Ways to cut cardboard and other lightweight materials

This article helps students familiarise themselves with different ways to cut cardboard (including nets) and other lightweight materials when producing graphic products. It concludes with examination questions to help students revise this material.

CUTTING METHODS FOR LIGHTWEIGHT MATERIALS

Scissors

Properties

Uses

Quick and simple

Suitable for one-off projects or very small batches only

Time-consuming, room for human error

Any hand-crafted project involving thin materials

Craft knife

Properties

Uses

Suitable for one-off creations or very small batches

Not good for curves

Straight edges of nets

Lightly pressed with a blunt blade for score lines

Safety: Use a cutting mat and safety ruler; cut away from body; wear closed toe toes; retract blade when not in use

Paper trimmer

Properties

Uses

Modern version of a guillotine, suitable for fast straight cuts

Guides can be used to ensure cuts are at right angles

Multiple sheets cut at one time

Suitable for one-off items or small batches only

Not suitable for curves

Trimming pamphlets

Laser cutter

Properties

Uses

Precise, perfect edges

Each item exactly the same

Direct from CAD file, so easy to adjust and customise

Shallow cuts can score or engrave lines

Can sometimes burn edges

Not as fast as a die cutter

Laser cutters are also suitable for cutting wood and cutting plastic

Nets

Model components

Safety: Read all instructions prior to use; don’t leave machine unattended while operating; ensure lid remains closed while operating; ensure machine is regularly cleaned and maintained; keep work bed free of debris and off-cuts

Die cutter

Properties

Uses

Like a big cookie cutter or hole punch (uses a sharp steel blade to cut specific shapes out of materials)

Can cut, score, and create perforated lines (dotted tear lines)

Very fast and efficient (great for mass production)

Can be small / manual, or huge and automated

Hard to change / adjust

High cost to set up (but low cost per item when mass produced)

Boxes / packaging nets

Unusual shaped cards or invitations

Plotter cutter

Properties

Uses

Works from a CAD file to cut out shapes or patterns (uses thin blades that can be adjusted for depth and pressure, so only cut partway through for score lines etc)

Many can print and cut

Can cut a range of material types

Stickers

Labels

Packaging nets (could print design and also cut out)

Vinyl cutter

Properties

Uses

Designed to specially cut vinyl (cuts only)

PROCESS:

Create image / design using CAD software such as Adobe Photoshop (cut lines on different layers to image files)
Print image on vinyl sheet using inkjet printer
Import file into software that links to vinyl cutter and send to machine to cut
Weed out excess parts (unwanted bits / off-cuts) with a scalpel
Peel and attach vinyl to surface

Drink bottle labels

Window signs

Learn more about self-adhesive vinyl here

Sample examination questions (AS Design & Technology)

Examiner comment: This question was often answered well with candidates understanding how to mark out and cut out the front disc. CAD/CAM was occasionally used to good effect. Technical terms for the tools and equipment used was often limited.

Examiner comment: Candidates had a reasonable understanding of how to make and apply the self-adhesive vinyl characters including the use of tools and equipment as well as CAD/CAM. Safety precautions were often omitted.

Amiria Gale

Amiria has a Bachelor of Architectural Studies, Bachelor of Architecture (First Class Honours) and a Graduate Diploma of Teaching. She is a CIE Accredited Art & Design and Design & Technology Coursework Assessor. Amiria now teaches Art, Design & Technology at ACG Parnell College.