The jigsaw puzzle machine is a device used for manufacturing puzzles, an indispensable part of industrial production. It can efficiently cut patterns printed on cardboard, making the puzzle manufacturing process simpler, faster, and more efficient. This article will introduce related knowledge of the jigsaw puzzle machine, including its working principles, working steps, classification, application fields, and future development trends, etc.

Working Principle of the Jigsaw Puzzle Machine

The working principle of the jigsaw puzzle machine is to cut puzzles by applying die-cutting technology on cardboard. Die-cutting is a cutting process that uses tools and molds to cut the pattern imprinted on the cardboard into the required shape. This process is achieved by designing the desired puzzle pattern on the die-cutting board, then placing the die-cutting board into the jigsaw puzzle machine for cutting. The puzzle machine generally requires a large amount of pressure during die pressing, so a servo hydraulic machine is usually chosen. It balances cutting precision and production efficiency, unlike manual puzzle machines which can hardly guarantee cutting precision and low production efficiency, and it does not require a higher cost to purchase an electronic servo press machine.

Working Steps of the Jigsaw Puzzle Machine

The workflow of the jigsaw puzzle machine can be roughly divided into the following steps:

Designing the puzzle pattern

First, a puzzle pattern is needed, which can be manually designed or automatically generated through computer software.

Making the die-cutting board

According to the puzzle pattern, the corresponding die-cutting board is made. The die-cutting board usually has tools of various shapes and sizes for cutting puzzle pieces.

Placing the cardboard in the jigsaw puzzle machine

The cardboard to be cut is placed in the jigsaw puzzle machine, and the prepared die-cutting board is placed in the corresponding position in the machine.

Setting the puzzle machine parameters

According to the different number of puzzle pieces, generally divided into 100 pieces, 200 pieces, 500 pieces, 1000 pieces, etc., the pressure parameters of the puzzle machine and the timing parameters of the die are set. Normally, the larger the number of puzzle die cuts, the higher the pressure setting needs to be. This way, the puzzles produced can ensure no adhesion, making them easy to break apart.

Cutting

Start the jigsaw puzzle machine, the machine will cut the cardboard into corresponding puzzle pieces according to the tools on the die-cutting board.

Collecting puzzle pieces

After cutting, the puzzle pieces will be sent to a collector for subsequent processing. If the puzzle machine has a conveyor line connected to the shuffling and packaging machine, the puzzle will be sent to the conveyor belt for subsequent processing.

Packaging and selling

The collected puzzle pieces need to be sorted, packaged, and labeled, and finally sold to customers.

Classification of Jigsaw Puzzle Machines

Jigsaw puzzle machines can be divided into the following categories based on different classification standards:

Classification by usage scenario

(1) Industrial jigsaw puzzle machine: Industrial jigsaw puzzle machines are typically used for mass production of puzzles. This type of puzzle machine usually has the characteristics of efficiency, automation, and continuous production. As it needs to meet high production demands, it usually has a larger cutting board and a high cutting speed to ensure the efficiency and quality of large-scale production.

(2) Household jigsaw puzzle machine: Household jigsaw puzzle machines are mainly provided for home users and are suitable for small batch production. This type of puzzle machine is usually compact, easy to carry and store, and also has a lower price. Household puzzle machines usually require manual operation and have a relatively simple structure and usage method.

Classification by cutting method

(1) Mechanical jigsaw puzzle machine: Mechanical jigsaw puzzle machines usually use mechanical force for cutting, generally including a hand-cranked or electric handle, which completes the cutting by rotation. This type of puzzle machine has a simple structure and low price, but relatively low cutting precision and speed.

(2) Hydraulic jigsaw puzzle machine: Hydraulic jigsaw puzzle machines use a hydraulic system to complete the cutting. By pressing the cutting tool down with a hydraulic cylinder, higher cutting precision and speed can be achieved, but the price is relatively high. In addition, hydraulic jigsaw puzzle machines also have a more stable cutting effect, suitable for production scenarios that require higher cutting precision.

Classification by cutting board size

(1) Manual jigsaw puzzle machine: Manual jigsaw puzzle machines usually use smaller cutting boards and require manually placing the cardboard and die-cutting board into the machine for cutting. This type of puzzle machine is typically used for small-scale production and personal use.

(2) Automatic jigsaw puzzle machine: Automatic jigsaw puzzle machines usually use larger cutting boards and can automatically feed the cardboard and die-cutting board into the machine for cutting, achieving higher production efficiency. As it needs to meet high production demands, it usually has the characteristics of high speed, efficiency, and continuous production.

In conclusion, different types of jigsaw puzzle machines have different characteristics and application ranges. Users can choose according to their needs and budget.

Application Fields of Jigsaw Puzzle Machines

Jigsaw puzzle machines have a wide range of applications in the production field. According to the application scenarios, they can be divided into the following aspects:

Jigsaw Puzzle Toy Production

Jigsaw puzzle machines can be used to produce various types of jigsaw puzzle toys, including regular flat puzzles, 3D stereoscopic puzzles, souvenir puzzles, etc. Large-scale production is required for the production of puzzle toys, and jigsaw puzzle machines can automatically complete cutting and production, thereby improving production efficiency.

