Press start-up guide

Press start-up guide for rotary die cutting

A quick start-up guide for checking bearers, anvil condition, kiss-cut settings, liners, adhesives, and slug-removal systems before the first roll hits the die station.

Set the mechanical baseline

  • Confirm the die, anvil, gear, and cylinder match the job paperwork.
  • Inspect anvil surface, journals, bearings, and bearers for damage or contamination.
  • Verify TIR and shim packs where the job requires documented setup control.

Bring pressure up deliberately

  • Use documented pressure recommendations from the prior run or inspection report.
  • Make small pressure moves and inspect the liner before committing to speed.
  • Avoid compensating for dirty anvils or adhesive build-up with excess pressure.

Confirm release and waste handling

  • Check that pulse air, standard air, stripping pins, spring plungers, or vacuum transfer match the dieline.
  • Watch for hanging slugs before ramping to full production speed.
  • Document the final pressure, speed, liner, adhesive, and slug-removal notes for repeat orders.

Need help applying this?

Midway engineering can review your dieline, material stack, press data, and prior inspection history.

Review slug-removal options