Die Lifelines

An equally important factor in using flexible magnetic dies, Bussard and Love relate, is the precision level of the magnetic cylinder. "Any low or high spots on the cylinder surface can result in a loss of cutting or a smashed die."

Before the die is even on the press, printers can take several steps to ensure the die will perform well into the future. Albert recommends having the die tooled to strike the liner as hard as is feasible. Also, he says, "At the time of order placement, the substrate to be cut should be supplied to the die manufacturer for thorough inspection."