Intricate details
Fine patterns, small openings, decorative edges, detailed windows, and complex shapes that may be difficult to produce with a conventional die.
Laser Die Cutting
Intricate cuts and custom shapes without a physical cutting die.
Laser die cutting uses a focused laser to cut detailed shapes, patterns, windows, openings, and outlines into paper, cardstock, labels, and other suitable materials.
It can be a strong fit for intricate designs, short runs, samples, prototypes, invitations, specialty cards, labels, packaging components, and other custom-shaped print. Send us the piece and we'll help determine whether laser cutting or traditional die cutting makes more sense.
Produced in Plano
No Physical Cutting Die
Custom Cutting + Print Finishing
Local + Nationwide Shipping
Quick Answer
What is laser die cutting?
Laser die cutting uses a focused laser beam to follow a digital cut path and create detailed shapes, windows, patterns, openings, or outlines without a conventional physical cutting die.
It is often a good fit for intricate designs, short runs, samples, prototypes, invitations, specialty cards, and custom-shaped print. For simpler repeatable shapes or larger production runs, traditional die cutting may be a better fit.
When It Fits
Laser cutting makes sense when the cut itself is part of the design.
The process is especially useful when the shape is detailed, the quantity is lower, or the project needs a custom cut without producing a physical cutting die.
Short runs & samples
Prototypes, samples, lower-quantity specialty pieces, and projects where creating a physical cutting die may not make sense.
Custom-shaped print
Invitations, cards, labels, packaging pieces, mailers, inserts, and other printed materials cut to a specific shape.
Laser vs. Traditional Die Cutting
Two ways to create custom-cut printed pieces.
Laser cutting and traditional die cutting can both create custom shapes, but they solve different production problems. The better choice depends on detail, material, quantity, repeatability, and timeline.
| Consideration | Laser Die Cutting | Traditional Die Cutting |
|---|---|---|
| Physical die | Not required | Required |
| Intricate detail | Strong fit for fine, complex, and detailed cut paths. | Often better suited to simpler repeatable shapes. |
| Short runs | Often a practical option when a physical die is not justified. | Die and setup cost can matter more at low quantities. |
| Longer runs | Can work depending on material, design, and production needs. | Often more efficient for repeatable production quantities. |
| Samples & prototypes | Well suited to custom samples and lower-quantity testing. | Usually less practical when a die would be needed only for a small number of pieces. |
| Best choice | Depends on detail, material, quantity, and timeline. | Depends on detail, material, quantity, and timeline. |
Planning Details
The cut has to work with the material and the rest of the job.
Paper, thickness, coatings, cut paths, spacing, folds, lamination, assembly, and the final use can all affect the result.
Fine details also need enough material around them to remain practical after the piece is cut and handled. We review the design and material before production moves forward.
- Material and thickness
- Cut paths and openings
- Spacing, bridges, and fine details
- Printing and coatings
- Lamination, folding, and assembly
- Quantity and timeline
Common Projects
What can be laser die cut?
Laser cutting can be used when printed pieces need custom edges, openings, patterns, windows, or other detailed cut features.
Invitations & cards
Invitations, announcements, business cards, specialty cards, event pieces, and presentation pieces with detailed shapes or decorative cuts.
Labels & paper pieces
Labels, stickers, inserts, mailers, paper components, windows, and custom cutouts.
Packaging & layered pieces
Sleeves, packaging components, layered designs, openings, dimensional pieces, and specialty assemblies.
Cut Design
Small details can have a big effect on the finished piece.
The cut path has to account for the strength of the remaining material, the spacing between details, and what happens to the piece after it leaves the cutting table.
Cut Paths
Digital paths define
exactly where the laser cuts.
Openings
Windows and interior shapes
need enough surrounding material.
Fine Details
Small patterns and bridges
need to remain practical after cutting.
Final Use
Folding, mailing,
handling, assembly,
and display affect the setup.
How It Works
Start with the piece and the shape you need cut.
Send the material, artwork, quantity, deadline, cut shape, and whatever production details you already have.
Tell us what you're making.
Send the piece, material, quantity, artwork, deadline, and anything you know about the cut.
We review the cut and material.
We look at the shape, spacing, bridges, openings, stock, and whether laser cutting is the right production method.
We plan the finishing.
Printing, lamination, folding, assembly, and other production steps are planned around the cut.
We cut, check & finish it.
The pieces are produced, checked, finished, and prepared for pickup, delivery, or shipping.
Connected Services
Custom cutting works best when the whole print job is planned together.
Printing, cutting, lamination, embellishment, folding, and other finishing can affect one another.
FAQs
Laser die cutting questions.
What is laser die cutting?
Laser die cutting uses a focused laser beam to follow a digital cut path and create shapes, windows, openings, patterns, and detailed cuts in suitable materials.
Does laser die cutting require a physical die?
No. The laser follows a digital cut path, so a conventional physical cutting die is not required.
When is laser die cutting a good fit?
It is often useful for intricate cuts, short runs, samples, prototypes, and shapes that would be difficult or less practical with a traditional die.
What materials can be laser die cut?
Suitability depends on the material, thickness, coating, artwork, and intended use. Paper, cardstock, labels, stickers, and other suitable materials may be options depending on the job.
What is the difference between laser and traditional die cutting?
Laser die cutting follows a digital cut path without a physical die. Traditional die cutting uses a manufactured cutting die. The better method depends on the detail, material, quantity, and timeline.
Can laser-cut pieces also be printed and laminated?
Yes, when the materials and production sequence are compatible. Printing, lamination, folding, assembly, and cutting should be planned together.
Can laser die cutting create intricate patterns?
Yes. Intricate patterns and detailed cutouts are one of the reasons laser cutting may be considered instead of a conventional die. The material and design still need to support the detail.
What should I send for a laser die cutting quote?
Send the piece, material, size, quantity, artwork, deadline, and cut shape or whatever production details you already have.
Does Voom offer laser die cutting in Plano and Dallas-Fort Worth?
Yes. Voom provides laser die cutting from its Plano production facility for businesses throughout Dallas-Fort Worth, with pickup, delivery, and nationwide shipping available.
Intricate Cuts · Custom Shapes · Short Runs
Show us the shape you need cut.
Send the piece, material, artwork, quantity, deadline, and cut path if you already have one. If you're not sure whether laser die cutting or traditional die cutting makes more sense, we'll help work through the options.