Purchasing Resources for Decal Die Cutting

Decal Die Cutting Key Terms

Understand the technical terms related to decal die cutting
By Howard Robertson Decal die cutting is the easiest way of cutting decals. Innovations in the die cutting process and die cutting equipment have made it possible for high quality die cutting of decals.

If you want to be a decal die cutting service provider, you will need to understand various technical terms relating to decal die cutting. In this guide, we will cover key terms related to decal die cutting, such as steel rule dies, kiss cutting, thermal die cut and plotter cutter.

Steel rule dies

A steel rule die consists of a base material that is made of wood, steel or aluminum and a steel rule that is shaped to the design to be cut. This die is used to cut out a pattern on any non-metallic material.
Try:  For more information about the steel rule die, read through description at Mag-Knight.

Kiss cutting

Kiss cutting is the process of die cutting soft materials without cutting the liners or adhesive bases. This way the sticker (or the adhesive base) can be peeled off later without the liner. Generally, automotive stickers and decals are manufactured by this method.
Try:  Diecrafters (PDF), a die-cutting service provider, explains the technique for the kiss cutting process. The Rep Connection, a reputable printing, design and photography service provider, also offers information about the kiss cutting process.

Thermal die cutting

Thermal die cutting is the process of die cutting using a magnesium die. The die is heated to a certain temperature and then the logotype, text or image etched on the magnesium die is stamped on to the vinyl.
Try:  For more information on thermal die cutting, you can read through a description at Dilco Industrial. You can also browse through the website of Label source, a reputable printing company.

Plotter cutter (also known as vinyl sign cutter)

A plotter cutter is an electronic device that accurately cuts off various designs (or texts) from materials to be used as masks, dies or resists for various operations.
Try:  To learn more about plotter cutters, browse through an informative website by the University of Alberta.

Hot stamping

Hot stamping is a printing process that uses a heated die to stamp images or designs to the destination substrate.
Try:  You can read through the definition of this term at TSSI Systems Ltd.

Foil stamping

Foil stamping is the process of pressing a heated die on a sheet of foil. This foil is then released from the die and pressed against a paper (or other substrate material) to create a foil design.
Try:  Read through the definition of foil stamping at Purdue University.

---