Industrial Die Cutting Machine For Sale—But Do You Need it?

Before you start searching for an in industrial die cutting machine for sale, let’s walk through some quick facts about the process itself. Good news: Conversion Technologies International knows a thing or two about die cutting.

What are the different types of die cutting machines?

Generally speaking, you’ll find several types of die cutting machines. They serve different purposes and come with pros and cons. If your project needs a die cutting machine, there’s a perfect machine for it—but no die cutting machine serves every project equally. That’s why we’re walking you through a few of the most common types below.

• Flatbed die cutting machines. These machines rely on different types of hydraulic devices and pressures. The hydraulic components create the shapes, while we use a steel rule die to create the more precise cuts. They work well with laminates and sheets, and their pros include flexibility, lower cuts and a greater capacity for working with thick materials.
• Cutting press machines. When you look for an industrial die cutting machine for sale, chances are you’ll come across press machines at some point. These machines range from industrial equipment to home cutting machines. Also known sometimes as “press cutting machines”, they raise and lower the dies, pressing into the material to cut. In some cases, we use them to cut through several layers at once.
• Rotary die cutting machines. Among the most common of die cutting machines, rotary die cutters use dies that model for the other components. While this can make production faster, it also means that die must be perfect. Flaws in the die equal flaws throughout the project. Ideally, rotary die cutters can offer a degree of precision you won’t find elsewhere.
• Laser die cutting machines. These machines don’t use physical dies, instead relying on a laser to cut precise shapes. While this is an exception to the “die” rule, it can be highly effective for the right project.

What can I make with a die cutting machine?

You can make a variety of different products with a die cutting machine—both on an individual and business level. Yes, you can buy die cutting machines for small scale projects and crafting. At the end of the day, die cutting machines are for making detailed, unique shapes with accuracy and precision. This means the process is actually perfect for everything from industrial production to scrapbooking! Different die cutting machines might fit into these small scale projects better than they would large scale projects.

But, just as we can use die cutting machines for those DIY stickers—we can also use them for industrial labels. We can use them to make greeting cards, business cards, tags, small books, and tiny components for big items. The more detail, the better! You need to be able to have that kind of flexibility and accuracy within many projects.

Can I use die cuts without a machine?

Technically speaking, you can use die cuts without a machine. It requires a good bit of pressure and work, but you can do it. Some use rocks, some use rulers, some use rolling pins—but do you see what we’re saying here? Just because you can use die cuts without machines, doesn’t mean you should.

One of the main benefits of die cutting machines—and die cuts in general—is their capacity for details and accuracy. We keep going back to that. You lose this capacity for accuracy and precision and creativity when you apply die cuts without machines. If the pressure is uneven, if the speed is off, if you don’t achieve perfect consistency, you’ll probably run into a lot of problems. This is why we highly recommend using a die cutting machine—especially when you’re working on large scale orders.

Of course, that leads to a bigger question: Do you need to invest in your own industrial die cutting machines?

Should I look for an industrial die cutting machine for sale?

You can find a premium industrial die cutting machine for sale if you want to—they’re available. But they’re not inexpensive, and the expenses don’t stop after the initial purchase. You should also consider maintenance, as well as other operating costs and facilities. In the long term, many business owners decide against investing in industrial die cutting machines. Rather, they work with third party manufacturers like CTI.

When you work with experienced third party manufactures, you not only avoid costs associated with equipment, facilities, and employees—you also avoid waste and delays. We’re the experts, and we provide consistent, high-quality results. You won’t have to buy new materials, repeating the process until you get it right. And you won’t have to worry about delays. Plus, a third party manufacturer can handle more than just die cutting.

What does “kiss cut” mean?

The kiss cutting process differs from die cutting in a few ways—but one in particular is key. While die cutting slices through every layer, kiss cutting slices through the first layer. The secondary layer is the backing material. When you think of vinyl stickers, for example, a lot of them are kiss cut. The more elaborate the design, the more likely it is to tear. Kiss cut stickers are a little less likely to have this problem.

Now what – how can CTI help?

Feel a little more familiar with the basics of die cutting? Great! Call CTI at 419-924-5566 or contact us here for more information. Let’s begin!