Same goes for the metal used to die-cut paper - and film, foam, and most substrates known to humans. And those substrates known to today's converting industry are increasing at a pace that's probably a bit maddening for die-cutting suppliers, maybe even (despite the new product opportunities) at a pace frustrating for converters themselves.

But any die-cutting product manufacturer worth its salt knows figuring out how to cut today's myriad materials is just the beginning of die-cutting success. "Different materials give a certain life to the die," says Val Rimas, sales and marketing VP at Rotoflex Intl. Inc., Mississauga, Ont., Canada. "Also certain inks, which basically are abrasive - many whites, for instance, have a lot of Titanium in them - really break down the die."