Digital die cutting has quietly become one of the most versatile finishing capabilities a print shop can add. With a single platform like the FINISHpro 1523 AF Max, printers can produce everything from stickers and magnets to packaging prototypes and foam-core signage without investing in traditional steel dies.
That flexibility is exactly what makes digital die cutters so valuable in today’s print environment where short runs, fast turnarounds, and customization are the norm.
In the video below, we demonstrate seven common applications that printers are producing every day with the system.
The FINISHpro 1523 AF Max is designed for the printing, packaging, and sign industries, offering a die-free flatbed cutting solution. This model, shown in the video, is capable of handling materials up to 6 mm thick on sheets up to 15” × 23” while performing cutting and creasing in a single workflow.
Let’s take a closer look at those seven applications.
1. Kiss-Cut Stickers
Kiss-cutting is one of the most popular digital die-cutting applications. The blade cuts through the sticker layer while leaving the backing intact, allowing stickers to peel easily from the sheet.
Typical uses
- Brand stickers
- Laptop decals
- Product labels
- Promotional giveaways
For printers, sticker production offers strong margins and repeat orders. Many brands continuously reorder updated graphics, seasonal designs, or limited-edition runs.
2. Event Access Passes
Custom-shaped passes are widely used at conferences, festivals, sporting events, and concerts. Digital die cutting allows event organizers to create distinctive shapes and sizes that are harder to counterfeit than standard rectangular badges.
Why digital cutting works well
- Short-run flexibility
- Fast design changes
- Unique shapes for branding or security
3. Magnets
Magnetic promotional pieces remain popular for restaurants, contractors, and service providers. Digital die cutters make it easy to cut custom-shaped magnets that stand out on refrigerators and filing cabinets.
Common applications
- Business card magnets
- Calendar magnets
- Branded refrigerator magnets
- Promotional giveaways
Because magnets are thicker than paper, the ability to cut specialty materials expands what print providers can offer.
4. Custom-Shaped Business Cards
Standard business cards are everywhere. Die-cut business cards immediately create a tactile, visual difference.
Examples include:
- Rounded shapes
- Architectural silhouettes
- Industry-specific shapes (camera, house, gear, etc.)
This is a perfect add-on opportunity for printers already producing cards. The design impact often justifies premium pricing.
5. Tear-Off Tickets
Tear-off tickets combine cutting and perforation to create raffle tickets, event tickets, coupons, or drink tokens.
Digital finishing makes these jobs faster because printers can:
- Produce small runs economically
- Add sequential numbering or personalization
- Adjust layouts without changing tooling
6. Packaging and Folding Cartons
Short-run packaging has exploded due to ecommerce and product startups. Digital die cutters allow print providers to produce:
- Prototype cartons
- Small batch product packaging
- Subscription box inserts
- Specialty retail packaging
The integrated creasing capabilities help ensure boxes fold cleanly without cracking.
7. Foam Core and Rigid Materials
The ability to cut materials like foam board dramatically expands the machine’s reach into the signage and display market.
Applications include:
- Retail displays
- Presentation boards
- POP signage
- Event signage
This moves the machine beyond paper finishing into light sign production.
Why invest in digital diecutting?
The biggest advantage of digital die cutting is simple: no physical dies are required. Traditional die manufacturing can be costly and time-consuming, especially for short runs. Digital cutting eliminates that step entirely while maintaining high precision and versatility.
With systems like our FINISHpro digital diecutters capable of cutting paper, foam board, magnetic stock, corrugated plastic, and more, printers can dramatically expand the range of products they produce without expanding their equipment footprint.
For print providers looking to differentiate themselves, digital die cutting opens the door to custom shapes, specialty products, and high-margin applications that standard print alone simply can’t deliver.