Die-Cutting 101: What You Want to Know

Want to get the desired shape of your creative project you want? What kind of process comes to your mind to cut the project properly in the exact shape? Haven’t heard about die cutting? Fret not.

When you are new to crafting your DIY project and unfamiliar with die cutting, stay here. This blog is here to focus on die cutting processes, discuss die cutting machines, and how they can be used to craft your DIY project in the ideal shape.

What Is Die Cutting?

Die cutting in crafting is a manufacturing process in which a machine is used to cut or shape materials into a particular form through a die. This die is like a tool to cut or punch out shapes in the same sizes from various materials including paper and metal.

You are not required to cut out the shapes using scissors or a craft knife. This die cut saves you time and cuts the shapes in the exact dimensions consistently and professionally every time.

What Is A Die Cutter

The die cutter is a tool that uses a die (precisely shaped blade) to cut complex shapes from materials like paper and foam. This whole process is known as die cutting and is used in different industries. These die cutters produce accurate and consistent cuts in multiple shapes quickly and efficiently.

Die Cut Shapes

Die cut shapes are actually smaller pieces of paper or fabric, or other types of materials that are used to cut into shapes through a die.

Die cut printing technique is used to create custom designs and shapes in printed materials. The die cuts specific shapes or patterns in paper or other materials. Die cut boxes with unique die cut shapes, like stars are an example for understanding.

Who Invented Die Cutting

The history of die cutting begins in the 1300s from the English word “de” which formed the Latin word “datum” for “given”. Initially, the term die was used for smaller sizes and shapes till the 1800s.

It was developed during the Industrial Revolution in the 1900s to streamline the production of leather goods, particularly shoes as shoemakers used to make shoes by hand, and they used this die cut technique to cut the leather into the desired shoe shape. This was the turning point.

The shoes were made of leather, and the soles were cut by hand which led to improper cutting. These errors gave birth to the idea of inventing die cutting machines, which meant cutting leather for shoes in the standard size we see today.

What Is A Die Cutting Machine?

Before we look into die cutting machines, let’s understand the basics of a die. The die is like a cookie cutter and is a metal-shaped object with a sharp knife edge.

This die is used in die cutting machine and pressed into a chosen material, such as paper or fabric to cut shapes, patterns, or designs in the exact dimensions and give a professional look to crafting projects.

Manual Die Cutting Machines and How Does It Work

This is a simple type of die cutting machine, like a mangle that uses manual hand crank operations with an opening slot for scrapbooking and cardmaking.

The metal die passes the machine’s rollers. Based on the shape of the die, the machines put pressure to cut the shape out of the material. You can easily use this machine without electricity or batteries.

It creates a simple sandwich between metal plates and puts the die in with its shape edge face down onto the material. When you twist the handle, pressure is applied on the whole die which results in cutting through the card or paper.

Read More: RSC Box vs Die Cut Box: Which Packaging Fits Your Needs Best

What Is Digital Die Cutting Machine and How Does It Operate

A digital die cutting machine powered by electricity is a computer-controlled machine that cuts and shapes materials such as paper or fabric with precision and accuracy.

In this machine, no steel dies are required as a blade inside the machine is present. Digital die cutting technology helps to create complex designs or shapes through software on your device like a computer or smartphone.

Understanding A Die Cut Sandwich

It is a combination of layers used in die-cutting machines. Cutting pad and the material that is to be cut, and another pad on top is involved in this. The sandwich is fed through the machine to cut the required material into a desired shape.

How To Use A Die Cutting Machine

Here are the simple and easy steps to help you use a die cutting machine properly.

1. Select your die and material (e.g., paper)
2. Make it like a sandwich using the material, a die, and another cutting pad.
3. Insert this sandwich into the die cutting machine.
4. Wind the handle to move the sandwich through the machine.
5. Remove it and check your cut shape. Done!

How To Use Die Cuts Without A Machine

Let’s understand how to cut the shape using dies without a machine.

1. Choose the die and the material you want to cut and shape.
2. Place the die on the material to cut its sides down.
3. Place a protective cutting mat underneath.
4. Use a pencil or pen to trace the die cut around the edges.
5. Use a craft knife to carefully cut along the traced lines.
6. Use washi tape or glue to adhere the shape to your DIY project. Excellent!

Where Die Cutting is Being Used

The use of die cutting in manufacturing a wide range of items, such as shoes and other items is great. It speeds up the process and cuts materials from paper and fabric to plastic and foam quickly and efficiently.

Crafters prefer using die cutting techniques using die cutting machines to create the shapes of scrapbook pages, custom cards, party favors, or DIY projects for waterproof cardboard more efficiently than scissors.

Die cut packaging creates custom shapes for packaging boxes, labels, and other materials. The die cut printing produces intricate designs for greeting cards and invitations.

Some of the common industries that take advantage of using die cutting are:

• Packaging
• Textile
• Metalworking

Bottom Line

Die cutting is a precise manufacturing process to create a specific shape and design from various materials in producing various products. This technique is widely used in various industries including packaging and printing to highlight its versatility in modern production methods. Join hands with Custom Product Packaging teams of dedicated die cutters, packaging, and printing specialists to create a design in your desired style using die cut technique. Contact us via email at orders@customproductpackaging.com.