The Premier Provider of Flat Bed Die Cutting
With 75 Years of Experience and Millions of Units produced, Colvin Friedman is the Expert Flat Bed Die Cutting Option
With experience that stretches across the better part of a century, Colvin Friedman has been offering premium die-cutting services since the 1940s. Our flatbed die cutting services are known by our customers for their quality and precision. The information below outlines our flatbed die-cutting capabilities.
Our Flatbed Die Cutting Capabilities/Specs
We are generally able to cut products that meet the following specifications. We may be able to cut designs that exceed these specifications depending on their size and material. For smaller designs, we may recommend Rotary Die Cutting for your project. If we cannot cut your product, we can help refer you to someone who can.
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Maximum Product Width | 40 inches |
| Maximum Product Thickness | .5 inches, material dependent |
| Tolerance Level | ±0.010, material dependent |
| Maximum Production Capacity | 2,000 - 4,000 parts/hour (size dependent) |
| Average Lead Time | 3 weeks |
Specifically, we offer the following services:
- High-tonnage flatbed presses
- Automated sheet-fed capabilities
- Tight tolerance kiss-cutting capability
- Large format capabilities
- Roll-fed flatbed capabilities
- Automated part collection
- Precision registration
- Forged die capabilities
- Steel rule die capabilities
- Etched die capabilities
- Hot stamp capabilities
We Specialize in Thin Gauge Film and Sheet Plastics
If you would like to confirm whether or not your project can be flatbed die cut, feel free to contact our Vice President, Josh Rodman, for more information. If you are interested in using Colvin Friedman as your new flatbed die-cutting provider and would like information about our pricing, Josh can provide you with all the relevant details.
Or call Josh at (707) 769-4488
Materials Used
We are able to flatbed die-cut most materials for your products or components if they fit within the specifications listed above. Our most used materials are outlined here:
| Paper | Polyester Films |
| Foam | Rubber |
| Foil | Adhesives |
| Plastics | Fabric |
| Composites | Felt |
| Fiberglass | Silicone |
| Metallic Foil | Nonwovens |
Choosing a Material
If you are uncertain about which material is right for you, we will provide a recommendation that best suits the needs of your project. There are a few important factors to keep in mind when selecting a material to be die-cut:
- Material Properties: Material selection should consider various physical properties like durability, flexibility, and resistance to heat, moisture, and chemicals, as different projects require the end product to withstand different mechanical and environmental pressures.
- Material Form: Flatbed die-cut materials must be able to be fed through the machine in sheet form.
- Production Volume and Cost Efficiency: Flatbed die-cutting is a cost-effective choice for low-volume production or when a material necessitates a flatbed system. We are here to help you choose materials that fit your budget costs.
- End-Use Requirements: Lastly, we consider the final function of the product, examining requirements such as the material’s color, finish, conductivity, and insulation to ensure the product can effectively fulfill its purpose.
If you need help selecting the best material, our experts can help and provide you with options. To receive a quote and begin the process, contact us via the number below.
Or call Josh at (707) 769-4488
Our Experience & Expertise
As one of America’s oldest die-cutting companies, our expertise in flatbed die-cutting is unmatched. We’ve worked with companies all across the US and the world to produce:
| Products |
|---|
| Bag stiffeners |
| Impact-rated face shields |
| Durable medical goods |
| Gaskets |
| Felt and bag filler materials |
| Lenses |
| Leather goods |
| Bag supports and handles |
Flatbed Die Cutting: Is It Right for You?
Many people in need of die-cutting services are unsure if flatbed die-cutting is their best option. The following checklist shows some considerations to take into account to ensure flatbed die cutting is right for your product.
- Material and Volume Requirements: A flatbed die-cutting machine can cut a wide variety of materials, especially if they are thicker. The materials typically come in the form of a sheet, but we can also accept rolled materials in certain circumstances.
- Adaptability and Design Flexibility: If you anticipate potential changes in your design, flatbed die-cutting is a far more flexible die-cutting option. As flat dies are generally less expensive to produce, this substantially lowers any additional costs that design changes may incur.
