Best Paper Die Cutting Services

With seven decades of experience, Colvin-Friedman knows how effective paper die cutting can be for precision material shaping. For each run, our experts create a custom die to meet your specific project requirements that can be used repeatedly, producing clean edges on cut materials. If you need a paper machining process that combines precision, versatility, efficiency, and customization capabilities, die cutting from Colvin-Friedman is fit for purpose, serving industries as varied as packaging and crafting.

Our Process for Paper Die Cutting

Paper die-cutting only works as an outsourced process if the supplier and the company are in complete alignment through all steps. Colvin Friedman is in constant contact with each customer through the following four pre-cut stages of the process:

Initial Consultation	Design/Prototyping	Quote/Contract	Pre-Production/Sample Run
Discuss project requirements like design, quantity, and lead time	Refine concept for optimal die design.	Receive quote specifying all setup fees, per-unit costs, and any additional charges.	Confirm the production schedule and any critical deadlines.
Assess any initial designs or specifications already produced.	Consider implementing any changes for reduced costs/improved efficiency.	Review quote for agreed-upon materials, quantities, and delivery timeline.	Agree on quality control measures and tolerances.
Consider material options based on cost and quality concerns.	Approve any prototypes or samples prior to production start.		Examine any test run examples if requested.

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Production and Quality Control

• Request regular updates on production progress.
• Discuss any issues or deviations from the agreed specifications promptly.

Shipment and IMS Integration

• Confirm delivery details, including date, location, and any special handling requirements.
• Ensure that the supplier is properly integrated into any inventory management systems in use.

Types of Dies

While the best choice of steel die to use for paper cutting is often a question left in the hands of the draftsman or project manager, there are three common types of die cutting machines, or presses, that are used for paper and cardboard. Each has its own benefits, ranging from the thickness of material to be handled to design detail possible.

Characteristics	Rotary Press	Flatbed Press
Paper Types	Lightweight papers, Label stock, Thin cardstock	Cardstock, Corrugated board
Thickness Range	0.004" - 0.014"	0.014" - 0.079"
Best For	High-volume production, Thicker materials	Complex designs, Short to medium runs
Production Speed	Very High	Medium
Precision	High	Very High
Complexity of Cuts	Simple to Very Complex	Simple to Moderate
Typical Run Sizes	100,000+ pieces	1,000 - 100,000 pieces
Setup Time	Medium	Short
Material Waste	Low	Low to Medium
Versatility	Best for thinner materials	Highly versatile

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Types of Customization in Paper Die Cutting

Paper, cardstock, and cardboard tend to be thinner materials, but that same lack of thickness can lead to a wide variety in terms of customization. Some of the myriad options available to package designers, corporate artists, and others include:

• Shape Customization: Create custom shapes beyond standard geometric forms, including intricate designs, logos, or unique product outlines.
• Size Variations: Adjust the size of cuts from small, precise details to large-format designs.
• Multi-level Cutting: Implement different cutting depths within the same die to create embossing effects or partial cuts.
• Scoring and Creasing: Incorporate score lines for easy folding in packaging or card designs.
• Perforations: Add tear-away sections or easy-open features to products.
• Window Cutting: Create custom-shaped windows in packaging or promotional materials.
• Combination with Printing: Align die cuts precisely with printed designs for seamless integration.
• Customized Hole Patterns: Create specific hole patterns for binders, hanging displays, or functional purposes.

Alternatives to Paper Die Cutting

There are many ways to cut paper or card stock to customers’ specifications, so select paper die cutting when:

• Production runs are in the thousands
• A careful balance of speed, precision, and value is required
• Multiple types of paper or stock are being used

More specifically, we’ve compared paper die cutting to alternatives and included some sample applications below:

Alternative	Limitations Compared to Die Cutting	Project Where Die Cutting is Preferred
Laser Cutting	Slower for large production runs, Can leave burnt edges on some materials, Higher cost per piece for high-volume production	Mass production of intricate greeting cards: Die cutting offers faster production and lower per-unit costs for large runs, without risk of burnt edges.
Digital Cutting	Slower than die cutting for large runs, Higher cost per piece for high-volume production, May have limitations on material thickness	Production of 100,000 product tags: Die cutting provides much faster production speed and lower per-unit cost for this high-volume, repetitive task.
Waterjet Cutting	Slower production speed, More expensive, especially for thin materials, Potential for material warping due to water exposure, Overkill for most paper and cardstock projects	Creating 50,000 multi-layered cardstock brochures: Die cutting offers faster, more precise cutting without water exposure, and is more cost-effective for this volume of thin material processing.
Scissor Slitting	Limited to straight cuts only, Less precise than die cutting, Not suitable for complex shapes or designs	Producing 500,000 rounded labels from roll stock: Die cutting can create rounded shapes and complex designs at high speed, which scissor slitting cannot achieve.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of paper and card stock can be processed with paper die cutting?

Any thickness paper or cardboard can be processed with paper die cutting. However, some types of cardboard may be a better fit for flatbed die cutting, which is a better fit for lower volume production runs than rotary die cutting.

How Detailed Can My Paper Die Cut Design Be?

As in the section on types of die cutting, it largely depends. The person who can give you the most accurate answer is the supplier’s project manager.

How Long Does the Paper Die Cutting Process Take?

The longest periods of time for most paper die cutting projects come during the planning phase, where any potential issues are ironed out. Lead times of a little over a week are common, giving enough time for the supplier and a company to agree on a design, tolerances and other specifications, then for an expert craftsman to create the die that will be used for the product.

How accurate and precise is paper die cutting?

The level of precision with paper die cutting is unmatched by other cutting processes because the entire system is automated based on customer design and experienced technicians punching out intricate shapes.

Contact Us for More Information

If you require more information about paper die cutting or would like to inquire about our project capabilities, please call our vice president, Josh Rodman via the number below, or click the button and receive a free project quote.

Or call Josh at (707) 769-4488