Many jobs today are created on a computer system. Often the artists creating the graphic design are working on computer systems. This creates the opportunity to plan the diecutting process at a very early stage in the job. Through the Postscript format, data is now shared between the printers’ graphic design systems and the diecutters’ CAD systems. Instead of waiting until the last minute, the entire diecutting process can be planned before the job is printed.

By sharing the computerized design data with the diemaker, the printer can review all of the steps and potential problems with diemaking and diecutting. The feasibility of diecutting a particular shape can be determined. The cost and lead time for cutting dies can be accurately estimated. Final delivery dates can be planned with more accuracy. All of this can be done before the job is printed, which creates the option of making printing changes before any big costs are incurred. Finally, as long as the printing can be done accurately, the cutting dies can be ordered before the job is printed, which means they can be ready before the job goes to diecutting.

What is required is an Adobe Illustrator-type file in the Postscript format, ideally containing only the desired die cut lines. With the graphic images removed, these files are relatively small. The files can be transferred via telephone modem, e-mail or even physically sent on a floppy disk. In the case of an intricate die cut shape, the data can be transferred from artist to diemaker. In the case of a structural design such as a carton, the structural design can go from the CAD designer to the artist for graphics placement, next to the printer for layout and step-and-repeat and then to the diecutter and diemaker for final converting. In any event, the diecutting process can be planned while the job is still in prep. The end results are more accurate and higher quality diecutting and lower prices and faster turn-around from the diemaker.

Many of our customers are already reaping these benefits. Contact us for more information if you are interested in saving time and money in your diemaking and diecutting process.