What is a Die?

To understand the die-cutting process, it’s important to understand the components used to carry out manufacturing.

So, what exactly is a die?

A die is a specialized tool used to cut and shape packaging materials using a press.

You can think of a die as a ‘mold’ that is shaped in the specific way needed to cut out your custom packaging.

Ultimately the first step to manufacturing your custom packaging is to form your die.

A die is created using tools and die makers to form your custom die before mounting it onto a press.

At this point you want to have your dieline finalized to start die-cutting your first batch of custom packaging.

Can dies be used more than once?

Yes, in fact it is recommended!

Creating dies for each packaging design is quite costly. However, it is a one time payment and outweighs the long term costs tremendously.

Once a die is created it can be used multiple times on the press to producing large volumes of packaging which becomes much more cost effective for your business.

Let’s say you have 3 products all of which come in the same packaging structure but different artwork designs for product differentiation.

You only really need 1 die to create thousands of boxes.

The die-cutting process is very effective in creating unique custom packaging that ultimately becomes a staple for your brand narrative.

While the production of custom dies might be off putting, look at it as an investment that your business can only benefit from!