Colvin-friedmancompany

Materials

Die Cut Materials We Specialize In

Premium Die-Cutting Services for a Wide Variety of Materials

For over 75 years, Colvin Friedman has been offering premium die-cutting services at high production volumes for a wide variety of materials. Below we’ve organized our most commonly cut materials.

  • Paper
  • Polyester Films
  • Foam
  • Rubber
  • Foil
  • Adhesives
  • Plastics
  • Fabric
  • Composites
  • Felt
  • Fiberglass
  • Silicone
  • Metallic Foil
  • Nonwovens

Material Overview

As different materials are better suited to specific purposes or die-cutting processes, we often advise customers on the advantages of certain materials depending on the product seeking to be cut. Below we’ve given a breakdown of each material, its uses, and subtypes.

Summary: Plastics are some of the most commonly die cut materials. They encompass a wide number of Polyester films, which are our specialty at Colvin Friedman. Plastic can vary widely in their thickness and durability, often requiring different die cutting techniques depending on their type.

Plastics

Subtype

Polyethylene (PE)

Polypropylene (PP)

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

Polystyrene (PS)

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)

Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-Modified (PETG)

Advantages

Low cost, highly available, durable, produced at various densities

More rigid than PE, durable, strong chemical and moisture resistance

Flame and chemical resistant, durable, easy to print on

Produced in more rigid or foam forms, excellent clarity

Higher strength, resistant to gasses and moisture, recyclable

Strong combination of impact resistance, clarity, gloss, and flexibility

Best Used For

  • Packaging
  • Liners
  • Protective Films
  • Labels
  • Packaging
  • Car Parts
  • Food/Beverage Containers
  • Medical Supplies
  • Car Interiors
  • Signage
  • Credit Cards
  • Signage
  • Packaging
  • Craft Supplies
  • Game pieces
  • Labels
  • Beverage Containers
  • Packaging Films
  • Lens Care products
  • Medical Devices
  • Food Packaging
  • Signage
  • Consumer Goods

Best Cut With

Rotary or Flatbed Die Cutting (Depends on Density)

Flatbed Die Cutting

Rotary or Flatbed Die Cutting

Rotary or Flatbed Die Cutting

Rotary Die Cutting

Rotary or Flatbed Die Cutting

For more information about Plastics, click below.

Summary: Paper is commonly cut into packaging or card type materials. The various subtypes of paper vary by thickness, but is generally one of the easiest materials to cut.

Papers

Subtype

Cardstock

Kraft Paper

Bond Paper

Corrugated Cardboard

Advantages

Slightly more durable, available in a variety of thicknesses, ideal for creasing

Slightly thicker, available in roll form, rustic appearance

Ideal for printing, smooth appearance and texture, can be made heavier or lighter

Stronger, more durable, provides support and cushioning for products

Best Used For

  • Greeting Cards
  • Business Cards
  • Packaging
  • Tags
  • Wrapping paper
  • Envelopes
  • Labels and Tags
  • Book Covers
  • Brochures
  • Pamphlets
  • Packaging
  • Business Forms
  • Folding boxes
  • Retail Displays
  • Shipping boxes
  • File Boxes

Best Cut With

Flatbed Die Cutting

Rotary Die Cutting

Flatbed Die Cutting

Flatbed or Rotary Die Cutting (depending on thickness of cardboard

For more information about Papers, click below.

Summary: Various composite materials (substances made by combining two or more other materials) are commonly die cut for clients in the automotive, aerospace, and construction industries. While individually, each material can vary greatly, they are commonly valued for being lightweight, durable, or high strength.

Composite Materials

Subtype

Fiberglass

Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP)

Kevlar

Thermoplastic Composites (TPC)

Advantages

Strong, corrosion resistant, good insulator

Impressive strength-to-weight ratio, stiff material

Lightweight, impact resistant, high tensile strength

Reduced weight, strong impact resistance

Best Used For

  • Aerospace Components
  • Automotive Panels
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • Electronics
  • Automotive and Aerospace parts
  • Sports Equipment
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • Automotive and Aerospace parts
  • Sports Equipment
  • Medical Supplies
  • Electronics Components
  • Automotive Parts

Best Cut With

Flatbed Die Cutting

Flatbed Die Cutting

Flatbed Die Cutting

Rotary Die Cutting

For more information about Composite Materials, click below.

Summary: Both metallic and non-metal foils are commonly die cut, as they are frequently available in sheet or roll form. They are ideal for many products as they offer both strength and versatility, and are used for their functional and aesthetic value.

Foils

Subtype

Aluminum Foil

Copper Foil

Mylar Foil

Gold or Silver Foil

Advantages

Thinner metal foil, lightweight, good conductor of heat and electricity

Good conductor, malleable, able to be cut into intricate designs

Polyester foil, flexibility, resistance to tearing, various finishes

Valuable for heightened aesthetic appeal, resistance to corrosion

Best Used For

  • Food Packaging
  • Insulation
  • Labels
  • Pharmaceutical Packaging
  • Electronics
  • Circuit components
  • Crafts
  • Reflective Surfaces
  • Various Packagings
  • Product Labels
  • Balloons
  • Book binding
  • Decorative Elements
  • Electronic parts

Best Cut With

Flatbed or Rotary Die Cutting

Flatbed Die Cutting

Rotary or Flatbed Die Cutting

Flatbed Cutting

For more information about Foils, click below.

Summary: Below we’ve compiled some information on specific materials we have extensive experience in.

Miscellaneous Materials

Subtype

Rubber

Leather

Felts

Silicone

Advantages

Flexibility, durability, resilience, great insulator

Can be die cut into precise shapes, aesthetic or practical use

Soft and fibrous, made out of natural or artificial materials, versatile

High heat tolerance, flexibility, durability, safety in medical contexts

Best Used For

  • Gaskets
  • Various Seals
  • Medical Devices
  • Decorative Elements
  • Lining
  • Upholstery
  • Crafts
  • Apparel
  • Polishing Pads
  • Furniture padding
  • Medical Supplies
  • Gaskets
  • Dampening pads
  • Electronic Insulators

Best Cut With

Rotary or Flatbed Die Cutting

Rotary or Steel Rule Die Cutting

Flatbed Die Cutting

Flatbed or Rotary Die Cutting

For more information about Miscellaneous Materials click below.

Material Selection
and Best Practices

We are able to help our clients select the specific material that is best for their product. For every project, we employ the following practices to ensure success. They include:

  • Initial Design Consultation – Detailed review helps us understand the end use requirements of your product
  • Verify Criteria – We confirm the tolerance, depth, and scheduling requirements to aid in selecting a material or die cutting procedure.
  • Detailed Material Suggestion – If necessary, we will advise you as to the subtype, thickness, or density of the material.
  • Prototypes and Test Runs – Prior to full production, we can evaluate prototypes, create test products, and change the material as needed to guarantee the best quality component or product.

Why Choose Colvin Friedman

Along with our extensive experience with plastics, composite materials, papers, and a host of other die cut materials, we are able to advise and help our clients select the correct materials for each of their products. All of our clients and projects are managed by our Vice President, Josh Rodman, meaning you are never more than one call away from the die cutting process. Our large production capacity gives you the results of a factory with the customer service of a small shop.

For more information on our materials, or to request a die cutting quote, click the button or use the number below to call Josh.

Or call Josh at (707) 769-4488