diecutten

Diecutten, or die-cutting, is a manufacturing process that uses a shaped cutting tool called a die to cut and sometimes crease sheet material into specific forms. The Dutch term diecutten is used in Dutch-speaking contexts to describe the same operation. Die-cutting enables high volumes of identical shapes with clean, precise edges, making it a common step in packaging, printing, and craft production.

Process and equipment: A die, typically a sharp blade mounted on a backing, is pressed into the material by a press. Flatbed die-cutting uses a stationary die with a moving platen, suitable for rigid sheets; rotary die-cutting employs a rotating cylinder for continuous production on web material. Die tooling can also include creasing, perforating, or embossing features to aid folding or add texture.

Materials and outputs: Die-cutting works with paper, cardboard, corrugated board, plastics, leather, fabric, and foil. Common products include packaging boxes and inserts, greeting cards, labels, stickers, and decorative shapes. After cutting, parts may be scored for folding, kiss-cut on label sheets, or left as full cuts for assembly.

Industry considerations: Die-cutting requires custom dies, so setup costs are a factor and the method is most economical for higher-volume runs. The process has material thickness limits, tool wear considerations, and waste from nesting. Alternatives include laser cutting, laser perforation, or punching for low-volume production or more complex materials.