Precision matters in die cutting and creasing, whether you need high-volume rotary production or custom-scored components for rigid materials. With over 75 years of experience, Colvin-Friedman delivers tight tolerances and efficient turnaround, ensuring your components meet exact specifications. Our expertise supports industries from aerospace to medical manufacturing, where reliability is essential.
or call Vice President Josh Rodman directly at (707) 769-4488
Choosing a die-cutting and creasing partner means finding a company that delivers both precision and reliability. With Colvin-Friedman, you get tight tolerances and flexible manufacturing, ensuring your components arrive exactly as needed and fit seamlessly into your production process.
| Key Factor | Colvin-Friedman | Typical Local Die Cutters | Overseas Suppliers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rotary Creasing for Thin Materials | Yes | Available at some shops but less common | Often available in packaging production, less so in industrial die cutting |
| Scoring for Rigid Plastics | Yes | Available, often for lower-volume runs | Depends on factory type, often part of larger manufacturing processes |
| Precision Tolerances (±0.005") | Yes | Varies, often looser tolerances | Inconsistent depending on supplier |
| Scalability (Low MOQ + High-Volume) | Flexible—supports both low and high-volume runs | Some flexibility, but often favors mid-size runs | Large orders required for cost-effectiveness |
| Turnaround Time & Logistics | Fast U.S.-based production | Typically fast for regional orders | Long lead times & customs delays |
| Just-in-Time (JIT) Production | Available for lean manufacturing | May be available but less standardized | Rarely feasible due to long lead times |
| Inventory Management Integration | Works with major systems for seamless supply chain coordination | Varies by supplier | Rarely integrated |
| Stocking Programs | Available for ongoing production runs | Some offer this | Requires large bulk orders |
Or call Josh at (707) 769-4488
| Rotary Creasing | |
|---|---|
| Details | Creates crisp, repeatable folds for thin, flexible materials without tearing or cracking. |
| Best for | Folding cartons, medical trays, protective packaging, and electronic shielding layers. |
| Compatible Materials |
- Films (0.001 - 0.010 in.) - Sheeted Plastics (0.010 - 0.030 in.) (May require heated creasing to prevent cracking) - Adhesives (0.005 - 0.100 in.) |
| Scoring & Controlled Deformation | |
|---|---|
| Details | Used when traditional creasing is not suitable. It prevents cracking in polycarbonate, PVC, and rigid plastic enclosures and is often used with plastic sheeting. |
| Best for | Custom enclosures, automotive insulation, foldable gaskets, and protective casings. |
| Compatible Materials |
- Sheeted Plastics (0.030 - 0.093 in.) (Requires scoring, not traditional creasing) - Elastomers (0.020 - 0.250 in.) (Can be creased or cut, depending on use case and thickness) |
| Rotary Die Cutting | |
|---|---|
| Details | High-speed production up to 40,000 units per hour. Best for flexible, high-volume components. |
| Best for | Medical devices, electronics, aerospace gaskets, and high-volume industrial components. |
| Compatible Materials | Materials up to 16 inches wide and 0.015 inches thick, although allowances for material type may affect the thickness maximum. |
| Flatbed & Steel Rule Die Cutting | |
|---|---|
| Details | Used both for thicker, rigid materials & low-to-mid volume runs. Very cost-effective alternative for prototype runs. |
| Best for | Aerospace composites, automotive insulation, and rigid industrial components. |
| Compatible Materials | Can work with materials up to 0.5 inches thick, although variations in thickness maximums exist based on hardness and brittleness. |
| Kiss Cutting | |
|---|---|
| Details | Creates precision-cut labels, gaskets, and electronics components with intact backing layers as peel-and-stick adhesive components. |
| Best for | Automotive assembly, consumer electronics, and industrial manufacturing. |
| Compatible Materials | Adhesives and adhesive-backed films. |
Or call Josh at (707) 769-4488
A table showing Colvin-Friedman’s creasing & die-cutting applications by industry:
| Industry | How Colvin-Friedman Delivers for This Sector | What We Make for Vancouver Companies |
|---|---|---|
| Packaging & Folding Cartons | Rotary creasing ensures clean, professional folds for thin films & adhesives. |
- Retail packaging - Custom folding cartons - Protective shipping inserts |
| Technology & Electronics | Die-cut & creased enclosures for protective casings and insulation materials. |
- EMI shielding - Technical foldable casings - Insulating layers for circuit boards |
| Industrial & Manufacturing | Custom creased and die-cut parts for durable protective solutions. |
- Foldable industrial gaskets - Reinforced protective layers - Technical insulation components |
| Aerospace & Automotive | Lightweight die-cut & creased components for high-performance transport applications. |
- Precision-cut composites - Foldable soundproofing layers - Creased thermal insulation |
Or call Josh at (707) 769-4488
| Material Selection is Key for Clean Creases |
|---|
| Not all materials crease well—films, adhesives, and plastics require precisely calculated pressure to avoid cracking or material failure. Thicker materials (foams, elastomers) require a combination of creasing and scoring to maintain structural integrity. |
| Colvin-Friedman tests materials under production conditions to optimize crease depth and avoid unexpected performance issues. |
| The Importance of Crease-to-Cut Ratios in Folding Applications |
|---|
| A crease should never be too close to a die-cut edge—this weakens structural integrity and can lead to tearing during assembly. For packaging and folding cartons, a standard rule is that the crease should be at least 2.5 times the thickness of the material from the nearest cut. |
| Colvin-Friedman follows this to ensure clean folds and prevents failures in automated packaging lines. |
| The Role of Temperature in Creasing Certain Materials |
|---|
| Plastics, elastomers, and composites can respond differently at different temperatures. Cold creasing can lead to cracking, while heated creasing (sometimes called heat-assisted creasing) can make certain materials more pliable for permanent fold structures. |
| Colvin-Friedman maintains temperature and humidity checks within production facilities to maximize creasing and scoring efficiency. |
| Controlling Crease Depth and Pressure for Non-Paper Materials |
|---|
| Unlike traditional paperboard creasing, plastic, rubber, and adhesive-backed materials react differently to pressure. Too much pressure can cause stress fractures, while too little pressure results in weak, inconsistent folds. Rotary creasing works best for thinner materials (films, adhesives) because it applies even, repeatable pressure across high volumes. |
| Colvin-Friedman adjusts creasing pressure based on real-world application needs and client goals, ensuring that components fold or bend as intended without material degradation. |
| Precision Tooling for High-Volume Creasing |
|---|
| Worn or misaligned tooling can cause crease depth variations—leading to assembly failures in industries like packaging and medical devices. Rotary dies must be inspected regularly for burrs, uneven pressure application, or wear that could alter crease consistency. |
| Colvin-Friedman’s precision tooling maintenance ensures consistent results over large production runs, reducing defects and scrap rates. |
Or call Josh at (707) 769-4488
Colvin-Friedman delivers precision die cutting and expert creasing with the efficiency manufacturers rely on. Whether you need tight tolerances or scalable production, our team ensures your components meet exact specifications. With over 75 years of experience, we support industries where reliability isn’t optional, from aerospace to medical manufacturing.
or call Vice President Josh Rodman directly at (707) 769-4488
