Expert Custom Die Cutting Services

Die-cut means a material has been cut, scored, perforated, kiss-cut, or shaped using a custom-made die rather than a simple straight blade. In print finishing and packaging, die cutting creates precise shapes, windows, folds, tabs, holes, labels, cartons, folders, and specialty pieces. The die acts like a production tool, allowing consistent results across short or large runs.

A die-cut job is a production project that requires a custom shape or finishing operation beyond standard trimming. It typically starts with a dieline, laser proof, mockup, press sheet, or electronic file. The die is built or retrieved, the material is tested, and production runs on die-cutting equipment with quality checks to confirm registration, scoring, stripping, and final appearance.

Michigan Paper Die can process text or bond paper, cover weight paper, chipboard, corrugated material, plastic composites, magnetic material, and kiss-cut or sticker material. Typical thickness ranges from .002 to .080, or approximately 2-point through 80-point stock. Material choice affects scoring, pressure, stripping, and production setup, so samples and specifications are helpful early in planning.

Yes. Michigan Paper Die constructs steel rule dies in-house using CAD software, a CNC router, and an automatic rule-bending machine. Supplied dielines, EPS files, laser proofs, mockups, or press sheets can often be imported to speed the process. In-house die construction also makes it easier to adjust details quickly before full production begins.

Lead time depends on the complexity of the die, material, quantity, finishing requirements, and whether an existing die can be used. Michigan Paper Die is known for fast turnaround because die construction, die cutting, mockups, finishing, and quality documentation are closely coordinated. Each project is logged through production stages to help maintain schedule visibility and on-time completion.

Yes. Mockups are part of the pre-production process when a project requires confirmation before full production. A prototype can be created from the sample-making table and reviewed internally to confirm the piece matches the client’s specifications. Laser proofs, mockups, and electronic instructions are also checked for missing or conflicting details before die construction proceeds.

Quality is managed through Michigan Paper Die’s Quality First policy. Jobs are reviewed for purchase order status, samples, guide and gripper information, laser proofs, mockups, and die condition. During make-ready and production, pull sheets are created for inspection and documentation. A Quality Control Report is included with every job to record notes, proofs, procedures, and production details.

Yes. Michigan Paper Die offers related finishing capabilities such as folding, embossing, drilling, high-speed gluing, window patching, tipping, stitching, hand bindery, shrink wrapping, fulfillment, and warehouse support. Combining services can reduce extra handling, labor, and scheduling delays because multiple production steps can be coordinated in one workflow after the die-cutting stage.