Fixing & Avoiding Warped Die Cutting Plates

Recent questions

• How can I fix warped plates for die-cutting machines?

  To fix warped plates for die-cutting machines, you can use boiling water and pressure. Boil two pots of water, place the warped plate in a tray, add hot water, and apply pressure with another pot. After 20 minutes, the plate should be cleaned and straightened due to the heat and pressure. This method works by raising the plastic plates above their glass transition temperature, preventing warping without damaging the plates, unlike high-temperature ovens.

• What tips can help prevent plate warping in die-cutting machines?

  To prevent plate warping in die-cutting machines, you can follow some tips. Avoid die-cutting in the center of plates and run them with the cutting edge facing up. Angle large or straight-edge dies when passing them through the machine to distribute pressure evenly. Use a cardstock shim instead of a metal shim to provide enough pressure for cutting without causing warping. Rotating cutting plates can also prevent warping by distributing the cutting area evenly.

• How do double-sided cutting plates prevent plate warping?

  Double-sided cutting plates effectively prevent plate warping by distributing pressure evenly and are designed to work with Gemini machines. These plates come in junior and full sizes, eliminating the need for additional shims or tools. To use them, tape one clear Gemini cutting plate with one green double-sided cutting plate. When creating a sandwich for die-cutting, place cardstock between two green cutting plates, ensuring the green sides face each other. Running the sandwich through the die-cut machine results in clean cuts without warping, extending the life of the clear cutting plates.

• Can plastic shims be used with the technique to fix warped plates?

  Yes, plastic shims can be used with the technique to fix warped plates for die-cutting machines. The method demonstrated involves boiling water and pressure to straighten and clean the plates. Plastic shims can be used along with regular cutting plates to prevent warping. Jennifer McGuire's husband, a chemical engineer, explains how the technique works by raising the plastic plates above their glass transition temperature, ensuring the plates are not damaged in the process.

• What is the best way to clean and straighten warped plates for die-cutting machines?

  The best way to clean and straighten warped plates for die-cutting machines is by using boiling water and pressure. Boil two pots of water, place the warped plate in a tray, add hot water, and apply pressure with another pot. After 20 minutes, the plate should be cleaned and straightened due to the heat and pressure. This method works by raising the plastic plates above their glass transition temperature, preventing warping without damaging the plates, unlike high-temperature ovens.