Among the myriad technologies available in the printing industry, one of the more common processes used to create or modify printed pieces is die-cutting. A die is a sharpened steel blade formed into a shape and used like a cookie-cutter to cut paper stock into shapes or make cuts in the paper stock (slits, perforations) after it’s been printed. Die-cutting uses dies to make the cuts.
Printers normally have a selection of standard dies on hand in a variety of shapes and sizes. Custom dies can also be made to implement a specific or unique design. (Having a custom die made does add extra cost to a project.) Once a die has been selected or made, the process used to shape the printed piece, like printing itself, is automated to insure uniformity across the production run.
Die-cutting can be used to shape all or parts of a printed piece as well as cutting-out a shape from the interior of a piece. Window envelopes, for example, are made with a die designed to cut the “window” out of the envelope stock. In addition, dies can be made to create perforations in printed stock. The potential for using die cutting technology is limited only by the imagination.
Die-Cutting: Form and Function
As mentioned above, die-cutting is used to make standard printed items like window envelopes. Brochures, pocket folders, and presentation folders often include die-cut slits to enable the insertion of a business card. Various forms of packaging such as french fry holders use dies to cut a shape that is then folded to create a container. So die-cutting can be used to make a piece more usable and functional.
Stepping Away from the Ordinary
As paper stock comes in pre-cut, rectangular shapes and sizes, the vast majority of printed pieces are rectangular or square. Die-cutting makes it possible to step away from the ordinary and create pieces that stand out in the crowd with interesting shapes and contours. Promotional items are ideal vehicles to showcase designs utilizing die-cut shapes and forms. Even day-to-day pieces, like business cards, can be enhanced with die-cutting.
If you have any questions about die-cutting, give us a call (330-597-8560). We’re happy to help you get the most out of your printing project.
