Die-cutting is a manufacturing process widely used in printing industry. With this method, large numbers of the irregular shape from a material such as wood, plastic, metal or fabric are generated, and almost any shape you desired can be created. Die-cutting is often applied into a range of the printed products, such as labels, business cards, envelopes, folders, cartons, and documents, etc. However, not all printed products are suitable for using this method.
When determining whether a substrate is suitable for die-cutting, the following points should be considered:
1.The thickness and firmness of the material.
2.The stretch and elasticity, or spring back, of the material.
3.The coatings or laminated components of the material.
Besides, to provide a high quality (“clean”) die-cut, the following factors should be considered:
1.The type of substrate that will be die-cut.
2.The type of die and blades used for the cut.
3.The cutting surface (hardened steel? compressible substrate?) on which the substrate will be placed during the process of die-cutting.
4.The type of equipment that is used to apply the die-cut.