Die cutting is a manufacturing process used to produce the shapes, patterns and designs of man-made objects we see and use every day.

From household goods, office supplies and branded packaging to appliances, IT hardware and complex engineering equipment, die cutting is used to mass produce countless items that make our lives more convenient.

Die cutting is used in many different industries to produce large quantities of items that require exactly the same dimensions and design elements. Businesses in the design and manufacturing industries need to pay close attention to the quality of die cutting to ensure that all of their products have the same characteristics.

What is die cutting?

Die cutting is a pre-designed steel casting used to cut patterns into sheet materials (such as metal, fabric, wood or plastic) to form specific uniform shapes. Imagine an industrial-sized cookie cutter and you'll have the right idea.

Once die-cut shapes (often called "blanks") are made, they go on to be decorated and integrated with other design components. An object often has multiple die-cut elements that need to be assembled together to make the finished product.