Best Die-Cutting Services for Automotive Components
At Colvin-Friedman, we have been producing top-quality die-cutting components since 1949, with a significant focus on automotive applications. Our understanding of this industry leads us to three primary areas of focus: precision in cutting, deep expertise in materials commonly used for automotive products, and the continual development of best practices to ensure components are produced to withstand the demanding conditions of modern vehicles.
Below we've listed some of our capabilities, best practices, and more information on our processes that help us guarantee results of the highest quality. If you would like a quote on your automotive component die-cutting needs, fill out the brief form or call our Vice President, Josh Rodman at 707-769-4488.
Or call Josh at (707) 769-4488
Automotive Component Materials by Type and Die Cutting Process
Below we've listed categories of material that we can die cut, with an emphasis on explaining the differences in methods: rotary die cutting can be used for very high-speed production, but the level of detail and thicknesses of material that can be processed is different than that of flatbed steel-rule die cutting.
| Material Type | Products | Example Materials | Preferred Die Cutting Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive-Grade Plastics |
- Interior trim components - Engine bay insulation - Dashboard components |
1. ABS 2. Polypropylene 3. High-impact polystyrene |
Rotary for thin sheets up to .015"; Flat press for thicker materials or intricate designs |
| Rubber and Elastomers |
- Gaskets - Seals - Vibration dampeners |
1. EPDM rubber 2. Silicone 3. Neoprene |
Rotary for thin sheets up to .015"; Flat press for thicker materials and most automotive applications |
| Foam and Insulation |
- Sound dampening materials - Thermal insulation - Cushioning components |
1. Polyurethane foam 2. Melamine foam 3. Closed-cell polyethylene foam |
Rotary only for very thin foams up to .015"; Flat press for all thicker foams |
| Composite Materials |
- Structural components - Lightweight body panels - Interior reinforcements |
1. Carbon fiber composites 2. Fiberglass sheets 3. Kevlar-reinforced materials |
Flat press for most applications |
| High-Performance Metals |
- EMI/RFI shielding - Thin metal gaskets - Heat shields |
1. Aluminum sheets 2. Stainless steel 3. Copper alloys |
Flat press for most applications |
We are also capable of working with far more material thicknesses with our flatbed die-cutting processes. Below are some of the expanded capabilities you might find with these production systems in use at Colvin-Friedman
Insulating Materials
| Type | Suitability | Examples of Viable Products |
|---|---|---|
| Automotive-Grade Plastics | Excellent |
- Thick dashboard components up to 0.5" - Complex interior trim pieces - Under-hood insulators |
| Rubber and Elastomers | Excellent |
- Engine gaskets - Heavy-duty weather stripping - Multi-durometer seals |
| Foam and Insulation | Excellent |
- Sound insulation panels - Multi-layer thermal barriers - Custom-shaped seat cushioning |
| Composite Materials | Very Good |
- Lightweight structural components - High-strength body panels - Custom reinforcement elements |
| High-Performance Metals | Good |
- Precision-cut EMI/RFI shields - Multi-layer heat shields - Intricate decorative metal trim |
Best Practices for Die-Cut Automotive Materials by Type
Since each of the materials used in creating automotive components has differences in tensile and compression strength, chemical and temperature resistance, and more, working with each one requires a different set of conditions. Below, we've listed what helps Colvin-Friedman maintain its standard of excellence and quality control.
