Colvin-friedmancompany

Best Fabric Die Cutting Services | Colvin Friedman

Fabric Die Cutting Services

Expert Fabric Die Cutting for Various Industries

At Colvin-Friedman, we have decades of experience when it comes to precise fabric die cutting needs. We serve the apparel, industrial, and automotive markets with a multi-step process that ensures all die designs produce the exact results that our customers need across a broad variety of fabrics. Get a quote today to learn how versatile, efficient, and customizable our work can be.

  • Polyethylene
  • Polypropylene (PP)
  • Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
  • Polystyrene (PS)
  • Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
  • Plastics
  • Foams
  • Tapes
  • Rubbers
  • Fabrics
  • Papers
  • PSA’s
  • Fibers
  • Markets
  • Custom Die Cutting
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Die Cutting Applications

When it comes to fabric, there are very few limits on what can be cut, outside of certain protective materials like Kevlar™ and others specifically designed to resist abrasion. While we are generally able to cut any fabric type, here are some of the industries we work with periodically:

Industry

Apparel

Automotive

Home Furnishings

Industrial

Applications

Pattern pieces for garments, appliques, and patches

Seat covers, upholstery, interior trim, filters, and gaskets

Protective gear and uniform piece cutting, filters, insulation materials with tight tolerances

Furniture pieces, shaped cushions, decorative elements similar to apparel

The Colvin-Friedman Process

With 75 years of experience working with fabrics, we understand how crucial it is for supplier and customer to be on the same page. With variability in the types of dies required for thicker and stronger fabrics, as well as the differences in tensionability, making sure everyone is on the same page can make the difference between a successful project and one with major delays.

To keep things running smoothly, we’ve developed the Colvin-Friedman Process for die cutting to ensure that our customers receive the best quality in results and service. It works like this:

Initial Consultation

We discuss project requirements, budget, lead time to assess what type of die cutting makes the most sense.

Design/Prototyping

An expert die maker produces a prototype to suit the fabric and run size needs of the project.

Contract

Colvin-Friedman and you agree on terms for production amounts, quality control, and any shipping integration.

Pre-Production/Sample Run

Per contract, we are happy to provide any number of sample cut materials for your review to ensure maximum quality.

Production/QC

Colvin-Friedman stays in constant contact regarding production numbers and to discuss any unlikely issue.

Shipment and IMS Integration

Colvin-Friedman uses its extensive inventory management system experience to ensure components are integrated into your supply chain.

Common Fabrics and Die Cutting Considerations

Here’s a table outlining some of the most common fabrics and the key considerations for die cutting each:

Fabric Type

Cotton

Polyester

Cotton-Polyester Blend

Nylon

Silk

Spandex/Elastane

Characteristics

Natural fiber, breathable, versatile

Synthetic, durable, wrinkle-resistant

Combines properties of both fibers

Strong, elastic, resistant to wear and tear

Delicate, smooth, natural fiber

Highly elastic synthetic fiber

Die Cutting Considerations

  • Tends to fray, may require edge sealing
  • Responds well to sharp steel rule dies
  • Multiple layers can be cut simultaneously
  • May require frequent die sharpening due to fiber density
  •  Minimal fraying, clean cuts
  • Suitable for both steel rule and rotary dies
  • Can be cut with ultrasonic dies for sealed edges
  • Static electricity may be an issue, consider anti-static treatments
  •  Behavior depends on blend ratio
  • Generally easier to cut than 100% cotton
  • Less fraying than pure cotton
  • Suitable for various die types
  •  Can be challenging due to its strength and elasticity
  • Sharp dies are crucial for clean cuts
  • May require cooling during high-speed cutting to prevent melting
  • Ultrasonic cutting can provide sealed edges
  •  Requires very sharp dies to prevent snagging
  • Light pressure to avoid crushing or damaging fibers
  • Best suited for steel rule or laser cutting
  • May require backing material for stability during cutting
  • Stretches during cutting, requiring adjusted patterns
  • Sharp dies are essential to prevent snagging
  • Often cut in combination with other fabrics
  • May require specialized handling to maintain shape

Material-Specific Factors to Consider for Fabric Die Cutting

When planning your fabric die cutting project, consider these material-specific factors:

  • Fraying Tendency: Natural fibers like cotton are more prone to fraying, which may require additional finishing steps or specialized cutting techniques.
  • Fabric Density: Denser fabrics may require more frequent die sharpening to maintain clean cuts.
  • Elasticity: Stretchy fabrics like spandex may need pattern adjustments to account for stretch during cutting.
  • Melting Point: Synthetic fabrics may be sensitive to heat generated during high-speed cutting, potentially requiring cooling measures.
  • Stability: Delicate or slippery fabrics might need backing materials or special handling during the cutting process.
  • Finishing Requirements: Some fabrics benefit from edge sealing techniques, such as ultrasonic cutting for synthetics.

At Colvin-Friedman, our experts are well-versed in handling a wide variety of fabrics. We’ll work with you to determine the best die cutting approach for your specific material and project requirements.

Types of Dies for Fabric Cutting

Choosing the right die for your fabric cutting project is paramount in terms of optimizing cost and quality. At Colvin-Friedman, we offer several types of dies for fabric cutting:

  • Steel Rule Dies: Ideal for cutting thicker fabrics and multiple layers. They offer a good balance of precision and cost-effectiveness for medium to large runs.
  • Rotary Dies: Perfect for high-volume production of lighter fabrics. They provide fast, continuous cutting for roll-to-roll operations.
  • Clicker Dies: Also known as “cookie cutter” dies, these are commonly used in the shoe and leather industry but are also effective for cutting various fabric types.

Characteristics

Best For

Production Speed

Precision

Complexity of Cuts

Typical Run Sizes

Setup Time

Material Waste

Edge Finishing

Steel Rule Dies

Thicker fabrics, multiple layers

Medium

High

Simple to Complex

1,000 – 100,000+ pieces

Short to Medium

Low to Medium

Clean Cut

Rotary Dies

High-volume, lightweight fabrics

Very High

High

Simple to Moderate

100,000+ pieces

Long

Low

Clean Cut

Clicker Dies

Leather, thick fabrics

Medium

High

Simple to Moderate

1,000 – 50,000 pieces

Short

Low to Medium

Clean Cut

frequently asked questions

How accurate is fabric die cutting?

The precision of fabric die cutting is unmatched due to the use of custom dies designed specifically for the fabric type and the complexity of the required cut.

We can cut virtually any fabric, including delicate materials like silk and robust materials like nylon. Special considerations may be needed for some high-stretch or high-strength fabrics.

Yes, we provide prototyping services to ensure that your final product meets your design specifications before full-scale production begins.

Yes, we have extensive experience working with various inventory management systems to ensure seamless integration with your existing supply chain.