An Introduction to Digital Cutting Tables And How You Could Choose One For Your Business

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If you run a business that relies heavily on producing high volumes of print marketing materials, from basic business cards, brochures and flyers right through to more complex signage and marketing displays, you will probably already be well aware of how crucial the cutting process is to the printing equation. 

For example, you are likely thoroughly accustomed to seeing your corporate print materials coming off the presses in sizes that seem just a bit, well, "off". On occasions like these, you will need to cut or trim those materials down to the required size - but what machine should you use for the job? 

What is a digital cutting table? 

As, in the words of Digital Printer magazine, "cutting is probably the most common finishing operation", it probably shouldn't surprise you that a market has opened up for specialist machinery that can do the job in an especially efficient and fuss-free fashion. 

It's especially unsurprising when you consider the many different ways in which print marketing materials could need to be cut. Wide-format graphics such as decals and signage may need to be cut out in a somewhat complex fashion before they are ready to ship, while the likes of tickets and vouchers will need perforating - a type of partial cutting. 

Naturally, then, digital cutting machines have been brought out in many different models and configurations to suit. This immense variety does, however, pose a problem for you, the business owner in need of a digital cutting table: which one should you choose? The answer depends on your specific cutting requirements. 

What materials will you use? 

No matter how loose or exacting your printing obligations, you should choose a digital cutting table that can manage as many different materials as possible, advises FESPA. You can source this kind of versatile machine from a big-name brand in printing equipment - think Duplo International, for example. 

Fortunately, these days, the majority of cutting tables should be ready to handle a wide range of materials - including vinyl, cardboard, acrylic and wood, says FESPA. Therefore, a digital cutting table can especially easily handle paper, from which many of your print marketing materials could end up being produced. 

How large will your print marketing materials need to be? 

Only you can answer this question - and determine, say, whether you will need to print wide-format or narrow-format media and on sheets or rolls - or both sheets and rolls. Fortunately, digital cutting tables are available in a wide array of sizes, enabling you to find a table suitable for any application you have in mind. 

Take advantage of your cutting table's digital component  

One particularly strong plus point of opting for a digital cutting table is being able to use software that can streamline your workflow. The right preproduction software for seamlessly integrating with your table can assist you in eliminating errors and reducing waste. Taking your time with deciding on the right digital cutting table setup for you can help you to save time later, with the cutting itself.