The proper way to send in a die line for a laser steel rule die.
We receive files in many different formats. The preferred format is an Illustrator EPS file. It must be a native file that was originally created in Illustrator. This means that it is a vector file, vectors are lines segments. TIFF, JPEG, Word and GIF files are examples of non-vector files. Many customers convert their files to PDF’s and that is fine as long as the original file is an illustrator file. We also receive emails with both Illustrator and PDF files. It is important to make sure both files are identical.Sometimes instructions are not included on one file and not the other or one file is not scaled to 100%. DXF files also work well. When these types of files are unavailable we can still work from samples, 100% scans and dimension drawings.
What is right reading?
We assume all files are sent right reading from our customers. If you do send your files die side, make sure to indicate this on the drawing and in your email. There seems to be a lot of confusion about the term right reading. Here are a couple of different terms used:
Right Reading
1.) Print Side
2.) Outside View
3.) Sharps Down
4.) Print side/Front of print
vs.
Wrong Reading
1.) Die Side
2.) Inside View
3.) Sharps Up
4.) Back of Print