- Speed and Cost Efficiency: If you have a small order that needs to be done quickly, flatbed die-cutting requires a much shorter setup time. This reduced initial time investment speeds up turnaround and makes the process ideal for lower volume product orders or high volume orders that require a flatbed system.
If your project does not match up with this description, you may consider rotary die-cutting. We offer both services and can assist in choosing the best one for you.
Flatbed Die Cutting vs Rotary Die Cutting
| Flatbed Die Cutting | Rotary Die Cutting | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Pros | Cons | Pros | Cons |
| More adaptable for low to medium volume without high setup costs | Slower production rates can lead to longer turnaround times | Suitable for high-volume orders, providing economies of scale | Higher setup costs, making it less economical for small batches |
| Capable of handling a wider variety of materials and thicknesses | Higher material waste due to spacing between cuts, affecting cost | Consistently high precision, ideal for complex and detailed designs | Limited to materials in roll form, reducing material options |
| Flexibility in setup allows for customization and changes in design | Operation can increase labor costs due to material handling | Efficient material utilization, reducing waste and costs | Changes in project scope or design can be costly and complex to implement |
| Often more cost-effective for short runs and prototypes | Less suitable for very high-volume jobs due to slower speeds | Faster turnaround times for large orders | Typically requires a long-term commitment due to setup investment |
If you are unsure which service is the best fit for your product’s specifications and the size of your production, we are here to help. Contact the number below for a free quote and advice on which style of die-cutting is best for you.
Or call Josh at (707) 769-4488
Flat Bed Die Cutting Best Practices
| Category | Best Practices | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Planning and Pre-Production | High Quality Materials | Source best materials available for premium components |
| Calibrate Rule Height | Have precise metrics and a generally taller height for thicker materials | |
| CAD | Utilize Computer Assisted Design (CAD) software to precisely design die | |
| Set Pressure Requirements | Optimize pressure settings based off of selected material | |
| Die Construction | Experienced Toolers | Guarantee Top Quality Dies are created by experts |
| Material Selection for Dies | Steel is often used for versatility, while harder products may require more wear-resistant materials | |
| Milling and Heat Treatment | Help ensure sharp and durable edges for the die | |
| Produce Test Products | Initial products are evaluated to ensure die’s quality before production | |
| Project Execution | Precise Calibrations | Machines are set to client’s specific requirements |
| Sample Tests | Integrated to ensure dimensions and tolerances remain up to standard throughout production | |
| Lubrication and Maintenance | Prevent degradation or other errors by keeping machinery in shape throughout longer productions | |
| Waste Management and Scrap Reclamation Systems | Utilize where possible to avoid excess costs and ensure ROI |
Our Flatbed Die Cutting Process
Our foremost concern is the quality of the products we produce. We are here to ensure that all components and designs are cut to your specifications and perfectly fulfill their function. The below diagram outlines our process for ensuring that your product fits your needs and is of the utmost quality.
Stage One - Consultation and Design
For every initial consultation, we go over your design specifications and determine the important requirements for your product, including which type of die cutting will be used, the material best suited to the product, as well as material, finishing, and tolerance requirements. We will also create a prototype if necessary. After the final design is approved, we create a number of test products to confirm the design is flawless before we begin production.
Stage Two - Testing and Refinement
The test products are put through a number of evaluations, including testing for tolerance levels, overall dimension, and fit and function to ensure the highest level of quality. If the product is not up to standard, we will help improve the design to guarantee the most efficient manufacturing process. The customer may also evaluate the products themselves and provide feedback. Our team can produce multiple iterations of the product to further ensure its quality and functionality.
Stage Three - Production and Scaling
Before going ahead with the full production, the product is assessed by our full QMS (quality management system) to guarantee its functional use and quality. After quickly equipping our machines to produce the order, we produce a small-scale production as a final fail-safe before the full production. All necessary adjustments can be made before the full production begins.
Getting Started
To request a quote or ask any questions you may have, please click the button below to visit our page, or call Josh at (707) 769-4488.
Or call Josh at (707) 769-4488