Die Cutting
Die cutting is an old process created for printing companies and processes designed to "punch out" different shapes from paper. The die cutting machine provides a faster and cleaner way of producing paper shapes. There are numerous uses for die cutting. Most paper that comes with punch-out shapes has been run through a die cutting machine. One of the most popular uses for die cutting today is with at home scrapbooking. Elementary schools and teachers also often use a form of die cutting in their studies and classes.
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Function
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The purpose of die cutting is to mass produce shapes made from paper. There are many different kinds of products that require the use of a die cutting machine. Stickers, labels, boxes, posters, paper letters, paper decorations, and many more objects require the die cutting process. Each die cutting tool has a slightly different purpose. Large die cutting machines are designed to produce many cuts of the same design very quickly. Hand die cutters are designed to make small batches of die cuts for numerous purposes.
Features
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A die cutting machine used in a professional environment looks similar to a printing press. However, the cutting boards are placed inside the machine, and then the paper is pressed over them to cut out the shapes. Each die cutter has sponge covered plates that have steel blades hidden under the sponge. It is inserted into the machine and then the machine presses the paper over it, causing the cut. Usually the paper is left attached at certain spots. That's done so that the paper does not come loose in the machine. Hand die cutters are operated the same way, but on a much smaller scale.
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Professional Use
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There are many professional uses for die cutting. Almost any time shaped paper is involved, die cutting has been used. Cards, decorations, labels, stickers, boxes, toys, letters, shapes, and many other paper cut-outs all are made using a die cutter. The professional die cutter is much more efficient and faster than a personal die cutter. Almost all printing companies have at least one die cutter among their equipment.
Personal Use
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The personal uses for die cutting are almost more wide-spread than the professional uses. It is possible to make almost anything from a die cutter if the right blades are on hand. One of the most popular methods to use die cutting is through crafts and scrapbooking. Craft stores sell many different shapes to use with die cutters so that almost anything can be created. The classroom benefits greatly from the use of a die cutter. Die cutters are also great for creating banners, party decorations and even home decorations.
Size
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The sizes of die cutters depend on the version being used. The professional die cutter is very large. It is just about the size of an average dishwasher. It has a huge roller that rolls the paper over the cutting surface. The personal die cutters are much smaller. They are usually operated by a hand crank, or a large lever. The dimensions are usually around 2 feet square. Some are square shaped, while others are rectangular.
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