A cutting die is a tool made from heavy plywood, and steel rule, which is bent into the shape of the item to be made, and inserted into the plywood. Cutting dies are used to make items such as mailers, displays, file boxes, and any item that has a self-locking or self-assembling design. The cutting die is mounted into a die cutting press, which stamps out the item.

Printing plates are similar to rubber stamps, and are used to print line art and text directly onto corrugated boxes. This process is known as flexographic printing. It uses water-based inks, which have a flat finish. For every image to be printed, a plate is required. These plates are mounted onto a sheet of material that matches the item, so the print will be in the proper position each time the item is made. Items that are printed in multiple colors require a separate set of plates for each color.

Cost – Almost all printing plates are made and sold through trade shops, which sell them to the box manufacturer, who in turn sell them to the box customer. The cost for printing plates varies greatly, depending on the size, complexity, and number of colors, but can cost between $200 and $2,000 or more, except at Jim Dandy Boxes!

At Jim Dandy Boxes, you will not be charged for printing plates for most items. We have been making our own printing plates for over 25 years.

 We make the same quality printing plates as the trade shops, but provide them as a service to our customers. All we ask is that you buy boxes from us, and hopefully, become a regular customer.

For complete details, see our Flexo-Graphics Program page. Click Here. You can also call 1-800-451-2579, and talk to one of our Packaging Consultants. We’ll be happy to assist you.