Cutting & Stacking Center
Customers use the Cutting & Stacking Center from DIEFFENBACHER, for example, to automate a preforming system for prepregs or dry fabrics, or to feed an SMC or wet molding cell. The Cutting & Stacking Centers can automate all process steps—from cutting single layers, stacking, optionally fixing the layers, conducting various quality checks, and handing over the stack to the next process step.
How does an automated Cutting & Stacking Center work?
A Cutting & Stacking Center consists of one or more cutting machines of the “AutoCut” model, arranged as space-efficiently as possible, e.g., in two opposite rows. A robot moves along a travel axis between the cutting units to pick up the cut layers and place them on a stack plate located on a separate table, building them into a stack or a specific lay-up pattern. Various additional functions—such as camera inspection of layers, local fixation to prevent slipping during transport, and stack marking via QR code—can be integrated.
“One Material One Cutter” Concept
If a stack consists of different materials, each material is processed on its own cutting unit, allowing other systems to continue operating while one is being set up. This concept shortens cycle time, increases cleanliness and process stability, and ensures consistently high quality. Additionally, the AutoCut offers features such as semi-automatic material feeding, intelligent unwinding, and measurement of material position and consumption—all contributing to cycle-time-optimized and resource-efficient production.
To achieve a clean cut, the optimal cutting technology—such as polygon, circular, or ultrasonic blades—is selected depending on the material. A quick-change head allows the entire cutting tool to be swapped easily and quickly. This minimizes setup time and increases equipment availability. Whether switching cutting technologies or replacing a worn blade, the entire blade head is exchanged. The blade itself is replaced outside the system while production continues.
Your benefits
Safe processing of different materials into one stack in a single system
Simultaneous production of cuts for multiple components
Optimized material utilization through adaptive nesting
Optimized cycle time and significantly higher output due to parallel processes and integrated production planning
Maximum reproducibility through automated processes
Flexible gripper system and different gripper types (needle, finger, vacuum) for processing different component sizes and materials
Quality control via camera systems and traceability via QR code
