MADE-TO-MEASURE CUTTING, HAUTE COUTURE PRINTS

Custom die-cutting (flatbed)

Flatbed die-cutting is a cutting technique that uses predefined shapes, like a cookie cutter. Printed materials (such as paper) are pressed against the die. Flatbed cutting enables precise, even cuts to be made, even on large quantities.

The cutting tool, also known as a cutting die, is a set of metal blades, either cutting or grooving. We arrange them on a plate to form a specific cutting pattern. These blades are securely fastened to a rigid base (wood or metal plate). In some cases, foams or other materials can be used to provide pressure control for the cut.

The plate to which the blades are attached is then loaded into a Heidelberg platen-type press. When the cutting tool comes into contact with the paper, the blades exert precise pressure. They cut and crease the paper according to the predefined pattern.

This customized die-cutting method is often used for mass production of print media. We use it in particular for greeting cards, invitation cards, labels and packaging. It is suitable for a wide variety of materials: creative paper, cardboard, canvas, fabric. It can be used to make grooves and clean cuts, as well as half-edge cuts, for example for a sticker sheet.

Flat-bed die-cutting offers high efficiency for mass production operations. However, it also entails significant set-up costs. The manufacture and installation of cutting plates requires time and resources.

Tabletop digital cutting

Digital cutting is very different from die-cutting. A digital cutting table works like a cutter, controlled by a computer. It cuts materials according to a vector layout designed using DTP software.

This personalized die-cutting method is suitable for a wide range of projects. We use it to create labels, stickers, personalized stationery shapes, packaging die-cuts, etc.

It differs from die-cutting in its very fast set-up times. It enables cutting and creasing changes to be made in the shortest possible time, as well as last-minute adjustments. It’s an ideal technique for prototypes or small production runs (up to a hundred copies). It is also ideal for short lead-times or on-demand production.

Another advantage of digital cutting is its ecological dimension. By avoiding the use of physical dies or cutting tools, this method reduces waste. Paper waste is also particularly limited, as tests are carried out sheet by sheet. It also enables more sustainable production by eliminating the materials needed to manufacture specific tools for each shape.

Thanks to its great adaptability, digital cutting is a minor revolution for the printing industry. It offers high precision and the ability to create totally customized products. Its settings are varied and can be made at the last minute. In short, digital die-cutting offers great flexibility for short-run projects or prototyping.

Laser cutting

Laser cutting is another cutting method used in the high-end printing industry.

This customized cutting technique uses a concentrated laser beam to cut through the material. This beam is computer-controlled to precisely follow the contours defined in the digital file of the design to be cut.

Laser cutting offers very high precision, enabling clean, precise cuts with smooth contours and fine details. This makes it an ideal option for applications requiring great attention to detail and a quality finish.

Thanks to precise computer control, laser cutting can be used to create a wide variety of shapes and patterns. It offers considerable flexibility to meet the most diverse design requirements. Laser cutting produces clean, crisp edges, contributing to a quality finish on printed products. Burnt edges can be minimized by adjusting cutting parameters.

In short, laser cutting offers a unique combination of precision, flexibility, speed and quality, making it a highly sought-after technology in the printing industry for the manufacture of high-quality, customized printed products.

trimming

This cutting operation is the first manufacturing operation… and very often the last too.

Unlike custom cutting, which aims to create specific shapes or particular contours, trimming mainly involves cutting large sheets or stacks of printed media into standardized print formats: A4, A3, A5, business cards.

For this cutting technique, we use a special machine called a cutter. It is equipped with a cutting blade and can be set and/or programmed to cut to precise dimensions, creating straight, uniform edges.

Trimming is generally carried out at the start of the production line to cut large paper formats from 70x100cm to a size suitable for printers and presses.

At the end of the printing and finishing operations, trimming is necessary to produce a final clean cut to the final format. In the vast majority of cases, this is the last stage before shipment to the customer.

FRANGED EDGES

Halfway between die-cutting, shaping and table-top work, fringed edges add a touch of originality to a design. Characterized by their edges with a delicate, hand-crafted tear effect, they add an artisanal dimension to your printing projects. They are particularly appreciated for invitations, greeting cards, menus or promotional documents.

Thanks to their unique texture, these papers attract attention and leave a memorable impression. The fringed edges reveal the material, the paper fiber. They create a striking visual effect thanks to an authentic, hand-crafted look. For a bespoke creation and to take advantage of our other expertise, you can combine this technique with solution-dyed paper, hot stamping or embossing.

Fringed edges are particularly popular for special events such as weddings, anniversaries and corporate celebrations. Their uniqueness makes them the ideal choice for projects that require attention to detail and high-quality aesthetic rendering.