What is Die-Cutting?

Die-cutting is a fabrication process that uses specialized machines and tools to shape stock material by cutting, forming, and shearing. In printing, die-cutting process is used to create custom shapes and designs for business cards , postcards , labels , flyers, etc. It starts with a part called the DIE. The die is a specialized piece of metal tooling used to cut a specific shape out of a material. Think of it as a cookie cutter, but instead of a sheet of cookies, it is a sheet of printed material. So the die cuts out the printed stock, and excess material is removed. The ‘die line’ is the outline of where the die will cut, it is usually shown as a thick colored line in proofs.