Before going into an elaborate discussion about the equipment that is used for die-cutting, it is necessary to know what the process of these entails. Die-cutting is a manufacturing procedure that is used in large industries to get a huge number of the same shape from the sheet of a material which can be metal, plastic, wood, and fabric. The shapes that these cutters produce are known as “blanks”.
This process is used on a large scale in various industries and the manufactured products are generally composed of cut materials and then they are joined together to produce the final product. Sharp and shaped blades are used for die-cutting. Force is exerted on the blade to give it desired shape and placed on a strong backing. Then the material which is to be cut is placed on a supportive flat surface and die is applied on it. Depending on the necessity, the die is made to cut a single layer of a material or multiple layers of the same material to get a stack of blanks.
To perform this job, there are different types of die-cutting equipment available in the market. Their strength and capacity differ depending on the kind of industry where they serve. The commonly available equipment includes steel rule, rotary, laser, and many other types of ultrasonic techniques. Discussed below are the different types of machines:
Rotary Die Cutting:
These variations of die cutting machine include a cylindrical anvil and cutting blade which is made from a single sheet of tool steel. The material that needs cutting is run through the machine and a series of quick and precise cuts change the shape of the metal. The service of this equipment is required in the high volume projects where perforations need to be made through the material without disturbing its composition. It is also called “gasket die cutting” and is used to cut substances like rubber, plastic, and foam. When the issue is concerned with high volume production, in that case rotary cutting machines can feed the productivity in conjunction with bringing down the level of wastage of material. This machine is suitable for a minute and precise cut and can be used along with other processes like coating and laminating.
Press machine:
This machine is available in both capacities- for personal use and also for large scale use in the industry. They consist of a cutting blade that is placed on the metal and it is raised and lowered on the material, spread on a flat surface that needs cutting. This machine can be run by hydraulic, electric, and even by manual sources. This cutter can cut from a single piece of material or can cut from layers of materials that are placed one after another, where the context requires numerous copies of the same thing at a time.
Flatbed:
The flatbed die-cutting machine works on fluctuating degrees of hydraulic pressure to produce various shapes with a steel rule die. They are perfectly suitable for precise kiss-cuts, die-cuts, and butt-cuts out of sheets and laminates. This machine provides a cutting service at a cheaper rate. Its main benefit lies in the fact that it has higher tolerance on thicker materials and provides greater flexibility on the design front. Their involvement produces the best result in the small scale projects where the need is concerned with the production of multiple shapes and applications without the material curvature.
Laser:
Laser die-cutting equipment utilizes a non-thermal and highly focused laser beam to generate custom shapes and sizes out of the materials. The beam controlled by the computer and operates on a pre-set CAD generated design which facilitates the production of the same shapes and sizes in a large quantity. The service of this cutting machine is sought in the context that needs speed and precision. It also helps to create initial prototypes and shapes durable and sturdy materials that are otherwise difficult to handle. It produces huge quantities within a short period, making it suitable for large projects.
Water Jet:
Water jet die-cutter produces highly pressurized and forceful streams of water which has is agile enough to move at a speed that even exceeds the speed of sound. The stream is let out through a small aperture which has the ability to chop a variety of materials to desired shapes. This process of cutting is assumed to be versatile and because it utilizes a non-dulling cutter, so its maintenance expenses are minimum. Moreover, its functioning gives rise to lesser harmful byproducts.
For more information on die-cutting and to get a quote on a special project of your own, please reach out to PrintArt today! They will get you a fast affordable quote on any project size.
PrintArt – Accurate Die Cutting
413 Interchange St.
McKinney, TX 75071
972.562.7921
https://www.printart-adc.com
