Chases and Die Holders

A ‘chase’ is the part of a hot stamping press that holds the die during the stamping process.  It is also known as a die holder.

SNAP CHASES

Every Malahide press is shipped with at least 1 Snap Chase.  A proprietary chase design, Snap Chases are available in 4 widths: 1, 2, 3 or 4 inches wide.  Snap Chases work by clamping a spring-loaded side-bar against an 11 point die.  The advantages of the Snap Chase design are:

• Un-mounted die plates are less expensive than mounted dies
• Quick and easy to load and unload
• Warms-up quickly
• Several die plates can be combined in one chase and printed simultaneously

BOX CHASE

The Box Chase is used for type-high mounted dies, type, Ludlow and Linotype.

Box Chase

LOCKING QUOINS

Quoins are used to lock mounted dies and type into a box chase.  An old-style trade technique, quoins speed and simplify repetitive die setups.  The quoin has a ratchet mechanism inside that causes it to expand when turned by the key tool.  When arranged in a box chase with mounted dies and furniture, the quoin is used to lock everything in place.

Quoins can be purchased from : Bar Plate

LUDLOW LINE CHASE

Clients who use Ludlow line type will appreciate our Ludlow line chase.  Ludlow slugs are simply pushed into the chase, where they are automatically clamped by spring-loaded ball-bearings.  Remove by pulling them out ~ no tools needed!

Ludlow Line Chase

X/Y CHASE FOR CARD MACHINES

The E4-CC , E4-PC and E4-NB  employ their own X / Y Chase system.  As shown below, the X / Y chase allows the operator to move the die holder : up and down, side-to-side + rotate.  Dies for the X / Y Chase are typically affixed with screws.

X/Y Chase

LEGACY DIE SYSTEMS

Clients with existing hot stamping operations frequently have libraries of dies suited to other die making techniques.  Whatever standardized system you use now, Malahide has a way to tailor our machines to work with your existing dies.  Assuming your process was efficient, our goal will be to provide options on our machine to preserve your die investments.

ARTWORK FOR SNAP CHASES AND DIE HOLDERS

Snap Chases are available in 4 widths: 1, 2, 3 or 4 inches wide.  The key to diemaking for snap chases is to ensure that your die is cut to the same width as the snap chase you will be using.

For example : if you have a 2″ Snap Chase, your die needs to be trimmed to 2″ wide.  The die can be cut slightly oversize, however it cannot be undercut as this will defeat the chase’s ability to clamp the die in place.  It is therefore critical to give your diemaker clear directions as to where to cut the die.

In the example below, cut marks are clearly shown at the four corners of the die (the cut marks look like ” + ” signs).  The artwork being printed must fall within these cut lines.  Note that snap chases can be up to 10″ long, however not every die needs to be full length.  If your artwork is for example 5″ long, then the die only needs to be 2″ wide (for the 2″ snap chase) x 5″ long (artwork length). The minimum width for any snap die is 1.5″

Snap Chase & Die Holder Artwork Example