Laser or conventional cutting?

Cutting process

At labelletiquette.fr, for your die-cutting needs, you have the choice between cutting on our laser machine, or using a more traditional die-cutting tool. Conventional die-cutting requires a tool to be custom-made for each label shape and format to be produced. Laser cutting, on the other hand, requires no special tools, as your labels will be “burnt” into shape by a laser beam. Both processes have their advantages and disadvantages, which we’ll list below:

Advantages and disadvantages of both processes

1. Conventional cutting

For conventional die-cutting, a plate must be produced in the exact format of your label. This is then mounted on a magnetic cutting cylinder and individually configured for the order in question.

Benefits

• All materials can be used.
• Higher production speed.
• Cleaner cut.

Disadvantages

• More expensive for small runs

2. Laser cutting

During laser cutting, a laser beam cuts your label to the required size. The laser comes into contact with the material and cuts it. Unlike conventional cutting, no specially designed plates are required.

Benefits

• More flexible, because there’s no need to manufacture a cutting tool.
• Each format can be cut immediately.
• More advantageous for short runs, as tooling costs and machine set-up time are reduced.

Disadvantages

• If your label is dark, a white border may appear when you cut it. This unsightly effect is particularly noticeable when the label is glued to dark materials. For large formats, over 160mm, two laser beams are used for cutting. It is possible that these beams do not meet exactly at 100% and that a small edge may appear.
• The material is slightly indented by the laser beam. This can cause problems when labeling.

It’s up to you to choose the cutting method you prefer

We offer both methods for cutting your labels. As early as the ordering process, we decide whether laser cutting is appropriate, based on the parameters specified, such as label size and material. If so, we’ll let you decide which method we use to cut the labels.

Any questions? You can reach us by phone on +33 (0)4 81 68 19 73 or by e-mail at info@labelletiquette.fr. We’ll be delighted to help!