-Function Equipment

One lifting system now supports:

  • Die changes
  • Welding die installation
  • Tool cleaning
  • Roll loading and unloading

 

Why Choose Packline?

Packline designs and manufactures innovative lifting and handling equipment for a wide range of industries including:

  • Printing
  • Packaging
  • Food manufacturing
  • Pharmaceutical
  • Engineering
  • Automotive

Our bespoke handling solutions are engineered to improve safety, productivity, and operational efficiency in demanding industrial environments.

From stainless steel lifters to custom tooling attachments, Packline delivers tailored solutions for complex lifting applications.

 

Looking for a Bespoke Lifting Solution?

If your production process involves difficult manual handling tasks, restricted access machinery, or heavy tooling changes, Packline can help.

Learn more about our Bespoke Roll Lifting and Handling Equipment or Die Block Handling solutions, or Contact our engineering team to discuss your application.

 

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