DIE-CUTTING Cutting is part and parcel with many print applications; be it cutting thousands of business cards for a customer or cutting packaging into shape ready to be placed on a supermarket shelf, it is a critical part of production for almost all print service providers (PSPs). The latter of these two examples is part of the reason for significant growth within one area of cutting in particular: die-cutting. Beyond creating custom shapes, slits, and perforations, die-cutting delivers precision and consistency that can help to enhance brand identity and consumer engagement. With this in mind, Print Monthly sat down with several manufacturers and suppliers in this segment to gain further insight into die-cutting and learn more about the latest solutions and technologies available to the wider market. Added-Value Service Up first is BOBST, a specialist in packaging and labelling production. Bodo Junge, product marketing director at BOBST, says die-cutting represents an important added-value service for printers and converters, offering significant competitive advantages in the modern packaging market. “Today’s die-cutting technology accommodates exceptional flexibility in substrate type and thickness,” Junge comments, adding: “This allows converters to process everything from lightweight paper to heavy cartonboard and corrugated materials, all while maintaining consistent quality across production runs. “Offering this in-house is a major competitive edge when weighted against printers that need to outsource this process and lose a great amount of control and flexibility.” So, where should PSPs and similar companies be looking when it comes to die-cutting? Junge says printers should evaluate both machine capabilities and supplier partnership qualities. He recommends seeking out end-to-end solutions that integrate seamlessly with existing workflows while offering future-proofing features. “Die-cutting equipment should feature digitalisation and connectivity capabilities, like BOBST Connect, TooLink digital ID technology, and Job and Recipe Management, which will enhance operational efficiency and workflow transparency,” he says. Junge goes on to say critical machine specifications include register precision, production speed, versatility in handling different substrates, and waste reduction capabilities. He also picks up on the importance of the supplier relationship, saying PSPs look for partners that offer comprehensive support, and additionally highlights how energy use should be a factor in the decision-making process. “Prioritise energy efficiency and waste reduction features that support sustainability goals while reducing operating costs,” he says, continuing: “Modern die-cutters with optimised drive systems, An increasingly popular form of finishing in the printing industry, we take a closer look at die-cutting, speaking with suppliers and manufacturers about the core benefits this technology offers to print companies GETTING ON POINT WITH DIE-CUTTING IN PRINT 66 email: editor@printmonthly.co.uk May / June 2025 - Issue 354
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