Diecutting

What you need to know about Die-cutting

The process Canadian Calendar uses to diecut is with a steel rule. Steel rule die-cutting is used for larger size dies or where close register is required. The dies are hardened steel rules bent to a desired shape and inserted into jigsawed gaps in 5/8” plywood dieboards. The die is locked up in a chase. It is positioned and made ready on a platen die-cutting press. Flatbed cylinder presses are also used for diecutting. Dies may have small nicks to prevent the die-cut area from dorpping out while on press.
Types of Diecutting:

Diecut – A cut or series of cuts are made through entire thickness of sheet.

Kisscut – Usually performed on pressure sensitive stock for crack and peel applications. Only the top layer of stock is cut through, leaving the liner intact.

Knicking – Little parts of the paper that are not cut through during diecutting to hold the diecut out shape in place.

Perf – A series of dash type cuts (- – – – – – -) spaced evenly apart to facilitate even tearing.

Micro Perf – A series of smaller perfs and smaller spaces, such as found on computer paper.