Die cutting is a cutting process that is used for cutting a variety of materials, such as paper, foam and rubber. Fully automated machines are used for die cutting in large volume. The die cutting process involves placing the material to be cut in the die cutting machine; after the material is in position, the die pushes through the material to cut it, then releases it. The die cut piece and leftover scraps are taken out of the machine. The process repeats until all of material is cut.

Die cutting can be performed by a die cutting service, or equipment can be purchased to bring die cutting in-house. The nature of your business and the volume of die cutting you will need will help determine whether you purchase equipment or outsource this portion of your work. As you think through your options, consider the following:

1. Locate die cutting services and equipment for rubber die cutting

2. Have custom foam pieces cut with die cutting presses

3. Find paper die cutting services and equipment

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find resources for rubber die cutting

When specialty rubber pieces are required by your business, have the pieces created through rubber die cutting. Work with a commercial rubber die cutting service to have rubber pieces designed and manufactured to meet your specifications, or purchase the equipment to bring the die cutting in-house.

I recommend: Acme Rubber is a custom die cutting service for rubber products. They help clients with designs as well to turn ideas into finished products. Purchase rubber die cutting machines from Azco. Choose from die cutting presses that are new or used. When your in-house rubber die cutting requires additional tools, turn to Mitchell. They have an inventory of rubber cutting tools that includes lathes, rubber grinders and knife trimmers.

Have custom foam pieces cut with die cutting presses

Custom foam die cuts can be used for specific product packaging needs and for making custom pieces for a product. Custom foam die cutting services are available for outsourcing this portion of your business, or equipment can be purchased for in-house production.

I recommend: Associated Pacific carries self-feeding and material-specific foam die cutting presses. They sell die cutting equipment at discounted prices. Design Converting offers custom and standard die cutting services. They provide die cut foam pieces for the automotive, appliance, electronic and consumer product industries.

Locate paper die cutting services and equipment

Paper die cutting is commonly used for paper crafting. Services are available for bulk paper die cutting, or equipment can be purchased. Electronic die cutting equipment is a precise and quick way of paper cutting.

I recommend: Print USA is a die cutting service. They have the capability to cut unique images from paper, paper board and card stock. You can have them manufacture a die for you or provide a die for them to use. Allbrands is a retailer that sells cricut die cutting machines. Use 12 by 12 inch or 12 by 24 inch pieces of paper in the cricut die cutting machine. This machine has electronic and metric options.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When your rubber and foam die cutting needs require more than one process, it is likely to be more cost-efficient to have to work outsourced to die cutting company that specializes in these materials.