Answer: The main factor in choosing one of the label cuts is how the label will be applied and used. Another important factor is cost, with die-cut labels being relatively more expensive. A butt-cut label is separated from its neighbours on the label liner by a simple, straight-line cut, like a peel and stick postage stamp. It might be called utilitarian – less costly to produce than a die-cut label, and economical for application on an inexpensive product, or on one where the label will be seen only once, or thrown away. A butt-cut label will naturally have straight sides and square corners. (A die-cut label can have square corners, too, but added to the cost of the required die is the extra expense of “sharpening” the die’s inside corners.)

A die-cut label can be produced in almost any shape, from round to angular, with various combinations of straight lines and curves being the usual. The rounded corners possible with a die-cut label are less likely to dog-ear, or peel after application, and a die-cut label generally has a nicer look than a butt-cut one.

Labels to be applied automatically need to have spaces between them, calling for die-cutting. The press removes the extra material (i.e. the matrix) surrounding each label. This unused material adds to the cost in large runs, essentially because the press is generating fewer labels per unit width and length of stock.

Label Innovation carries a wide variety of dies, which alone or in combination can meet most customer label specifications. The most costly option, a custom die, involves the preparation of a die-line (i.e. artwork for the die’s shape) and an added label production delay while the die is manufactured.

Question #2