Flatbed Die Cutting

Flatbed die-cutting, also known as steel rule die-cutting, is a type of die cutting which utilizes custom-designed steel rule dies affixed to a flatbed press to convert metal and non-metal material. Unlike laser or rotary die cutting, flatbed die-cutting is perfect for thicker to thinner materials,mass production, and contact manufacturing. This method is suitable for a variety of raw materials and end-use applications.
Learn more about the applications of this process and whether flatbed die-cutting is right for your project.

Is Flatbed Die Cutting Right for Your Fabrication Needs?

Flatbed die cutters implement custom dies to match the size and design of a needed component. Flatbed die cutters can work with material in either roll or sheet form, such as plastic, metal, paper, rubber, laminates, and composites. Manufacturers prefer this method for high-precision, high-volume, and intricate product fabrication.

Main Features & Benefits

Here are the primary characteristics and advantages of flatbed die cutting:

• High precision: Flatbed die-cutting machines can produce clean cuts on both thin and thick materials.
• Cost savings: Since flatbed die-cutting is an automated process, there are lower labor and tooling costs, which helps manufacturers and customers save money. Multiple parts can be grouped into a single piece of stock, which also reduces trimmings and material waste.
• Fast turnarounds: Even for high-volume projects, flatbed die cutting can meet tight deadlines.
• High efficiency: Thanks to automation, flatbeds minimize manual labor and improve overall production efficiency. This method also produces no unproductive motion because it utilizes constant rotation.

Common Applications of Flatbed Die Cutting

Flatbed die-cutting operations can create a variety of components, such as gaskets, packaging, bumpers, dampeners, labels, printed products, and more.

1) Through-Cutting

As you might imagine, die cutters are often used simply for cutting. They can cut through numerous materials, including paper, metal, and wood, to make various shapes and sizes. Whether you’re using them for your products or their packaging, through-cutting is the most basic function these machines offer.

2) Kiss-Cutting

Kiss-cutting means cutting partially through a material. This can be helpful for creating different designs and products as well as making materials easier to fold at specific points. Kiss-cutting is often used for cutting out stickers while leaving their backing intact.

3) Broaching

You could say that broaching is the opposite of kiss-cutting. Whereas kiss-cutting creates a shallow cut in a material, broaching uses specialized teeth and brute strength to cut through incredibly thick materials.

4) Creasing

In the process of creasing, die cutters imprint fold lines in materials. This makes them easier to fold when needed and helps prevent tearing, cracking, and other types of damage to the material being used.

5) Cutting By Color

Die cutters can also be programmed to cut only specific colors in materials. They’ll first seek out the preset colors and trace them. Then, they’ll go back over the colors with their cutting tools. It doesn’t matter how intricate the patterns are or how intertwined the designated colors maybe with other hues. Die cutters can easily pinpoint a single color and cut along its borders.

6) Engraving

Engraving is another task die-cutting machines are capable of performing. They can engrave designs into all types of materials, including cardboard, metal, and foam. They can create ornate engraved patterns or something as simple as a person’s initials.

7) Embossing

Whereas engraving creates depressed designs in materials, embossing creates raised patterns and designs. You can use die cutters to emboss designs into materials for an impressive decorative or 3-D effect.

8) Perforating

Perforating places rows of lines or holes in materials. This

Die Cutting: Offering Endless Possibilities

Those are only a few of the actions die-cutting machines can carry out. You can set up these machines to perform multiple tasks as well, combining several functions of your manufacturing process. Die cutters bring to the table an array of possibilities no matter what materials you’re working with or which end products you have in mind.

Contact Mercer Gasket for Premium Gasket Cutting Solutions

For over 100 years, Mercer Gasket has been a premier provider of precision gaskets and other sealing solutions. Our capabilities include making material recommendations, building to print, CAD design, PMI services, engineering support, and computerized reverse engineering. We have developed a reputation for delivering high-quality solutions with quick turnaround times. As an ISO 9001:2015 certified company, we serve our customers with products and services that undergo strict quality control management.

To learn more about how we can serve you, contact Mercer or request a quote.