Die-Cut vs Laser-Cut: Pros & Cons for Your Next Project

So, you’ve had your label designed, it’s rolling off the printer and it looks great. The logo placement is prominent. The graphic is eye-catching. The colors are perfect. Even the UPC symbol looks good. You’re done, right? Not so fast. There are a few more steps.

MK are exported all over the world and different industries with quality first. Our belief is to provide our customers with more and better high value-added products. Let's create a better future together.

Coming off the printing press your labels are a series of repeats on a long roll. Each individual repeat needs to be separated to make single labels. “How does that happen at a large scale?” you might ask. Well, you have options. Those labels can be die-cut or laser-cut.

Die-cut and laser-cut labels are two commonly used labeling solutions that offer distinct advantages and cater to different applications. Here’s an easy breakdown of their differences.

Die-Cut Labels

Die-cutting is a traditional cutting method that’s been around for a long time. It uses a sharp steel blade or die to cut through label materials. The die is mounted onto a press, and when pressure is applied, it cuts through the material, leaving behind the label shape.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Die Cutting Equipment.

Advantages of Die-Cutting:

• Versatility: Die-cutting can be used on a wide range of label materials, like paper, plastic films, and even some thin metal foils.
• Precision: Die-cutting offers high levels of precision and consistency, ensuring that labels are cut to exact specifications.
• Cost-Effective: While the initial setup cost for creating a custom die can be high, die-cutting is generally more cost-effective for large production runs, since the die can be reused multiple times.

Laser-Cut Labels

Laser cutting is a modern cutting technique that uses a highly focused and powerful laser beam to cut through label materials. The laser is guided by computer-controlled optics that can cut very precise patterns.

Advantages of Laser Cutting

• Intricate Designs: Laser cutting is particularly great for creating complex label designs or stickers with intricate details, fine lines, and tight corners.
• Material Versatility: Laser cutting can be used on a wide range of label materials, including paper, plastic films, metallic foils, and even fabrics. It can handle both thin and thick materials easily.
• Short-Run Flexibility: Laser cutting is great for short production runs since there is no need for expensive die tooling.

Which Option is Right for the Job?

So, which option is better? That’s hard to say. They’re both effective ways of turning long rolls into individual labels. Choosing which method to use comes down to a variety of factors.

• Design: If you have a simple label design or high-volume production run, die-cutting is usually a more cost-effective option. But if your design is intricate, the preciseness of laser cutting is probably the way to go.
• Material Thickness: Die-cutting is usually better for thin label materials. If your labels are printed on thicker or more rigid material, laser cutting is more effective.
• Production Volume: If you have a large run of labels, die-cutting is generally the more economical solution. But if you’re doing a short run for a small batch, laser cutting is going to be the better option.

Laser or Die Cutting? We’ll Help You Decide!

As your full-service label and packaging partner, InTouch offers both laser-cutting and die-cutting services. Not sure which one is right for your project? Don’t worry. We have a dedicated team that will talk you through every step of the process to find the solution that’s right for your labels and your budget.

The company is the world’s best MK Automatic Die Cutting Machine supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.