Custom-shaped printed pieces
Printed material can be assessed for die cutting where the finished piece needs a shape or profile beyond a standard straight-edged format.
Useful for:
custom-shaped print and branded pieces
Die Cutting · Springs, Gauteng
Die cutting for custom shapes and finished print requirements
DSP provides die cutting support for custom shapes, printed pieces and specialist production requirements where the finished item needs a defined cut format. Artwork, dimensions, quantity and the intended finished result can be considered together before production begins.
- Custom cut shapes
- Finished print pieces
- Specialist production
- In-house artwork support
Shape connected to production
Finished dimensions, cut shape, artwork and quantity are considered together when the job is prepared.
Die cutting applications
Custom shapes and finished formats for print and production jobs
Die cutting can form part of a wider print or specialist production job where the finished piece needs a defined shape or repeated cut format. The artwork, dimensions, quantity and intended use should be considered together before production.
Business & promotional material
Die cutting can form part of selected business and promotional print where the finished format needs a distinctive shape, opening or custom cut element.
Useful for:
marketing, promotional and presentation material
Identification pieces
Suitable printed or production pieces can be assessed where the finished item needs a defined custom outline as part of an identification or practical business requirement.
Useful for:
identification and custom-format business pieces
Campaign production
Where campaign artwork includes custom-shaped pieces, die cutting can be considered as one stage within the wider print and finishing requirement.
Useful for:
campaign material and coordinated branded production
Repeat cut requirements
Where the same approved shape needs to be reproduced across a quantity of suitable pieces, die cutting can be assessed as part of the repeat production process.
Useful for:
repeated custom shapes within a production run
Specialist custom jobs
If the required shape or finished item does not fit a standard category, send DSP the artwork, dimensions, quantity and a reference showing the required finished result so the job can be assessed.
Useful for:
unusual or specialised production requirements
Planning the die-cut job
Start with the finished shape, size and production requirement
A useful die-cutting brief shows both what the finished piece needs to look like and how it needs to be cut. Sharing the dimensions, artwork, required outline, quantity and intended use helps DSP assess how the job should be prepared.
Finished shape
Explain the shape or outline required for the completed piece. If possible, provide artwork, a drawing or a clear reference showing what the final cut format should look like.
Finished dimensions
Provide the required width, height or other relevant finished dimensions so DSP can understand the scale of the piece and how the custom shape relates to the final format.
Artwork & cut outline
Send the best available artwork together with the intended cut line or shape reference where available. DSP can help identify what artwork preparation is needed before the job moves into production.
Printed or production piece
Explain whether die cutting forms part of a printed job or another custom production requirement. This helps DSP understand where the cutting stage fits within the wider finished piece.
Quantity
Confirm how many finished pieces are required and whether the same shape is repeated throughout the job or whether the requirement includes different versions.
Intended use
Explain how the finished piece will be used and whether it forms part of business print, promotional material, identification, campaign production or another specialist requirement.
Do not have a finished cut file yet? Send DSP the artwork or a reference showing the shape you need, together with the finished dimensions, quantity and intended use. The team can help establish what artwork preparation is required before the die-cutting job moves forward.
Send Your Die-Cut Details
Shape planned before production
Artwork, cut outline, finished dimensions and quantity are considered together before the job is produced.
Die cutting workflow
From the required shape to the finished cut pieces
Die cutting forms part of the wider production process when a finished piece needs a defined custom shape. Once the artwork, cut outline, dimensions, quantity and intended result are confirmed, DSP can prepare the job for production.
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01
Confirm the finished requirement
DSP reviews the required shape, finished dimensions, quantity and intended use to understand how the die-cutting stage fits into the overall production job.
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02
Prepare the artwork and cut outline
Supplied artwork and the required cut shape are reviewed and prepared around the confirmed finished format. DSP's in-house design team can assist where the file still needs to be adapted.
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03
Confirm the production setup
The finished dimensions, cut position, quantity and wider production requirement are confirmed before the cutting stage begins.
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04
Complete the die cutting
The approved pieces are cut according to the confirmed shape and production requirement as part of the finished job.
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05
Finish and prepare the job
The completed pieces are prepared for collection or for the next stage of the broader print, branding or specialist production requirement.
Die Cutting FAQs
Questions to consider before sending a die-cutting job
A clear die-cutting brief usually starts with the finished shape, dimensions, quantity and artwork. DSP can then assess how the cutting requirement fits into the wider print or production job.
What information does DSP need for a die-cutting quote?
Provide the required finished shape, approximate dimensions, quantity and available artwork or reference material. It is also useful to explain whether the job forms part of a printed piece or another production requirement, and how the finished item will be used.
Do I need to supply a finished cut outline?
Not necessarily. If you already have artwork showing the required cut outline, send it through. If not, provide the artwork or a clear reference showing the finished shape and dimensions. DSP can help identify what artwork preparation is required before the job moves into production.
Can die cutting form part of a printed job?
Yes. Die cutting can form one stage of a wider print or production job where the finished printed piece needs a defined custom shape or cut format. DSP can assess the printing, artwork and cutting requirements together as part of the overall job.
What if I am unsure whether die cutting or laser cutting is more suitable?
You do not need to decide on the production method before contacting DSP. Send the required finished shape, dimensions, quantity, artwork and a description of the intended result. The team can assess the requirement and determine which available cutting process is the more suitable fit for the job.
Start your die cutting enquiry
Need a printed or production piece finished in a custom shape?
Send DSP the artwork or a reference showing the required finished shape, together with the dimensions, quantity and intended use. If the cut outline is not yet prepared, the team can help establish what artwork and production preparation is needed before the job moves forward.