On a sheet-fed label die the aim is to cut the face and leave the liner intact; that balance is the sum of three variables: liner thickness, adhesive behaviour and rule pressure. When one of the three changes the label resists peeling, the liner gets cut or adhesive bleeds at the edge. The setting is therefore not a single number but a balance rebuilt for each material.

A cut liner makes everything worse

The liner is more than a carrier; after the cut it keeps the sheet whole, lets the matrix strip off in one piece and lets the label peel cleanly at application. A cut that reaches the liner comes back as a sheet that tears during stripping and a label that rips in the applicator.

Rule height and pressure are therefore thought of together: the higher the rule, the lower the pressure is kept. When the liner type (paper, PET, thick or thin) and the kiss-cut expectation are written plainly in the order the die is built for that balance; if the application machine is known, the peel direction is allowed for from the start.

  • Liner type and thickness are shared with the maker’s name.
  • The kiss-cut expectation is written plainly in the order.
  • The application machine, if any, is stated; peel direction is planned from it.

Adhesive bleed affects the cut

On some label stocks the adhesive collects at the edge of the cut line; hotmelt adhesives are more prone to this in a warm room. The bleed sticks to the rule edge, fouls the following strokes and makes the label harder to strip. Small-radius corners and narrow gaps are where the bleed shows first.

When the material brand or a real sample is shared the adhesive type is known from the start, and rule edge, rubbering and pressure are chosen for it. The stripping direction is planned as well: a matrix that starts stripping from a straight edge rather than the corner where adhesive collects breaks less often.

  • The material brand or an uncut sample is sent.
  • Small-radius areas and narrow gaps are checked for bleed.
  • The stripping direction is planned to start from a straight edge.

Small labels leave less tolerance

Small shapes and narrow gaps leave less margin for error in the kiss-cut setting: the rule cuts deeper on a corner than on a straight run, and a narrow bridge tends to break during stripping. The same pressure that gives a clean result on a large label can cut the liner on a small one.

Drawing clarity is decisive here: minimum gaps are marked, round corners are drawn with a clear radius, and the contour is delivered as one closed vector. When run length and repeat information are shared, rule durability and wear allowance are considered from the start.

  • Minimum gaps and narrow bridges are marked on the drawing.
  • Round corners are drawn with a clear radius as one closed contour.
  • Run length and repeat-order information is shared.

A practical check for the quote

When the label file is sent with size, material, liner type, quantity and stripping expectation written together, the die is planned correctly. The cut contour is delivered as one piece, the fact that the carrier is not to be cut is stated plainly, and the sheet size and feed direction are added.

Three checks are enough on the first cut: the liner is held to the light, the waste matrix is stripped in one pull, and the label is peeled from a corner and from the centre. The approved setting is recorded with material and pressure information; on a repeat order with the same stock, production starts from that record.

  • The cut contour is delivered as one closed vector.
  • That the carrier is not to be cut (kiss-cut) is written plainly.
  • Sheet size and feed direction are stated.

Quote details we clarify together

When the file, material, quantity and deadline are clear, the quote conversation moves faster and with less back-and-forth.

  • Current revision file
  • Material and quantity details
  • Critical dimensions or production notes
  • Deadline expectation and delivery preference