Finding the Right Solution for Your Next Project
Your logos and designs are dear to you, which makes them dear to us. So why not elevate your printed signs or decals to the next level with custom cutting? The opportunities are endless with die cutting, router cutting & contour cutting and we’ll break down which option might be the best for your next project:
Die Cutting
How it Works: A custom-made metal die is designed, created and affixed to a die board. The die consists of very sharp blades that will ultimately cut, score or perforate, once the product has been printed. Once the die has been created, it can be re-used again and again when it’s time to re-order your products.
Good For: business cards, greeting cards, invitations, folders, gift card holders, boxes, product packaging, table tents, & other promotional items.
Product Profile - Die Cutting
Project: AlphaGraphics Christmas Card
Size: 4.5” x 10.5”, folded down to 4.5” x 7.5” (finished size)
Materials: 100-lb. Goya White Matter Cover
Printing: RICOH C9100
Finishing: Holographic foil stamping, die-cut & scored, and double-sided tape adhered to back of card
Router Cutting
How it Works: Using advanced cutting software, a designer creates a template for the product being cut. Through this software, they will assign cut lines. The printed substrate is placed on the cutting bed and using registration marks, the cutter sets its path towards cutting out the final product.
Good For: Custom signage or trade show displays printed on foamcore, UltraBoard, Gatorboard, coroplast, acrylic, plastic & wood
Product Profile - Router Cutting
Project: Miller Street Dance Academy Lawn Signs for Open House
Size: 18” x 31.5”
Materials: Coroplast
Printing: efi H1625 LED Flatbed
Finishing: Router cut ballet slipper shape
Contour Cutting
How it Works: The biggest difference between router cutting & contour cutting is the substrates used. While router cutting is used for larger, thicker, substrates, contour cutting is used mainly on much thinner large format substrates. In addition to setting cut lines, contour cutting can also create perforations.
Good For: Vinyl stickers & decals
Product Profile - Contour Cutting
Project: William & Mary Wren Building Stickers & Prints for local artist, Sofia Lenore
Size: 3” x 5”
Materials: 3M gloss vinyl with lamination
Printing: Graphtech FC8600-130
Finishing: Contour cut around design
For more information on how you can bring your print, marketing, or design ideas to life, contact
AlphaGraphics South Charlotte today at
704-849-9292.