Die Cutting Print Projects: Traditional Custom Cutouts for Large Volume & Multiple Print Runs

What is die-cutting? Custom-cut Shapes in Paper, Card, or Thin Board

Die-cutting: the cutting by machine of paper or card into shapes with sharp steel knives, such as in the manufacture of cardboard boxes. (Collins English Dictionary)

The sharp steel knives are often like cookie cutters, shearing through thick stacks of paper with razor-sharp edges to produce perfectly uniformly cut shapes out of paper or other stock. A die-cut is a print finishing technique that’s completed after your print project has finished printing and has dried completely.

The custom-cut shapes that can be made using die-cutting could be templates for custom-cut boxes, cutouts on a window envelope, or business card slits in a pocket folder — objects that we use in business every day.

But there are many more applications for custom-cut shapes, with only imagination to limit us.

Many everyday printing projects incorporate die-cutting, like:

Reuse Your Metal Die to Cut the Cost of Custom Die-Cutting

Take the everyday concept of die-cutting to the next level! Technology has expanded so quickly that die-cutting is much more cost effective than it used to be. Many standard dies are available for classic projects, such as door hangers and pocket folders, but custom-cut shapes have never been more popular! There is an initial investment in the cost of manufacturing the die, but once made it can be used repeatedly.

Laser-cutting Print Projects: Lovely Little Details and Low-Volume Print Finishing at Lower Cost

Our Phoenix printing company, Graphic Ideals, offers another print finishing technique for custom-shape paper-cutting called laser-cutting.

As the name of this alternative paper-cutting process suggests, this paper-cutting technique uses the precision and accuracy of a laser to cut out your design. The detailed cuts made by laser-cutting are finer than the traditional method of die-cutting–allowing us to cut intricate lace patterns, fretwork, text, logos, or other fine graphics into paper, thin paperboard or thin cardboard.

Laser cutting is often more affordable than die-cutting for low-volume runs, due to the fact that laser-cuts do not require a custom die to be cut for your print project. Laser cutting also stands out as it is a non-contact method of paper-cutting and scoring, unlike die-cutting, which physically touches your print project when it punches through the paper, creating your cut.

Let Us Count the Ways You Can Use Laser Cutting:

Router Cutting Print Projects: Large Format Cutouts Create a Larger-Than-Life Impact

For our large-format printing projects, there is another procedure for achieving custom cutout shapes, using an electronic router, known as router-cutting.

Life-sized cutouts enhance your store window display and seasonal in-store signage helps make an exciting shopping experience for your customers. This method of cutting our large-format print projects, when used in certain ways, can create a 3-D printing effect to quickly transform your store or trade show booth into an experience your visitors won’t soon forget.

Setup and take-down is easy since these display panels are created using UltraBoard, a large-format printing material that is tough yet lightweight, so you can choose to reuse and recycle them at the end of your event, trade show, craft fair season or seasonal promotion cycle.

Router-Cutting is Great for Giant Cutout Environmental Graphics, like:

• Custom-cut indoor and outdoor signage
• Special event signage
• Directional and informational signs
• Indoor point-of-purchase signs
• Retail displays
• Temporary and promotional signage
• Trade show booths and signage

Call on Graphic Ideals to Cut Any Custom Cutout Print Project That Your Creative Can Mind Cook Up

What creatively cut printing projects are starting to spark in your mind now? Do you feel that custom die-, laser- or router-cutting would add value to your brand?

Feel free to share your ideas, questions or thoughts in the comments below.

Are you looking for a professional commercial printer in Phoenix to help you with your custom printing and cutting?

Send us an online printing quote request, call us at 602.381.8080 or come into our Phoenix print shop today, located at 4631 E. Thomas Road in Phoenix, Arizona and let us help you shape your ideas into profits!