What is contour cutting?
Once the graphic is printed, it has to be cut. Two approaches exist. Square cutting: the machine cuts straight, at the edge of the file, and you receive a rectangle. Shape cutting (our custom contour cut): the blade follows the outline of the graphic, a letter, a logo, a silhouette. The background disappears, only the shape remains.
In practice, the cut path is an outline added to the file. The machine reads it and follows it. On adhesive vinyl, a blade plotter does the work. On rigid material (PVC, Dibond, acrylic), a CNC router cuts out the panel. The principle stays the same: the cut follows the design, not the sheet format.
A special case: cut adhesive vinyl (lettering, logos). After cutting, the pieces are separate from one another. To avoid applying each letter one by one, a paper tape is added (the transfer film, or application tape). Applied over all the cut pieces, it lets you transfer them onto the final surface all at once, already aligned.
Which cut should you choose?
- Square cut to size (4,00 € per m²): straight cut at the edge of the design. The standard choice for a rectangular print.
- Square cut to size, rolled on a core (6,00 € per m²): same straight cut, the print is shipped rolled on a core.
- Custom cutting (6,00 € per m²): the blade or router bit follows the outline of the design, letters, logo or silhouette.
- Custom cutting with application tape (30,00 € per m²): for cut adhesive vinyl, delivered with its transfer film, ready to apply.
- Free-form shape on a panel (from 16,00 to 20,00 € depending on the material): contour cutting with a digital router on a rigid panel.
- Rectangular with standoffs (2,00 €): straight cut prepared for mounting on standoffs.
- Mosaic (18,00 €): the design is cut into several pieces that fit back together once installed.
Contour cutting starts with the file: the cut path must be included in it, and we check it with you at the time of the print proof. It is available on our panels 3 mm PVC, Dibond 3 mm and 3 mm acrylic : choose the cutting option when you order, the rest is settled when approving the print proof.