Laser Cutting and Finishing Advantages for Custom Packaging

Over the last few years, digital printing and conversion technologies have made remarkable strides in the packaging business. Click here for business card boxes. Small runs on printers capable of handling 5–10 sheets per hour have given way to single-pass presses capable of running a pallet of sheets in a matter of minutes. Being a part of the evolution of this business has been astounding, and it speaks to the expanding adoption of digital printing and converting technologies by customers globally.

Since the beginning of the year, we've been investing in an interesting converting technology that works to boost production speeds and efficiencies, ultimately giving our customers a competitive advantage.

What is the conversion of packaging?

You might be asking yourself, "What exactly is packaging conversion?" to take a step back. Your custom box design proceeds to the next stage of production after being digitally printed onto corrugated sheets: converting (also known as cutting). Sheets can be transformed into finished boxes using a variety of techniques. Die-cutting equipment and CAD-cutting tables are two common options.

Die cutting vs. cutting using CAD

To create your structure, CAD tables trace along the cut file using scoring wheels and cutting knives. With this technique, producers can print on a sizable sheet, reducing overall waste. Since there are no tooling expenses involved, CAD tables are excellent for smaller quantities. This is how Xianda can offer printed prototypes in quantities as low as one.

CAD tables, on the other hand, have a maximum speed. Given the rising demand and overcapacity issues seen in the COVID era, they can stymie our industry's rapid scaling and growth.

Die-cutters, on the other hand, can handle large runs and are scalable for future growth. Die cutters require your structure to be laid out on a manufacturing file that will be used to create the cutting die and the corresponding print layout. Die cutters outnumber CAD tables in terms of box production per hour.

As a result, die-cutters are used for larger quantities. A die cutter can only make so many boxes in one cutting impression, which is usually determined by the number of inches of steel rule used on your die. Die tooling costs are associated with them, as are large-scale storage complexities. Click here for Custom Printed Soap Boxes.