Producing Impressive Labels using the Right Flatbed Cutting Dies

February 28, 2020

Food products often have labels that normally consist of the brand, the name, nutrition facts, and other relevant elements. To date, there are numerous printing techniques that manufacturers use in creating these product labels. One of the most popular printing techniques, however, is the flatbed die cutting. 

Defining a Die-Cut Label

Manufacturing industries have been exhausting the production of die-cut labels since they are much easier to create. The result of these impressive labels more often possess sophisticated rounded corners that are much easier to apply and stick on the product container. Moreover, this type of label is unique since it doesn’t follow the standard boxy shape. In fact, some die-cut labels have custom shapes that are based on different objects like ribbon, heart, triangle, and many more. 

The Flatbed Die Cutting Process

Labels out of the flatbed die-cutting process involve a flatbed cutting machine and a cutting die. The flatbed cutting machine has a flat stationary base and a moveable head. The cutting die is normally made from steel rule that is bent to match the profile of the label to be produced. The steel rule is implanted into matching slots in plywood, plastic, or steel cutting board. 

The cycle of the flatbed cutting machine starts by building hydraulic pressure in the cylinder. This pressure will then press the head with the cutting die through the involved material. While this type of die cutting is slower than the rotary die cutting, flatbed die cutting is still an ideal option for short-run orders since it has cheaper tools and components. Materials that are only available in sheets can benefit from this type of die cutting. 

Types of Steel Rule Dies

As mentioned, the flatbed die cutting process is the best cutting process for labels. The whole cutting process is done with a steel rule die – the cutting component of a die assembly. A steel rule die has various types that are dependent on the type of material being converted, design, manufacturing specifications, and production quantities. 

If you want to know your options for your steel rule die, here are some of their types according to their method of operations:

  • Blanking Die: This type of die is comprised of an upper section that is fitted with a customised steel rule design and a lower section that accommodates an inner steel rule design. This type of die is suitable for soft and rigid materials.
  • Combination Die:Alternatively, a combination die has elements of a standard steel rule die and blanking die. The outer perimeter of this die’s design is cut out by the steel rule, while its blanking component has internal cut-outs within the die cut design. This type of die can accommodate more than one operation at a time.
  • Progressive Die:A progressive die allows a series of operations at every cycle. An operation is performed every time the press works. Between two presses, the involved material is transferred to the next station for the succeeding steps until it reaches the final process. This type of die ensures that every press operation will produce a final product.

Your impressive labels can be easily produced with the right flatbed cutting dies. Depending on your budget, design specification, preferred finish, and many more, your labels can also be more astonishing with the right printing equipment. To know how great labels are cut and printed, you can reach us at Triforme.

Get in touch

47 Vinter Ave. Croydon
VIC 3136
Email: design@triforme.com.au
Phone: +61(3)9723 4400

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