Monday, January 9, 2012

Why Use Die Cutting?

Contract die cutting or OEM die cutting is an important part of the manufacturing process that uses this method to sheer low-strength materials into the desired shape. It is used when the manufacturing process calls for large numbers of materials that are in the same form. The process can be used for a number of materials that are used in processes where the die cut piece undergoes further processing before reaches its final form. Using this method can often produce the needed pieces much more quickly and more precisely then someone can do it themselves.

This process uses specially shaped blades that are bent in accordance with the product that is being manufactured. The blade is mounted to a strong backing, producing a die of the desired shape. The process is rather simple, the material being cut is laid on a flat surface with the support of backing. The die is pressed into the material to cut it. The process depends on what is being cut. In some cases, the die may cut only one piece at a time. At other times, the material may be stacked in more than one piece can be processed. It is much the same process as using a cookie cutter. Knowledge of how to shape the blades and mount them is something that a contract die cutter can often do more cost effectively than someone who is less experienced. If the die is not perfect, then it can result in wasted scrap, which of course, can cost considerable time and money. It is more cost-effective than if one tries to do the job themselves.

In many manufacturing processes, this technique is particularly tedious work. It can also be expensive, particularly if you have to buy the machinery. Die cutting is a specialized field and finding people who do this type of work can be expensive and hard to find. Many times contract die cutting is less expensive than doing it in-house. Companies that specialize in contract die cutting can often do the job much more quickly and easily then the manufacturer could themselves.

If the job involves the processing of parts to OEM standards, then this is an entirely different issue altogether. OEM die cutting standards are performed to very strict tolerances. If parts do not pass OEM die cutting tolerances, then they cannot move on to be used in the final process. OEM die cutting requires both the proper equipment, and experience. Rejected parts are like wasted money. Some manufacturing companies perform OEM die cutting on a number of materials including filter material, felt, thin plastics, HDPE, mylar, vinyl, polymers, foam, sponge, rubber, leather, other non metals, paper, textiles, and cork.

Some companies have machines that can handle up to 2000 pounds of raw material. If the material has been purchased and the job is not done right, it is just money down the drain. Manufacturers are better off hiring an expert who can do the job right the first time, than wasting time and effort only to find that they do not have the expertise that it takes to perform die cutting operations to the precise standards required.

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