Die Cut Materials We Specialize In

Premium Die-Cutting Services for a Wide Variety of Materials

For over 75 years, Colvin Friedman has been offering premium die-cutting services at high production volumes for a wide variety of materials. Below we’ve organized our most commonly cut materials.

Paper
Polyester Films
Foam
Rubber
Foil
Adhesives
Plastics
Fabric
Composites
Felt
Fiberglass
Silicone
Metallic Foil
Nonwovens

Material Overview

As different materials are better suited to specific purposes or die-cutting processes, we often advise customers on the advantages of certain materials depending on the product seeking to be cut. Below we’ve given a breakdown of each material, its uses, and subtypes.

Plastics

Summary: Plastics are some of the most commonly die cut materials. They encompass a wide number of Polyester films, which are our specialty at Colvin Friedman. Plastic can vary widely in their thickness and durability, often requiring different die cutting techniques depending on their type.

Subtype	Advantages	Best Used For	Best Cut With
Polyethylene (PE)	Low cost, highly available, durable, produced at various densities	Packaging Liners Protective Films	Rotary or Flatbed Die Cutting (Depends on Density)
Polypropylene (PP)	More rigid than PE, durable, strong chemical and moisture resistance	Labels Packaging Car Parts Food/Beverage Containers	Flatbed Die Cutting
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)	Flame and chemical resistant, durable, easy to print on	Medical Supplies Car Interiors Signage Credit Cards	Rotary or Flatbed Die Cutting
Polystyrene (PS)	Produced in more rigid or foam forms, excellent clarity	Signage Packaging Craft Supplies Game pieces	Rotary or Flatbed Die Cutting
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)	Higher strength, resistant to gasses and moisture, recyclable	Labels Beverage Containers Packaging Films Lens Care products	Rotary Die Cutting
Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-Modified (PETG)	Strong combination of impact resistance, clarity, gloss, and flexibility	Medical Devices Food Packaging Signage Consumer Goods	Rotary or Flatbed Die Cutting

For more information about Plastics, click below.

Learn More About Plastics

Papers

Summary: Paper is commonly cut into packaging or card type materials. The various subtypes of paper vary by thickness, but is generally one of the easiest materials to cut.

Subtype	Advantages	Best Used For	Best Cut With
Cardstock	Slightly more durable, available in a variety of thicknesses, ideal for creasing	Greeting Cards Business Cards Packaging Tags	Flatbed Die Cutting
Kraft Paper	Slightly thicker, available in roll form, rustic appearance	Wrapping paper Envelopes Labels and Tags Book Covers	Rotary Die Cutting
Bond Paper	Ideal for printing, smooth appearance and texture, can be made heavier or lighter	Brochures Pamphlets Packaging Business Forms	Flatbed Die Cutting
Corrugated Cardboard	Stronger, more durable, provides support and cushioning for products	Folding boxes Retail Displays Shipping boxes File Boxes	Flatbed or Rotary Die Cutting (depending on thickness of cardboard)

For more information about Papers, click below.

Learn More About Papers

Composite Materials

Summary: Various composite materials (substances made by combining two or more other materials) are commonly die cut for clients in the automotive, aerospace, and construction industries. While individually, each material can vary greatly, they are commonly valued for being lightweight, durable, or high strength.

Subtype	Advantages	Best Used For	Best Cut With
Fiberglass	Strong, corrosion resistant, good insulator	Aerospace Components Automotive Panels Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)	Flatbed Die Cutting
Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP)	Impressive strength-to-weight ratio, stiff material	Electronics Automotive and Aerospace parts Sports Equipment	Flatbed Die Cutting
Kevlar	Lightweight, impact resistant, high tensile strength	Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Automotive and Aerospace parts Sports Equipment	Flatbed Die Cutting
Thermoplastic Composites (TPC)	Reduced weight, strong impact resistance	Medical Supplies Electronics Components Automotive Parts	Rotary Die Cutting

For more information about Composite Materials, click below.

Learn More About Composite Materials

Foils

Summary: Both metallic and non-metal foils are commonly die cut, as they are frequently available in sheet or roll form. They are ideal for many products as they offer both strength and versatility, and are used for their functional and aesthetic value.

Subtype	Advantages	Best Used For	Best Cut With
Aluminum Foil	Thinner metal foil, lightweight, good conductor of heat and electricity	Food Packaging Insulation Labels Pharmaceutical Packaging	Flatbed or Rotary Die Cutting
Copper Foil	Good conductor, malleable, able to be cut into intricate designs	Electronics Circuit components Crafts	Flatbed Die Cutting
Mylar Foil	Polyester foil, flexibility, resistance to tearing, various finishes	Reflective Surfaces Various Packagings Product Labels Balloons	Rotary or Flatbed Die Cutting
Gold or Silver Foil	Valuable for heightened aesthetic appeal, resistance to corrosion	Book binding Decorative Elements Electronic parts	Flatbed Cutting

For more information about Foils, click below.

Learn More About Foils

Miscellaneous Materials

Summary: Below we’ve compiled some information on specific materials we have extensive experience in.

Subtype	Advantages	Best Used For	Best Cut With
Rubber	Flexibility, durability, resilience, great insulator	Gaskets Various Seals Medical Devices	Rotary or Flatbed Die Cutting
Leather	Can be die cut into precise shapes, aesthetic or practical use	Decorative Elements Lining Upholstery	Rotary or Steel Rule Die Cutting
Felts	Soft and fibrous, made out of natural or artificial materials, versatile	Crafts Apparel Polishing Pads Furniture padding	Flatbed Die Cutting
Silicone	High heat tolerance, flexibility, durability, safety in medical contexts	Medical Supplies Gaskets Dampening pads Electronic Insulators	Flatbed or Rotary Die Cutting

For more information about Rubbers, Leathers, Felts, or Silicone, click below.

Learn More About Miscellaneous Materials

Material Selection and Best Practices

We are able to help our clients select the specific material that is best for their product. For every project, we employ the following practices to ensure success. They include:

Initial Design Consultation - Detailed review helps us understand the end use requirements of your product
Verify Criteria - We confirm the tolerance, depth, and scheduling requirements to aid in selecting a material or die cutting procedure.
Detailed Material Suggestion - If necessary, we will advise you as to the subtype, thickness, or density of the material.
Prototypes and Test Runs - Prior to full production, we can evaluate prototypes, create test products, and change the material as needed to guarantee the best quality component or product.

Why Choose Colvin Friedman

Along with our extensive experience with plastics, composite materials, papers, and a host of other die cut materials, we are able to advise and help our clients select the correct materials for each of their products. All of our clients and projects are managed by our Vice President, Josh Rodman, meaning you are never more than one call away from the die cutting process. Our large production capacity gives you the results of a factory with the customer service of a small shop.

For more information on our materials, or to request a die cutting quote, click the button or use the number below to call Josh.

Request a Die Cutting Quote

Or call Josh at (707) 769-4488

Request for Quote

Name:
Email:
Phone:
Comment: