MACHINE NAME: BEAM CUTTING MACHINE (LEATHER CUTTING PRESS DIE PRESS MACHINE BEAM PRESS) 

MODEL NO: TWX-540P

BRAND: TAIWEI   

FEATURES

• A hydraulic traveling head press producing 30 metric (30 U.S.) tons of cutting force. This very quiet, high speed machine has a heavy-duty, single cylinder construction that provides for efficient cuts of single or multiple layers of material. The hydraulic up stroke and down stroke provide for an even cutting depth. It is especially designed for maximum material yield of small parts cut from wide materials. Die and material height is set quickly and easily making this machine operator friendly.

ADVANTAGES

• 1.Efficient cuts of single or multiple layers of material
• 2.Uses a hydraulic-down and hydraulic-up system to provide an even cutting depth
• 3.Wide bed, allows full width to be processed without the added expense of slitting to a smaller dimension
• 4.Special cutting pad locking device can prevent cutting pad from warping
• 5.Movable platen, allows the operator visibility to conveniently and accurately place the die onto material
• 6.Two hand tripping action, ensures complete operator safety
• 7.Automatic head down stroke speed reduction prior to actual cutting action to minimize any possible size difference between top most and bottom layers in multiply applications
• 8.Die height and material height can be set quickly
• 9.Excellent repeat accuracy of stroke ensures extended cutting pad life and clean accurate parts.

TECHNICAL PARAMETER

1. Max. Cutting Force （ton）     : 40（392kN）
2. Travel （mm）                       : 50-150
3. Working Table Size （mm）     : 1250 x 600
4. Main Motor Power （kW）       : 3
5. Weight (approx)（kg）            : 2250

Leather crafting is an art that relies not only on design and skill but also on precision and the right tools. Whether you're a hobbyist or a seasoned professional, die cutting plays a significant role in improving the efficiency and consistency of leather production. In this guide, we delve deep into the usage of a leather die cutter, focusing particularly on using it manually with tools like a hammer or a Bakelite cylinder, in combination with a leather cutting press machine such as the TWX-540P Beam Press. We will cover everything from setting up your tools to executing clean and precise cuts using metal dies, ensuring your leather projects maintain a high-quality, professional finish.

Introduction to Leather Die Cutting

Leather die cutting is a process where sharp-edged metal dies are used to cut leather into specific shapes or patterns. The die functions like a cookie cutter, and when pressed down into the leather, it slices through to produce perfectly shaped leather pieces for wallets, belts, bags, tags, or any other item. This process helps in mass production or when uniformity is a key requirement. Manual die cutting, though slower than hydraulic or beam press cutting, still offers excellent precision and is particularly useful for prototypes, low-volume work, or smaller items.

Required Tools and Materials

Before getting started, ensure you have the following tools and materials ready:

• Die Cutter: A sharp steel die shaped according to your design.

• Leather Material: Vegetable-tanned, chrome-tanned, or any type of leather.

• Hard Flat Plate: Ideally, a metal Marbo plate or a solid steel block.

• Bakelite Cylinder or Wood Hammer: Used to apply impact manually.

• Protective Surface: Cutting mat or sacrificial leather sheet to protect the die.

• TWX-540P Beam Press (Optional): A leather die press machine for consistent pressure and production scaling.

Setting Up Your Workstation

To begin, make sure your workstation is clean, stable, and well-lit. A flat and solid surface is crucial to get precise cuts. Using a soft or uneven surface can result in uneven pressure, incomplete cuts, and potential damage to the die or leather.

• Place the metal Marbo plate (or similar hard surface) on your work table. This will act as the base upon which all the impact force will be delivered.

• Ensure there are no oils, dust, or leather scraps on the plate that could interfere with the cutting process.

• Keep your tools organized within reach to streamline your workflow.

Step-by-Step Manual Leather Cutting Process

Now, let’s go step-by-step on how to use a leather die cutter manually:

Position the Die Cutter

Place your die cutter directly on top of the hard flat plate, such as the metal Marbo plate. The die blade should be facing upward, exposing the sharp edge.

• Ensure the cutting blade is not blunt or damaged.

• The die should sit flat against the metal surface without rocking.

Place the Leather

Now, take your leather piece and place it over the die cutter.

• The front (grain) side of the leather should face downward, meaning it will make contact with the cutting blade.

• The back (flesh) side should be facing upward, where you will strike with the hammer or cylinder.

• Align the leather carefully to ensure your die is centered on the desired area.

If you're cutting from a larger hide, consider trimming the leather slightly larger than the die size to minimize waste.

Strike the Leather with Force

Now comes the physical action:

• Using a wooden mallet or Bakelite cylinder, begin striking the back of the leather, directly above the die cutter.

• Start from one end of the die and move to the other, applying steady and firm strikes.

• Do not hit too lightly, as this will not produce a clean cut. At the same time, avoid excessive force that could damage the die.

• Repeat strikes across the surface until the die has cleanly penetrated the leather.

