4 Advice to Choose a Die Cutting Equipment

As the saying goes: “Neither money can be paid for foreknowledge, nor you can’t help but don’t know.” I have heard many clients say helplessly: “If I knew xxx earlier, I would change the original decision”. Our company has been dedicated involved in the post-press packaging equipment industry for 54 years (Die cutting, Folder gluer, Hot foil stamper), and we have seen too many enterprise cases, or has helped many customers solve the problems of other companies in the production of post-press equipment. Many of these problems can be avoided or reduced by doing more research or preparation in the early stage of purchase.
The editor decides to share the 4 things that customers most likely to regret when purchasing “Die Cutting Machine” because they did not consider and evaluate clearly. First, to help everyone choose a die cutting machine that is more suitable for their own needs, and second, to help you avoid falling into traps or myths when purchasing die cutting machines. I firmly believe that if you have referred to the following 4 things before purchasing, you can greatly reduce the chance of going the wrong way.

MK supply professional and honest service.

“Max. punching speed”, (or call Max. cutting speed)
This specification is usually in the unit of hours,
When this value raises to the limit,
The total number of sheets cut by the die cutting is the “Max. punching speed”.
For example, if the technical specification value is sheets,
That is, the speed of rolling and cutting sheets of paper per hour,
Converted to a speed of about 100 sheets of paper in 1 minute.
Of course, the die cutting machine is usually the same as the car,
Client operation will not and is not recommended,
Excessive ratios continue to operate at top speed for extended periods of time,
It will damage the mechanism of the machine itself and reduce the life of parts and consumables.

At present, the manufacturers of die cutting machines in the world,
From the lower technical level sheets/ h~ sheets/h,
Manufacturers can produce up to sheets/h of the highest technical level.
Converted at the highest technical level of sheets/h,
That is about cutting 2.5 sheets per second,
It is the physical limit that can be reached under the operating principle of this type of mechanism using paper as the working object.
Nowadays, the die cutting manufacturers in the world who can reach sheets/h,
The number of this kind of manufacturers can be counted with only one hand.
e.g., Bobst, Heidelberg, SBL…etc.

Most manufacturers have the same pricing mindset.
Faster models usually cost more.
And the editor wants to put forward an important concept: “The level of cutting speed also symbolizes the technical level of the manufacturer.”
Because the high-speed model needs motor speed to match the high-speed operation,
Other related mechanisms such as belts, chains, gripper bar, knives and other linkage mechanisms,
At the same time, also need to cooperate with this high-speed operation mode.
How to keep running at such a high speed,
And also taking into account the accuracy, product yield and mechanism durability is a very difficult test.
This is in response to what I said earlier,
The level of this specification also tests the technical level of the manufacturer.

At the beginning, due to budget considerations,
Many customers use the product price and the cutting speed as the basis for calculation,
Finally, choose a model or manufacturer with a lower cutting and cutting speed,
e.g., Purchasing 3 set with slower cutting speed and lower total budget also higher total number of sheets than purchasing 2 machines with faster speed.
But in fact, such an evaluation method will fall into a myth or be inaccurate for the following reasons:

When the company in the early stage of development,
There may be enough space for planning or idling the machine.
But in the later stage of accelerated expansion,
The available space of many customer workshops is quite tight.
At this time, it was believed that purchasing multiple slower machines may not have higher benefits.
First, you should consider whether your own factory space is a limited resource, (unless the company has multiple idle factories or bases)
It is an important factor that allows customers to avoid making regrettable decisions.

The needs of clients are actually changing rapidly.
If clients suddenly receive urgent orders from upstream to have mass production,
However, because most of the models in the workshop are low-speed models,
It is impossible to complete a large number of orders with urgent delivery in a short period of time.
This kind of regret about messing up the sure thing,
It can be said that it is not uncommon on the client side.

Summarizing the above 4 points,
It is recommended that when customers choose a die cutting machine,
Also while the item corresponding to the maximum punching speed is selected,
Try to choose the model that the manufacturer can produce with the highest speed,
Or try to increase the budget as much as possible and choose the fastest model within the budget,
In order to greatly reduce the probability of regret after purchasing.

The models of various die cutting machine manufacturers are so dazzling and make you confused? In fact, the naming rules of the model code of each die cutting machine are quite close. The editor uses the description of the SBL die cutting machine to let everyone understand that the size or function of the die cutting machine can be seen from the model, and teach you how to choose the suitable die cutting machine model.

