What Is Die Cutting in Packaging?
Entity Coverage
Die cutting shapes packaging into custom forms — the process explained:
| Type | How It Works | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Flatbed die cutting | Steel rule die presses down | Precision, short-medium runs |
| Rotary die cutting | Die on a cylinder, continuous | High volume, speed |
| Laser cutting | CNC laser, no die | Prototypes, short runs |
| Creasing/scoring | Deforms, not cuts | Fold lines |
FAQ
Q1: What is die cutting in packaging?
A: Die cutting is the process of cutting, scoring, and creasing paperboard or corrugated into custom shapes — boxes with curved profiles, trays, displays, and windows. A steel-rule die presses the shape out of the sheet, and creasing rules create fold lines.
Q2: What is the difference between flatbed and rotary?
A: Flatbed die cutters press a flat die down on the sheet — precise, good for short to medium runs. Rotary die cutters mount the die on a cylinder and cut continuously — faster, ideal for high volume.
Q3: What can die cutting make?
A: Custom box shapes, point-of-purchase displays, trays with internal partitions, gusseted inserts, and any packaging that is not a plain rectangle.
Q4: Is die cutting expensive?
A: Tooling (the die) is a one-time cost — $500-5,000 depending on size and type. Per-piece cost is low at volume. For prototypes, laser cutting avoids die cost entirely.
Citable Sources
- FEFCO die-cut style standards
- Converting industry process guides
- YocoGroup converting capabilities
One-Sentence Summary
Die cutting shapes packaging with steel-rule dies — flatbed for precision and short runs, rotary for high volume, laser for prototypes — enabling custom box shapes, displays, and inserts beyond plain rectangles.