With the advancement in technology and a surge in competition, there is a demand to get the work done in a short period of time, that too without the need for corrections. This demand for accuracy that too in a matter of minutes can be nerve-wrecking if the work is done manually. To avoid inaccuracy, and to grow exponentially in a field, the preference for automatic systems has increased over the years.

The demand for perfection in every industry, including die-cutting, has made the automatic die-cutting process more popular compared to a manual die-cutting.

What’s die-cutting?
The term ‘die-cutting’ refers to numerous types of cutting processes. It has a number of applications in different industries for forming, cutting, creasing, perforation and embossing. With the help of moulds or templates, the die is customised with keeping the final product in mind. 

Before understanding the difference between automatic and manual dies, let us first see the difference between the automatic die-cutting and manual die-cutting machines.

Automatic vs manual die-cutting machine
Automatic machine continuously feeds the sheets for cutting die. In a manual machine, one has to feed the sheets by hand in succession which can get tedious.

The automatic machines exert a high pressure of about 250 to 300 tonnes. Manual machines tend to be lightweight as compared to an automatic machine.

Automatic die making machine vs Manual die making machine

Due to the high tonnage of the automatic machines, all of the knives present are balanced, which increases makeready time. Due to the low tonnage of manual machines, to balance knives, heaving packing is needed.

The high pressure provided by the automatic die-cutting machines achieves better results in a single-cut job. The low tonnage in manual die-cutting machines, a double-cut layout is preferred.

Automatic die-cutting machines give an option of inline stripping as well as blanking. The manual die-cutting machine does not give an option for inline stripping and one needs extra labour for this work.

In an automatic die-cutting machine, the single die-cut job can be repeated by using thin cutting plates. In a manual die-cutting machine, every job has to be new makeready.

What is a die?
A die is a tool used in manufacturing industries to shape or cut a material using a press. These are usually customised as per the customer demand. The die creates an identical duplicate on materials such as paper, fabric, metal or wood.

 Laser die vs manual die
For the automatic die, the wood size is fixed according to the size of the machine. In the case of a manual die, wood size has to be equal to the size of the layout. If not precisely checked, the die will not be cut correctly.

For an automatic die, rubbering is essential for its runnability. Rubbering is not at all critical for a die cutting process in a manual die and therefore this can be avoided.

For the automatic die, rubbering being essential for the ease in die cutting, ‘C’ profile rubbers plays a vital role. Rubbering is expendable in the case of a manual die, thus implying that the ‘C’ profile rubbers unnecessary for the same.

Patching or fine-tuning the level of cutting for accuracy in the die is necessary for the automatic die. The patching is not necessarily controlled in a manual die.

For an automatic die, balancing knives are integral. In the case of a manual die, however, balancing knives aren’t necessarily present.

For an automatic die, balancing knives is intrinsic and these knives are balanced due to heavy tonnage, thus the life of the knives is preserved due to repeat jobs and balancing. In a manual die, as the knives need heavy packing to balance and every die cutting process has to be new makeready, the life of these knives are limited to a single use.

Why is automatic die better than manual die? Automatic die-cutting is low maintenance and efficient for excellent results in a short period of time without the need for cost-cutting. Also, when a die runs on an automatic die-cutter, it helps increase the life of the tools.

With the latest technology, Artize has pioneered as one of the most specialised manufacturers of the auto die. With the manufacturing of advanced computerised laser die, laser-cutting die, paper-cutting dies, wooden dies, screen guard dies, Artize has already made a mark in the industry.

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