Placing gripper and guide marks (1) as well as clearly marking grain direction (2) can go a long way toward efficient die cutting.

Index tabs, pocket folders, rolodex cards, book covers with windows…the list is endless. Products both standard and unique employ die cuts to create precise effects and functionality for users. Let's take a look at a few tips for trouble-free die cutting:

The Three "G"s
When planning die cutting work, remember the three "G"s - gripper, guide and grain -
and mark them clearly on
uncut press sheets. A 5/8" gripper margin is a must for most die cutting equipment with a 3/4" side guide. The 5/8" gripper is to the first knife - we can not grip in glue flap area. These areas allow the equipment to hold your press sheets securely during cutting, allowing for more efficient production.

Though paper grain direction is obvious most of the time to experienced operators, be sure to mark it clearly regardless. Cross-grain scoring can be problematic, particularly on recycled papers and stock with a lot of filler material, so give your finisher a "heads-up" with clearly marked grain direction.

Remember when working with solid print jobs that chipping and flaking will occur along scores. Also, most jobs require nicks (tick marks) to hold individual units in place to allow machines to deliver the sheet properly. While we will make nicks as small and unnoticable as possible, they must always be present for die cutting operations. Remember, we can only score from one side of sheet. Critical jobs should run sheetwise.

Don't Forget to Register - Placing registration marks, which look similar to crop marks on printed forms, can help operators create more precise cuts. Remember to let your finisher know clearly registration marks are present - they often blend into a project design when not called out appropriately.

Production tip: Though most printers trim sheets reflexively once they come off press, this practice can cause problems during die cutting. Gripper and side guides are more consistent on uncut press sheets, making it much easier for operators to match registration marks and deliver greater die cutting consistency.

The E & M Bindery Die Cutting Advantage
With three high-speed Bobst presses and a library of in-house dies, E & M Bindery & Finishing is your full-service die cutting solution. We can cut sheets up to 28" x 40" at high production speeds. Call E&M Bindery today to discuss your next die cutting application.