No matter which manufacturer you buy,
There will be different sizes and models to choose from,
Its model name code is usually a combination of “numbers + English words”.
The front 3 to 4 yards range 【number】 to represent 【size】, (Note: 3 yards are cm, 4 yards are mm)
The following【English word】stands for【functionality】.
Taking SBL as an example,
There are 5 options for the size of the die cutting machine: (The number represents the maximum width of the paper that can be rolled/mm)

The composition of the “model”,
It is composed of the two aspects of “size” and “function” mentioned in 2-1.
After the cross combination, there will be many different models to choose from.
As for how customers should choose and evaluate before they can buy a model that suits their needs?
Or not buy a model that will regret in the future?
The editor provides the following model evaluation methods:

Model selection,
Some customers will rely on previous purchase experience,
Some customers will rely on budget or functional considerations.
But there is a very important pre-work,
That is, to confirm the “space size” of the pre-installation plant for the “installation machine position approach line” of the plant.
There have been several cases of customers because the “factory space” or “entry line” is very narrow,
It takes a lot of extra work to install the machine,
If necessary, it may even need to have lead time to customize to solve the problem.
It’s like before buying a car,
Instead of spending a lot of time collecting information on various car models of various brands,
You should first confirm the size and restrictions of the parking space or garage where you plan to park your vehicle.
This is the correct step to improve the timeliness of follow-up communication with manufacturers and efficient procurement.

The order types customers often receive (small and diverse) or because of limited space,
They choose a smaller size machine (e.g.,820SE);
However, some customers will have sufficient space and need to produce quickly in large quantities,
Choose a larger size machine (e.g.,SEB).
“Size” or “Function”,
I don’t have any guidelines to recommend.
However, it is recommended to prepare the following information before purchasing:
E.g., Type of paper in operation, special needs of the client, order type, restrictions, etc.,
Preparing the above information is definitely a bonus option for any die cutting manufacturer to purchase.

Some functions are not available in all sizes of models.
And just some unique models can be equipped with some unique fittings,
For example, the function of SBL mechanical single-sheet feeding, (single-sheet feeding is convenient for customers to install additional visual inspection equipment)
This fitting is only available for or inch models.
The two factors of “model” and “fittings” are related to each other.
You don’t fully understand at the moment of purchase,
When you want to install it in the future, only to find that the wrong model was selected and cannot be installed.
It’s just a matter of regret.

Take my favorite example, seeing a doctor.
When we go to the doctor,
If you explain your condition to the doctor in more detail, (e.g., current physical or psychological problems, duration of the disease, frequency of pain, recent changes in daily routine or diet, genetic history, etc.)
When doctors have more information,
Isn’t it easier to make the correct diagnosis, treatment and prescribe the medicine?
Die cutting is the same concept,
You must fully discuss with the original business,
E.g., Current customer types (customer size, order volume), type of paper that is often cut, problems often encountered before…etc.)
Provide information on your own needs and environmental conditions as much as possible,
As a result, you can purchase a die cutting machine that is more in line with your own needs,
Second, it can greatly reduce the possibility of regret in the future.

Taking SBL as an example, there are about 20 accessories for die cutting machines.I will write another article to explain in detail later.
But the editor wants to emphasize that the key point is whether to purchase a die cutting machine with SBL,please do take some time to prepare,
Or ask the salesperson about the ” applicable timing”, “functionality” and “restrictions” of these accessories.
Some people will hold the opposite view,i don’t think the accessories are too important.We can also install or purchase the accessories according to our own needs after purchasing it.The editor wants to clarify that this is a common myth of die cutting customers. The reasons are as follows:

Optional accessory is usually used to solve a problem, or to achieve an additional special need or function,
But as mentioned earlier,
If the company may require an optional accessory in the future to achieve special functional requirements,
However, because the original purchase model cannot be equipped with this optional accessory,
At this time, you may face the problem of not being able to install or need to spend high customization costs.
Before purchasing, you should find out the compatibility of these optional accessories and models.
So as not to cause regret in the future.

Some customers did not realize the importance of the optional accessories when purchasing the machine.
If added these accessories when the machine is installed at the factory or after a period of use.
It will be far better than purchasing these optional accessories before the machine leaves the factory.
The reasons for the cost that will increase to 50% or several times are as follows:

Maybe there are many questions in your mind ? Is the most important thing in purchasing machinery nothing more than the comprehensive selection of the price and function of each brand of machinery ? What is the relationship between “the second-hand market price of die cutting machines” and “the 4 most common regrets”?In fact, in the previous blog article “10 Selection Indicators That Machinery Manufacturers Won’t Disclose (Part 2)“,we mentioned the price comparison and the consideration can apply to the issue of avoiding the pitfalls when purchasing a die cutting.

