Widely used in the printing and packaging boxes industry, the die-cutting process is a versatile way of converting materials into the desired shape and size with the help of specialized machines and tools. It can be used on a wide variety of materials, like- plastic, composite, metal, wood, etc. What makes this process an absolute favorite of many is the precision and customization it offers.
You can come across various die-cutting processes, each having its own advantages and disadvantages. Flatbed die-cutting, digital die-cutting, and rotary die-cutting are the most common die-cutting processes you will ever come across. It is the specific requirement of each project that determines the use of a particular die-making process. Now that you’ve got a brief idea of what die-cutting or die-making is all about, it’s time to dive deeper into the subject.
Types of Die-Cutting Machines
For the uninitiated, a die is a metal object with sharp areas for cutting the raw materials into the desired shape and size. They are used in various die-cutting machines, depending on precise requirements. You will mostly find either manual or digital die-cutting machines. Manual die-cutting machines may or may not have motors to apply pressure for precise cutting of the stock materials. Manual die-cutting machines usually use a crank to cut any given material. The metal die goes through the manual die-cutting machine’s rollers and the generated pressure is used to give the desired shape to the material.
Today, you will mostly find digital die-cutting machines in sophisticated setups. These machines are controlled by software that is used to choose the desired shape of the end product. The digital die-cutting machines contain an in-built blade that seamlessly cuts the materials into the required shape and size.
Commonly Used Die Cutting Tools & Services
Flatbed, rotary, and digital are the commonly used die-cutting services. Let’s understand each of these for a better understanding.
Flatbed Die-Cutting: It is a fabrication process most suited for processing thicker materials, completing small orders, producing larger parts, or short production runs. In this process, custom steel rule dies and a flatbed die-cutting press are together used to cut and get the precise custom shape and design.
Rotary Die-Cutting: If you want the highest precision with the most accurate designs, you should choose rotary die-cutting. This fabrication process uses cylindrical dies that are affixed to a rotary press to shape any given material. Rotary die-cutting is usually ideal for high-volume production runs.
Digital Die-Cutting: Want materials cut with high precision in lead fast time? Use digital die-cutting. Computer-controlled lasers, tool bits, and blades are used in the digital die-cutting process to get clean cuts, scores, and creases.
All these three die-cutting processes are widely used, depending on the project’s requirements.
Material Considerations for Die-Cutting Processes
You can process a large variety of materials using die-cutting machines. Wood, plastic, metal, composite, paper, fabric, and foam are some of the materials that can be processed using any die-cutting machine. The material type and its properties largely determine the die-cutting process for a smooth application.
A flatbed die-cutting process is ideal for cutting through both soft and hard materials. Flatbed presses are known to exert maximum pressure when compared to other available methods. They can convert any material into sheet and roll form. Whatever material you choose for this process, the die’s geometry and design will always be influenced by the material’s compressibility and thickness. The suitability of using flatbed die-cutting over others will also be determined by the material, so make sure to pay minute attention to the material properties before choosing any die-cutting process.
Coming to the rotary die-cutting process, they are usually used for converting web materials. Digital die-cutting, on the other hand, can be used for converting a variety of materials, like- plastic, paper, textiles, etc.
Alternative to Die Cutting Processes
Though the die-cutting process has its own set of advantages, it cannot be used for every manufacturing application. You should always be aware of other cost-effective and useful cutting alternatives. If you’re looking for some direct alternatives to die-cutting processes, it has to be water jet cutting, mechanical cutting, and laser cutting. Plasma arc cutting can also be considered a viable alternative.
Die-cutting is a versatile process that precisely cuts and converts various materials into the required shape. Its precision makes retail packaging one of the best we can get. Not that you’ve got a decent idea about die-cutting processes, but you can start exploring more about it on an advanced level.
