Medical products can have complex shapes and stringent requirements. At Colvin-Friedman, we not only provide die-cutting services for designs and materials that other companies cannot, but we have been doing so for 75 years. With the capability to ramp up to 2,000 to 4,000 parts per hour, Colvin Friedman is your partner for the most delicate and/or the most high-throughput projects in the medical industry.
Or call Josh at (707) 769-4488
Below we’ve listed categories of material that we can die cut, with an emphasis on explaining the differences in methods: rotary die cutting can be used for very high-speed production, but the level of detail and thicknesses of material that can be processed is different than that of flatbed steel-rule die cutting.
Adhesive Materials
Fabric and Non-woven Materials
Plastic and Polymer Films
Foam Materials
Rubber and Silicone
-Adhesive bandages
– Medical tapes
– Transdermal patches
– Electrode pads for ECG/EKG and TENS units
– Surgical drapes
– Disposable gowns
– Non-adhesive gauze pads
– Compression bandages
– Filter media for face masks and respirators
– Diagnostic test strips
– Packaging materials for sterile medical supplies
– Protective covers for medical equipment
– Simple components for wearable medical devices
– Padding for prosthetics and orthotics
– Cushioning for medical equipment packaging
– Absorbent materials for wound care products
– Gaskets and seals for medical equipment
– Tubing connectors
– Simple valves for medical devices
We are also capable of working with far more material thicknesses with our flatbed die-cutting processes. Below are some
of the expanded capabilities you might find with these production systems in use at Colvin-Friedman.
Or call Josh at (707) 769-4488
As noted above, die cutting for the medical industry can include several different materials, each with its particular strengths and weaknesses. We put together a table of best practices for each material type. If a die-cutting vendor mentions these issues and how to handle them, they may not be properly equipped to work with you on high-stakes projects with stringent requirements.
Adhesive buildup on cutting dies
Sterility concerns with adhesives
Maintaining adhesive qualities during run
Clean dies with solvents and use non-stick coatings; implement a rotation system for large production runs.
Use clean rooms for sterility, or implement proper handling procedures and UV sterilization for specific applications.
Ensure constant temperature and relative humidity during production and storage.
Adhesive buildup on cutting dies
Sterility concerns with adhesives
Static Electricity Buildup
Keep dies sharp; ultrasonic cutting may help for certain products.
Monitor pressure and speed; use minimum force and frequently test samples.
Use anti-static bars or ionizers to reduce clumping; anti-static sprays are also effective in some cases.
Achieving Clean Cuts on Thin Films
Preventing Warping/Distortion
Maintaining Dimensional Stability
Use vacuum systems to keep films flat during cutting.
Implement backing systems to support the film throughout the process.
Acclimate materials to production conditions; maintain consistent temperature and humidity in storage.
Consistent Density Across Cuts
Variations in Foam Thickness
Limiting Tearing and Pulling
Use dies with varied blade angles and match cutting speed to pressure requirements.
Utilize adjustable cutting depths and floating cutting heads to account for thickness variability.
Implement an initial score cut followed by a through cut for thicker foams.
Dealing with Material Stretching
Clean Cuts on Soft Materials
Preventing Flash and Burrs
Use stabilizing backing materials and optimize cutting speed and pressure to reduce deformation.
Keep dies sharp, consider non-stick coatings, or chill dies before use.
Cryogenic deflashing is effective, but proper die design and controlled pressure are critical.
Of course, these are not the only concerns that any company has when choosing the right die-cutting company to help prepare their medical products. Other concerns are important to address before deciding on a vendor.
Or call Josh at (707) 769-4488
Below we’ve compiled a list of questions and areas of concern that we have addressed with our medical device and product clients over the more than 75 years that we have been in business. We’ve included the rationales that companies have provided us and are more than happy to answer these questions for any potential client.
Experience
Technical Capabilities
Materials Experience
Turnaround Time
Capacity
Additional Services
Years in Medical Device Manufacturing
Maximum Die Cutting Size
Maximum Thickness
Tolerance Levels
Understanding of Various Materials
Initial Die Prototypes
Initial Production Runs
Output Rate
Design Assistance
75 years in die-cutting for industries requiring stringent standards, including medical and electronics.
16 inches for rotary die press; 40 inches for flatbed cutting.
0.015 inches for rotary; 0.5 inches for flatbed cutting.
+/- 0.0005 inches for rotary; +/- 0.010 inches for flatbed cutting.
Expertise in die-cutting different materials, as shown in the tables above.
1-3 days for rush jobs.
Three weeks.
40,000 units per hour for rotary die cutting; 2,000 – 4,000 units per hour for flatbed cutting.
Experience navigating inventory management systems and providing design assistance.
Since getting our start at the dawn of the electronics age more than 75 years ago, Colvin-Friedman has always focused on delivering expert results for our clients. If you are looking for medical die-cutting, feel free to reach out for a quote on our services using the short form on this page. If you have any questions about our process, don’t hesitate to call our Vice President, Josh Rodman. He’s available at (707) 769-4488. We look forward to earning your business.
Or call Josh at (707) 769-4488
