CA Die Cutting Services
Die Cutting of Plastic
Custom Die Cut

Expert Tape Die Cutting Services

In our decades of experience, we’ve worked with all varieties of tape and adhesive materials, proving ourselves to be experts in the field. Tapes vary widely in their material base, density, and uses, often requiring different techniques or blades to ensure an efficient process. If a die cutter is not attentive to these differences, a subpar product may result. We tailor each process to your individual projects’ needs and the specifics of your selected material and use case.

While there is a near-infinite variety of specific tapes, below are some of the most common ones we have worked with:

  • Pressure Sensitive Tapes (PSA’s)
  • Polyimide Tape (Kapton Tape)
  • Double Sided Tape
  • Polyurethane Foam Tape
  • Electrical Insulation Tape

Best Practices: Tape Die Cutting

Consistently Adhesive Residue From Dies

Concern
While this may vary depending on the variety of adhesive used in the tape, tapes can be messy to cut and may leave behind adhesive on dies, potentially degrading the quality of subsequent cuts and even damaging the machines.
Solution
It is essential to regularly clean and lubricate the dies throughout the cutting process to avoid this type of build-up and achieve a cut. Additionally, our constant QMS process helps monitor for potential errors and ensure a smooth operation.

Release Liner Management

Concern
Many tape products involve a release liner, or a strip of paper or film that protects the layer of adhesive from accidentally sticking to anything. This can present a challenge to cutting, creating more opportunities for the product to rip or the liner to shift during cutting.
Solution
Release liners should always be inspected for bubbles or wrinkles, and machines must be precisely calibrated to avoid issues and set cutting depth.

Control Temperatures to Avoid Adhesive Bleed

Concern
Exerting excessive heat or pressure on the adhesive in a tape may cause it to bleed out the edges of the material, ruining the product or the machinery.
Solution
Ensure machines are pre-tested and do not exert excessive pressure or heat on the material.

Proper Die Selection

Concern
Due to the wide variability of base materials that a tape might be made of, it is important to ensure that the die you select is tooled so as to cut that specific material. Otherwise, the dies may incur excess wear and tear throughout the cutting process.
Solution
Ensure your dies are made by expert die makers, high-quality materials like hardened steel are used to create the die, and that your die cutter has experience handling a wide variety of materials.

Mitigate Static

Concern
Plastic tapes often generate excess amounts of static electricity from the friction during the die cutting process. This can attract dust and other contaminants, degrading the product’s quality.
Solution
Utilizing anti-static sprays, blowers, or equipment can help reduce the buildup of particles.

Tapes are generally die cut to specific shapes or configurations, often to accommodate bonding a specific product to another surface. This can be done on a smaller or larger scale for standardized applications.

We’ve organized some of the most commonly handled ones into categories. Read more about the different tapes in each category below.


Bonding Tapes

Bonding Tapes are designed to bond surfaces or components together. They can vary in strength and base material and are some of the most commonly available tapes.

Subtype Description Often Used For Best Cut With
Double Sided Tape Per its name, double-sided tape has adhesive on both sides and is incredibly versatile, available in numerous thicknesses. Its adhesive can be made with both acrylic and rubber-based formulations, while the carrier material is available in foam, cloth, or PET or PP films.
  • Mounting Displays/Posters
  • Bonding for Electronics
  • Packaging Seals
Rotary or Flatbed Die Cutting
Adhesive Transfer Tape Similar to Double Sided Tape, Adhesive Transfer Tape is sticky on both sides, but it does not have a carrier material, making it less expensive and ideal for tightly bonding materials together.
  • Custom placements for Electronics
  • Graphic Materials
Rotary or Flatbed Die Cutting
VBH Tape (Very High Bond) VBH Tape is prized for its high bond rate and durability, and often replaces screws or fasteners. It has excellent shear strength and is environmentally resistant, making it ideal for outdoor applications.
  • Construction Applications
  • Attaching trim
  • Custom Automotive Bonding
Rotary or Flatbed Die Cutting

Foam Tapes

Different forms of Foam Tape are often utilized to provide cushioning or insulation between components. They can be soft and come in a variety of thicknesses.

Subtype Description Often Used For Best Cut With
Polyurethane Foam Tape (PU Foam Tape) Polyurethane Foam tape is valued for its flexibility and softer texture. It is commonly used to help provide shock absorption and cushioning.
  • Securing Gaskets and Seals
  • Vibration Absorbing Pads
Rotary or Flatbed Die Cutting
Acrylic Foam Tape Acrylic Foam Tape is valued for its overall strength. It adheres to most surfaces very well and is resistant to light and weathering.
  • Mounting Automotive Trim
  • Bonding to Metal to Glass or Plastic
  • Custom Electronic Mounts
Rotary or Flatbed Die Cutting
Polyethylene Foam Tape (PE Foam Tape) PE Foam Tape is used for moisture and chemical-resistant properties. It is lightweight and relatively durable.
  • HVAC/Automotive Insulation
  • Sealing/Gap Filling
  • Packaging
Flatbed Die Cutting

Electrical and High Temperature Tapes

Electrical and High-Temperature Tapes are designed to be resistant to extreme external forces, like intense heat or to provide electrical insulation or conductivity. Certain tapes in this category, like Polyimide tape, have both heat-resistant and insulating capabilities.

Subtype Description Often Used For Best Cut With
Polyimide Tape (Kapton Tape) Polyimide tape, commonly branded as Kapton Tape, is made form a Polyimide film and can withstand up to 500°F or 260°C. They are also excellent electrical insulators and are generally chemical resistant.
  • Circuit Board Insulation
  • Wave Soldering Masks
  • Aerospace Applications
Rotary Die Cutting
PVC Electrical Insulation Tape PVC Electrical Insulation tape is a widely used, general insulation tape. It is flexible and durable.
  • Insulation in Electrical Products
  • Cable Protection
  • Die-Cut Electrical Labels
Rotary or Flatbed Die Cutting
Copper Foil Tape Copper Foil Tape can come in insulating or conductive varieties. Often made with an Acrylic adhesive, Copper Foil Tape is also flame retardant and often used in electrical contexts.
  • EMI/RFI Shielding
  • Stained Glass
Rotary Die Cutting

Protective and Masking Tapes

These tapes are most commonly utilized to cover and protect surfaces during different maintenance or installation processes. They are frequently used in painting or coating.

Subtype Description Often Used For Best Cut With
Protective Film Tape Protective Film Tapes can be made from most polymer films. They are ideal for temporary use and leave behind little to no residue.
  • Glass Protection
  • Protection for Electronics Assembly
Rotary or Flatbed Die Cutting
Masking Tape Masking Tape is available with both polymer and paper-based backings. They remove easily with little residue.
  • Bundling Applications
  • Automotive Applications
  • Painting Applications
Rotary or Flatbed Die Cutting

Need More Information?

If you have a question about a specific tape, our capabilities, or require a specific shape to be cut for a larger project, please call our vice president, Josh Rodman via the number below, or click the button and receive a free project quote.

Or call Josh at (707) 769-4488

Request for Quote