April 2003: Die Cutting Options

Die cutting is one of the most versatile finishing methods available. It makes a wide range of products - from book covers and pocket folders to bottle hangers and other promotional pieces - more unique and attractive. At The Riverside Group, we can perform die cutting on stocks ranging from thin text sheets up to thick board.

Die cutting requires plenty of planning and communication in order for production to go smoothly. Keep these helpful planning tips in mind to be sure your projects are properly prepared for the die cutting process:

Planning Tips

   Clearly mark the gripper and side guide on your press sheets. These marks allow us to use the printer’s gripper and guide for best registration. In addition, leave a 1/2” margin at both the gripper and guide.

  Be sure to provide your finisher with a sufficient die line. These can be in the form of a film positive, die strike, or even a sample sheet with the die lines drawn on it by hand. We prefer a film positive or other translucent die line sheet, as we can lay this right over a production sample to verify accuracy.

  Finishing nicks are a necessary part of the die cutting process. They’re needed to pull your sheets through the die press. However, nicks can be minimized by locating them on pockets or glue flaps on pocket folder projects, or in corners, joints or spine areas on other applications. Proper nick placement is critical to the overall appearance of a project. If nicks are a concern, let us help you with your layout to take advantage of possible nick “hiding spots”.