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Types of business card cutters

An essential part of any marketing toolkit is a business card. For companies that create business cards for sale, investing in a card cutter is imperative. Business card cutters are small to mid-sized devices that trim cards precisely and efficiently. Using them can make it easy to create a handful of business cards with little manual effort. Various types of card cutters exist to suit different purposes.

• Manual card cutter

  A manual card cutter is a device that requires manual operation to cut cards. Typically, this involves placing the card in the cutter and then using the manual lever or handle to make the cut. Despite being manual, these devices often still have some sort of guiding system to ensure that the cuts are accurate and precise. Compared to other types of card cutters, the manual cutter is the most affordable option. However, it is less efficient for cutting larger volumes of cards. One of the most significant drawbacks to a manual card cutter is that the cutting process can be a little tedious and time-consuming for the operator.

• Electromagnetic card cutter

  The Electromagnetic card cutter uses electromagnetic force to cut cards. It is an automatic machine with push buttons and foot pedals to make the cut. Compared to a manual card cutter, this device is more efficient for cutting larger volumes of cards. It releases the operator from physically making every single cut, which could be taxing over time. Card cutters operate quietly, causing very little disruption. Customers might be deterred by the higher price point compared to manual cutters, but an electromagnetic cutter becomes a worthy investment as it can handle larger volumes of cuts in a shorter space of time.

• Die-cut card cutter

  A die-cut card cutter is a device that uses a die to cut shapes out of a card. The die is a tool that has the desired shape and size machined into it. Once the card is placed in the die-cut cutter, it consistently stamps the shape into the card material. Many die-cut cards come with a preset shape, though some can be customized to make different shapes. Because of their sheer size and cutting capability, most die-cut card cutters are standalone machines. When considering a die-cut card cutter, think about the kind of shape one would want to cut as well as the volume of cuts one plans to make.

• Laminated card cutter

  Laminating is the process of applying a thin plastic film across both sides of a document. This film will enhance the document's appearance, life span, and durability. A Laminated card cutter will usually come with a lamination machine. Together, these devices can make cards that are even longer-lasting and can be used in tougher environments. The biggest disadvantage of a laminated card is that they are more challenging to cut precisely. For this reason, it is recommended that a laminated card cutter with lamination before cutting cards be used.

Specification & Maintenance of a Card Cutter

The specifications of a card cutter vary depending on the type and model of the device. However, here are some general specifications for various card cutters.

• Cutting Mechanism

  The cutting mechanism will vary from one card cutter to another. While die-cutting card machines use a die set to make precision cuts, others use a rotary blade or a standard blade.

• Cutting Capacity

  The cutting capacity of a card cutter defines the maximum number of cards the machine can cut in one go. It also indicates the maximum thickness of card stock the cutter can handle.

• Cutting Size and Accuracy

  The size and accuracy of a card cutter refers to the dimensions and precision of cuts it can make. Generally, card cutters create cuts ranging from 1/2'' to 3/4'' to various cards. An ideal card cutter should have the ability to make straight, angled, and curved cuts with an accuracy of +/- 1/1000'' or better.

• Power Source

  The power source of the card cutter might be manual, electric, battery, or any other source, depending on the type of card cutter machine it is.

Like any other machine, a card cutter requires regular maintenance to keep it in good condition. Here are some maintenance tips for card cutters:

• Regular Cleaning

  Cleaning the card cutters regularly prevents the buildup of dust and debris, which can affect performance and cut quality. Use a soft brush, lint-free cloth, or vacuum cleaner to remove dust and debris in nooks, corners and around the cutting blades.

• Lubricate Moving Parts

  Lubricating moving parts of a card cutting machine helps to reduce wear and tear. Lubricate moving parts, such as rails and hinges, with high-quality oil or lubricant regularly.

• Blade Maintenance

  Any card cutter will not function well with a blunt blade. Therefore, users must regularly monitor the blades and change or sharpen them when they wear out or become dull. Cleaning the blades after use will improve cut quality and prolong their lifespan.

• Calibration

  Users should calibrate the card cutters periodically to maintain cutting accuracy. Regularly check and adjust the cutter's alignment to ensure it cuts precisely according to the intended measurements.

Applications of Using Card Cutters

The application of a card cutter creates shapes of greeting cards, business cards, and ID cards. An offering table for a prospectus can be refined with a cutter by trimming unnecessary borders and making a professional presentation. Trimming any childish drawing on a professional resume will enhance the chances of getting a job interview.

The advantages of using a card cutter are:

• A professional-looking edge after cutting.
• The ability to make the same size repeatedly and accurately every time.
• The margin of error with some card cutters is minimal.
• Can cut multiple cards simultaneously, saving time.

