Short answer: Die cut labels are cut to their shape with liner showing between each one. Butt cut labels sit edge to edge, separated by a single cut line. Die cut works for any shape; butt cut is an efficient choice for simple rectangles.
Die cut labels
Each label is cut out of the face stock and the waste around it is stripped away. That leaves a gap between labels, which many printers use as a sensing point. Rounded corners and custom shapes are die cut.
Butt cut labels
Labels are separated by one straight cut across the web with no waste stripped. They're common for rectangular labels and for hand application.
How printers find the next label
- Gap sensing reads the space between die cut labels.
- Black mark sensing reads a printed mark on the back of the liner.
- Continuous stock is cut to length by the printer.
Which to choose
If the customer's printer uses gap sensing, die cut is the safe bet. For simple rectangles or hand-applied labels, butt cut can make sense. We make both.
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