Papercraft Machines: What's best for you?
For those just starting out or simply getting into a different type of papercrafting, buying a craft cutting machine could be a big decision. Your choice, in fact, will depend on what type of crafts you want to do and what type of features you will want in a machine.
Papercrafting consists of a great variety of techniques, each of which uses paper as a base. Many of these techniques don't require a machine – for example, stamping, calligraphy, and book folding.
However, a papercraft machine is sometimes needed to complete specific techniques, such as die-cutting, embossing, hot foiling, letterpress stamping, sticker-making and laminating. Therefore, we have created this blog post with all types of Papercraft Machines to help you choose what's best for you and your projects.
Die-Cutting Machines
Die-cutting is the process of cutting out designs from cardstock using templates. Die-cutting machines are split into three core categories: Manual, Electronic and Computerised – all of which perform differently.
Manual and Electronic Die-Cutting Machines use a thin metal die templates with sharp ridges and apertures to outline and form designs. Once cut, your paper or card will replicate the die design exactly.
The process itself requires you to form a 'die sandwich' in which you place the die on your card, then press them both between cutting plates. This whole ensemble is then passed through the machine with pressure, and the design is cut out.
The difference between Manual and Electronic machines is that the first one uses a crank system so that you can manually pull the sandwich through by turning a handle, while electronic machines have a motor that automatically pulls it all through for you.
Check out our Manual and Electronic Die-Cutting Machines on our CraftStash website.
Digital Die-cutting Machines produce the same outcome as manual and electronic machines, but the process itself differs entirely. The designs are built into the machine or are linked up to a computer or USB to transfer designs over to the machine.
In addition, these machines use cutting blades instead of pressure, so there is no need for metal die templates as the machine will do all the hard work for you! All you have to do is choose the design and put your cardstock or paper into the machine.
Check out our Digital Die-cutting Machines on our CraftStash Website.
Embossing Machines
Embossing is the process of creating raised patterns and texture in paper or cardstock using embossing folders with an embossing machine.
The process is very simple. You have to form a sort of 'embossing sandwich in which you place your cardstock in the folder, then sandwich the folder between two embossing plates. Then, pass it through the machine, which applies pressure, and the cardstock is moulded into the pattern on the folder.
The best thing about this technique is that it uses pressure in a similar way to how die-cutting does, so they're often combined into one machine. Consequently, you can use manual and electronic die-cutting machines, as they are built to handle embossing folders.
Check all our Die Cutting Machines here.
Foiling Machines
Foiling is the process of using heat and pressure to apply a layer of foil to cardstock.
You can check out our foiling machines here.
Label Printing Machines
The processes of making labels require you to pre-print a design onto a cut of paper or card, place it into the front of the machine, and turn the knob – the design will come out the other side with adhesive applied to the back, or plastic film adhered to either side, depending on your choice of setting. Find all our Label Printing Machines here.
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