Laser cutting: Cutting for fast entrepreneurs
You probably know it well: you want to deliver your products quickly but you forgot to order the packaging labels. Sigh... Now try to get these packaging labels in on time. With die-cut labels, the die-cutting technique used is often a speed-limiting factor. The required lead time for die-cutting depends on the chosen die-cutting technique.
Different die-cutting techniques
For die-cutting labels, we see two main techniques:
- - Die-cutting with counter-pressure (with magnetic cylinder)
- - Laser cutting
Die-cutting with counter-pressure (with magnetic cylinder)
With die-cutting with counter-pressure, a so-called die plate is first made for the shape to be cut. This die plate is placed on the magnetic cylinder of the die-cutting machine. By increasing the pressure inside the magnetic cylinder, the 'cutting blade' presses through the label material. The pressure is set so that only the label material is cut and not the backing (the material on which the labels are supplied). Finally, the excess material around the label is automatically removed, leaving a ready-to-use roll of labels.
Die-cutting with counter-pressure (with magnetic cylinder)
With die-cutting with counter-pressure, a so-called die plate is first made for the shape to be cut. This die plate is placed on the magnetic cylinder of the die-cutting machine. By increasing the pressure inside the magnetic cylinder, the ‘cutting blade’ presses through the label material. The pressure is set so that only the label material is cut and not the backing (the material on which the labels are supplied). Finally, the excess material around the label is automatically removed, leaving a ready-to-use roll of labels.
Main differences between these two die-cutting techniques?
With die-cutting with counter-pressure, a die plate is first made. This not only takes extra time but also incurs additional costs. Result: longer delivery time and higher costs (for the die plate). With laser cutting, we can go straight to production: upload the file to the digital press and produce. Additionally, the extra costs for the cutting blade are eliminated.
In summary
I hope that with this explanation I have clarified the benefits of laser cutting. It is no coincidence that Zolemba chooses this technique. After all, in addition to the quality of our labels, speed is one of our key priorities. We fulfill this speed claim not only through our clear and efficient ordering process but also by using this laser cutting technique.