Forme cutting is a method of cutting the substrate to shape by using a knife which has been bent to the desired shape and mounted in timber.
The knife or cutting forme is then pressed into the substrate to cut it to the desired shape. Cutting formes are made either by tracing the image onto timber and cutting with a jigsaw and then hand bending the knife edges to fit. More recent technology uses laser beams to cut the timber extremely accurately and computer controlled bending machines to bend the knives to obtain precise fit.
Creasing follows the same process but uses rounded edge rules to allow the substrate to be folded without cracking.
Points to remember;
- Key line artwork or positive film of cutting shape is needed for forme making.