Rotary Sheet Cutting Machine vs Flat Bed Die Cutting Machine

Both machines cut corrugated board, but they do different jobs. Understanding a rotary sheet cutting machine vs a flat bed die cutting machine prevents you from buying the wrong one.

Rotary sheet cutting machine

A rotary cutter slits and cuts paper or board into straight sheets as the material runs continuously through rotating blades. It is used to cut reels into sheets or to trim board to size. Our range includes the high speed rotary sheet cutting machine, the rotary paper cutting machine and the automatic reel to sheet cutting machine.

Best for: producing flat sheets quickly and in volume.

Flat bed die cutting machine

A flat bed die cutter presses a cutting die onto the board, so it can cut and crease complex shapes in one stroke. It is used for shaped boxes, trays, inserts and gaskets. Our flat bed die cutting machine works with the same dies used on a platen punching machine and can cut corrugated board in many ply thicknesses.

Best for: shaped or custom cuts and short to medium runs.

Key differences

• Output shape: rotary makes straight sheets; flat bed makes shaped pieces.
• Speed: rotary is typically faster for continuous straight cutting.
• Flexibility: flat bed changes shape by changing the die.
• Use in plant: rotary sits in board making; flat bed sits in converting.

Which one do you need?

If you make board and sell sheets, you need a rotary cutter. If you make special boxes, inserts or gaskets, add a flat bed die cutter. Many plants use both. See all options on our cutting machines page.