The effect of die cutting is undeniable. Any printed piece gains increased impact, utility and just plain eye-appeal with die cutting.
Cutting to die for!
With the capability of escaping the continuous rectangular page, designers and planners can really make their jobs stand out. Add fun, surprise, and intrigue to a print job and gain added reader attention. And die cutting is the essential technique in fabricating packaging, pocket folders, special envelopes and dimensional pieces of all types.
There are a few things to keep in mind:
- Pockets and compartments need to be sized properly for ease of insertion.
- Slits for inserts can often be reinforced with a small circular punch at the ends; it helps prevent tearing.
- When designing and sizing a job for press, don’t forget to include glue-tab locations, which add about 1/2”.
- Precise design and engineering is needed. Always construct a full-size dummy with the actual stock from the die schematic to check folds, assembly and fit of enclosures.
- Straight-lined, simple dies cost less than elaborate curved designs.
- Ask about in-stock shapes for standard pocket folders, etc.