Frequently Asked Questions

Cutting die pricing, files and delivery.

See 30 practical answers on quotes, PDF, AI and DXF files, BOBST tooling, label dies, lead times and delivery from Ikram Lazer.

30Answers
12 minQuote response
0.05 mmTolerance
Technical file and production preparation for a printing die

All questions

30 questions listed.
Product & Materials
1 What is a cutting die and how does it work?

A cutting die consists of hardened steel blades set into a wood or metal base using a CNC laser. Mounted on a press, it cuts carton, paper, labels, packaging and plastic into the desired shape. It is the core tool in box, label and packaging production.

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2 Which materials can a cutting die cut?

Carton, corrugated board, kraft, label paper, PVC, PET, NBR rubber, aluminium, copper and natural and synthetic leather. CNC fiber-laser bases guarantee 0.05 mm tolerance for precision cutting, creasing and perforation; rule height is adjusted to material thickness as required.

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3 What is a BOBST die set?

A BOBST die set is a precision cutting tool system used on large packaging production machines. Delivered as a complete 4-piece set: standard cutting blade, male blade, female blade and pre-stripping module.

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4 Do you make creasing and perforation blades?

Yes. We manufacture creasing blades, perforation blades, steel rule, blade bending work and custom cutting dies for box, label and packaging production.

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5 What is a label cutting die used for?

A label cutting die is used for roll labels, sheet labels, stickers, kiss-cut and custom-shape cutting. Depending on size and material, 23.8 mm, 8–12 mm and project-specific blade solutions are available.

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6 What are the minimum and maximum sizes for a box cutting die?

Our line produces dies from 5×5 cm small label cutters up to 160×120 cm large-format box and corrugated dies. Full-size base plates for BOBST 102 and 142 machines are kept in stock.

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7 How many impressions does a cutting die last?

Standard hardened-steel rules are produced at 23–24 HRC and reach 200,000–500,000 impressions under correct use. Lifespan varies by material cut (corrugated, carton, label), press pressure, rubber quality and machine maintenance. Die maintenance and re-sharpening service is also offered.

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8 Should the die base be wood or aluminium?

Birch plywood base is the most common and economical choice for standard box, label and packaging dies. Aluminium base is preferred for high-volume BOBST and large-format corrugated dies; it is more resistant to heat, moisture and deformation. Contact us via WhatsApp to determine which base suits your application.

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9 What is kiss-cut, and how does it differ from full cut?

Kiss-cut cuts only the label's paper layer while leaving the liner (backing paper) intact; it is used for roll label and sticker production. In a full cut, the blade passes through all layers. Liner thickness and construction are shared in advance for kiss-cut dies.

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10 How is rule height chosen? What is the difference between 8 mm, 12 mm and 23.8 mm?

8 mm rule height is used for thin liners and low-profile label cutting; 12 mm for standard labels and high-volume dies; 23.8 mm for high-speed roll-label machines. Optimum rule height is recommended based on machine model and material thickness.

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11 What is the difference between a corrugated board die and a flat carton die?

Corrugated board dies require a harder blade profile, typically an aluminium base and heavier steel rule; pressure requirements are significantly higher than carton dies. Flat carton and kraft dies are produced on standard birch plywood base. Both die types are produced on our line.

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Order & Payment
12 How is the price of a cutting die determined?

A cutting die's price is built from four components: outer dimension (laser run-time per cm²), base material (birch plywood, MDF or aluminium), blade type and total length (cutting, creasing, perforation, steel rule) and order quantity. For BOBST sets, the number of pieces (standard, male, female, pre-stripping) directly affects the total; for label dies, rule height (8–12 mm, 23.8 mm) and kiss-cut setting are decisive. Send size, material and quantity via WhatsApp and a clear quote arrives within 12 minutes.

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13 Is there a minimum order quantity?

No. We accept orders starting from a single die. We work with small print shops, businesses and individual customers alike.

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14 How is the price of a label cutting die (sticker die) calculated?

A label cutting die's price depends on label dimensions, rule height (8 mm, 12 mm or 23.8 mm), kiss-cut or full-cut setting, roll vs sheet workflow and order quantity. Irregular shapes increase laser cut time and price. Send label size, quantity and liner spec via WhatsApp for a clear quote.

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15 Is a BOBST die priced per piece or as a set?

