For his significant achievements in finding solutions for some of the converting industry's toughest challenges, Charles “Butch” Schomber, Global Innovation Manager of Rotometrics, received the International Association of Diecutting and Diemaking's 2018 Cutting Edge Award.

Schomber was selected because of his passionate and generous sharing of technical expertise and creation of innovative, industry-changing products and solutions. He has been a major influence on various technical applications, while assisting some of the largest converters and OEMs globally to solve high-level issues in the label and specialty converting segments. Over the years he has been responsible for researching and developing a number of unique products, most recently the revolutionary RotoRepel molecularly bonded non-stick technology, which is used as a coating for cutting tools and press components.

“He is a great example of how relationships can make each of us better and how one person can make the IADD and industry better,” says Shaun Larson of Jonco Dies, president of the IADD.

In his service to the Association through the IADD TechTeam, Schomber consistently tackles questions about difficult-to-cut materials and reminds the leadership of the need to explore cutting methods outside of those typically found in the folding carton or corrugated markets. His willingness to share his considerable technical knowledge at educational seminars and through Odyssey Expo programs provides a valuable learning opportunity for all participants and has aided the IADD in becoming the industry's definitive resource.

Schomber got his industry start over 40 years ago while visiting a customer who manufactured flexographic presses and cutting dies. After working for another diemaker for a dozen years and then starting a solid die manufacturing company that supplied rotary cutting dies and other industry-related products, he found himself teaming up with Rotometrics and progressing in various roles.

Schomber advises converts who have tough challenges to “Utilize all of your resources. Surround yourselves with material experts, machine developers, process engineers, diemakers and anyone who may have input. Seek out the partners who want to help you succeed, not just sell you something. Look for new opportunities; things that you may have passed up years ago may now be possible. Change can equal growth. Sometimes you need to look ‘outside the box’ to find the path to follow.”

How fitting that it is Schomber’s ability to look outside the box which netted him this year’s IADD Cutting Edge Award.

IADD is the definitive resource to the diecutting and diemaking industry. For membership information, contact [email protected] or visit the website at www.iadd.org.