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
TRADITIONAL or DIGITAL die cutting uses specialist machines to produce cut-out shapes like a cookie cutter. We can create the same shape, over and over creating crisp, professional and consistent results every time. Shapes add personality to your printing! Peterkin has a huge range of die cut shapes and sizes for you to choose from in our die library, or you can create your own custom die shape.
Die cutting can be used for flat shapes with or without scoring, and to create three-dimensional objects like pockets, sleeves and boxes for packaging projects large and small.
Peterkin has an extensive selection of on-trend die cut shapes in our die library.
Our library of shapes are suitable to use with digital printing and also for letterpress, hot foil press and embossing print finishes. Because they're our in house dies, it's a cost effective (yet super speccy) add-on for your printing. We also use die cutting for envelope liners to fit our envelope range, rigid signage, posters, 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 hot foil tag (Peterkin Double Arch Tag) and letterpress butterfly (custom die shape) require traditional die cutting. The digitally printed circle (Peterkin 140mm Circle) and the rose (custom die shape) have been digitally die cut.
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.
What is Digital Die Cutting & what is it used for?
Digital die cutting converts your chosen vector die line to a special format read by computer, rather than making a physical die. Our digital die cutting machine has a camera that finds a printed mark on each page to achieve 'magic' registration. It then cuts and scores according to your die line using special cutting and creasing tools.
Digital die cutting is excellent for short print runs, samples to test your designs, and digital printing up to 350gsm thick card. We also use digital die cutting for our Rigid Signage & Posters (a very large flat bed die cutter), and for our Sticker / Labels (using a much smaller machine!)
How to Order Die Cutting for your Printing
Create your own custom die cut shape!
From intricately shaped invitations, cute themed placecards 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 line (digital 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.
You can order your own custom die shape for digital or traditional dies.
Remember this important information when ordering die cutting for custom dies
Digital Die Cutting -- Standard thickness stocks, digitally printed.
Traditional Die Cutting -- Double thick stocks, any letterpress, foil or embossed job.
Order die cut printed samples here.