About Cardboard Die Cutter You Should Know

Author: Harry

Jan. 13, 2025

About Cardboard Die Cutter You Should Know

About Cardboard Die Cutter You Should Know

What is Cardboard Die Cutter?

A cardboard die cutter is a machine that can cut the material into specific shapes and sizes using a custom-made die.These machines come in various configurations, including manual, semi-automatic, and fully automatic systems, catering to different production scales.Advanced machines integrate digital controls and software, allowing for high precision and customization.Besides, with the help of cardboard die cutting machine, the work efficiency has been promoted a lot. What's more, because of its accurately cutting, less material would be wasted during production. This passage is telling you some useful information about die cutting machine specific in cardboard.

MK supply professional and honest service.

Types of Die Cutter for Cardboard

Each of these types of cardboard die cutters has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on the specific needs of the project. It is essential to consider factors such as the shape and size of the cardboard, the production run size, and the required precision when selecting a die cutter.

Flatbed die cutter:

These die cutters use a flat cutting bed and a stationary die to cut shapes out of cardboard. A variety of shapes and sizes are available and such machines are commonly used for small to medium-sized production runs.

Rotary die cutter:

These die cutting machines use cylindrical die that rotates at high speeds to cut shapes out of cardboard. They are capable of cutting shapes quickly and accurately and are often used for large production runs.

Digital die cutter:

The blade of die cutting machines are controlled by computer.

They are highly precise and can be used for both small and large production runs.

Oscillating blade die cutter:

These die cutters use a vibrating blade to cut shapes out of cardboard. They are highly versatile and can be used for a wide range of cardboard thicknesses and shapes.

Punch and die cutter:

These die cutters use a punch and die to cut. They are highly efficient and are often used for large production runs.

How to choose a cardboard die cutter

With advancements in technology, modern die cutters are equipped with features such as:

Digital Design Integration: Enables seamless transition from design to production.

Eco-Friendly Options: Machines optimized for energy efficiency and minimal waste.

Enhanced Safety Measures: Improved mechanisms to protect operators during use.

Therefore, modern cardboard die-cutting machines can fulfill most of your needs. However, to avoid wasting your budget, you should consider these factors when choosing a cardboard die cutting machine.

These include cutting capacity, cutting size, precision, material thickness, maintenance and cost, and brand and reputation. You should determine the volume of cardboard you will be cutting, the size and shape of the pieces needed, and the level of precision required. Additionally, you should choose a machine that can handle the thickness of the material and fits within your budget. It is also important to research the brand and reputation of the die cutter before making a final decision.

Die Cutting Machine Manufacturer- MK

MK-a professional printing equipment manufacturer and comprehensive service provider. If you want to know more information about the cardboard die cutting machine, welcome to contact us, please visit our website at https://www.masterworkgroup.com/ We will be happy to help you out!  

MK's cardboard die-cutting machine

die-cutting machine with dual stations and blanking functions'Duopress Power 106CSB

corrugated board flatbed die-cutting machine with stripping'Ecocut MK 170CS

ultra -intelligent fully automatic cardboard die -cutting machine'Mastermatrix 106CSB

Understanding the Die Cutting Process in Custom Packaging

The die-cutting process is a popular manufacturing technique within the packaging industry. It involves the use of a die that is used to cut soft materials into a variety of packaging designs and shapes.

The ability to mass-produce custom packaging is where the real value of the die-cutting process lies. Die-cut packaging is easier, faster and more cost-effective to create custom packaging at a larger scale. 

In this article, we'll be exploring the die-cutting process and its role in custom packaging. 

You'll also see: 

  • A detailed explanation of die-cutting boxes
  • How a cutting die is made
  • Die-cutting techniques 
  • FEFCO corrugated packaging categories 
  • Finishing options that complement die-cut box designs

Packhelp have a range of die-cut boxes that will make your brand stand out. 

Understanding the Die Cutting Process

A cutting die is essentially a giant cookie cutter that is pressed into the material to form the desired shape of the packaging.

Die-cutting has come a long way from its origins in the shoemaking industry during the industrial revolution. 

Initially designed to aid the mass production of packaging, die-cutting has developed into a versatile fabrication process.

Virtually any shape, design or pattern can be created using a cutting die.

