The Manufacturing Process For Jigsaw Puzzles

It usually takes a few months worth of hours to make jigsaw puzzles. This seems like quite a lengthy process but once you see what goes into it, you will appreciate it, particularly if you're a puzzle aficionado. A lot of people enjoy doing jigsaws and there are some really intresting ones out there with varying levels of challenge.

1. Printing & Laminating

The first thing that is done in prepping to create a puzzle is that artwork is selected. This is often done via lithography, which utilises a plate that has been specially treated in order to absorb either water or oil. The same lithography sheet can be used for making several puzzles, thus saving on paper and press time. Once the litho sheets have been printed, they are laminated and allowed to dry for several days before being sent to a die cut press.

Die Cut Press

Die cutting of puzzle pieces allows for the mass production. This is done with a sharp and flat metal ribbon. These are then sent to a rule-bend expert in order to have razor sharp steel rules bent into them so as to create the actual puzzle pieces. You can imagine the time it takes to make a 1000 piece puzzle! This calls for extremely high pressure to be used.

Packaging

After the jigsaw puzzles are done at the die press, the sheets make their way to a breaker whose job it is to separate these pieces and then make sure that they are put into their packaging, which is usually some type of a cardboard box. Today, these boxes will usually feature a picture of what the puzzle will look like once it is completed, so that you can use it as a guide for when you are putting the puzzle together. This is a feature that manufacturers began utilizing in the mid-1930's. Once these puzzles are packaged, they are shrink wrapped and then shipped to be sold to the general public.

A puzzle can be a great gift. You'll find them in all sizes and styles and you'll find accessories, such as puzzle mats, that can be rolled away for mealtimes, etcetera. It's helpful for a child's development, can be a great family project, and if you have a hobbyist in your life, it's often possible to find a great jigsaw puzzle that would appeal to their hobby.