Die cutting is a process used to cut materials into specific shapes using a die, which is a specialized tool or mold. Think of it like using a cookie cutter to shape dough, but instead of cookies, you’re cutting through materials like paper, fabric, or even metal.
Here is our trusty old die cutter, currently set up to cut medicine wheels from .030 plastic for a client in the Upper Peninsula.
Here is a sample of an item we printed and die-cut. They are warning tags to go around hoses in an industrial setting. 2 color prints, double sided, with a 2-part epoxy clear coat on either side to protect them from solvents and scratches, before we die cut them in batches of thousands.
Here’s how it works in a nutshell:
- Design and Die Creation: First, you create a design or shape you want to cut. Then, a die is made to match this design. The die is usually a metal blade that is shaped like the design.
- Cutting Process: The material you want to cut (like paper or fabric) is placed under the die. When pressure is applied, the die presses down and cuts through the material in the shape of the die. We utilize a local supplier to make our dies, so when we have a new die made for your order, your money is staying local!
Overall, die cutting is a handy technique for creating precise and consistent shapes in a wide range of materials, making it useful for everything from arts and crafts to industrial manufacturing.
Benefits of Die Cutting:
- Precision: Die cutting is very accurate, allowing you to get clean and precise shapes every time.
- Consistency: It’s great for producing a large number of identical shapes quickly and efficiently, which is ideal for manufacturing or crafting projects.
- Variety of Materials: Die cutting can be used on various materials, including paper, cardboard, fabric, and more, making it versatile for different uses.
- Customization: You can create custom shapes and designs that fit your specific needs, whether for personalized crafts, packaging, or other applications.
- Efficiency: It speeds up the cutting process compared to doing it by hand, which can save time and effort.
Other samples of our die cutting work can be found below. If you're interested in custom die cutting work, equipment inserts, tags, or mass-production of cut items, please let us know! Contact us here.