Plastics
| Issue | Expert Practice |
|---|---|
| Temperature resistance | Use pre-treated high-temp-resistant plastics; employ flatbed cutting with pre-heated dies to minimize material stress |
| Chemical resistance | Utilize chemically-resistant plastics like PTFE; flatbed die-cutting ensures consistent material integrity |
| Achieving precise tolerances | Use rotary die-cutting with optimized cutting pressure for smooth edges without fracturing |
Rubbers/Elastomers
| Issue | Expert Practice |
|---|---|
| Ensuring consistent sealing | Implement real-time thickness monitoring during flatbed cutting for uniformity |
| Vibration dampening properties | Use rotary die-cutting with custom-shaped dies to preserve material flexibility |
| Achieving complex geometries | Apply multi-step flatbed die-cutting with adjustable pressure to handle intricate shapes |
Foam/Insulation
| Issue | Expert Practice |
|---|---|
| Maintaining acoustic properties | Use flatbed cutting with low-pressure settings to prevent cell structure damage |
| Ensuring compression set resistance | Utilize controlled rotary die-cutting to apply precise cutting force for minimal material distortion |
| Achieving consistent density | Calibrate flatbed cutting pressure based on pre-cut density measurements to ensure uniformity |
Composite Materials
| Issue | Expert Practice |
|---|---|
| Preventing delamination | Use flatbed die-cutting with optimized blade sharpness and speed for clean cuts without delamination |
| Managing dust and debris | Incorporate rotary die-cutting with integrated dust collection systems to minimize debris |
| Achieving precise cuts in hard materials | Use hardened steel dies in flatbed cutting for thick or abrasive composites, minimizing tool wear |
Metals
| Issue | Expert Practice |
|---|---|
| Maintaining EMI/RFI shielding properties | Use flatbed die-cutting with protective coatings to prevent material oxidation during the process |
| Achieving intricate designs | Employ rotary die-cutting with micro-serrated edges for clean, burr-free cuts |
| Managing tool wear | Use rotary dies with carbide inserts for longer-lasting performance in high-volume metal cutting |
The Colvin-Friedman Automotive Die Cutting Process: From Concept to Delivery
At Colvin-Friedman, we've refined our die-cutting process for automotive applications over decades of experience. Here's a step-by-step look at how we go from initial consultation to delivering high-quality die-cut parts for the automotive industry:
- Consultation - We meet with you to find out the needs and requirements for the part you’re looking to die-cut. At Colvin-Friedman, we are happy to discuss different material options and design-for-production considerations to ensure a successful project.
- Die Fabrication - Once we have agreed upon the general process, goals, and performance requirements for the part, we fabricate the dies that we will use in production using high-precision technology and adding coatings for increased longevity.
- Production Planning - We assess where to put quality control checkpoints along the cutting process. Then, all materials are acclimated to the facility and pre-treated where necessary.
- Die Cutting - If there are no requirements for prototype parts, we still perform test runs and begin full production with continuous quality monitoring via the checkpoints set in place during the planning period.
- Secondaries and Quality Assurance - Colvin-Friedman staff apply any post-cutting treatments, assemble multi-layer components, and apply any coatings or decorative elements outlined in the contract. A final set of quality checks is done to ensure all specifications are met.
- Packaging and Delivery - Whether a client expects delivery or shipment to a depot and integration into an inventory management system, our employees package all parts securely and get them packaged per best practices.
Key Things to Know - Colvin Friedman Automotive Die Cutting
Choosing between automotive die-cutting suppliers can be difficult, and often comes down to a combination of culture, fit, and numbers. Colvin-Friedman has been the trusted supplier of die-cut parts for many major corporations, but we also recognize that it can be helpful to have a reference of what to look for in companies. Below are some of the most common questions that we have received about our capabilities.
| Category | Factor | Colvin Friedman Data |
|---|---|---|
| Experience | Years in Automotive Manufacturing | 75 years in complex die-cutting including automotive applications |
| Capabilities | Types of Die-Cutting Machines | Rotary, flatbed |
| Maximum Die Cutting Size | 16-inches rotary | |
| Materials | List of Automotive-Grade Materials Handled | See tables above |
| Quality Control | Inspection Methods Used | Vision systems, statistical controls, material composition tests, durability testing |
| Turnaround Time | Average Prototype Turnaround | 4-6 days |
| Average Production Turnaround | 2-3 weeks | |
| Capacity | Annual Production Capacity | Millions of parts |
| Additional Services | Automotive Product Design Assistance | Can provide design assistance to maximize durability and die-cutting efficiency |
| Assembly Services for Automotive Components | Assembly service and inventory management system integration available | |
| Financial Stability | Years in Business | 75+ |
Get Your Automotive Die Cutting Quote Today
Whether it's precision gaskets for engine components, intricate interior trim pieces, or high-performance insulation materials, Colvin-Friedman has been proudly producing the parts that make up crucial pieces of automotive equipment.
If you're looking for a quote for your automotive die-cutting needs, please don't hesitate to fill out the short form for a tailored response. You can also call our Vice President Josh Rodman at 707-769-4488 for answers to any questions you might have or to start the process.
Or call Josh at (707) 769-4488