Foreground: Arch die 'locked up' in a chase, ready to die cut. Background: A selection of dies hanging vertically in rows to maximise space. We use vintage Heidelberg presses (without the ink rollers) for our traditional die cutting.
Die Cutting
At Peterkin we use different methods of die cutting depending on the shape, complexity and thickness of the stock to be die cut. Traditional die cutting (using physical wooden and metal dies on our Heidelberg Platens), Digital (by laser-guided knife) and Laser die cutting (precision laser cut).
Die cutting uses specialist machines to produce cut-out shapes. We can create the same shape repeatedly, creating crisp, professional and consistent results every time. Shapes add personality to your printing!
Peterkin has an extensive selection of on-trend die cut shapes in our die library.
We've got a huge selection of shapes to choose from!
Our library of Standard Peterkin Shapes are suitable to use with all print finishes (digital, letterpress etc). And because they're our in-house dies, it's a cost effective and attractive add-on for your printing. To use our Standard Shapes you'll need to use our templates to make sure your design fits!
We use die cutting for envelope liners to fit our envelope range, signage, sticker / labels, tags, place cards, and pockets & sleeves. You can also order paper and card without printing (blank) to be die cut into a shape.
View our library of available die cut shapes here.
How to order blank (unprinted) die cut shapes.
Traditional methods of printing like this double-thick, duplexed and letterpress printed invitation (Arch) require traditional die cutting. The digitally printed details card (Half Arch) and RSVP card (Pebble) have been digitally die cut.
Create your own custom die cut shape!
From intricately shaped invitations, cute place cards, or practical packaging, by creating your own die shapes your creative possibilities are endless!
Learn how to set up your artwork for Custom Shapes.
Once you've paid for the initial set up of your die (digital, laser or traditional), any future use is just the cost of the actual die cutting. You can order one-off samples (digital only) or a minimum of 50 die cuts. You can create a custom digital die line to test your design before investing in a traditional die. If you have ordered a digital or laser shape before and want to use the same shape with letterpress, hot foil, embossing or double-thick stocks, you’ll need to upgrade to a traditional die.
You can order your own custom die shape for digital, laser or traditional die shapes.
Remember this important information when ordering die cutting for custom dies
Digital Die Cutting -- Standard thickness stocks, digitally printed, simple shapes.
Laser Die Cutting -- Standard thickness stocks, digitally printed, complex shapes.
Traditional Die Cutting -- Double thick stocks, any letterpress, foil or embossed job, simple shapes.
Simple Shape or Complex Shape? What's the difference?
What is Digital Die Cutting & what is it used for?
Digital die cutting converts your vector die line file into a special format read by computer, rather than making a physical die. Our digital die cutting machine cuts and scores using special cutting and creasing tools.
Digital Die cutting is only available for single thickness stocks with digital printing. It’s excellent for short print runs and samples to test your designs. We also use digital die cutting for our Signage and Posters (a very large flat bed die cutter), and for our Sticker / Labels (using a much smaller machine!)
If you’re creating your own custom die line, Digital Die Cutting is suitable for simple shapes with one continuous outer line, with minimal curves or turns. You can include drill holes for ribbon (minimum 3mm diameter). Scoring is not as crisp as Laser cutting, and not all stocks are suitable for scoring.
What is Laser Die Cutting & what is it used for?
Laser Die Cutting uses precision lasers guided by computer software that can create more detailed and intricate custom shapes.
Laser Die Cutting is only available for single thickness stocks with digital printing. It’s suitable for complex custom shaped die lines, designs with interior cutouts, multiple paths and outer line shapes made from multiple points. The scores are a 'half cut' from the front of the design and cannot be 'bent back' rather than a more traditional score look and feel.
If it took you a while to design – it’s complex!
We offer Laser Die Cutting as an option when you order single thickness card stocks with digital printing and Custom Die Cutting.
What is Traditional Die Cutting & what is it used for?
Traditional dies are thin, razor-sharp steel blades formed into specific shapes. We mount the blades into wood which is then carefully fixed into the chase of our press. Each sheet of paper or card is pressed between the die and the platen, punching the shape out with a crisp clean edge.
Traditional die cutting is always used for designs that are letterpressed, hot foiled, embossed or on double-thick (duplexed) card - this is because these processes can't be run through a digital die cutter, it might damage your cards, and duplexed stocks are too thick! Traditional dies have superior scoring for pockets and packaging. Traditional die cutting is also used for larger print runs approx 100+ pieces.
Order die cut printed samples here.