BOBST cutting dies are usually priced as a set: standard cutting blade, male blade, female blade and pre-stripping (stripping) module. Single-piece replacement is also priced separately. Set price is determined by machine model (BOBST 102, 142, Mastercut) and outer dimension.

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16 Do you offer warranty or replacement on faulty dies?

Yes. Production-side dimension, creasing or cutting errors are revised or remade free of charge. Every die is test-cut and dimension-checked before shipment; production faults reported within 7 days of delivery are taken into our priority line.

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17 What are the payment options; is deferred payment possible?

Bank transfer / wire is preferred for upfront payment. Regular corporate customers are offered 30–60 day deferred payment after invoicing. For first orders, deferred terms can be discussed after sample and trial production.

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18 Do you produce samples or proof dies?

Yes. A single proof die is produced for new projects or blind profiles. Serial production begins after the proof print is approved. Proof cost can be offset against the subsequent serial order; simply mention this via WhatsApp before ordering.

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19 What do I need to place a repeat (re-order)?

To renew a previously ordered die, simply send your order number or the die's dimensions via WhatsApp. A new die with the same specifications is produced within 2–4 hours from the drawing already in our archive. If the material or size has changed, just mention it.

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20 Do you issue invoices; is e-invoice available?

An invoice including VAT is issued for every order. Electronic invoices are sent to e-invoice and e-archive taxpayers; e-archive invoices for other customers. Individual customers must provide billing details at the time of ordering.

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Timing & Shipping
21 Do you offer urgent or same-day cutting die delivery?

Yes. We run a separate priority line for urgent orders. Standard-size box, label and BOBST dies are produced in 4–18 hours under normal conditions and 2–6 hours for urgent jobs. Same-day motorbike courier within Istanbul, next-day express cargo nationwide. To open a priority slot, send the deadline and file via WhatsApp in advance.

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22 How many hours does cutting die delivery take?

Standard-size box and label dies are produced in 4–18 hours; custom dies and large BOBST sets in 1–2 business days. Same-day motorbike courier within Istanbul and next-day express cargo across Turkey. Every die is test-cut and dimension-checked before shipment.

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23 Do you ship cutting dies across Turkey?

Yes. After production in Istanbul, cutting dies, box dies, label cutting dies and BOBST die sets are shipped across Turkey by courier or cargo.

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24 Do you ship cutting dies internationally?

Yes. We ship internationally, primarily to Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. Customs documents, invoice and packing list are prepared by us. International delivery takes 3–7 business days depending on the carrier. Send the destination country and postcode via WhatsApp for a quote.

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25 What should I check when receiving a cutting die?

When you receive the die, check: blade positions and tightness, creasing and perforation lines for design accuracy, and that the base dimensions match the order. We apply a test print to every die before shipping; we can share the print image via WhatsApp before handing over to the carrier. Report any production-side discrepancy within 7 days of delivery.

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26 Is same-day die delivery possible?

We evaluate same-day delivery requests individually. Requirements for standard box and label dies: drawing or dimensions submitted by 11:00, order must be within Istanbul, and available capacity in our production queue. For larger custom BOBST sets, a wait of 4–8 hours is possible. Capacity can be checked via WhatsApp before committing to a delivery date.

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27 Is urgent die production available on weekends or outside business hours?

Routine urgent production is not carried out outside business hours (Friday 16:00 – Monday 08:00). Weekend and late-night urgent orders are prioritised early Monday morning and expedited during operational hours. For exceptional situations such as exhibitions, stands or press stoppages, explain your situation via WhatsApp; requests are evaluated based on available capacity.

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Submission & Format
28 What do I need to send for a cutting die quote?

Size, material and quantity information is enough to start. PDF, AI, DXF or a simple sketch can be sent via WhatsApp. No drawing? Just describe it — we'll draft it. Quote arrives within 12 minutes.

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29 Which file formats are suitable for quotes?

PDF, AI, DXF, technical drawings, measured images or simple sketches are suitable. If you do not have a file, size, material and quantity details are enough for an initial quote; technical confirmation is sent before production starts.

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30 Can I request a price quote by email?

Yes, send your request to info@ikramlazer.com. However, our WhatsApp channel provides much faster turnaround (avg. 12 minutes). Email requests are generally answered same business day within working hours. Include size, material, quantity and deadline in your email; attach a PDF or DXF if available.

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