If you’ve ever worked in the printing industry, you’ve probably heard of cutter cards. But, if you’re not familiar with them, it can be a bit confusing to understand just what they are and how they work. Cutter cards are an essential tool that helps ensure that printed materials are cut precisely, resulting in clean, professional edges. But, with so many different types of cutter cards available, it can be challenging to know which one to use for a particular project. That’s why we’ve put together the ultimate cheat sheet for understanding cutter cards and how they work.

How Do Cutter Cards Work?

Cutter cards are thin, flexible pieces of material that are placed between the cutting blade and the material being cut. They act as a cushion, preventing the blade from cutting too deeply into the material and causing damage. This allows for a clean, precise cut every time.

Are available in a wide range of thicknesses, from as thin as 0.001 inches to as thick as 0.060 inches. The thickness of the cutter card you choose will depend on the type of material you’re cutting and the type of blade you’re using.

To use a cutter card, simply place it on the cutting mat or table, then place the material to be cut on top of it. The cutting blade will then be lowered onto the material, with the cutter card acting as a cushion between the blade and the material. The blade will then cut through the material cleanly and precisely, without damaging either the material or the blade.

Types of Cutter Cards

There are several different types of cutter cards available, each with its own unique properties and advantages. Here are some of the most common types:

Foam Core Cutter Cards

Foam core cutter cards are made from foam core material, which is a lightweight, rigid material that is easy to cut and shape. These cutter card are ideal for cutting thicker materials, such as foam board and mat board, as well as thinner materials like paper and cardstock.

Plastic Cutter Cards

Plastic cutter cards are made from a variety of different plastics, including polycarbonate, acrylic, and PVC. These cutter card are ideal for cutting thicker materials, such as plastic sheets, and are also very durable and long-lasting.

Rubber Cutter Cards

Rubber cutter cards are made from a variety of different rubbers, including natural rubber and silicone. These cutter cards are ideal for cutting thinner materials, such as paper and cardstock, and are also very flexible and durable.

Metal Cutter Cards

Metal cutter cards are made from a variety of different metals, including steel and aluminum. These cutter card is ideal for cutting thicker materials, such as metal sheets, and are also very durable and long-lasting.

Cutter Card Materials

Cutter cards are available in a wide variety of materials, each with its own unique properties and advantages. Here are some of the most common materials used to make cutter cards:

Foam Core Material

Foam core material is a lightweight, rigid material that is easy to cut and shape. It is ideal for cutting thicker materials, such as foam board and mat board, as well as thinner materials like paper and cardstock.

Plastic

Plastic is a versatile material that can be used to make cutter cards of various thicknesses and durability. Polycarbonate, acrylic, and PVC are some of the most commonly used plastics for cutter card.

Rubber

Rubber is a flexible, durable material that is ideal for cutting thinner materials like paper and cardstock. Natural rubber and silicone are some of the most commonly used rubbers for cutter cards.

Metal

Metal is a durable material that can be used to make cutter card for cutting thicker materials, such as metal sheets. Steel and aluminum are some of the most commonly used metals for cutter cards.

Advantages of Cutter Cards

Cutter card offer several advantages over other cutting methods, including:

Precision

Cutter card allow for precise cuts every time, ensuring that your printed materials look clean and professional.

Protection

Cutter card protect both the material being cut and the cutting blade, preventing damage to both.

Versatility

Cutter cards can be used to cut a wide variety of materials, from paper and cardstock to thicker materials like foam board and metal sheets.

Cost-effective

Cutter cards are a cost-effective cutting method, as they are reusable and long-lasting.

Limitations of Cutter Cards

While cutter card offer many advantages, there are also some limitations to consider, including:

Thickness limitations

Cutter cards can only be used to cut materials up to a certain thickness, depending on the type of card and blade being used.

Material limitations

Cutter card may not be suitable for cutting certain materials, such as fabrics or other soft materials.

Blade compatibility

The type of cutter card you use will depend on the type of blade you’re using, so it’s important to choose a card that is compatible with your blade.

How to Choose the Right Cutter Card for Your Project

Choosing the right cutter card for your project will depend on several factors, including the type of material you’re cutting, the thickness of the material, and the type of blade you’re using. Here are some tips to help you choose the right cutter card:

Consider the material

Choose a cutter card that is suitable for the type of material you’re cutting. For thicker materials, like foam board and metal sheets, you’ll need a thicker and more durable card, while thinner materials like paper and cardstock will require a thinner and more flexible card.

Consider the blade

Choose a cutter card that is compatible with the type of blade you’re using. Some blades are more durable and can handle thicker and tougher materials, while others are designed for thinner materials.

Consider the thickness

Choose a cutter card that is suitable for the thickness of the material you’re cutting. Thicker materials will require a thicker cutter card, while thinner materials will require a thinner card.

Tips for Using Cutter Card Effectively

Here are some tips to help you use cutter card effectively:

Keep the cutting mat clean

Make sure your cutting mat is clean and free of debris before using cutter card. This will help prevent damage to the material and the cutting blade.

Use a sharp blade

Using a sharp blade will help ensure clean and precise cuts every time. Replace the blade regularly to ensure it stays sharp.

Use the right pressure

Apply the right amount of pressure when cutting to ensure that the cutter card is doing its job properly.

Use the right speed

Cut at a consistent speed to ensure that the cutter card is doing its job properly.

Maintenance and Care of Cutter Cards

Cutter cards are durable and long-lasting, but they do require some maintenance and care to ensure they continue to work effectively. Here are some tips for maintaining and caring for your cutter card:

Clean regularly

Clean your cutter card regularly to remove any debris or residue that may have accumulated on them.

Store properly

Store your cutter card in a dry, cool place to prevent warping or damage.

Replace when necessary

Replace your cutter card when they become damaged or worn to ensure clean and precise cuts every time.

Cutter cards are an essential tool for anyone working in the printing industry. They offer precision, protection, versatility, and cost-effectiveness, making them an ideal cutting method for a wide variety of materials. By choosing the right cutter card for your project and using it effectively, you can ensure clean, professional cuts every time. With our ultimate cheat sheet for understanding cutter card and how they work, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a cutting pro.