Paper Die Cutting Key Terms

Become conversant with terminology related to paper die cutting processes

By Howard Robertson

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.

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