Best Pharmaceutical Die Cutting Services – Colvin Friedman
Die Cutting for the
Pharmaceutical Industry
Colvin-Friedman has been producing die cut parts to exact tolerances for regulated industries like the pharmaceutical sector for more than 75 years. We are a proud partner of companies that are looking to collaborate with a supplier who can perform within tight tolerances across thousands, if not millions of components.
Energy Sector Components: Precision Die-Cutting for a Sustainable Future
If you are looking for research and development prototyping from a U.S. supplier, packaging support or myriad other ways to ramp up your own production, we invite you to research our capabilities and service. Then fill out the short quote form or contact our Vice President, Josh Rodman at (707) 769-4488.
Best Practices for Materials Used in Pharmaceutical Die Cutting
Ensuring that materials maintain all of their properties is always a challenge in die-cutting. However, when it comes to pharmaceutical applications, failing to do so can mean the difference between a person getting a life-saving medication or it being inert by the time they try to use it.
With those stakes in mind, Colvin-Friedman works with each of the materials commonly used in pharmaceutical die-cutting differently. In each instance, however, the processes we use help cut parts keep their integrity and ensure that the end user is able to use them properly. Below are some common examples.
Barrier Films and Foils (up to .015")
Best Practice
Maintain temperature at 68-72°F and humidity at 45-55% RH during processing
Use powder-free gloves and implement surface cleanliness protocols
Optimize cutting pressure based on material thickness using calibrated settings
Why It Matters
Prevents material distortion and ensures dimensional stability; reduces risk of static buildup
Maintains material integrity and prevents contamination that could affect barrier properties
Prevents delamination and ensures clean cuts without compromising barrier properties
Foam Materials (up to 0.5")
Best Practice
Allow 24-hour minimum acclimation to room temperature
Use progressive cutting pressure for thicker foams
Implement regular density and compression testing
Why It Matters
Ensures dimensional stability and consistent cutting results; prevents material shrinkage or expansion
Prevents compression set and maintains foam cellular structure; ensures clean cuts
Validates material performance and ensures consistent cushioning properties
Multi-Layer Materials (up to 0.5")
Best Practice
Verify layer adhesion before processing
Clean dies between material changes
Inspect cut edges under magnification
Why It Matters
Prevents delamination during cutting and ensures final product integrity
Prevents cross-contamination and maintains cut quality across different material types
Identifies any layer separation or quality issues before they affect larger production runs
Temperature-Sensitive Materials
Best Practice
Monitor material temperature throughout processing
Implement defined cooling periods between cuts
Document environmental conditions for each batch
Why It Matters
Prevents property changes and maintains material integrity
Prevents heat buildup that could affect material properties
Ensures traceability and validates processing conditions
Engineering Plastics (up to 0.5")
Best Practice
Verify material grade and orientation before cutting
Control cutting speed based on material thickness
Perform regular dimensional checks
Why It Matters
Ensures proper performance characteristics and optimal cutting results
When necessary, we can implement inert gas environments during the cutting process. We also apply protective coatings immediately after cutting.
Validates consistency and ensures parts meet specification requirements
Protective Films (up to .015")
Best Practice
Use static elimination methods during processing
Maintain clean cutting surfaces with regular cleaning
Implement non-contact handling procedures
Why It Matters
Prevents dust attraction and maintains surface cleanliness
Ensures optimal cut quality and prevents surface defects
Prevents scratches and maintains optical clarity
Cushioning Materials (up to 0.5")
Best Practice
Test compression properties before and after cutting
Use appropriate backing materials during cutting
Document recovery characteristics by batch
Why It Matters
Validates material performance and ensures cushioning effectiveness
Maintains material integrity and ensures consistent cut quality
Ensures material performance meets protection requirements
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.
When it comes to deciding upon a supplier, the actual numbers matter. Colvin-Friedman proudly publishes its production numbers and tolerances in public because we believe that our commitment to quality and results will speak for themselves. Below are common requirements in the industry and our ability to meet or exceed them.
Capability Category
Technical Capabilities
Materials Expertise
Development Support
Production Capabilities
Industry Experience
Documentation
Value-Added Services
Industry Requirements
Precision cutting
Material thickness range
Complex geometries
Multiple material types
Pharma-grade materials
Temperature sensitive
Multi-layer constructions
Barrier materials
Design assistance
Material selection
Prototyping
Process development
Multiple quantities
Consistent quality
Quick turnaround
Pharma understanding
Application knowledge
Technical expertise
Problem-solving
Process records
Quality reports
Traceability
Design support
Material sourcing
Technical guidance
Project management
Colvin-Friedman Capabilities
±0.010″ tolerance level
Up to 0.5″ thickness (flatbed)
Complex shape expertise
Multi-material experience
75+ years material expertise
Temperature-sensitive processing
Multi-layer capabilities
Barrier material experience
Design optimization support
Material selection guidance
Rapid prototyping, units available within a few days
Process development expertise
Flexible production runs up to 40,000 units per hour
Fast prototype turnaround
75+ years die cutting experience
Deep application knowledge
Technical problem-solving
Process documentation
Quality reporting
Lot traceability systems
Design optimization
Material sourcing support
Technical consultation
Project management
Get Your Quote for Pharmaceutical Die Cutting from C-F
Whether with medical devices, applicators, or other forms of delivery, modern pharmaceutical companies require partners that can help them bring prototypes to the testing stage quickly. Once approvals are in place, these same partners can then bring these products to market through assistance with secondary packaging, inventory management expertise, and secondary assembly. It is in these elements that Colvin-Friedman’s die-cutting operations shine.
If you are looking for a partner with the same goals of cutting components to demanding tolerances, start with the simple quote form if you are already sure what parts you need for your next project. If you have initial questions, feel free to reach out to our Vice President, Josh Rodman at (707) 769-4488.