Die-cutting and embossing machine

A die-cutting and embossing machine is a tool that allows you to cut out shapes (die-cutting) and add relief to paper (dry embossing) by applying pressure to different layers of materials.

Sandwiches

Depending on the machine you have, you make a stack of materials (called a sandwich) in a specific order, which usually includes:

• some kind of machine-specific plastic plates
• your material (for example, paper)
• an item to apply the effect you want to achieve (such as a metal cutting die to cut out a shape, or an embossing folder to imprint a relief)

You then push this stack through your machine by turning a handle, which applies pressure while rolling the stack through the machine. This pressure will then cut out the shape or impress the design.

Some machines have a dial that lets you change the pressure manually instead of relying on a stack of different plates. This takes away the process of finding the right sandwich for every application. However, these machines might wear down faster due to an extra moving part.

Cutting plates

Most machines use acrylic plates that you use to build pressure and to cut into when using metal cutting dies.

Because you exert pressure on these layers, it is normal that these plates might warp, make cracking sounds, get indentations and cuts, and show overall wear and tear. It is expected that you buy replacement plates whenever the plates are too worn down.

You can try to reduce the warping of your plates by flipping the plates upside down every time you use them.

You can lightly flatten plates by putting them in hot water while applying pressure with a heavy object. You should not use boiling water, though.

If you have a machine that uses two identical acrylic plates, it is advised to always have the same plate on the top and the bottom. This is because the bottom plate will show cuts from any die-cutting you do. If you use that plate on top, your paper (especially specialty paper such as metallic cardstock) will show those lines. Once the bottom plate is too worn down, use your top plate as the new bottom plate, and use a new plate as the top plate.

Self-healing cutting mats

Instead of hard plates, it's possible to use self-healing cutting mats. Despite the name, they're not indestructible, but they might last you longer than a standard acrylic cutting plate. They also tend to warp less, or they're easier to straighten by carefully applying a little bit of heat from a heat tool.

Embossing mat

A rubber embossing mat can be used to make impressions with things other than embossing folders, such as metal cutting dies, die-cut shapes from (layers of) cardstock, plastic stencils, …

Shims

To increase the pressure for a specific purpose just a little bit, a shim might be useful. This is either a thin metal plate (lasts longer) or simply a (few) piece(s) of cardboard.

Make sure you don't cut into these shims with your metal dies.

Magnetic plates or mats

Because cutting dies are made of metal, they'll stick to things that are magnetic. Some machines have magnetic base plates or separate magnetic mats. This might hold your dies in place.

Note that if this magnetic element consists of small spread-out magnets, your dies might jump to these magnets instead of staying in place.

Sizes

These machines come in different sizes:

• Small: an opening of about 7,5 to 9 cm width (3 to 3,5 inches) - useful to use on the go or if you're cutting a lot of small images
• Standard: an opening of about 15 cm width (6 inches) - about the size of half a piece of standard paper
• Large: an opening of about 30 cm (8,5 inches) - about the size of a standard sheet of paper

Some machines either don't have extended sides (usually the mini machines) or have sides you can fold in. This saves a lot of room when storing the machine.

To decide which size you need, keep in mind the following:

• Pricing: the machine and the plates (which you'll have to replace regularly) are cheaper with smaller machines
• Storage space: how much room the machine takes up in your craft space
• Portable: smaller machines are easier to transport when you craft with friends
• Working size: how large the projects are that you want to make, especially the shapes you want to cut out with metal cutting dies or the embossing folders you want to use

Manual vs. eletronic

To move the stack of plates through your machine, you'll have to crank the handle, which might require a good amount of strength.

Alternatively, you can use an electronic machine that pulls the plates through, similar to a laminator. The downside of an electronic machine is that you'll have to have your machine plugged in when you want to use it.

An electronic machine is also more prone to technical difficulties and might be harder to fix or repair yourself.