Bring Exciting Dimension To Printing With Shapes, Knockouts And Custom Die Cutting.

Uniquely imagined print projects come to life at Raff Printing through In-stock and custom-made dies for print pieces that feature knockouts, shapes, contours, folds and more. Designed to cleverly maximize audience interest and engagement!

Custom Die Cutting for Print

Stock And Custom Dies For Dimensional Print Pieces That Get Noticed.

For dimensional mail that utilizes knocked out shapes or uniquely cut panels, to signature print pieces that include contours, special flaps and cutouts that help tell a story in a completely original way, Raff Printing has decades of experience in creating custom dies that bring a customer’s vision to life.

We’ve got hundreds of in-house stock dies that may already suit your needs. What’s more, with a Heidelberg Varimatrix 105 CS Die Cutter, and years of experience collaborating with customers for custom die creation, there’s almost nothing you can’t imagine that we can’t help you print.

Custom Die Cutting for Print

Custom Or Stock Dies & Dimensional Printing Available From Raff.

From knockouts and cutouts to special shapes and dynamic folds, die-cut print pieces from Raff Printing get noticed.

  • Unique Business Cards & Door Knob Hangers
  • Collateral & Presentation Folders
  • Custom Folds, Shapes & Knockouts
  • Dimensional Booklets, Covers & Mailers
  • In House Stock Dies & Custom Die Creation

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Die-Cutting Customer Support FAQs

What does die cutting mean in printing?

Die cutting is the process of making a thin metal shape that will act like a cookie cutter for your paper designs. The metal is embedded into a block of wood and then used on a press to cut paper to a desired shape as part of a finished printed product. From very simple cutouts (such as a stamped hole in a door hanger) to more complex dimensional print products that utilize cut-out outlines and interconnecting shapes (such as a city skyline) to add style and emphasis to a piece.

Is Raff capable of creating Dies for custom projects?

Absolutely. Our in-house die-maker has been making custom dies since age 5. (True story!).

Does Raff provide templates for standard Die Cutting Products?

If you have a project in mind that you’ve seen before (a door hangar, a cutout shape in a piece of direct mail, etc.), chances are we’ve done something similar in the past, and can provide you with a template file that you can use as is or easily customize. See the die preparation question below for more information.

Can I discuss my ideas for my custom cut/folded print project before asking for a quote?

Not only is the answer to this question a “yes”—it is an absolute must. You should have a general idea of what your concept “is” prior to speaking with Raff. Do you have a dimensional piece that interlocks in an interesting way? An area that uses negative space (cutouts) to reveal information from the “inside” of your print piece? Or do you have an idea that requires a pull tab or “reveal” feature that needs to be custom-built?  

Talking it through with Raff in advance sets the stage and the expectation for the project.

Can I create/design my own die digitally or does Raff create the file?

Actually, the answer to the question is yes to both—we can proceed either way. 

If you wish to create the die yourself (after consultation with Raff), it is as simple as adding another layer of artwork. You could add the layer to your existing design in a professional program like Adobe Indesign. Clearly mark the layer as “die-line” and then add an outline of the form you want to create.

Make the line color that will stand out on a blank sheet. And remember your design basics when preparing a die layer. Good designers leave a little bit of space between the design and the edges of the paper or trim lines, right? You also need to keep some space between your design and the die lines to avoid any text or design elements being eliminated by the die.

If you wish to have us make the file for you — we’ll take the same steps as above — the only difference being we will work with your approved original design to simply “add” the layer that contains the planned die cutout.  

A final pdf proof clearly indicating the die and special instructions associated with the die is provided by Raff prior to printing.

How can we put our remarkable variety of printing presses and experience to work for you?

Contact Raff today to start printing faster, better, easier and more cost effective!

Call Us:
412-431-4044
or:
Toll Free: 1-800-994-4044

 

47 years at Raff. 41 years at Raff. 33 years at Raff... Our people are our heart!

Many Have Been With Raff Printing So Long, We Really Are A Family.

Image of Harry Bard - Production Manager at Raff Printing
Harry Bard
Production Manager
Years With Raff: 38

Our guys seriously take pride in their work. They want everyone to have an excellent finished product. People stay here for a reason—me? I enjoy work, it’s close to home, and Raff treats me well. What’s not to love?

Image of Josh Ziegler - Bindery Specialist at Raff Printing
Josh Ziegler
Bindery Specialist
Years With Raff: 4

I enjoy working here with the people I work with every day. We’ve got father-and-son teams working here and there, including our ownership. That says something about a place. Raff is just a nice company to work for.

Dan Butler - Indigo Digital Press Operator
Dan Butler
Indigo Digital Press Operator
Years With Raff: 31

"I know how hard I work, and I see how hard my friends work, and I believe…we’ll put our workmanship up against anybody. Not just in the city or the state or the country, but on the whole planet.”

Jason Stoker - Shipping Supervisor
Jason Stoker
Shipping Supervisor
Years With Raff: Since Highschool

"I’ve worked here all my life. I knew some people that got me in the door. I started in the bindery shrink-wrapping… now I handle all the UPS, FEDEX, freight shipments and driver coordination."

Ron Loreski, Jr.  - Jet Press/Envelope Operator
Ron Loreski, Jr.
Jet Press/Envelope Operator
Years With Raff: 34

"We key on quality. We don’t want garbage going out of the building. You want a product? We’re going to give you that product and then some. We’re into our job—that’s why we’ve been here so long."

Mike Stull - Prepress Supervisor
Mike Stull
Prepress Supervisor
Years With Raff: 20

"Everything that comes in? We treat it as if it’s our most important job. We pay attention to make sure it gets done right. We call out file problems to clients and agencies because we care if it looks good."

Image of Keith Wank - Warehouse Manager at Raff Printing
Keith Wank
Warehouse Manager + More
Years With Raff: 32

I’ve been at Raff Printing for 32+ years. It has been a long and interesting journey — it’s more like working with family rather than fellow employees. I think ultimately that’s the Raff secret.

Ron Loreski, III - Variable Data/Mail Operator
Ron Loreski, III
Variable Data/Mail Operator
Years With Raff: 10

"My dad brought me in after high school and I’ve been here ever since. It’s like a family, really. I’ve been here 10 years and I’m probably the third newest employee! People stick together here."

Tim Hackel - Mail Operator
Tim Hackel
Mail Operator
Years With Raff: 15

"We’re full service. Really. If you come in with a mail piece, print, bind, address and mail, all in house. It all gets done. Done right. Right here.”