Die-cut stickers: visual impact and differentiation
Die-cut stickers stand out from conventional rectangular labels because their outline follows the shape of the printed design. This generates greater visual impact, as the piece is perceived as an independent graphic element rather than a superimposed label. Custom die-cut stickers are used in product branding, merchandise, packaging decoration, promotional material and direct marketing.
Die-cutting is performed with cutting matrices (flat or rotary dies) that follow the design outline with millimetre precision. The cut can be kiss-cut (label only, without cutting through the liner) or die-cut (label and liner cut together).
Custom die-cut labels: manufacturing process
Custom die-cut labels are manufactured in any self-adhesive material: paper, vinyl, polypropylene, polyester or aluminium. Die-cut sticker printing combines digital or flexographic printing of the design with an additional die-cutting step that cuts the shape. Self-adhesive die-cuts can include finishes such as laminate, selective varnish, stamping and embossing.
The most common shapes are logo silhouettes, character or mascot outlines, geometric shapes (star, heart, arrow) and product outlines.
Supply and runs
Die-cut labels are supplied in sheet, in reel (for automatic application) or as individual peelable units. Runs start from a few dozen units in digital printing to thousands in flexography.
Alumigraf produces adhesive die-cut labels and custom-shaped stickers. Send us your design to prepare the die and quote.
