Die cutting

Die cutting is a process in manufacturing that cuts uniform shapes from paper, wood, metal and cloth. Die cut machines may be large for industrial purposes, or smaller and less expensive for use by individuals. The die itself is often a blade that has been bent into the desired shape. The blade is secured to a backing and inserted into the machine. When in operation, the die functions much like a cookie cutter, pressing shapes from the material rolling through the machine. Die cut machines may be manually operated or computerized.
Some die cut machines can be programmed to cut whatever shape is desired. The most simple die cut machines, available for a relatively low cost at most craft stores, are simple mechanisms controlled by a roller that presses dies of predetermined shapes into individual sheets of paper. These die machines are often used by scrapbook makers and teachers to create paper designs and patterns.
Industrial-sized die cut machines are made to produce at high volumes and fast speeds. For industrial purposes, die machines can be used to do different tasks--such as bending and trimming--in addition to cutting. Each operation requires a different kind of die. Products produced by dies include keys, kitchen utensils, car parts, buttons, paper products and aluminum cans.

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