In Business for 75 Years, Colvin Friedman has the Experience to Meet all your Steel Rule Die-Cutting Needs

One of the oldest die-cutting companies in the United States, Colvin Friedman’s experience speaks for itself. We have cut millions of units, fulfilled thousands of orders, and are known for our quality steel rule die-cutting. The table below outlines our steel rule die-cutting capabilities.

Our Steel Rule Die Cutting Capabilities/Specs

Steel rule dies are utilized in flatbed die cutting to affordably and efficiently maintain an accurate die cut. Steel rule die-cutting uses a specific type of die made of hardened steel rule, pressed into the back of laser etched high quality plywood and/or acrylic.

We can generally utilize steel rule dies to cut products within the following parameters. We may be able to cut projects outside of these parameters, depending on the size and material. For projects under this range, we may recommend rotary die-cutting. If we cannot cut your product, we will refer you to someone who can.

Specifically, we utilize steel rule dies with the following characteristics:

• Large array of rule types
• Custom/standard punches
• Custom ejection foam layouts
• Custom base/rule heights
• Custom base materials
• Custom fixturing
• Registration pins
• Ejection pins
• Stripper plates
• Vacuum slug removal
• Complex shapes

We Specialize in Thin Gauge Film and Sheet Plastics

Common Uses for Steel Rule Die Cutting

Steel rule dies are a versatile tool and can be used for a wide variety of products. It is most commonly used for cutting two-dimensional, mass-produced components out of stock and custom materials. Some of the most common applications are compiled in the table below.

Materials Used

We are able to steel rule die-cut most materials for your products or components. Our most frequently used materials are outlined below:

Choosing a Material

If you are uncertain about which material is right for you, we can provide a recommendation that best suits the needs of your project. We consider the following factors to keep in mind when selecting a material to be die-cut:

• Material Properties: As different projects require the end product to withstand different mechanical and environmental pressures, we consider various physical properties like durability, flexibility, and resistance to heat, moisture, and chemicals.
• Material Form: Steel rule die-cut materials generally will be sheet material, but we can process rolls when necessary.
• Production Volume and Cost Efficiency: We take into account your budget when selecting materials. With a relatively quick setup time, steel rule die-cutting can be a great option for smaller productions or larger productions when the materials require it. We want to ensure the selected material gives you the best return on your investment.
• End-Use Requirements: Finally, we consider the product’s final function, examining the material’s color, finish, conductivity, and insulation. We select a material with the necessary durability and rigidity to ensure the most precise cut and best quality product.

Our experts are able to help consult to select the best materials and inform you of your options. For more information contact our Vice President, Josh Rodman, via the number below.

Or call Josh at (707) 769-4488

Our Experience & Expertise

With experience stretching across the better part of a century, we have steel rule die cut products for companies across the US and the World. Our expertise includes the production of:

Steel Rule Die Cutting: Is It Right for You?

Customers are often unsure if steel rule die-cutting is the right die-cutting option for their project. The following checklist provides a list of considerations and potential advantages to review when considering steel die-cutting.

• Material and Volume Requirements: Steel rule die-cutting machines can cut a wide variety of softer or semi-rigid materials, generally fed through in sheet form, but we can also process rolled materials when necessary.
• Adaptability and Design Flexibility: Steel rule dies are generally inexpensive to produce, and are a great option if your design plan is subject to change. The speed and lower cost with which they are produced will significantly lower potential additional costs.
• Speed and Cost Efficiency: Steel Rule die cutting requires a very quick and efficient setup and the machine is very simply operated. This allows for a relatively fast turnaround that is ideal for smaller to medium-sized product orders and lowers your cost per unit.

If your project has requirements different than these, we may be able to offer Rotary die cutting as an alternate option. Below we have outlined some advantages and disadvantages.

Steel Rule Die Cutting vs Rotary Die Cutting

If you are unsure if steel rule die cutting is the best choice for your project, please contact our experts who can provide you with more information, as well as additional options. To get a free quote or begin the process, please click the button below.

Or call Josh at (707) 769-4488

Our Steel Rule Die Cutting Process

Our process is fine-tuned to ensure the products we produce are of the highest quality. We make sure all components and designs are cut to your specifications and perfectly fulfill their function. The below diagram outlines our process.

Stage One - Consultation and Design

During our first consultation, we begin by considering the purpose of your products, your design specifications, and the style of die cutting best suited to the component. We determine the appropriate material, as well as the finishing and tolerance requirements of the product. If necessary, we will design a prototype. Following the design approval, we create a series of test products to verify the design’s quality.

Stage Two - Testing and Refinement

Before the process starts, the test products are put through a number of evaluations of their tolerance levels, overall dimension, functionality, and fitness. The design will be refined and improved if the test product does not meet the highest standard. Customers are welcome to perform their own tests through our first article approval process prior to the production run.

Stage Three - Production and Scaling

The product is continually tested throughout production by our full QMS (quality management system) to guarantee its fitness. Quality tests are performed at the incoming, in-process, and final stages of production, and sampling procedures can vary based on customer specifications.

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