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 |
|
Rotary or Flatbed Die Cutting (Depends on Density) |
| Polypropylene (PP) | More rigid than PE, durable, strong chemical and moisture resistance |
|
Flatbed Die Cutting |
| Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) | Flame and chemical resistant, durable, easy to print on |
|
Rotary or Flatbed Die Cutting |
| Polystyrene (PS) | Produced in more rigid or foam forms, excellent clarity |
|
Rotary or Flatbed Die Cutting |
| Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) | Higher strength, resistant to gasses and moisture, recyclable |
|
Rotary Die Cutting |
| Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-Modified (PETG) | Strong combination of impact resistance, clarity, gloss, and flexibility |
|
Rotary or Flatbed Die Cutting |
For more information about Plastics, click below.
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 |
|
Flatbed Die Cutting |
| Kraft Paper | Slightly thicker, available in roll form, rustic appearance |
|
Rotary Die Cutting |
| Bond Paper | Ideal for printing, smooth appearance and texture, can be made heavier or lighter |
|
Flatbed Die Cutting |
| Corrugated Cardboard | Stronger, more durable, provides support and cushioning for products |
|
Flatbed or Rotary Die Cutting (depending on thickness of cardboard) |
For more information about Papers, click below.
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 |
|
Flatbed Die Cutting |
| Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) | Impressive strength-to-weight ratio, stiff material |
|
Flatbed Die Cutting |
| Kevlar | Lightweight, impact resistant, high tensile strength |
|
Flatbed Die Cutting |
| Thermoplastic Composites (TPC) | Reduced weight, strong impact resistance |
|
Rotary Die Cutting |
For more information about Composite Materials, click below.
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 |
|
Flatbed or Rotary Die Cutting |
| Copper Foil | Good conductor, malleable, able to be cut into intricate designs |
|
Flatbed Die Cutting |
| Mylar Foil | Polyester foil, flexibility, resistance to tearing, various finishes |
|
Rotary or Flatbed Die Cutting |
| Gold or Silver Foil | Valuable for heightened aesthetic appeal, resistance to corrosion |
|
Flatbed Cutting |
For more information about Foils, click below.
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 |
|
Rotary or Flatbed Die Cutting |
| Leather | Can be die cut into precise shapes, aesthetic or practical use |
|
Rotary or Steel Rule Die Cutting |
| Felts | Soft and fibrous, made out of natural or artificial materials, versatile |
|
Flatbed Die Cutting |
| Silicone | High heat tolerance, flexibility, durability, safety in medical contexts |
|
Flatbed or Rotary Die Cutting |
For more information about Rubbers, Leathers, Felts, or Silicone, click below.
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.
Or call Josh at (707) 769-4488