Custom packaging is produced using custom steel dies and die-cutting machines. 

This form of manufacturing allows for the mass production of packaging. But more importantly, die-cut packaging ensures precision accuracy. 

How is a cutting die made?

Developments in technology and manufacturing techniques of cutting dies, ensure the most effective and accurate design of die-cut boxes. Typically, the packaging outline is generated by Computer-Aided Design (CAD).

This digitised drawing is transferred onto a piece of hardwood known as a die board. 

The most sophisticated method for drawing designs onto die boards is by burning onto the wooden surface using state of the art laser cutters. 

The introduction of lasers in this process has ensured greater accuracy of the drawing on the die board. 

The cutting die uses strips of metal called rules or steel rules. The cutting ruler is formed into shape using a rule bender which bends, cuts and notches steel into the shape needed.

Source

A variety of cutting rules can be used in the die-cutting process. Each rule has its own function and its use depending on the complexity of the packaging. 

Some of the most common rule options are:

  • Through Cutting: Through cutting cuts through the packaging material.
  • Scoring: Rather than cutting the whole way through the material, scoring leaves an impression indent or partial cut on a single stress point. 
  • Creasing: Creasing is similar to scoring where the die creates a fold line on the packaging material. Unlike scoring, creasing allows for inward bending of the material by having two parallel stress points. Havings two stress points allow for greater flexibility of the material.
  • Perforating: Perforating involves indenting a line of holes along the design material. The design is not separated from the material itself but can easily detach along the perforated lines. 

Each rule is built to accommodate the thickness of the material and flute size. 

The steel rules are hammered into the die board by hand. A variety of foam and rubber pieces are then glued onto the die. 

These pieces assist the die in bouncing off the corrugated board during production. 

Source: Accurate Products

The die-cutting machine presses the die firmly into the cardboard which results in a cut-out shape (remember the cookie-cutter).

Depending on the complexity of the packaging design, this cut out has several lines, creases and folds which are used to assemble the packaging by hand. 

The excess material is all gathered up and recycled to be used again.

Making individual dies for each piece of packaging is a costly exercise. However, it's a one-off cost that is offset when multiple orders of the same packaging are made over time. 

The company is the world’s best Cardboard Stamping Machine supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

Die-cutting techniques

Die-cutting is still very much analogue and manual in nature. Although technology is used in the process, the fastest method for mass-produced custom packaging is still with a manually built cutting die.

The two most popular die-cutting techniques in packaging are:

Flatbed Die Cutting: 

Flatbed dies are made with a flat, rectangular piece of hardwood (die board) that contains the unique die shape. 

It involves the use of a cutting die, that is firmly pressed into the cardboard by a flatbed machine

Source:PDLC

Flatbed die machines have a small blank size, so they are not suggested for larger designs. However, they are capable of making intricate, detailed designs such as small cut-outs, tight cuts and slit scores.

Rotary Die Cutting:

Rotary cuttie dies are made with a cylindrical press and rolled over the cardboard rather than pressed down like the flatbed die cutter. 

Rotary die-cutting is a much quicker process and is ideal for mass production of simple designs. 

Source  

Some rotary die-cutting machines can even perform two functions at once, such as embossing, lamination, etc. 

Although producing higher volumes at a faster rate, rotary cutting machines aren't always the best option. 

The type of technique/machine used depends on the design and desired functionality of the packaging

Digitalised die-cutting

Developments in technology within the industry has digitalised the die-cutting process. The traditional methods are still the most prominent and frequently used; however, it is now possible to die cut packaging without the use of steel knives.

These highly advanced machines use computerised controls and lasers to make the cuts in the place of steel rules. ESKO and Zünd are industry leaders in manufacturing these digitalised machines.

Despite the advancements in technology, digitalised die-cutting machines are limited in their capabilities. 

They are a viable option for low-medium order volumes however are not yet as fast as analogue methods/machinery.

Custom Packaging Examples

The die-cutting process makes it possible to create virtually any kind of packaging no matter the size, material, fold or function. 

This freedom and range of packaging functionality have significant benefits to your company's fulfilment process

There are several types of die-cut packaging options available.

