Introduction to Print and Cut

Since the 1980s, digital print and cut has opened doors for businesses of all kinds – from print service providers to independent producers. In this article, we’ll explain what print and cut is, what you need to get started and the different products you can make with a print and cut solution.

What is Print and Cut?

Typically, when people mention ‘print and cut’, they are referring to printing on self-adhesive vinyl and contour cutting outlines and shapes. In the past, stickers were die-cut using individual dies for every shape, which was time-consuming and costly. Digital printing has made this a very simple process with very little manual intervention required.

Although there are a few ways to print and cut vinyl, in this article, we will look at integrated printing and cutting using a single device known as a printer/cutter.

Weeding excess from a printed sticker

What do you Need for Print and Cut?

What Can You Make with Print-and-cut?

In essence, a printer/cutter is a very simple device, yet the breadth of possible products you can make is impressive.

Peeling a sticker from a sheet of printed and cut stickers

Stickers and Labels

When you think of how easy it is to start a business today, it’s not surprising that lots of entrepreneurs – from artisan coffee producers to independent event organisers – have a need to promote their services. In all cases, a simple print-and-cut sticker is exactly the solution they need.

T-shirts

The same segment of independent businesses may well be interested in custom T-shirts, uniforms, aprons or a host of other garments. There’s also a fertile B2C market of average people looking for cool T-shirts that nobody else has and setting up an online store is easier than it’s ever been.

Business Graphics

Print and cut is an ideal solution for printing interior and exterior graphics for any business you can think of and there are lots of products and services you can offer. For example, you can create adhesive logo wall stickers to brand a local office or produce van stickers for a local plumber.

Window Graphics

If you have a printer/cutter which includes a white ink channel, you can extend your abilities to window stickers or static clings. Here, you can print and cut permanent or temporary graphics to help your customers highlight seasonal promotions or brand their premises.

Signage

Both private and public buildings require a range of different printed signage from directional signs and signposts, to safety signage. A printer/cutter lets you produce all these in any size and using a variety of media. If you have a UV printer/cutter with gloss ink installed, you can even include Braille text in your signs.

Conclusion

As you can see, it’s quick and easy to get started with printing and cutting and the profit potential is impressive. Although you can buy an integrated printer/cutter, some business owners prefer to use separate devices. Check out this article to find out which is best for you or get in touch with us if you have any other questions.