I Don’t Expect You To Talk…
When people mention laser cutting the image that obviously springs to mind is that of James Bond strapped to a table, a piercing light inches from his most delicate areas. But secret agents aren’t the only ones these days though to come in contact with this breakthrough technology- what was once the reserve of the super-powerful movie villain is now being employed for the use of small businesses and hobbyists alike.
The Traditional Method – Die Cutting
Digital laser cutting for the print trade is a great alternative to traditional die-cutting which has been used for decades to produce unusual shaped print work. Rounding corners, heart-shapes for Valentine’s day and even novelty Santas have all been traditionally made by pushing a sharp ‘cookie-cutter’ of the appropriate shape through the paper, producing the novelty shapes. The disadvantage to this tried and tested route is that the dyes are of a fixed shape and size, meaning that if you want something unusual or bespoke a large cost is involved in getting the dye created in the first place.
Selling The Benefits
The new wave of digital laser cutting machines can write off the disadvantages of the old . They are fully programmable and can be used to cutout a shape of whatever shape or dimension you require. Better than that each cut can be individually tailored, meaning that they can produce one-off designs and a cost effective rate. They can even handle variable data- just like you would use for an office mail-merge.
The example application we like to use is that of a coffee company, looking to sell more beans. A database could be used to perforate out of a sheet of card customer’s name and cut out into a circle- creating a brilliant cappuccino template, ready to decorate their next beverage with their own name! Or how about intricate spray paint templates for graffiti artists?
Another benefit of these new machines can be found by varying the depth of the incision made by the light beam. This allows for the laser to crease thicker stocks ready for greetings cards to be produced, and can even cut out variable shapes into sticker sheets. The possibilities are endless!
Check out this video of our new machine and you will be amazed at the range of products that are now available to you and your customers.
Tickled your fancy? Why not get in touch with us about your next project and we can work you out a quote.
