A wide range of digital manufacturing services are available to meet specific application needs. Digital die cutting, in particular, is the go-to choice in many industries, allowing for great versatility and high consistency. The technique has become more and more popular over the years, especially for mass manufacturing jobs.
So what exactly is digital die cutting, and how can it benefit your business?
What Is Digital Cutting?
During traditional die cutting, a die is used to shear webs of low-strength materials. Rubber, fiber, cloth, paperboard, plastic, foam, sheet metal, and many other materials can be worked with this process. Die cutting can be completed on rotary or flatbed presses. One of the first die cutting jobs, completed in the mid-19th century, involved cutting leather for shoes.
Digital die cutting, on the other hand, involves precision cutting without the use of dies. This method offers all of the same benefits of traditional die cutting, but makes use of lasers, blades, and bits to allow for highly precise cuts, as well as scores and creases when needed. A specialized type of die cutting, kiss cutting, can also be used to cut through a single laminate, making the process ideal for labels and stamps.
The Benefits of Digital Die Cutting
The greatest advantage of digital die cutting, of course, is the fact that it doesn’t rely on a die, ensuring optimal precision. Other key advantages include:
- Shorter turnaround times — Digital die cutting machines operate at a slightly faster speed than traditional cutting machines, as there is no need to switch out die shapes. This reduces overall production time, allowing for faster turnarounds.
- Cost savings — Since no die shapes are used in cutting systems, there are no costs associated with the manufacture and use of a die. This makes the process more cost-effective than traditional die cutting.
- High precision — Cutting with a digital machine is highly precise, as it makes use of lasers, bits, or small blades.
- Software integration — Digital cutting works with various software programs. Once you’ve settled on a certain type of cutting machine, software integration is quite simple.
Digital cutting allows for shorter lead times while ensuring clean, precise output.
Digital Die Cutting Materials
Highly versatile, digital die cutting machines can be used for various types of material, from textiles to paper. Commonly worked materials include:
- Vinyl
- Cardboard
- Leather
- Composite materials (such as reinforced plastic)
- Foam boards
This flexibility allows for the creation of all kinds of products and parts.
Finding a Trusted Partner for Digital Die Cutting
Used across a huge range of industries and applications, digital die cutting serves as an ideal solution for everything from consumer goods and marketing materials to wraps and samples.
Before embarking on a digital die cutting project, take the time to carefully evaluate every aspect of your application and its specific requirements, and partner with a trusted manufacturer who can guide you through each step of the process. A knowledgeable provider will be able to assess your specific needs and recommend the best technique for your job.
Resources:
- https://www.heinnchapman.com/capabilities/digital-cutting/
- https://newspharmaceuticals.com/250830/global-portable-plasma-cutting-machine-market-growth-opportunities-2018-pcl-group-esab-zund-gotorch-laser-solution/
Image Credit: Techprint/http://tp.techprintinc.com/item/manufacturing-capabilities/die-cutting/item-1046?plpver=10