The key here is to apply even pressure across the entire die, ensuring all edges are properly cut through.

Remove the Cut Piece

After you've struck the entire surface:

• Gently lift the leather from the die.

• The shape should have cut cleanly. If the cut piece remains stuck inside the die, use a wooden tool to gently push it out without damaging the edges.

• Inspect the cut to ensure all sides are sharp and smooth.

If any parts didn’t cut through fully, realign the leather carefully and strike again in those areas.

Using the TWX-540P Beam Press for Leather Die Cutting

For higher precision, consistency, and production volume, using a hydraulic leather cutting press machine like the TWX-540P is highly recommended. Here’s how to use the same die cutter setup with the TWX-540P beam press:

Position the Cutting Die and Leather

• Place the die cutter on the cutting bed of the TWX-540P, blade side up.

• Lay the leather over the die, just as in the manual method, front side down.

Adjust the Beam Press Settings

• Adjust the pressure level and beam height to accommodate the die and leather thickness.

• Make sure the die and leather fit within the stroke range of the press.

Activate the Press

• Position the beam directly over the leather and die.

• Engage the hydraulic press mechanism—either by button, lever, or foot pedal, depending on your model.

• The machine will press down with controlled force, cutting the leather perfectly in one motion.

Remove the Finished Piece

• Release the pressure and lift the beam.

• Remove the cut leather piece and repeat the process for the next cut.

This method ensures cleaner cuts, increased safety, and faster throughput, especially for workshops producing in bulk.

Tips for Better Cutting Results

Use Sharp Dies

Always ensure that the cutting edge of the die is sharp. A dull blade can fray leather and cause uneven edges.

Cut on a Stable, Non-Bouncy Surface

If your surface gives under pressure, your die won’t cut fully. Use a heavy, solid plate like metal or polished stone.

Proper Leather Orientation

Always place the smooth (grain) side facing the die blade. This ensures cleaner top edges and better blade contact.

Use the Right Tool for Impact

Wood hammers or Bakelite cylinders are ideal. Avoid using metal hammers directly on leather as they can leave marks or damage the hide.

Use a Sacrificial Layer (Optional)

Some crafters place a piece of scrap leather between the hard plate and die to protect both the blade and base.

Test on Scrap First

Before starting on your actual leather, do a few test cuts on scrap material to ensure the setup is optimal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cutting on Soft Surfaces

Never cut on rubber mats, soft foam, or cardboard. These absorb the impact and result in incomplete cuts.

Improper Leather Alignment

Misalignment wastes material. Always position leather precisely before striking.

Overstriking

Hitting too hard can cause the die to warp or damage the leather surface. Controlled, firm strikes are more effective.

Not Checking the Die

A bent or damaged die will never produce a clean cut. Check your tools regularly and replace worn dies.

Using Incorrect Pressure Settings (on Beam Press)

Too much pressure can deform the die; too little will result in incomplete cuts.

Safety Guidelines

While die cutting is generally safe, it does involve force and sharp objects. Follow these precautions:

• Wear safety glasses when striking with a hammer.

• Keep your hands clear of the die edge while positioning the leather.

• If using a press machine, keep fingers away from the beam area.

• Store your dies safely and separately to avoid dulling their edges or causing injury.

Cleaning and Maintenance of Dies and Tools

Proper care of your die cutter and tools ensures longevity and consistent performance.

Cleaning the Die

• Use a small wire brush or compressed air to clean leather debris from the die blade.

• Apply a small amount of light machine oil to the die edge if storing long-term to prevent rust.

Maintaining the Hammer or Bakelite Cylinder

• Inspect regularly for chips or cracks.

• Keep clean from oil or adhesives to avoid transferring onto leather.

Inspecting the Metal Plate

• Wipe clean after each session.

• Ensure the surface remains flat and free of dents.

Advanced Tips for Professional Use

Multi-Layer Cutting

You can cut multiple layers of thin leather at once, depending on the sharpness of the die and the thickness of the material. Test gradually to find your optimal layer count.

Marking for Alignment

Use removable chalk or masking tape to mark alignment guides on your leather for precise positioning.

Rotating Dies for Extended Life

If your die is symmetrical, rotate it between uses to spread wear across the blade evenly.

Use Backing Foam (Optional)

In some cases, adding a thin foam or soft layer behind the leather helps get smoother cuts and reduces hard impact noise.

Whether you're using a manual method with a hammer and Marbo plate or leveraging the precision and speed of a machine like the TWX-540P Beam Press, learning how to properly use a leather die cutter will elevate your leather crafting to professional standards.

The key to success lies in proper setup, using sharp and well-maintained dies, selecting the right tools, and applying pressure uniformly across your cutting area. As with any skilled craft, patience and attention to detail are essential. Whether you’re making custom wallet patterns, bag straps, tags, or intricate leather shapes, die cutting with the correct technique will help you save time, reduce waste, and deliver a premium finish—every single time.