Be Different with Die Cutting

Have you ever wondered how someone managed to cut a perfect square right in the middle of a professional brochure? Or how a couple pieces of cardstock get turned into a folder with multiple flaps and pockets? When you open your mailbox, you probably see quite a few envelopes with holes in them that allow text printed on the contents within (usually your address) to peek through. Maybe inside some of these envelopes are some sort of card or coupon that can pop right out of the letter because of perforation.

These are the kinds of things we see often but, unless we’re particularly curious, we don’t usually pause to ask ourselves how they got there. Well, it’s not very likely that someone is sitting in an office cutting out all these shapes and patterns by hand, is it? With professional print projects, the volume of items being produced usually requires some automation. That’s where die cutting presses come into play! Die cutting machines perform a process in which a steel cutting die makes specific shapes in thin materials, such as paper.

The steel die used in these presses are to paper as cookie cutters are to cookie dough. They can be used to shape the entire perimeter of a sheet, just an edge, or even cut out shapes from within the center. Die cutting presses do have their limits and there are both minimum and maximum sizes of shapes that each machine can handle. They also work best on thinner materials as cutting shapes into thick stocks often creates mushy or ragged edges.

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So, why do people use die cutting techniques on their print projects? The same reason a lot of choices are made when designing a new piece of collateral: to break the routine, stand out from the crowd, and attract attention! Die cuts are an intelligent design choice, much like other, more common features such as stocks and ink colors.

A great example of how die cutting can add creative flair is found in greeting card designs. Although it may be fun to think that there are little elves in the Hallmark headquarters cutting out heart shapes and giving the cards scalloped edges, it’s much more likely that the credit is due to a die cutting press. Creative die cuts are even useful at the corporate level. Using a die cutting press to give your business cards rounded edges or some other unusual variant which will instantly show a new connection that your company is different from the rest.

Plus, die cutting can be quite functional, such as the perforated coupons and folder flaps previously mentioned. Another great example of functional die cutting is door hangers, like the privacy signs guests can put outside their hotel rooms. These are often made with die cutting presses!

Not only can die cutting give your print project a creative design and functional features, but they add that extra special element of touch. One of the most unique aspects of any use of the printed word is the tactile experience that comes with picking up a piece of paper. Unique edges, groves, and shapes that can be achieved through die cutting add to this. Essentially, die cutting is a way to ensure that you, your print materials, and your company stay top of mind!