Get it Perfect with Die-cutting Prototypes
If you need a prototype quickly, digital die-cutting may be the answer.
Digital die-cutting can be used on a variety of materials — from cork to polystyrene foam, from paper to solid wood, from foil to stainless steel — to create prototypes in days versus weeks.
Digital die-cutting is:
- Inexpensive
- Highly accurate
- Requires no custom tooling
- Fast
How Is Digital Die-cutting Different from Traditional Methods?
Traditional die-cutting has been used as a print finishing embellishment for many kinds of projects. It’s used to create cutouts, folded materials, and other layered pieces. Before digital die-cutting, custom metal dies were created by hand, and the die-cutting was done on either a flatbed or rotary machine. These machines used pressure to push the metal die through the substrate.
Today, die-cutting is done using other equipment, such as laser cutting or machines that use reciprocating knives to cut the material. Laser die-cutting can also create more kinds of die cuts than traditional methods, including ablation, drilling, and scribing. It can also be used on many materials, such as:
- Polyester
- Polystyrene Foam
- Neoprene
- Silicone
- Polycarbonate
- Foil
- Metal
- Fabric
- Paper
- Textiles
- Cork
- Wood
Digital die-cutting begins with a CAD file, which is sent to the print finisher who can use the file to create a prototype. The CAD file will contain the measurements, dimensions, and design of the prototype requested.
Fast and Accurate Prototypes
Because digital die-cutting doesn’t require hand-tooling and uses CAD files with standard units of measure, it can create prototypes quickly and accurately. The prototypes are produced according to the specifications in the CAD file. If something needs to be adjusted, the file can be fixed and sent back quickly. The ability to make changes as needed without expensive hand-tooling and machine setup makes digital die-cut prototypes faster than most production processes.
Use Precise Prototypes to Fine Tune Your Design
Because the prototypes created using digital die-cutting are so precise and accurate, you can test them in the real world to make sure it’s exactly what you need. Being able to test and tweak quickly and affordably can speed up your design process and bring your product to launch faster.
Creating one-off prototypes or small run batches is affordable, you can create as much as you need to fine-tune your design sending it to production.
Need a Prototype Now?
Embossing Plus has the staff and equipment to create the prototype you’re looking for, including large format laser cutting and die-cut prototyping. Request a consultation with our experienced staff to find the best die-cutting prototype option for your needs.