Adjustable Anvil Rolls: Is it Time to Make the Switch?

When they were first introduced, adjustable anvil rolls brought game-changing innovation to the converting process. Today’s adjustable anvil rolls are tremendously more advanced, including features such as digital controls and the ability to adjust each side of the anvil independently. 

It’s true—the cutting-edge technology of adjustable anvils comes with a higher price tag. Traditional anvil rolls have been working in the converting process for nearly a century, so why bother investing in adjustable? 

There are three key benefits that adjustable anvil technology can have on your business, and here’s what to look for when selecting the right product for you.

Benefit #1: Extend Die Life

Die blades become dull over time as part of normal wear and tear. An adjustable anvil can provide the edge needed to continue making quality cuts despite minor dullness in the die blade. Adjusting the cutting depth in small increments (as little as one micron) will allow you to extend the amount of time the die can run and potentially complete the job before sending it for resharpening.

Benefit #2: Compensate for Variations in Liner Thickness

Stock availability continues to fluctuate due to material supply chain disruption, so suppliers may offer substitutions to other comparable materials in order to fulfill your request. An adjustable anvil can make this an easy switch by allowing you to adjust the cutting depth of the die for this alternate stock instead of having to order a new die. If a new material has some variance in the caliper of the liner, the Wilson adjustable anvil can help you compensate for that by varying the cutting depth across the full width of the anvil or one side or the other as needed. Our adjustable anvils have a wide range of adjustment, 1–100 microns, allowing you to transition to a multitude of different material combinations and keep your press rolling to meet customer demand.

Benefit #3: Adapt to New Material Requirements

With an adjustable anvil, you can use one die for different materials and get more out of your tooling library. Having the ability to adjust the cutting depth while running gives you the power to dial in to the perfect liner impression or even change to material with a different liner without pausing production to swap out your tooling.

Choosing the Right Adjustable Anvil

Quality, ease of use, and precision control are important factors when considering investing in adjustable anvil technology. 

The hardness of an anvil relates directly to durability, so the method of heat treatment matters when it comes to preserving tool life. Anvils are typically either case hardened or fully hardened. Case hardening creates a hard outer layer while leaving the core softer and more ductile, whereas a fully hardened anvil is hard throughout the entire structure. While case hardening may be desirable for some tooling applications, a fully hardened steel anvil will offer the best die-cutting results and the longest life. 

Digital controls and the ability to save job settings for your adjustable anvils allow for full repeatability, reduced setup time, and a reduction in the risk of errors. Wilson adjustable anvils have always been paired with a digital readout interface and advanced programming to make it user-friendly for operators.

Precision control allows you to refine your results and produce the perfect cut for your customer every time. The ability to make a wide range of minute adjustments while running allows you the flexibility to dial in your results with confidence.

Ready to Make the Switch?

If you’re ready to invest in adjustable anvil technology, Wilson has the top-of-the-line solution for you. Connect with a Wilson representative today to get started!