Choosing a print finishing cutting method starts with the finished shape. Four straight business card edges need a different tool from a rounded hang tag with a hole. İkram Lazer manufactures steel-rule cutting dies for sheet-fed finishing work. This guide helps identify the operation and tooling before a die is ordered.
Separate straight trimming from shaped die cutting
A guillotine trims a sheet or stack along a straight line. Rectangular business cards, brochures and sheet edge trimming belong to this group. Its long straight knife is a different component from steel rule fitted into a plywood dieboard.
Rounded corners, hanging holes, carton flaps and locking tabs require a path that follows the product shape. In a steel-rule die, the rule is bent to that contour. A finished sample photograph or measured cutting drawing describes the requirement more clearly than a generic request for a cutting blade.
Plan cutting and creasing together for a carton blank
The outer contour is cut, folding lines are creased and tear-off features can require perforation. Sending all three functions as one line type leaves the purpose of each path unclear.
Use separate layers for cutting, creasing and perforation. Printed work also needs artwork and the cutting contour aligned to the same reference. Our dieline service turns product dimensions into a drawing suitable for die manufacture.
A machine name is not a die size
A platen, cylinder or flatbed setup needs confirmed usable cutting area, mounting arrangement, feed direction and the rule height required by the machine. State sheet dimensions separately from the usable area. An old die photograph is useful, but does not replace measured machine information.
For BOBST work, see the detailed machine size and board fit guide. This article covers operation selection; model-specific limits should be checked against the machine manufacturer’s documentation.
Print quantity and positions on the die are different inputs
An order for ten thousand labels does not require ten thousand cutting rules. The same die operates repeatedly on successive sheets. Positions describe the number of products laid out on one sheet. Send the production quantity and the sheet layout as separate inputs.
Also state whether the job requires through cutting or kiss cutting that leaves the liner intact. Label tooling at İkram Lazer is evaluated as sheet-fed, flatbed steel-rule work.
Direct machine and tooling requests correctly
The quotation offered here is for a custom cutting die. Guillotine knife sharpening, cutting machine sales and machine maintenance are separate requests. An existing worn die can be assessed through our die repair and refurbishment service, including the condition of its rules and ejection rubber.
For a manufacturer’s overview of the operation families, see HEIDELBERG finishing and converting.
Send these details with a die enquiry
Keeping product and machine information in the same package reduces follow-up questions about missing dimensions.
- Finished product shape and dimensions
- Cutting, creasing and perforating drawing
- Sheet size and position layout
- Machine model and usable area
- Material, thickness and required delivery date
