Uniform rule begins with careful raw material selection. And the unique partnerships we have had over the years with our materials sources have allowed us to participate directly in the development of strict quality parameters for producing this raw material. We make sure that the ductility, strength and wear life of all our materials conform to the most strict quality control standards in the industry. And we hire independent metallurgy labs to confirm our analyses. We take our product seriously and this pride has given Helmold a long-standing reputation for reliable quality.

Our excellent quality testing and documentation program includes statistical process control (SPC) checks for ductility, hardness, edge straightness, cross camber, flatness, lack of “dishing” or “concavity,” bevel edge fidelity and accurate height dimensions. Rule height is controlled and examined via a fully automatic laser gauging machine. All of these procedures ensure the finest steel rule materials available in the world.

Choosing an Edge Finish

We offer two main types of edge finishes: ground and shaved. Helmold is the only company in the world to offer both finishes across our entire product line. Both ground and shaved offer application benefits. The results depend upon the application or the material your rule is cutting.

Grinding produces an edge with microscopic “serrations” that aid in the cutting performance of vinyls, labels and most other non-fibrous materials.

Shaving produces an edge with a polished finish that aids in the cutting of most fibrous materials such as carton and corrugated stocks. It reduces “dusting” on these die cut materials and is also effective in recycled materials.

Choosing a Bevel

Today there are many more styles of bevels available than there were in the early days of rule. We still offer a standard Helmold bevel of 60°, but our new 2 pt. shaved edge rule with a more acute angle of 50° or 40° (available in center face and center face long bevel style) requires less pressure when diecutting.

We offer the following styles:

• center face bevel which is located in the center of the rule thickness;

• side face bevel which is located close to one side (usually 0.005” to 0.008” from one side of the rule, but also available for limited application with the bevel 0.003” to 0.005” from one side of the rule);

• center face long bevel which is used to help minimize press pressure when cutting thick material;

• side face long bevel also used to minimize press pressure when cutting thick material, this bevel creates a cleaner cut with less crush on the finished material.

Eight Fundamental Functions

As pioneers in the world of rule, we developed and were the first to produce cutting, creasing, perforating, zipper and wave rules. The first for all of these. Today, we offer many additional types of rule including rotary rule, laser creasing rule, and combination cut and crease rule. The functions of each are described below.

1. Cutting rule is designed to cleanly cut through the material being processed.
2. Perforating rule is designed to make alternate cuts in paper so that the material can be cleanly separated. This is widely used in the production of business forms.
3. Creasing rule is used to make a crease or score in material to create a flexible bend without the material cracking.
4. Rotary rule is made with a serrated cutting edge for easy penetration of heavy stock such as corrugated materials. This rule is available in curved as well as straight lengths.
5. Combination Cut and Crease rule is used when it is necessary for an alternate cut and crease to be used to assist in the folding of a carton or box.
6. Laser creasing rule is unique in that the body is thinner than the face, which produces
   a wider crease without a major change in die construction.
7. Wave rule has a more specialized application. It is used for design effect in making greeting cards and novelties as well as many other products. Helmold has developed a special wave rule with a slot in the center that is used as a tear strip for carton applications.
8. Zipper or Tear Edge rule was developed by Helmold to produce a tear strip in cartons and corrugated boxes. This rule is available in over fifteen standard styles.
   

Bevel Availability

Options	CF Center Face	CFLB Center Face Long Bevel	SF Side Face	SFLB Side Face Long Bevel
Ground*	X	X	X	X
Shaved	X	X**
60°	X	X**	X	X
50°	X	X**
40°	X	X**
* Ground bevels available in 60° only. ** Primary angle is shaved. Secondary angle is ground. Flush bevel (.002 to .003 back bevel) available upon request.