In our decades of experience, we’ve worked with all varieties of tape and adhesive materials, proving ourselves to be experts in the field. Tapes vary widely in their material base, density, and uses, often requiring different techniques or blades to ensure an efficient process. If a die cutter is not attentive to these differences, a subpar product may result. We tailor each process to your individual projects’ needs and the specifics of your selected material and use case.
While there is a near-infinite variety of specific tapes, below are some of the most common ones we have worked with:
Among die-cut materials, foam is particularly unique and presents a number of specific challenges to the die cutting process. Some of the most pressing concerns associated with foam die-cutting are outlined below, along with some best practices to ensure the efficacy of the progress.
Concern: While this may vary depending on the variety of adhesive used in the tape, tapes can be messy to cut and may leave behind adhesive on dies, potentially degrading the quality of subsequent cuts and even damaging the machines.
Solution: It is essential to regularly clean and lubricate the dies throughout the cutting process to avoid this type of build-up and achieve a cut. Additionally, our constant QMS process helps monitor for potential errors and ensure a smooth operation.
Concern: Many tape products involve a release liner, or a strip of paper or film that protects the layer of adhesive from accidentally sticking to anything. This can present a challenge to cutting, creating more opportunities for the product to rip or the liner to shift during cutting.
Solution: Release liners should always be inspected for bubbles or wrinkles, and machines must be precisely calibrated to avoid issues and set cutting depth.
Concern: Exerting excessive heat or pressure on the adhesive in a tape may cause it to bleed out the edges of the material, ruining the product or the machinery.
Solution: Ensure machines are pre-tested and do not exert excessive pressure or heat on the material.
Concern: Due to the wide variability of base materials that a tape might be made of, it is important to ensure that the die you select is tooled so as to cut that specific material. Otherwise, the dies may incur excess wear and tear throughout the cutting process.
Solution: Ensure your dies are made by expert die makers, high-quality materials like hardened steel are used to create the die, and that your die cutter has experience handling a wide variety of materials.
Concern: Plastic tapes often generate excess amounts of static electricity from the friction during the die cutting process. This can attract dust and other contaminants, degrading the product’s quality.
Solution: Utilizing anti-static sprays, blowers, or equipment can help reduce the buildup of particles.
Most rubbers are synthetic and are created with a variety of differen
Tapes are generally die cut to specific shapes or configurations, often to accommodate bonding a specific product to another surface. This can be done on a smaller or larger scale for standardized applications.
We’ve organized some of the most commonly handled ones into categories. Read more about the different tapes in each category below.
t qualities in mind. Almost all rubbers can be used for seals or gaskets, as they offer relative flexibility and different levels of environmental resistance. Most can be cut with both flatbed and rotary die cutting, though some varieties may require rotary due to their hardness.
Below we’ve outlined a list of the most common rubber types that are used for die-cutting, including a description, the preferred die-cutting method, and some use cases.
Bonding Tapes are designed to bond surfaces or components together. They can vary in strength and base material and are some of the most commonly available tapes.
Double Sided Tape
Neoprene (CR)
Double Sided Tape
Per its name, double-sided tape has adhesive on both sides and is incredibly versatile, available in numerous thicknesses. Its adhesive can be made with both acrylic and rubber-based formulations, while the carrier material is available in foam, cloth, or PET or PP films.
Per its name, double-sided tape has adhesive on both sides and is incredibly versatile, available in numerous thicknesses. Its adhesive can be made with both acrylic and rubber-based formulations, while the carrier material is available in foam, cloth, or PET or PP films.
Neoprene, or Chloroprene Rubber, is made of polymerized chloroprene. It remains flexible across a range of temperatures and is generally resistant to environmental factors, making it ideal for outdoor applications.
Neoprene (CR)
Rotary or Flatbed Die Cutting
Rotary or Flatbed Die Cutting
Neoprene, or Chloroprene Rubber, is made of polymerized chloroprene. It remains flexible across a range of temperatures and is generally resistant to environmental factors, making it ideal for outdoor applications.
Different forms of Foam Tape are often utilized to provide cushioning or insulation between components. They can be soft and come in a variety of thicknesses.
Polyurethane Foam Tape (PU Foam Tape)
Acrylic Foam Tape
Polyethylene Foam Tape (PE Foam Tape)
Polyurethane Foam tape is valued for its flexibility and softer texture. It is commonly used to help provide shock absorption and cushioning.
Acrylic Foam Tape is valued for its overall strength. It adheres to most surfaces very well and is resistant to light and weathering.
PE Foam Tape is used for moisture and chemical-resistant properties. It is lightweight and relatively durable.
Rotary or Flatbed Die Cutting
Rotary or Flatbed Die Cutting
Flatbed Die Cutting
Electrical and High-Temperature Tapes are designed to be resistant to extreme external forces, like intense heat or to provide electrical insulation or conductivity. Certain tapes in this category, like Polyimide tape, have both heat-resistant and insulating capabilities.
Polyimide Tape (Kapton Tape)
PVC Electrical Insulation Tape
Copper Foil Tape
Polyimide tape, commonly branded as Kapton Tape, is made form a Polyimide film and can withstand up to 500°F or 260°C. They are also excellent electrical insulators and are generally chemical resistant.
PVC Electrical Insulation tape is a widely used, general insulation tape. It is flexible and durable.
Copper Foil Tape can come in insulating or conductive varieties. Often made with an Acrylic adhesive, Copper Foil Tape is also flame retardant and often used in electrical contexts.
Rotary or Flatbed Die Cutting
Rotary or Flatbed Die Cutting
Rotary Die Cutting
These tapes are most commonly utilized to cover and protect surfaces during different maintenance or installation processes. They are frequently used in painting or coating.
Protective Film Tape
Masking Tape
Protective Film Tapes can be made from most polymer films. They are ideal for temporary use and leave behind little to no residue.
Masking Tape is available with both polymer and paper-based backings. They remove easily with little residue.
Rotary or Flatbed Die Cutting
Rotary or Flatbed Die Cutting
If you would like more information about our custom metal die-cutting services, process, or product capabilities, please use the number below to call our Vice President, Josh Rodman. If you would like to receive a free project quote, click the button below.
Or call Josh at (707) 769-4488
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