Quick Die Cut Machine Facts for Every Business Owner

So you want to know about the die cut machine process. How does it work? What’s the difference between traditional die cutting and other techniques?

Don’t worry—Conversion Technologies International has the answers you need. Let’s dive in!

What do we use a die cut machine for?

We use die cut machines for a wide variety of different purposes. What makes this machine so interesting is that its sizes vary. This means that you’ll find it in use for small scale, even personal projects; as well as large scale industrial production.

Although some of the basic elements of an in-home die cutting machine may bear similarities to a commercial machine, they’re ultimately different. An in-home machine tends to be much smaller, and subsequently can only handle a fraction of a commercial machine’s capacity. An in-home machine is really a one-man operation. A commercial machine produces in much higher volumes with much slimmer margins for error. While we can’t use an in-home machine for business purposes, crafters answering more demand may actually benefit from outsourcing to a commercial third party manufacturer. Think crafters running small businesses on sites like Etsy.

The entire point of a die cut machine is to create as many replicated shapes as possible, as quickly and efficiently as possible. Depending on the machine variant, we may also use it for embossing, as well as foiling. One of the great things about this type of equipment is that it offers flexibility. The machine tackles materials ranging from paper to rubber, as well as foil, sheet metal, and foam. We can also scale product with this machine fairly easily.

As far as the industries that use die cut machines… Keep in mind that this machine frequently corresponds with paper products—but that’s not all it works with.

Some of the industries reliant on die cutting include:

• Printing
• Textile
• Aerospace
• Furniture
• Automotive
• Packaging
• And more!

Is die cutting or kiss cutting better?

No matter what, the manufacturing technique you select depends on the specific project you’re working on. It’s not so much that one technique is better than the other. It’s that one technique will fit your project more easily than others. When you first hear about die cutting versus kiss cutting, you may be under the impression that these methods are essentially the same. A closer look quickly reveals that this isn’t the case at all.

As previously mentioned, die cutting cuts specific shapes out of the base material. During this process, we run that material through a factory press. Technically speaking, kiss cutting is a form of die cutting. It falls under the “category” of die cutting, if that makes sense, while still providing distinct results.

Sometimes referred to as pressure-sensitive cutting, kiss cutting keeps the blade from a whole stack of material. Instead, you zone in on a precise number of layers. By controlling the pressure of the die against the material, you can keep the die from penetrating beyond a desired length. This helps you control the ultimate final product.

What are the pros and cons of kiss cutting?

As previously mentioned, correctly rendered kiss cutting allows a degree of precision you can’t necessarily expect from more conventional die cutting techniques. Furthermore, there’s an increase in efficiency when you use kiss cutting. The more you maximize efficiency, the more you can save money in the long term… theoretically. In actuality, the cons of kiss cutting can make this technique a less than perfect fit for some projects.

With kiss cutting, we have to pay closer attention than we do for standard die cutting. Small mistakes can make kiss cut products completely unusable. So, for all that you saved time through increased efficiency, you’re now throwing out excess product and wasting time on errors. Not great!

Furthermore, even if an imperfect kiss cut doesn’t result in unusable product, the results may still look sloppy. If you want the true precision kiss cutting is capable of providing, you may need to work with a contract manufacturing expert.

What is the difference between die cutting and laser cutting?

Die cutting is one of the main types of cutting methods, right? Laser cutting is perhaps its most used alternative. While die cutting relies on a razor sharp steel rule and a press, laser cutting utilizes a laser guided by a computer program.

Just like die cutting, laser cutting aims to create precise results. However, it can be easier for laser cutting to handle synthetic materials, metals, and certain types of organic materials. It has a higher degree of accuracy, which means less product wasted and less time spent on correcting errors. It doesn’t require a lot of power, which enables you to cut costs even further in the long term.

However, die cutting generally costs less and requires less of a learning curve. It allows for quick turnarounds, and because it’s a more conventional process, it can be easier to adapt at times. If the material you’re processing corresponds with die cutting, it may be the best solution.

In conclusion

The great thing about the different cutting methods available is that they allow you flexibility. In this day and age, you have the ability to select a technique that works for you. And if you work with an expert third party manufacturer, it becomes even easier. CTI is here to answer any questions you may have about the process. Just call us at 419-924-5566 or contact us here.