Die Cutting

Die cutting is the most common and efficient method of gasket fabrication, using a metal die and a cutting machine. Advantages of die-cut gaskets are the customization and low set-up costs without major tooling expenses. Web Seal uses a variety of hydraulic and mechanical equipment, from two-hand push button controlled clickers to Preco and other high-speed multi-function presses in our die-cutting operations.

Three common types of dies are used in die-cut manufacturing:

Steel-rule dies

• • Can be used to cut all non-metal materials
  • Tolerances are typically +/- 0.015” depending on material type and thickness
  • Can be made quickly, usually less than one week
  • Relatively inexpensive, approximately $100-$500 per die

Hard-steel tooling

• • Hard-steel tools can cut parts with much tighter tolerances, typically +/- 0.008” depending on material type and thickness
  • Takes 4-6 weeks to produce tooling
  • Costs are higher, usually more than $3,000 per tool

Hybrid dies

• • Provide the lower costs of steel-rule dies with the tighter tolerance advantages of hard-steel dies
  • Tolerances are +/- 0.010” depending on material type and thickness
  • Takes 2-4 weeks to produce hybrid tooling