YITAI – One-Stop Die Making Supply
YITAI is a global one-stop die making solution provider. With 23 factories worldwide dedicated to producing die-making equipment and consumables, our supply chain covers everything from laser cutting machine， CNC routers, benders, and sponge cutters to cutting rules, plywood,rubber, and more. This article provides a detailed walkthrough of the full manufacturing process of a flatbed laser die template.
1. Drawing the Die Design
The die line drawing is the foundation of the die template. It originates from the layout of a printed paper box, typically after the printing stage. For unified standards, die drawings can be output directly during the plate-making phase when using full-page imposition.
To prevent large closed shapes from falling apart during production, bridge gaps (called “nicks”) must be placed. For small areas, the bridge width can be 3–6 mm; for larger ones, 8–9 mm is recommended.
Die boards are commonly made of 18 mm multilayer plywood due to their strength and durability. Today, laser cutting has replaced manual sawing. Controlled by computers, laser cutters produce precise die boards by burning through the board material using high heat from a laser beam.
Auto blade bending machine for cutting rule processing
Once the base board is cut, the same die file is used in an automatic rule bending machine. These machines feed coiled steel rule (typically 100 m per roll) and bend it to shape with high precision and speed.
The next step is to embed the cutting rule and creasing rule into the die board based on their positions in the layout.
Cutting Rule: Choose between standard and double-bevel types. Double-bevel rules are better for thicker boards (over 0.5 mm).
Creasing Rule: These create folding lines. Common thicknesses include 0.7 mm, 1.42 mm, and 2.13 mm. Heights range from 22 to 23.8 mm.
Nicks are tiny notches made on the cutting rule to keep the carton and waste edges slightly connected during die cutting. This helps prevent pieces from shifting or scattering, ensuring smooth feeding and collection.
Made using a nick grinder, not by hand tools, to avoid damaging the blade.
Do not place nicks on bridge areas, as there's no support underneath.
Common sizes range from 0.3 mm to 1.0 mm, with 0.4 mm being standard.
Place nicks in hidden areas to avoid affecting the product’s appearance.
In short: Nicks keep the die-cut parts stable and ensure efficient, clean production.
Ejection rubber (foam strips) is applied around the die lines to help push the paper out during die cutting and prevent paper from sticking.
Rubber types vary by hardness: standard, hard, and extra-hard. Different areas require different rubber types depending on the die configuration. Ideal spacing between rubber and blade is 1–2 mm. Too close causes tearing; too far fails to eject paper effectively.
Once the die is fully assembled, it is tested on a die cutting machine. If certain areas don’t cut through cleanly, padding is applied:
General Padding: 0.05 mm thick paper is added under the affected zone.
Position Padding: Thin strips are placed directly under the specific cutting rule that is too low.
Final Output
Once testing is complete and the template cuts cleanly and consistently, the die is approved for full production. This ensures precision, quality, and efficiency in packaging manufacturing.
If you need support or equipment for die making, YITAI is your trusted partner in providing comprehensive technology, machines, and materials globally.
Send an inquiry right now, our sales will reply with the price within 12 hours.
