Cutting/addition processes

Question 1

describe the process of die cutting

Answer 1

• the die consists of steel sharp blades (for cutting) round-edged blades (for creasing), and serrated blades (for perforated cuts)
• the blades are selected+formed into the shape of the net
• the die is mounted on a strong plywood base and pressed down into the card

Question 2

describe the uses+benefits of die cutting

Answer 2

• can cut through many layers at once - good for large-scale production
• good for nets with complicated designs
• however is expensive as you have to make blades to match your net
• stencils, packaging nets

Question 3

describe materials that have been modified using chemicals for a specific purpose (6)

Answer 3

• kraft paper has chemical treatment - makes it strong+ tear-resistant, creates a vapour barrier so used for food packaging for dry products (flour)
• baking parchment treated with sulphuric acid - non-stick
• greaseproof paper - changes qualities of fibres to make it less absorbent
• pulp of paper towels mixed with resin - increases wet strength
• solid white board is bleached then coated with wax - strong, thick, good printing surface, safe for direct contact w food
• chemicals added to paper - add colour, enhance brightness

Question 4

describe the process+ uses+ benefits of laminating

Answer 4

• paper is sandwiched between two layers of plastic then heated to seal it together
• quick, gives a shiny or matt finish, protects from damage, looks more professional
• business cards, menus, posters

Question 5

describe the process+ uses+ benefits of embossing

Answer 5

• a shaped die is pushed into the back of the material to leave a raised impression on surface
• draws attention to a certain bit of product, adds texture, appears high-quality
• book titles, logos, patterns

Question 6

describe the process+ uses+ benefits of foil blocking

Answer 6

• metal foil is printed onto certain area of product using heat+pressure
• draws attention to a certain area, appears high-quality
• greetings cards, book titles, wrapping paper

Question 7

describe the process+ uses+ benefits of UV varnishing

Answer 7

• a varnish is applied to the surface of the paper then cured under UV light to dry can be applied to the whole product (flooding) or certain areas (spot varnishing)
• glossy/shiny/matt finish, protects products that are handled frequently, varnish cures quickly under UV so reduces production time, appears high-quality, draws attention to spot-varnished areas
• business cards, magazine covers, playing cards, book titles