How Die Cutting Machines Work To Produce Accurate Designs
If you take a straight edge, sharpen it and press down hard, it slices through paper without resistance. There's a pleasing whoosh sound as multiple sheets of paper or card stock are cut into smaller sections by the straight blade. Die cutting machines employ a similar methodology, but it's on a grander scale, plus the straight edge is substituted by curves and intricately designed shapes.
Accurate Cutting
If someone were to say die cutting machines rely on the sharpness of the cutting edge, they're maybe missing the point. Sharpness is part of the equation, certainly, but a number of other factors guarantee an accurate cut every single time. Think of the strong cutting pressure, the uniform application of this mechanical muscle, and the actual stability of the press frame. The sharp lines of the die are as efficient as our initial example, but intricate arcs and angled curves must be similarly sharp or the resolved output form will be ragged at the corners. This phenomenon also worsens if stability or uniformity is uncertain. The anvil or drum of the die cutting gear works adequately, but the repeatability factor suffers as the next batch of card stock is cut sharp at one end and ragged at the opposing side.
Assured Accuracy
Abnormally rendered embossed edges and poorly cut sections of quilt can make a minor brow furrow explode into a full-on headache. Pressure settings must be adequate to the task and applied uniformly on all four sides of the cutting action. Next, use a template or die cartridge that's made by a reputable company, as dies do submit to wear over time. Better yet, use a company that has a distinctive position in the die cutting community, someone who can make hundreds of sharply embossed edges for a Church periodical or dozens of larger=than-life cutouts for a school project. Worn die media is not an issue when a professional solution is engaged. Finally, match the cut media to the die cutting machines in question by reading the manual or assessing the capabilities of a commercial company. There are literally dozens of materials and just as many ways of scoring, embossing, and cutting. If the material is wood or tin, high amounts of pressure are needed. Conversely, smaller machines still require a uniform press action if the force is to be applied without losing the consistency of the cut.
Super-sharp dies are only the beginning, especially when pressure and uniform anvil press configurations are responsible for applying the dies properly.
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