Glossary of Terms

Die Cutting

Die Cutting. A term used to describe a process used in manufacturing large quantities of a given shape from a range of materials. An often used analogy is to think of a cookie cutter. A cookie cutter is a simple die that produces an identical shape each time it is used.  

Steel Rule Die

Steel Rule Die. A die consisting of a high-grade, high--density plywood base into which precisely positioned laser cut slits have been made. An elongated razor blade made from hardened steel (the steel rule) is cut and bent and then inserted into the slits. Rubber pads are attached to the base to assist in removing the material after it is cut. This type of die is used for lower tolerance, shorter run applications.

Rotary Die

Rotary Die. A cylindrical die used on a rotary press. Long sheets of material are fed through the press, and the die will rotate and cut out the shapes. This process is used in production runs of higher volume because of its greater speed.

Compound Die

Compound Die. A more complicated type of die that allows the cutting of both internal and external part features in a single press stroke.

Matched-Metal Die

Matched-Metal Die. Also known as a punch-and-die. This type of die operates much like a scissor and is ideal for trimming in high volume applications.

Forming Die

Forming Die. A die that bends the material along a curved surface.