Best Medical Die Cutting Services
Medical products can have complex shapes and stringent requirements. At Colvin-Friedman, we not only provide die-cutting services for designs and materials that other companies cannot, but we have been doing so for 75 years. With the capability to ramp up to 2,000 to 4,000 parts per hour, Colvin Friedman is your partner for the most delicate and/or the most high-throughput projects in the medical industry.
Or call Josh at (707) 769-4488
Examples of Medical Products We Can Die Cut, By Material
| Material Type | Products |
|---|---|
| Adhesive Materials | - Adhesive bandages - Medical tapes - Transdermal patches - Electrode pads for ECG/EKG and TENS units |
| Fabric and Non-woven Materials | - Surgical drapes - Disposable gowns - Non-adhesive gauze pads - Compression bandages - Filter media for face masks and respirators |
| Plastic and Polymer Films | - Diagnostic test strips - Packaging materials for sterile medical supplies - Protective covers for medical equipment - Simple components for wearable medical devices |
| Foam Materials | - Padding for prosthetics and orthotics - Cushioning for medical equipment packaging - Absorbent materials for wound care products |
| Rubber and Silicone | - Gaskets and seals for medical equipment - Tubing connectors - Simple valves for medical devices |
Best Practices for Medical Die-Cutting
As noted above, die cutting for the medical industry can include several different materials, each with its particular strengths and weaknesses. We put together a table of best practices for each material type. If a die-cutting vendor mentions these issues and how to handle them, they may not be properly equipped to work with you on high-stakes projects with stringent requirements.
Issues and Best Practices for Medical Die-Cutting of Adhesives
| Issue | Best Practice |
|---|---|
| Adhesive buildup on cutting dies | Clean dies with solvents and use non-stick coatings; implement a rotation system for large production runs. |
| Sterility concerns with adhesives | Use clean rooms for sterility, or implement proper handling procedures and UV sterilization for specific applications. |
| Maintaining adhesive qualities during run | Ensure constant temperature and relative humidity during production and storage. |
Issues and Best Practices for Die Cutting Fabric and Fibers
| Issue | Best Practice |
|---|---|
| Fraying Edges | Keep dies sharp; ultrasonic cutting may help for certain products. |
| Material Integrity After Cutting | Monitor pressure and speed; use minimum force and frequently test samples. |
| Static Electricity Buildup | Use anti-static bars or ionizers to reduce clumping; anti-static sprays are also effective in some cases. |
Issues and Best Practices for Die Cutting Plastics and Films for Medical Products
| Issue | Best Practice |
|---|---|
| Achieving Clean Cuts on Thin Films | Use vacuum systems to keep films flat during cutting. |
| Preventing Warping/Distortion | Implement backing systems to support the film throughout the process. |
| Maintaining Dimensional Stability | Acclimate materials to production conditions; maintain consistent temperature and humidity in storage. |
Issues and Best Practices for Die Cutting Foams
| Issue | Best Practice |
|---|---|
| Consistent Density Across Cuts | Use dies with varied blade angles and match cutting speed to pressure requirements. |
| Variations in Foam Thickness | Utilize adjustable cutting depths and floating cutting heads to account for thickness variability. |
| Limiting Tearing and Pulling | Implement an initial score cut followed by a through cut for thicker foams. |
Issues and Best Practices for Die Cutting Rubber and Silicone
| Issue | Best Practice |
|---|---|
| Dealing with Material Stretching | Use stabilizing backing materials and optimize cutting speed and pressure to reduce deformation. |
| Clean Cuts on Soft Materials | Keep dies sharp, consider non-stick coatings, or chill dies before use. |
| Preventing Flash and Burrs | Cryogenic deflashing is effective, but proper die design and controlled pressure are critical. |
Of course, these are not the only concerns that any company has when choosing the right die-cutting company to help prepare their medical products. Other concerns are important to address before deciding on a vendor.
Or call Josh at (707) 769-4488
Key Things to Know in Choosing a Medical Die-Cutting Supplier
Below we’ve compiled a list of questions and areas of concern that we have addressed with our medical device and product clients over the more than 75 years that we have been in business. We’ve included the rationales that companies have provided us and are more than happy to answer these questions for any potential client.
| Category | Factor | Colvin Friedman Data |
|---|---|---|
| Experience | Years in Medical Device Manufacturing | 75 years in die-cutting for industries requiring stringent standards, including medical and electronics. |
| Technical Capabilities | Maximum Die Cutting Size | 16 inches for rotary die press; 40 inches for flatbed cutting. |
| Maximum Thickness | 0.015 inches for rotary; 0.5 inches for flatbed cutting. | |
| Tolerance Levels | +/- 0.0005 inches for rotary; +/- 0.010 inches for flatbed cutting. | |
| Materials Experience | Understanding of Various Materials | Expertise in die-cutting different materials, as shown in the tables above. |
| Turnaround Time | Initial Die Prototypes | 1-3 days for rush jobs. |
| Initial Production Runs | Three weeks. | |
| Capacity | Output Rate | 40,000 units per hour for rotary die cutting; 2,000 - 4,000 units per hour for flatbed cutting. |
| Additional Services | Design Assistance | Experience navigating inventory management systems and providing design assistance. |
Get Your Medical Die Cutting Quote from Colvin-Friedman
Since getting our start at the dawn of the electronics age more than 75 years ago, Colvin-Friedman has always focused on delivering expert results for our clients. If you are looking for medical die-cutting, feel free to reach out for a quote on our services using the short form on this page. If you have any questions about our process, don’t hesitate to call our Vice President, Josh Rodman. He’s available at (707) 769-4488. We look forward to earning your business.
Or call Josh at (707) 769-4488