Home
Machinery
Crest Clamshell Die Cutter
Small

Small Crest Clamshell Presses

Informed buyers make better decisions. Trained operators make better production. DCA exists for both.

Abstract gradient background with shades of dark blue forming geometric patterns.
Man in a teal shirt operating a large industrial machine with multiple control buttons and a metallic work surface in a workshop setting.
No more make ready

Small Compact footprint. High job turnover. Precision you can repeat.

The same finite analysis engineering that eliminates platen deflection on larger Crest models is built into every small press. The frame and moving platen are surface ground perfectly flat — which means consistent cutting precision across the sheet and fast changeovers between jobs, whether you're running 50 setups a day or 5.

For manufacturers producing graphic overlays, membrane switches, product identification components, and specialty die cut parts, a small Crest handles the variety without adding setup time.

Substrates & Uses

Materials & Applications

Small Crest presses are used across precision die cutting applications where fast changeovers and consistent accuracy are critical. Common applications include graphic overlays, membrane switches, product identification labels, kiss cutting, foil stamping, presentation folders, packaging components, and specialty die cut parts.

Materials small Crest presses can process
  • Styrene and rigid plastics
  • Polycarbonate
  • Polypropylene
  • PVC and vinyl
  • Paper and paperboard
  • Specialty plastics
  • Gasket and spacer materials
  • Adhesive-backed materials and laminates
Specifications

Available Sizes & Specifications

Small Crest presses are available in three formats. Press load tonnage ranges from 260 to 380 tons depending on model.

Average manufacturing lead time for small Crest models is 3 – 3½ months. Delivery may vary based on production levels and inventory at time of order.

Crest 2026 — 20″ × 26″
  • Mobile bed size: 22.125″ × 28.34″
  • Press load: 260 tons / Die load: 100 tons
The most compact Crest format — ideal for short runs, frequent job changeovers, and facilities where floor space is limited.
Crest 2332 — 23″ × 32″
  • Mobile bed size: 25.39″ × 34.64″
  • Press load: 350 tons / Die load: 100 tons
A step up in cutting area and tonnage for facilities running a broader mix of materials and sheet sizes.
Crest 2841 — 28″ × 41″
  • Mobile bed size: 30″ × 43″
  • Press load: 380 tons / Die load: 115 tons
The largest small format model — well suited for heavier substrates and larger sheet sizes while maintaining the compact footprint and fast setup of the small Crest line.
Warehouse aisle with rows of stacked cardboard boxes on pallets along both sides, under a ceiling with exposed beams and fluorescent lights.
“What sets DCA apart is their responsiveness. I can call them any time, day or night, and they always pick up and take care of us. That’s huge.

We’re running 40 hours a week on our Schwabe and Crest machines, both purchased through DCA, so if one of them goes down, it puts us in a tough spot. Knowing I can reach someone immediately and get the issue resolved quickly gives me real peace of mind. For me, that kind of support is the real value of working with DCA.”
Ryan Whiddon
McPherson Manufacturing
Built to last

Built for High Job Turnover

Small Crest presses are designed for facilities that run a high volume of different jobs. Fast setup, minimal make-ready, and simple operation mean operators spend time cutting — not dialing in the press. One customer reported running 50 different setups per day across three shifts with no make-ready issues.

Like all Crest presses, small format models are built from the highest grade raw materials and engineered to run reliably for 20+ years across multi-shift production environments. Every small Crest ships standard with a minimum of one laser safety scanner, meeting and exceeding ANSI, OSHA, CSA, and CE safety standards.

Optional add-ons include heat, foil stamping, embossing, Soft Cut™ urethane pad system, and tonnage monitoring.
Worker wearing a light gray shirt arranging multiple black and white printed sheets on a large industrial cutting machine in a spacious factory setting with shelves and equipment in the background.
Finance

Financing Options

A Crest press is a significant capital investment, but the payment structure shouldn't slow down the decision. DCA works with manufacturers to identify financing options that fit their specific situation.

Learn more

FAQ

Find answers to commonly asked questions.

Yes. The Crest frame is surface ground perfectly flat and engineered using finite analysis to stay flat and parallel under cutting load. That eliminates the platen deflection that causes shimming and make-ready time on other presses. Operators can move between jobs quickly and consistently.

Small Crest presses are a cost-effective alternative to automated equipment for short-to-medium runs. They deliver the same no-make-ready performance and cutting precision as larger Crest models in a compact footprint — without the cost or complexity of a fully automated system.

Average manufacturing lead time is 3 to 3½ months. Lead times can vary based on production levels and inventory at time of order. Die Cutting Advisors can provide current estimates when you're evaluating a purchase.