Using a card cutter on the following cards will exemplify its usefulness:

• Business Cards: When starting a business, first impressions are everything, and professional business cards are instrumental. Using a card cutter to create business cards can save money compared to using a professional printing service. A handheld guillotine card cutter can cut multiple cards in one go and get the business off to a great start.
• ID badges: Sporting events, concerts, and company conferences need ID badges to identify employees, VIPs, and guests. High volumes of ID badges can be cut quickly and accurately with a card cutter. Using bright colors, the badges can show off a company's brand.
• Gift Tags and Holiday Cards: Holiday cards can be sent to loyal customers or relatives during the festive season. A card cutter can make tags for presents and products. The unique shapes will enhance the company's brand recognition.
• Membership Cards: The application of a card cutter for membership cards is unlimited. Sports associations, social clubs, and loyalty programs offer membership cards with varying designs and colors. Using a card cutter will ensure consistency when cutting membership cards for club members. An optional visual difference will help promote the association and boost sales.
• Promotional and Discount Cards: Retailers issue discount and promotional cards to encourage sales and build customer loyalty. Discount cards increase the number of in-store visits by specifying expiration dates. Using a card cutter will standardize the cutting of discount cards for a seamless store experience.
• Event Tickets: Sports and concert tickets can be standardized using a card cutter, ensuring consistency in size and quality. The precision cutting ensures a professional appearance. It also enables easy scanning, identification, and access control at venues.
• Customer or User Profiles: A small profile card can be made to show a new customer or user's details and contact their account manager in a specific situation. Using a card cutter can produce these cards inexpensively and quickly.
• Certificate and Credential Cards: Training and educational companies can market their services by providing potential students with a sample credential card. Using a card cutter, the sample can be produced at a low cost, and brand awareness can be increased.
• Credit and Debit Cards: A card cutter is used to produce credit and debit cards for banks and financial institutions. Automated cutters can mass-produce cards that will assist people in searching for ways to make online purchases. The investment in a card cutter will be quickly recovered in millions of new customers.
• Wholesale Card Cutting Services: Other card applications may not need a card cutter, but there is a market for people who have cards with different designs and need them cut and supplied. Offering a wholesale cutting service would open the door to many opportunities, such as working directly with companies who need their cards cut in bulk. A card cutter will fill this requirement.

How to choose a card cutter

When investing in a card cutter for business purposes, it is crucial to consider the following key factors to ensure they select a machine that meets specific needs and requirements.

• Business needs and volume: The first important step is to determine specific business needs and applications. One might have different cutting needs if one is in the business of creating business cards compared to if one is cutting different items for an industrial purpose. Also, consider the volume one needs to cut. Is one looking for a machine to cut thousands of cards monthly or a smaller number? If looking for a machine that will be used for heavy cutting volumes, it is better to invest in a heavy-duty card cutter. One in a small business may have the option to choose a heavy-duty or low-duty card cutter.
• Manual vs. automatic: A manual card cutter requires physical operation and manual intervention to cut cards, whereas an automatic card cutter works alone and is more efficient. Automatic card cutters tend to be more expensive, so consider the budget one has with respect to business needs and choose between the two.
• Cutting precision: With the help of technology, card cutters should offer high-precision cutting capabilities. Before making the selection, it is crucial to evaluate the machine's precision as well as its cutting quality. The choice is important because one's reputation depends on the quality of the finishing one provides to the customer.
• Cutting capacity and size: Consider the dimensions and maximum cutting capacity one can handle. It should be noted that the machine can process the required volumes of material and dimensions.
• Budget: The budget is always very important when making any business decision. It is important to select a card cutter that fits one's budget. To do this, one must compare the features and specifications of the card cutters and how they relate to and impact the price. Finding something that offers great value for money is key.
• Supplier reputation and reviews: It is important to purchase a card cutter from a reputable seller or manufacturer. Before deciding, read reviews from customers to determine the level of performance offered by the machine as well as the after-sales support and services provided by the supplier. Choose something with high seller ratings.

Q&A

Q: What is a card cutter used for?

A: A card cutter is used to trim and cut cards, like ID cards, business cards, greeting cards, etc., into various shapes and sizes. It can also be used to cut other materials like plastic, paper, wood, and metal.

Q: What are the advantages of using a card cutter?

A: The advantages of using a card cutter include greater accuracy when cutting cards, time-saving capabilities, ease of use, and the ability to create professional-looking cards.

Q: Can a card cutter be used for large-scale production?

A: Yes, industrial-grade card cutters can be used for large-scale production. They have automation features that allow cutting multiple cards simultaneously, saving time and increasing efficiency.

Q: What is the difference between manual and automatic card cutters?

A: Manual card cutters require hands-on operation, where the person feeds the material into the cutter and manually initiates the cutting process. On the other hand, automatic card cutters are automated machines that cut cards without requiring manual intervention. The operator must prepare the material, place it in the cutter, and start the machine. Automatic card cutters offer higher precision and efficiency than manual ones.