The European Federation of Corrugated Board Manufacturers (FEFCO), is the industry body that regulates the corrugated industry in the United Kingdom and European Union.

The organisation has standardised corrugated packaging into digitalised code. These codes have replaced complicated code descriptions and are recognised across the United Kingdom and Europe. 

FEFCO has broken down corrugated box designs into eight categories.

These categories serve as the basis for die-cut boxes and can be modified in several ways to create unique custom packaging.

The categories are as follows:

Commercial Rolls & Sheets

Commercial rolls and sheets are typically used to protect glass while in storage and during transportation. 

Slotted-type Boxes

Slotted box types generally consist of one piece of card with either a glued, stitched or taped manufacturers joint shut. Most commonly, they are flat packed and need to be sealed by hand during assembly. 

A typical example of a slotted type box is a shipping box.

Telescope-Type Boxes

Telescope-type boxes are made up of multiple pieces of corrugated cardboard. They are characterised by a lid and/or bottom that 'telescopes' over the body of the box.

Folder-Type Boxes & Trays

Folder-type boxes and trays usually consist of one piece of board. The bottom of the box is hinged, forming all of the walls and the cover. Several additions can be incorporated into specific designs such as locking tabs, display panels or handles.

Slide-Type Boxes

Slide-type boxes consist of several pieces of liners and sleeves sliding in different directions into each other. This FEFCO category also includes outer sleeves for other boxes.   

Rigid-Type Boxes

Rigid-type boxes are made up of two separate end pieces with a body. The box components require stitching or similar fixing before they are fit for use.

A two-piece product box is an example of a rigid-type box.

Ready-glued Cases

Ready-glued cases are typically simple to assemble. This style is essentially one piece of corrugated cardboard that is shipped flat.

Interior Fitments 

Interior fitments are individual components designed to be used with other box styles, most commonly partitions or dividers to protect objects from one another, but may also feature liners or pads.

Create your very own custom cardboard boxes with Packhelp. Click here to get a quote! 

The Finishing Touch in the Die Cutting Process

The die-cutting process enables truly unique custom packaging. Intricate, sophisticated design in luxury packaging provides a touch of elegance that will leave a lasting impression on the user.

But what if this luxurious style was taken further?

There are a variety of finishing techniques that accentuate the die-cut design of custom packaging. This emphasis on packaging design resonates with consumers and positively impacts their future purchasing decisions. 

Take a look at some of the most popular finishing options and get the most out of your custom die-cut boxes: 

Embossing

Embossing is a printing technique that raises the print higher off the surface of the packaging. The embossing machine creates an elegant finish that the user can not only see but feel

The pressure of high temperature creates the embossing effect. A metal die is made (similar to a cutting die) that is then used to emboss the desired surface.

It is also possible to deboss - the opposite of embossing whereby the design is pressed underneath the packaging surface. This effect creates an indented look to the finish.

Whether it's an embossed or debossed finish, it is best coupled with high-quality die-cut packaging such as a rigid box

UV Print

UV printing utilises ultraviolet curing technology during the printing process. Once the packaging material passes through the printer, it receives wet ink that is immediately exposed to UV light.

The exposure to the UV light dries the ink instantly, preventing seepage or the ink spreading in the process. This method provides sharp, vibrant printing that is the perfect accompaniment to a well-designed die-cut box

Hot Stamping

Hot stamping is a finishing technique for custom packaging that uses high temperature for glueing foil or dry paint into the desired shape.

The finishes are pressed on with a die which transfers the heat. Hot stamping is great to pair with other finishing techniques, such as embossing or debossing. 

This kind of finishing would work well with a bespoke box such as a magnetic box

Final Thoughts

The die-cutting process makes it possible to create a wide range of custom packaging boxes. The method ensures accuracy in design but also enables high volume production. 

The varied die-cutting techniques, machines and styles provide a diverse range of packaging functions. This functionality separates custom packaging from standardised packaging, rendering infinite possibilities.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Hot Foil Stamping Machine For Sale. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

32

0

Comments

Please Join Us to post.

0/2000

All Comments ( 0 )

Guest Posts

If you are interested in sending in a Guest Blogger Submission,welcome to write for us!

Your Name: (required)

Your Email: (required)

Subject:

Your Message: (required)