Die Cutting (Steel Rule).
For projects that require a balance of cost-efficiency, versatility, and speed, Steel Rule Die Cutting is a highly effective conversion method. This process utilizes a customized cutting tool where a high-strength, sharpened steel strip, the rule, is precision-bent and press-fitted into a laser-cut base. This assembly acts as a precision blade that shears through the material, making it the standard method for larger parts and more flexible substrates.
- Steel rule die cutting uses a sharpened steel rule press-fitted into a laser-cut base, forming a precision blade that shears through the material.
- It is suited to compressible and flexible materials including rubbers like Viton and EPDM, sponge and foam, flexible plastics, and compressed fiber gasketing.
- We build cost-effective steel rule tooling with rapid turnaround, large part capability, and clean edges on soft rubbers and foams.
Request a quote for steel rule die cutting.
The benefits of steel rule tooling.
Steel rule die cutting offers unique advantages, particularly for short-to-medium production runs and projects with large part footprints:
Cost-Effective Tooling. Compared to hardened steel compound dies, steel rule dies are significantly less expensive to design and manufacture. This makes them the perfect choice for prototypes or production runs where minimizing upfront investment is a priority.
Rapid Turnaround. Because the tooling is constructed using a high-density die board and pre-sharpened steel blades, we can move from your design file to a finished tool in a fraction of the time required for hard tooling.
Large Part Capability. While compound dies are often limited by press bed size and weight, steel rule dies can be built to accommodate very large gaskets and components, providing flexibility for oversized industrial applications.
Superior Edge Quality on Soft Goods. Steel rule dies excel at shearing through flexible materials. The razor-sharp edge slices through soft rubbers and foams cleanly, preventing the material from dragging or tearing during the press stroke.
What we cut and who we cut it for.
Die cutting, sometimes called dinking or blanking, shears gaskets, washers, shims, and seals from rubber, foam, plastic, and fiber using a steel rule die pressed by a hydraulic or mechanical press.
Industries we serve. Our die cut gaskets go into agriculture and irrigation, controls and valves, automotive, medical, electronics, aerospace, pumps, plumbing, pool and spa, electrical, lighting, bearings, and OEM assemblies, from routine machinery to aerospace parts where exact tolerances matter on every produced piece.
Custom designed or replicated. Send a drawing for an entirely new gasket or a sample of an existing part to replicate. We match the part to the right process and material based on its function, run size, and budget.
One source, multiple processes. Steel rule die cutting is one of several conversion methods we run in house, alongside rotary die cutting, flatbed die cutting, and stamping, so we can pick the most economical method for your part instead of forcing a single process.