All You Need to Know About Label Cutting Dies

 

Today we’ll explore the main types of cutting dies used for self-adhesive labels(Label cutting dies)  and how they’re typically classified within the industry.  We’ll categorize them based on structure, material, and die-cutting machine type. If you’re a self-adhesive label manufacturer looking to choose the right label cutting die for your cutting needs, the choice of dies depends on your die-cutting equipment compatibility, budget, label complexity, and volume of self-adhesive labels.

Below are the primary label cutting dies types and their characteristics:

• By structure, dies are primarily divided into two categories:  flat punching dies and rotary cylinder dies. Flat punching label cutting dies use a flat-bed die-cutting method and are further categorized by base plate type:

1. Traditional wooden label cutting die: This design embeds custom-bent steel cutting lines into laser-cut multi-layer birch plywood.  Its advantages include the lowest production cost, short lead times, and ease of modification and adjustment.  Disadvantages include potential warping of the plywood due to temperature and humidity, lower durability, and unsuitability for ultra-long print runs. Lifespan is relatively short, typically around several hundred thousand punches.

2. PVC label cutting die: it’s plates utilize PVC as the base material, embedding steel cutting wires within the PVC substrate. Compared to wooden bases, PVC offers moisture resistance, minimal deformation, higher precision and stability, and superior durability. Service life can exceed one million punches. However, its production cost is slightly higher than that of wooden die-cutting plates.

• Roll-type metal rotary cylinder dies: This die typically employs a rolling stamping method. It is usually made of all-steel or titanium alloy materials. The cutting edge is produced through CNC engraving machines, laser engraving, or chemical etching. The advantages of this die include extremely high precision, excellent durability, high material hardness, and minimal deformation. They can withstand over ten million punches. However, their manufacturing costs are higher, and if errors occur during production, modifications are impossible mid-process—requiring complete re-manufacturing.

So how should you choose among these die types?

For low-volume labels punching or small-batch samples-making, recommend flat-cut wooden or PVC label cutting dies. They offer lower costs, high flexibility, and allow for quick modifications with short turnaround times.

For high-volume label production demanding extreme precision, then recommend for rotary rotary cylinder label cutting dies. This lowers your per-unit cost due to their extended lifespan, capable of handling massive label production runs.

Additionally, your die-cutting equipment is a key consideration.  If you only have a flatbed die-cutting machine, choose flat wooden cutting dies or PVC cutting dies.
If you only have a rotary die-cutting machine and the volume of self-adhesive labels is large, we highly recommend fully metal rotary cylinder cutting dies.

Aolang Laser offers a complete set of equipment for making flat label cutting dies board. The die cut laser machine is capable of cutting wood and PVC boards, while the automatic steel rule bending machine is specifically designed for bending 8mm steel rules used in adhesive wood cutting dies.