Paper die cutting is used in many industries, from education to printing. In their simplest form, paper die cutting machines are the equivalent of cookie cutters for paper. Folders, tabs and other print projects that require a complex shape require die cutting before they are. Paper die cutting requires plenty of skill and attention.

Because of this, paper die cutting education and training is a necessary requirement for employees. Whichever industry you're in, you and your employees should have a solid understanding of paper cutting dies if you want your business to thrive. In order for your business to be successful, you as a business owner should make paper die cutting training a priority for many reasons:

1. If you offer a laser paper cutters service for the printing industry, you want to avoid damaging customer product so you can attract more business.

2. Paper dies can be dangerous if not used correctly. Avoid a lawsuit, or worse, an accident, by ensuring your employees are skilled in using a die cutter.

3. If you want your business to be competitive, you need to mandate a training policy that keeps your employees current in the latest and greatest technology the die cutting industry has to offer.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Set up a standard paper die cutting machine training regimen for your employees

No matter how large your business is or what industry you are in, it would be wise to set up a standard training regimen that all your employees are required to complete. This way they are all equally knowledgeable in the techniques and your business is highly qualified as a whole.

I recommend: AccuCut presents video demo for its MARK roller die cutting machines, specifically for the scrap booking and educational industry. Archiver's offers an online tutorial on using a small die cutter.

Mandate a continuing training policy for operators of paper die cutting machines

Continued training for your employees should be a requirement since safety is a big issue with these machines. Online tutorials or videos on die cutting equipment are helpful and sometimes free. The objective should be to insist on a high level of skill from your employees, thus ensuring their safety and the quality of your product.

I recommend: Tippmann Clicker manufacturers the Clicker 700 and Clicker 1500 commercial die cutters, and offers video tutorials on the two-hand dual palm controls and slide deck. Preco features laser systems training for its automated die cutting machines.

Stay abreast of the latest in die cutting press techniques

If you want your business to compete in its industry, you need to utilize every feature of your die cutter machine. This means continually looking up relevant resources so you are familiar with every aspect of your business.

I recommend: Spartanics provides online video training for its M500 Die Cutting Systems. Heidelberg features a wide selection of online educational videos on commercial die cutting that covers the die cutting process, from the feeder through cutting and stripping, all the way up to delivery.

Die cutting is a creative process that involves cutting material to an exact design or shape. The demand for die cutting is growing as businesses seek interesting promotional tools to differentiate themselves in today’s competitive market.

While die cutting can be used on a variety of materials, paper die cutting is the most popular. Envelopes, greeting cards, boxes and tickets are just a few products that are made using paper dies.

Professional printers and promotional companies offer a variety of custom paper die cutting services. Before selecting a commercial paper die cutting service, seek out answers to the following questions:

1. What kind of paper die cutting services do you provide?

2. How much will my paper die cutting cost?

3. How quickly can you complete my die cutting job?

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Determine which paper die cutting provider best meets your service needs

Not all commercial paper die cutting providers offer the same services; some specialize in paper dies, while others focus on plastic or steel. Die cutting services also range depending upon the type of die cutting machines available. Be sure the die cutting company has the capabilities to effectively produce your desired paper die cutting product.

I recommend: Use Global Spec to search for commercial paper die cutting providers by laser, rotary or steel rule paper dies. EMI Specialty Papers provides high speed rotary die cutting and paper laser die cutting. Gleicher Manufacturing Company uses flat bed, rotary and paper laser die cutting machines to produce paper dies. Colvin-Friedman focuses on die cutting services for materials that are not metal, including paper, and offers rotary, matched metal and laser steel rule die cutting.

Compare written price quotes from several paper cutting dies providers

The cost for die cutting services varies depending upon the intricacy of the paper cutting dies, the type of paper selected and the turnaround time. Get several written quotes to determine the best price. Don't forget to ask if shipping is included in the price estimate.

I recommend: Print USA provides a convenient online quote form. Simply complete the form with detailed information about your die cutting project to receive production estimates from several printers in one to three days. Gleicher Manufacturing Corporation also offers an online quote request and offers to send samples of their products free of charge. At PSPrint, custom paper dies start at $100, and the prices goes up depending upon size and complexity.

Evaluate which paper die cutting provider can best meet your product deadline

The turnaround time for your paper die cutting project depends upon the type of paper die cutting machine used and how detailed your paper die is. Very intricate paper dies require a longer turnaround time than simple shapes.

I recommend: Colvin-Friedman guarantees a price quote in two days and promises to deliver your paper die cutting job by your due date. For a faster turnaround time, consider PSPrint’s Die Gallery, which includes hundreds of standard paper dies with no custom set up time or charge.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Small paper die cutting machines are also available for personal or infrequent home business use. Purchase a paper die cutting machine from local craft stores or online die cutter equipment stores. Prices range from $50 to $500.

Paper die cutting is useful to give specific shapes or designs to paper with the use of metal dies. Die cutting paper enables you to make a wide range of distinctive and complex shapes and designs at ease and at a faster rate compared to a straight cut on a web press or a guillotine cutter. You can make different paper products, like greeting cards, visiting cards, tickets, bills and receipt books using die cutting methods and processes.

Understanding paper die cutting key terms will acquaint you with paper die cutting processes. This guide covers some of the common terms that you will hear from die cutting service and equipment providers.

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Steel rule die cutting

In the steel rule die cutting process, sheets of paper are cut across a straight line using knife edged cutting blades. Creasing, perforation and slitting can be done using steel rule die cutting.

I recommend: You can find detailed information about the steel rule die cutting process at ASRD, a steel rule dies manufacturer.

Rotary die cutting

In the rotary die cutting process, sheets of paper are cut into different shapes with the use of tungsten carbide blades.

I recommend: PAK-Lite, Inc., a producer of extrusions and die cut parts, provides information about the rotary die cutting process.

Thermal die cutting

The thermal die cutting process generally uses a high temperature magnesium die with a beveled edge that is used to displace the paper under the edge with heat and pressure, with minimal distortion to the surrounding material.

I recommend: Read through the FAQs section at Contech, a supplier of custom die cutting presses and equipment.

Laser engraving

The laser engraving method involves the use of a computer-controlled beam of light to cut through the material so that text and images can be accurately reproduced on a variety of paper stocks.

I recommend: E Laser Engraving.com provides detailed information about the laser engraving process.

Perf cutting

Perf cutting (also known as perforating) is used when a certain section is to be removed from the document, but not immediately. This process does not fully trim the desired material away from the original shape, but instead creates a cut-out area that remains in place.

I recommend: International Paper Company provides detailed explanation about the perf cutting and laser engraving processes.

Kiss cutting

Kiss cutting is a type of die cutting method in which the top layer of the paper is cut by applying slight pressure so that the backing layer of the self adhesive paper can be separated at the time of application.

I recommend: To learn more about the kiss cutting method, you can read through information at Saunders, a die-cut service provider.