Digital Die Cutting Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between die cutting and laser cutting?
Die cutting utilizes a pre-designed die to punch through the material to make the cuts. Once a die is created, production of the desired product can move very quickly. For large production jobs with an established design, die cutting is typically the most economical solution for creating cuts.
Laser cutting is often the better solution for smaller production projects and prototyping. Laser cutting provides ultimate precision for intricate designs, making the cuts with a focused laser. Laser cutting avoids the need to create a custom die, allowing for quick production. Laser cutters can cut a variety of materials, including:
- Plastics
- Rubber
- Foam
- Fiber
- Wood
- Fabrics
- Leather
- Ceramic materials
What die cut machine is best?
It depends on the application. For prototype and smaller production designs, digital cutting machines are ideal as they allow for quick changes to the cutting pattern while avoiding the need to create a custom die. For large production cuts that do not require further adjustments, die cutting is exceptionally efficient as the die can be used repeatedly for an extended period.
What does the digital die cutting process include?
Digital cutting uses computerized machines to control a blade that cuts and fabricates stock materials into specialized products. Shapes and dimensions are specified through digital software, allowing the cutting machine to create intricate designs. Because the cutter is taking commands from a computer program, it is possible to quickly produce prototypes of products with precision in design and shape while retaining the ability to make adjustments with relative ease.
What are the advantages of digital cutting?
Digital die cutting allows for the creation and reproduction of specialized, intricate designs. Digital die cuts receive commands from a computer program, making the cuts with a knife or laser. Digital cutting is ideal for creating prototypes and smaller production runs, as it allows easy adjustments to the cutting pattern.
Digital cutting is much more efficient at the front end of a project, as it avoids the need to create a custom die. However, for larger production jobs, it is usually more efficient to create a die rather than use a digital cutter, as the die can be used to rapidly create identical cuts.
Why use die cut machines?
Die-cutting machines provide a way for manufacturers to mass-produce shapes and designs with high levels of precision and accuracy. Mechanical die cutting is far more efficient for making cuts in various materials than any other form of cutting. Die cutting allows for the manufacturing of intricate components for devices used in a variety of industries, including:
- Medical equipment
- Electronics and hardware
- Industrial machinery
- Automotive components
- Energy industry
- Aerospace and aircraft devices
How has die cutting changed the medical industry?
The ability to make extremely precise cuts at mass production levels allows manufacturers to produce products used in the medical industry. With laser, knife, and die cutting options available, manufacturers can choose the best method for cutting materials used for various medical devices. The advancement of digital cutting technology allows medical device engineers to easily create sophisticated prototypes of devices and components used for medical equipment.
What medical and surgical devices are made from die cutting?
There are numerous medical devices created through custom die cutting. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, The Northglenn Colorado division of JBC Technologies (formerly Die Cut Technologies) has cut face shields and other personal protective medical products for healthcare workers. In addition to PPE, we help manufacture several medical products, including:
- Medical grade tapes and adhesives
- Gels and foams for patient contact products
- Medical filtration and porous membranes for various testing devices
- Vibration control, noise/sound control, and shock control equipment
- FDA elastomers
- Disposable medical wearables