The editor once again explained the last example to let you understand the importance of second-hand prices:
Based on the premise of similar machine performance,
Company A’s machine sells for $300,000, and Company B’s machine sells for $200,000.
But after 5 years of normal use,
Because A machine may have the high market share and brand awareness,
It can also be sold for $200,000 on the market,
The second-hand machine of the B machine has a low market share and poor machine durability.
Even the resale price of the market is $100,000, the B machine will go begging.
In such a situation, is there a higher chance of regretting buying machine A or machine B in the future?
The answer is very obvious.
Simultaneously, this example also echoes a key point emphasized by the editor,
Be sure to evaluate the second-hand price of the machine before purchasing.
Because no one can surely guarantee the next 3 years, 5 years or even 10 years,
There will be no possibility of resale or replacement of the machine,
Including the second-hand price factor can greatly reduce the chance of regret.

Finding the best die-cutting machine for your crafting needs isn’t easy, especially with the increasing number of choices in the market today. Should you get a big one or a small one, a manual or an electronic one? It might be overwhelming and a bit confusing, but we’re here to help!

Before you embark on your search for the best die-cutting tools, let’s learn a bit more about dies for card making, die-cut machines, Altenew dies, and a brief history of die-cutting!

Mini Blossom Die Cutting Machine

What is a Die-cutting Machine?

Die-cutting machines are a staple in most paper crafters’ craft rooms. These handy machines allow crafters to die cut designs with the craft dies in their collections. The different types of die cut machines available in the market allow crafters to use them with different types of dies, crafting techniques with dies, and specific crafting styles.

Brief History of Die-cutting

According to Colvin Friedman, die-cutting started as a way “to cut leather for the shoe industry more efficiently.” Back then, making shoes was very labor-intensive and time-consuming since the holes in the leather were individually punched by hand. The manual process yielded many inconsistencies between the shoes, hence the introduction of die-cutting. Since then, cobblers were able to “create sole patterns that could be reliably replicated through the die-cutting process.” With the advent of the mallet handle die-cutting machine came the mass production of soles and standardized sizes for the masses.

It wasn’t until the early s when further innovations in dies and die-cutting machines were invented. The s saw the invention of hand-held die-cutting tools and small table machines, which were mainly used for homes and schools. What started as a convenient and straightforward way to help cobblers speed up the shoemaking process has turned into a staple tool in every crafter’s home. 

For more information, please visit Die Cutting Equipment.

CLICK HERE to learn more about die cutting, dies for card making, die-cutting paper, and everything you need to know about dies.

Die Cutting Tools

Which Die-Cutting Machine and Die-Cutting Tools Suit Your Needs?

Manual or Digital

Manual or digital die-cutting machine? That is the question. It seems like an easy question to answer, but it is also very subjective. While a digital die cut machine is the obvious choice for most, some might see the beauty in using manual die-cutting tools.

Here are some pros and cons that will give you a better understanding of manual and digital die cut machines.

Die Cut Machine Type

Pros

Cons

Manual Die Cutting Machine

1. Portable and travel-friendly
2. Easy to use
3. Beginner-friendly
4. No need to connect to Wi-Fi
5. No power source, computer software, or electricity needed
6. More kid-friendly
7. More budget-friendly
8. More environment-friendly since it doesn’t require a power source or an Internet connection

1. Some can only cut paper
2. Needs a bit of arm strength
3. Some plates are sold separately
4. You need to invest in dies for card making
5. Less creative control when it comes to choosing your craft dies 

Digital Die Cutting Machine

1. Multi-purpose
2. Cuts, writes, scores, scans, embosses, etc.
3. Can cut a wide variety of materials
4. Ease of use
5. More choices when it comes to designs
6. Smooth and precise
7. More creativity with the selection of dies for card making

1. Not environment-friendly
2. Needs electricity
3. Needs an Internet connection
4. Some machines require a computer software 
5. Some needs accessories or tools that are exclusive to the brand
6. Pricey

Finding the Best Die Cutting Tool That Suits Your Needs

There’s a reason why die cut machines are a staple in a crafter’s room. It can cut, score, emboss, write, scan, and deboss! This all-around machine is simply a must-have. If you’re trying to figure out which die-cutting machine to buy, you need to consider a few things first. Ask yourself these questions:

• Is it beginner-friendly? Even if you’re not technically a “beginner” in crafting, if you haven’t used any die-cutting tools before, you might get frustrated if it’s too complicated.
• Is it user-friendly? Not all beginner-friendly machines are user-friendly. Keep that in mind.
• Is it affordable? You want the best of the best, and you’re ready to invest. But don’t get fooled by the fancy features of die-cutting machines. You want something high-quality, but with a decent and fair price point.
• Is it portable or travel-friendly? If you’re just crafting at home, then this probably won’t matter to you. However, it’s also something to consider if you have sudden out-of-town trips or vacations and you decided you want to do a bit of crafting on the go.
• Is it for a large or small project? It’s essential to determine whether or not you’ll be making large DIY crafts or just small ones. Keep in mind that most large die-cutting machines will, of course, cost more than smaller ones.

Mini Blossom Die Cutting Plates

Other things to consider

There are a couple of other things to consider when choosing which die-cutting machine to buy. One of them is the machine’s functionality. Are you going to use it strictly for die-cutting only? Do you need it for die-cutting and embossing? Or are you in need of a multipurpose die cut machine that can die-cut, emboss, score, and even scan? 

Interestingly enough, die-cutting is not limited to paper crafting. In fact, it is used widely in the manufacturing world to cut elements such as sheet metal, rubber, plastic, cloth, and many other substances for mass production. Although most paper crafters would stick to “paper” as their material (hence the term “paper crafting”), others try to get creative and use a few unique materials in their crafts. If you are feeling adventurous and want to try other mediums, you need to consider the ability of the die-cutting tools that you’re using. Here are a few common materials that can be used with a die-cut machine.

• paper
• felt
• fabric 
• wood 
• leather 
• vinyl
• cork 
• foam

Die Cutting Supplies

Other Tools for Die Cutting

We cannot talk about die cut machines without mentioning a few other tools that you’ll need. Having a die-cutting machine is just one piece of the puzzle. You will also need the following:

1. Die-cutting paper - Obviously, you already know that die cutting involves cutting a shape or a design out of paper using a die-cutting machine. Think of it as cutting shapes out of paper with your scissors, but the shapes are more complex and intricate with die-cutting. To create beautiful and detailed die-cuts, you will need high-quality paper or cardstock. Die-cutting paper isn’t just regular paper. It is highly recommended to get a set of 80lb to 110lb cardstock paper like THIS ONE. This will ensure that whatever dies for card making you use will cut out the shape cleanly and precisely. Altenew dies are designed to work well with most of the die cut machines in the market today.

2. Dies for card making - The quality of the dies you use with your die-cutting machine is just as important as the machine itself. Finding the best dies for card making might be overwhelming, especially with the plethora of dies being sold in the market today. Altenew dies are a favorite among paper crafters because they are wafer-thin, intricately designed, and cuts clean every time.

Types of Dies for Card Making

Wafer-thin dies usually fall under three main categories: stand-alone dies, coordinating dies, and nesting dies. 

1. Stand-alone dies are dies that can be used and enjoyed on their own. They come in tons of different shapes and sizes that can be used for a wide variety of paper crafting projects. 

As the name suggests, coordinating dies coordinate or match with a specific stamp image or stamp set. This is especially useful for paper crafters who have arthritis or other disabilities. It is often less stressful on the hand to use dies than to cut out images with scissors.
2. Nesting dies also take advantage of an open center. This allows manufacturers to nest multiple sizes of the same shape within each other. This cuts down the die set cost and provides the crafter with many size options for their projects!

3. Die-cutting plates - These plates are made out of acrylic and can be used to quickly and easily die-cut various materials, including cardstock and specialty papers. These die-cutting plates are used to “sandwich” the dies and paper in between. The plates will then be inserted into the die-cutting machine, which will cut the die’s intricate design into the paper.

The "A" plate is used as the cutting plate. The "B" plate should be placed on the top of the die, and the "A" plate should be facing the blade of the die.

4. Metal shim - This is an additional tool for your die-cutting needs. A metal shim is designed to help you cut intricate dies in your die-cutting machine. Simply add this to the cutting sandwich (die-cutting plates) between the top of the die (non-cutting edge) and the top plate to gain a little extra pressure for those finely detailed dies.

5. Washi tape or purple tape - Although die-cutting plates and metal shims will do an excellent job of keeping the die and paper in place, it is still advisable to use tape to keep them from moving. Therm O Web’s Purple Tape is a popular choice among paper crafters. However, you can also use any adhesive you have on hand, as long as they’re removable and won’t leave any residue. Slim washi tapes like THESE ONES are another option that you can try.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website MK Automatic Die Cutting Machine.