Steel Rule Die Cutting

What is through cutting?

Through cutting is the process of cutting completely through the material to the lower cutting surface.

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What are some limitations of steel rule die cutting?

Steel rule die cutting is limited by the intricacies of the die shape, the required tonnage and the cost.

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What is kiss cutting?

Kiss cutting is cutting the top layer of a laminated material without disturbing the underlying layer(s).

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How can tonnage requirements for different materials be calculated?

Calculating the tonnage requirements for different materials typically requires certain test equipment including a sharp circular die preferably l" circumference (diameter x (p ) 3.141), and an adjustable pressure press. The shear strength of the material is determined, using the die and press providing a Pounds/Linear Inch value. A few other factors must be compensated for such as the type of ejection being used, and the distance between rules (blades).

The values in the table are valid using a sharp 2 pt. X .937" rule (blade) without ejection. When calculating the tonnage requirements there are a few "rules of thumb"

Include an additional 15% for ejection.

Circles of .375" diameter and smaller are calculated as2.5 linear inches of rule.

Where two parallel rules (blades) are .25" or less from one another, add 1/2 length of the shorter rule.

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