For gaskets, rubberized parts, to prevent arcing or any other number of reasons, using rubber, foam, sponge, fiber, fabrics or plastic or vinyl film can offer a very cost-effective, efficient and durable option.
Producing these components out of nonmetallic materials requires the use of some type of a die-cutting service. For today’s equipment and electronics, a precision die cutting method will be critical to ensure the gasket or the component fits perfectly without any deviation from the desired shape.
Finding a company that offers precision die cutting is not always easy as many companies have only limited equipment or may be restricted as to the size of the material they can handle.
Support and Assistance
Often in prototype design and development the need for a gasket or for a nonmetallic type of component becomes evident to the team. Knowing what type of material to use, what adhesive to choose and even if precision die cutting is the best option for the process can be difficult.
Choose a company for your die-cutting that offers an in-house design and engineering team that will work with your company. This partnership will allow you to benefit from the expertise and experience of the die-cutting service while also finding the best quality and lowest cost production and material considerations.
Tolerances
Tolerances are the amount of deviation from the original design specifications that can be guaranteed through the production of the project. Tight tolerances mean that there is limited deviation acceptable and the die-cutting will need to be extremely precise.
State of the art equipment offering precision and accuracy will be required for these types of jobs. Many companies offering nonmetallic die-cutting may offer precision cutting, but they may also have slow production speeds and increased costs. Top companies will be able to deliver the project components you need on time and on budget.
Turnaround Times and Volume Requirements
Turnaround times refer to the time you place the order until the time you can anticipate delivery. Many of the best companies offer very short turnaround or lead times because they have the equipment and the trained staff to get the job done.
Make sure also verify the company you are considering for your die-cutting requirements is able to process the volume of parts needed. Some companies only handle high volume orders while others are more geared to smaller orders and then there are those companies equally equipped to process either option.