What Die Cutting Vinyl Actually Entails: An Expert’s POV

On the surface, die cutting vinyl and kiss cutting vinyl might seem like the same process with minor differences. In reality, the results are quite different. With the help of Conversion Technologies International, you’re about to find out why.

What is a die cut vinyl?

We shape a die cut vinyl product in a way that allows us to achieve an exact shape. Whereas more conventional cutting methods require sticking to more limited shapes like circles, die cutting vinyl allows us to get more precise. Additionally, you don’t have to worry about the backing border you’ll see with many vinyl products like stickers. Ultimately, this results not only in a more accurate product, but less material waste.

No matter how intricate the design, the die cutting process enables you to execute it perfectly. This process is perfect for those producing vinyl stickers for signage, as well as vinyl records. Its goal is to create a more custom cut product without sacrificing time. Ultimately, the vinyl die cutting process is more advanced than its alternatives, which allows for a higher level of intricacy. You’ll still use cutting press machines.

What’s better—kiss cut or vinyl cut?

When making a decision between kiss cut and vinyl cut, prioritize what’s right for your business first and foremost. Assess your business’s specific needs and make your decisions from there.

The core difference between kiss cutting vinyl and die cutting vinyl lies in how the product relates to the backing. We mentioned backing above—it’s the paper supporting the vinyl product. In the case of a vinyl sticker, the border is the paper background. Usually, it comes in a square or rectangular shape. While there isn’t anything inherently wrong with having a backing like this, it can compromise the appearance of the product. You may not be able to work with more complex designs when using the kiss cutting process.

In short, the main pro of die cutting vinyl is that you get more design flexibility—and a cleaner look. The main con is that it can be harder to peel smaller stickers with vinyl cut designs. Conversely, kiss cut designs are easier to peel in some cases, but don’t look quite as polished. This is why it’s important to consider what you want, and for that matter what your clients want. In some cases, the more utilitarian appearance of a kiss cut sticker will do the job. But you don’t want to cut corners if you don’t have to (quite literally).

This is why it might be a good idea to work with a third party manufacturer who can advise you on which process is best—and perhaps even offer both. Conversion Technologies International could be exactly what you’re looking for.

Does CTI offer die cutting vinyl services?

Yes, CTI does offer custom diecut services! However, our cutting press machines aren’t limited to cutting vinyl. In fact, we also process cloth, cardboard, and foam. From the beginning, we can offer custom sheeting to our clients, simplifying the process. This ensures the best results you can expect from a die cutting company.

In addition to our flatbed die cutters, we work with slitting machines. This expands our product variety. Rather than moving from company to company, you can get multiple manufacturing needs addressed by one provider. When you work with CTI, you’re not paying for access to a die cutting machine—you’re paying for access to a range of services, as well as our insights. We seek to not only be a provider for our clients, but a partner.

Speaking of…

What other services does CTI provide?

At CTI, you’ll also access adhesive coating technologies. This covers not only general coating, but hot-melt and water-based coating as well. While cutting and slitting involves creating different designs, coating allows you to strengthen the durability and appearance of products. The materials we process include:

• Acetate
• Latex
• Silicone
• Urethane
• Neoprene
• Acrylic
• And more

This is in conjunction with substrates covering everything from paper, films, and foam to vinyl, chipboard, textiles, and non-woven. Our range allows us to serve clients in a broad variety of fields, ensuring you have options.

Beyond cutting, slitting, and adhesive coating, we also handle laminating services. Our lamination processes employ processes like:

• Hot roll lamination
• Gravure coating
• Belt lamination
• Hot melt spray coating
• Roll coating
• Rotary screen
• And slot die coating.

It’s important to us that we’re able to offer you as much flexibility as possible. At CTI, we aim to go beyond solving a single problem. We want to be your solution on as many levels as possible. That’s why we’ve expanded to the point that we have, and that’s why our process is client-centric.

How does CTI’s process work?

CTI’s process breaks down into simple—but important—steps that first verifies that we’re a match for your needs, and then ensures your maximum satisfaction.

We begin with an initial consultation, wherein we meet with you and assess your needs. This way, you’ll know that our capabilities match your project. We then move on to product development, surveyed by our experienced team of engineers. From there, we’ll shift to lab testing and samples, then to pilot trial run before finally hitting production.

What’s next?

Now that you know how our process works, here’s where you’ll start: Give us a call at 419-924-5566 or reach out here. Let’s dive deeper into how CTI can work for you—and which of our services you can apply to your business!