Great write up, sir.
I'm in the market for the SC6500 very soon and I've heard that the crease is very weak for packaging and also was told it needs to be laminated or else it cracks. My main use of the machine is for more short run die cut or kiss cut stickers.
Another one of my intended uses would be die cut business cards, postcards and for hangers. Problem is I usually print on 16pt and I know the tolerance is up to about a 14pt. Anyone have experience with just die cutting 16pt with the possibility of gloss or soft touch lamination?
Hi Robohopar,
The SC6500 uses a ball to crease, and is ideal for stock 14pt or below. If you use packaging boards, from Clampitt Papers or other such companies, it is fine, and no cracking. But, if you sue regular card for Business cards this may need laminating as its not ideal for packaging materials so make sure you buy the right stocks.
However, if you want a better crease they released a new model to the range for those that wanted a stronger crease.
The SC7000 is available from Intec, Morgana OR Plockmatic. Essentially the are the same machine, and use a creasing wheel for the crease with inexcess of 5lbs of pressure.
This additional pressure and the use of a wheel creates a deeper crease.
The SC6500 is not discontinued, it is best for labels and lighter card (<14pt).
The SC7000 expands the range, has larger feed rollers for more grip, better control of heavier sheets and a larger tool carriage that includes a FULL tangential creasing wheel (And additional motor that picks up the wheel and turns it automously). Speaking of thickness, the SC7000 will be suitable for up to 18pt. I think
@jwheeler is right, you really need to move to a full Flatbed if you want 24pt. (Think FB9000 or FB9500 from Intec/Morgana)
The list price on the SC6500 from most dealers (without shipping or any installation depending on your needs) is circa $10,999 (but depends on the dealer and what they include)
The SC7000 is $13,999 (currently).
If you wanted one at those prices, you should reach out to the dealer in your area quickly as the Tariffs will force price increases in April (from what I understand) and you may see up to 20% increase in prices as today the main part of the mechanical elements are made in China. The Electronics, wiring and controllers are from the UK, and the ColorCut software is actually written by Intec's programming team based out of Tampa Florida (SO HOME GROWN USA !). The software as such is super easy to use and works well for the US market and is fully up to date with the latest versions of Illustrator (infact all versions since CS4 through EVERY version to Illustrator 2025).
By the way, not sure which automated flatbed option you were looking at...
.. The FB9000 is available at circa $22,000 with some promotions available as they (Intec/Morgana) look to bring in their new model (the FB9500) which has a very sexy...unique (Patented in the USA) system which will scan the rear of the sheet while loading and enable a wider range of heavier stocks to crease and cut super accurately. The FB9500 are likely to land at circa $27,000.
I suspect if you were happy with the FB9000, you could get a deal around $20,000 plus delivery as they clear the models through.