{"id":1866,"date":"2020-11-18T13:32:11","date_gmt":"2020-11-18T13:32:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/refinepackaging.com\/?p=1866"},"modified":"2025-01-02T06:59:23","modified_gmt":"2025-01-02T11:59:23","slug":"what-is-die-cutting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/refinepackaging.com\/blog\/what-is-die-cutting\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Die Cutting? What Die Cut Means in the Die Cut Process"},"content":{"rendered":"

Die cutting is used in the printing and packaging industry to refer to the cutting out of different shapes using machinery. <\/span>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span>With <\/span>die cut printing<\/b>, it’s possible to specify exact measurements and have the machine cut them to exact dimensions every time. <\/span>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span>As you might imagine, this precision is extremely useful for <\/span>product packaging<\/span><\/a> design, where you need to create a consistent and professional look each and every time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

What is Die Cutting?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Die cutting<\/b> is a manufacturing process where a <\/span>die is customized through cutting, forming or shearing<\/span><\/i> to craft a desired shape, design or pattern. <\/span>Die cut printing<\/b> is used in the packaging process to correctly cut, ship and print according to specific measurement specifications, as outlined in a <\/span>dieline<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

What is a Die?\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

Die cuts<\/b> start with a die, which is a metal object that has sharp areas for cutting. <\/span>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span>A die resembles cookie cutters in that the shape that the metal object is designed will be the same shape that\u2019s cut in the material. There are several kinds of dies. For example, <\/span>steel-rule dies<\/b> are very sharp, but are protected with plastic or foam for safety.<\/span>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span>Steel-rule dies<\/b> are made to cut thicker packaging materials, or to cut a stack of less-thick packaging all at once. There are also thinner metal dies, which aren’t as sharp and can’t cut very thick material. These <\/span>types of dies<\/b> are lighter in weight and easier to store, and also don’t have foam or plastic around them for safety.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Manual and Digital Die Cutting Machines<\/b><\/h2>\n

Die cutting<\/b> takes place with both manual and digital die cutting machines. Manual die cutting machines use a crank that is turned in order to cut the material. The metal die passes through the machine’s rollers and uses that pressure to help cut the shape out of the paper based on the shape of the die. <\/span>Manual die cutting machines<\/b> may also have motors that help to apply this pressure.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Digital die cutting machines<\/b> are generally controlled by software. They do not require steel dies because there’s a blade within the machine that cuts the shape. The software is used to select that shape and it can be created via computer, phone, tablet or even a specialized cartridge that the machine uses.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Die Cut History: Why is it Called Die Cutting?<\/b><\/h2>\n

\"die<\/p>\n

The origin of the phrase <\/span>die cutting<\/b> comes from the 1300s, from the middle English word ‘de’, believed to be from the Latin word “datum” for “given”, as well as put or placed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The root <\/span>meaning of die cutting<\/b> is to place or cast. Back in the 1300s, dies were primarily used to cast or stamp metal coins. <\/span>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span>It wasn’t until the 1800s that the mass-production of items of a similar size and shape took off, and this old term “die” was used to specify that it was “created by machines”. <\/span>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span>Cut<\/b> refers to creating a custom shape, and <\/span>die cutting means the casting and cutting of shapes<\/b>. <\/span>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span>The term <\/span>die cutting<\/b> was not commonly used until the 1800s, when it was meant as a method for creating more precise and accurate shoe sizes. Since shoes were made of leather, the soles had to be cut by hand, which was a tedious process that often led to errors and ill-fitting shoes. <\/span>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span>When the <\/span>die cutting machine<\/b> was invented, this meant that shoes could now have standard sizes (something we often take for granted today).<\/span><\/p>\n

The Role of a Dieline in the Custom Die Cut Process<\/b><\/h2>\n

\"dieline<\/p>\n

Before you make a <\/span>die cut<\/b> on any printed material, you\u2019ll want to first have an outline of what needs to be cut. This is where a dieline comes into the <\/span>custom die cut process<\/b>.<\/span>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span>Dielines are part of <\/span>die cut printing<\/b>, and are used to outline the shape and packaging <\/span>box size<\/span><\/a> before any cutting happens. <\/span>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span>With so many different shapes possible in the packaging world, if you can dream it, chances are a <\/span>custom packaging manufacturer<\/span><\/a> can make the material into any cuttable shape. <\/span>
\n<\/span>
\n<\/span>If you still need to make a dieline, read our guide about <\/span>what a dieline is<\/span><\/a> to learn more about how to make a dieline for your packaging and printing project. Remember, you\u2019ll need a dieline before you can get to the finishing touches of your packaging like <\/span>matte and gloss lamination<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>embossing and debossing<\/span><\/a> or <\/span>UV coating<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Considerations for Different Types of Die Cutting Processes<\/b><\/h2>\n

\"types<\/p>\n

There are different types of <\/span>die cutting processes<\/b>. The one used for your project will depend on your specific needs and your vision for your product. Some of the more popular methods include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n