Rough edges on pressings / Dull trim tool ?

[jjgolden]

Hello,

Something I've noticed more and more lately from US pressing plants is the rough and sometimes sharp edges on new pressings.
I feel this doesn't do much for the aesthetics or sense of quality when a customer handles the record....
I guess I'm just pointing this out as an observation in the hopes that some attention can be given to this aspect of the manufacturing process.

Sincerely,
JJG

[andybee]

yes, it is a matter of the wear of the knive, and the adjustment (position of the knive)
a too sharp edge can cause seamsplits (destroyed spine when the record moves inside the sleeve)
best is a relativ thick edge, but for this, you need a sharp knive & well maintained machine, so
the innerhole doesn´t get bigger out during the edge cutting
I hope, this helps

[jjgolden]

Thanks Andybee! I appreciate the info : )

Is there another tool that is used along with the knife edge to get it really smooth?
Any kind of mold forming or sanding that takes place. There are some pressings that are just perfectly shaped while others are pretty rough.

[andybee]

no, I think it depends mostly on the knife, and also on the press design...
As I worked mostly with toolex alpha, I made this experiences.
Also, the point, where the knife cuts the record is very important.
with the thick edge, you may have a rougher edge, for perfect feeling,
the cut must be done, where the record gets thinner, so idealy, you have
a round shape

[Aussie0zborn]

Good point, JJ. Being the first you notice about a pressing, it's quite off-putting.
American auto presses mostly have a rotary trimmer followed by a burnishing tool for a nice smooth edge.
I detect some laziness here.

[jjgolden]

Thanks Oz!

Yea, seems like an area that's neglected by some plants.

[gold]

I remember that Lenid presses always had a sharper edge than SMT presses. I think it was the trim method. The labels on Lenid's were always great. On SMT the labels would tear more often.

[jjgolden]

Thanks Paul!