Artwork Production

Jigsaw puzzle machines can also be used to produce various artworks, such as colored puzzle paintings, puzzle carpets, puzzle decorations, etc. These artworks not only have good viewing quality, but also enhance the aesthetics and artistic quality of the indoor environment.

Printing Industry Production

Jigsaw puzzle machines can also be used to produce various printed materials, such as puzzle books, puzzle postcards, puzzle calendars, etc. These printed materials can be used as souvenirs, gifts, textbooks, etc., and are widely used in the printing industry.

Packaging Printing Production

Jigsaw puzzle machines can be used to produce various packaging printed materials, such as puzzle packaging boxes, puzzle gift bags, etc. These products have a good effect in commercial marketing, and can enhance the selling points and brand influence of the product.

In addition, according to the die-cutting materials, jigsaw puzzle machines also have universal applications on different die-cutting materials, mainly divided into the following types:

Cardboard and Cardstock

Cardboard and cardstock are common die-cutting materials. Jigsaw puzzle machines can perform high-precision cutting on these materials to produce puzzles with rich shapes and details. This material is usually used to produce puzzle toys, decorations, souvenirs, etc.

Foam Material

Foam material is a lightweight material with good shock absorption and shock resistance, so it is widely used in the manufacture of puzzle toys. Jigsaw puzzle machines can perform high-speed cutting on foam materials to produce three-dimensional puzzles with complex shapes.

Wood

Jigsaw puzzle machines can also be applied to wood, usually used to produce wooden puzzle decorations and household items with artistic value. The die-cutting of wood requires harder molds and cutting tools, therefore it requires more powerful jigsaw puzzle machines and higher technical requirements.

Leather and Fabric

Leather and fabric are soft die-cutting materials, usually used to produce puzzle maps, puzzle photo frames, etc. This material requires different types of molds and cutting tools to cut materials of different shapes and sizes.

In summary, jigsaw puzzle machines have a wide range of applications on different die-cutting materials, and can achieve high-speed, high-precision cutting, and produce puzzle products with rich shapes and details.

Introduction to Common Equipment in Automated Puzzle Production Lines

An automated puzzle production line usually consists of multiple devices to realize the automated production process from design patterns to finished puzzles. Below are some possible supporting devices and their detailed descriptions.

Puzzle Die-Cutting Machine

The puzzle die-cutting machine is one of the most critical devices in the automated puzzle production line. It uses die-cutting technology to cut paperboard or other materials into corresponding shapes according to the pattern, and complete the cutting of the entire puzzle in one or more operations. Puzzle die-cutting machines typically use high-precision tools and molds, ensuring the accuracy and quality of the puzzle.

Robotic Arm

The robotic arm is another important device in the automated puzzle production line. It can automatically grab the cut puzzle from the die-cutting machine platform and place it on the conveyor belt for the next production process.

Conveyor Belt

The conveyor belt is a device used to transport the cut puzzles from the die-cutting machine to the subsequent processing steps. The conveyor belt can be equipped with an automatic feeding system and counter, to transfer the puzzle pieces to the correct position and count the production quantity.

Breakup Machine

The breakup machine is a device used to separate puzzle pieces. During the production process, puzzle pieces are usually tightly adhered together and need to be broken up before entering the next packaging process. The breakup machines on the market generally come with elevated conveyor belts, which make it convenient to send the puzzles to the packaging machine's feed inlet after breakup.

Packaging Machine

The packaging machine is used to automatically package the produced puzzle pieces into standard bags or boxes. The packaging machine will usually automatically count, weigh, and label, and can perform automatic sealing and shrink packaging as needed. The packaging machine can also be used in conjunction with the conveyor belt and palletizer to achieve automated production line operations, improving production efficiency and reducing manual operations.

Future Development Trends of Puzzle Machines

With the continuous development of technology, puzzle machines are also constantly being upgraded, presenting some new development trends.

Intelligentization

Future puzzle machines will become increasingly intelligent. They can realize functions such as automated production, quality control, and remote monitoring through technologies like artificial intelligence and cloud computing.

Digitization

Future puzzle machines will be more digital. They can use software like CAD for design and cutting, thereby improving production efficiency and accuracy.

Environmentalization

Future puzzle machines will pay more attention to environmental protection and sustainable development. They can adopt new materials and technologies to reduce waste and pollutants, achieving green production.

Diversification

Future puzzle machines will become more diverse. They can produce puzzles of different materials, shapes, sizes, and difficulty levels to meet the needs of different groups of people.

Conclusion

The puzzle machine is an important production equipment that can efficiently cut patterns printed on cardboard, thereby realizing the manufacturing of puzzles. Puzzle machines are widely used in the puzzle manufacturing industry, family leisure, tourism souvenirs, and other fields. They will exhibit development trends such as intelligentization, digitization, environmentalization, and diversification in the future. These trends will bring more efficient, more accurate, more environmentally friendly, and more diverse puzzle machines, making the puzzle manufacturing industry more developed and stronger.