Custom die-cut gaskets solve a host of problems. As foams, sheet rubber and adhesives become more advanced, the possibilities expand. Gaskets make our world increasingly quieter, better connected, more portable and better designed.  

Foam Expo is an opportune time for engineers and product designers to collect samples of the best materials on the market. But the next step in the process is finding a converter to finish the foam, die-cutting it into functional gaskets. That’s where SRP comes in. 

We’re in the business of problem solving, identifying the best materials that enhance your product and die-cutting them with precision. 

Want proof? Here’s a sampling of our successes. 

Restoring Safety and Function to Gas Sensing Devices 

A manufacturer of a gas-sensing device was having serious issues with product design. The filter gasket was a critical component, sealing out dust and moisture and other contaminants. 

However, the closed cell foam gasket it was using had a high failure rate due to impact and compression set. 

Through our preferred partnership with Rogers, we quickly identified a substitute for the gasket: Rogers PORON® 92 formulation. Its superior resilience offered enhanced sealing ability — and better protection of the health and safety of the end users. 

Read our case study: Identifying the Right Gasket Material to Restore Function to a Gas Detector

3M^™ VHB^™ Tape Shortens Production 

Metal fasteners are effective but aren’t without their downsides. Installation is messy and labor intensive. Over time, even a slight loosening causes irritating rattles and vibration for the end user. 

Our automotive client was seeking a quieter, streamlined alternative to metal parts. Thanks to our deep expertise in 3M^™ VHB^™ tape, we had the best formulation at our fingertips. 

This pressure sensitive adhesive has a powerful bonding strength that’s easily applied — helping our customer save significant cost through production efficiency. 

Read our case study: 3M^™ VHB^™ tape for Automotive Application

Protection and Longevity For Fire Safety Devices 

A manufacturer of fire safety devices needed something long-lasting but protective. Smoke detectors require gaskets that resist flame and heat along with a compression set. 

Our solution: BISCO Silicone HT-800 foam. It can take a constant temperature of 392 degrees Fahrenheit and constant pressure to maintain a protective seal for the life of the device. When lives are on the line, performance is paramount. 

Read our case study: High Temperature Gaskets For a High Temperature Application

Cost Savings and Rugged Protection 

When we can save our customers money — without sacrificing performance — we  will not hesitate to point out the less expensive option. 

A great example of that is this cabinet for a telecommunications application. All it needed for a seal was a simple, inexpensive closed cell sponge rubber that’s been on the market for years. 

Sure, there are advanced foam rubbers that cost more with impressive sounding properties. But if there’s no advantage, we’d never sell you the more expensive material. That’s our promise.  

Read our case study: Sealing Gasket for a Telecommunications Cabinet 

Here’s a second example of how we saved customers money: Switching to a More Cost Effective Material

SRP: Enhance Performance at the Best Value 

Some projects call from the latest and greatest material. Others need only a simple rubber that’s been around for decades. To us, what matters most is creating the best performance at the best value. Foam Expo is an opportune time to discuss smart solutions for your application. Fill out this form and let us know you want to talk to one our experts during Foam Expo.

Die-cut gaskets hold the world together. That’s why when you’re designing a custom gasket, you select the elastomers and adhesives with utmost consideration, or the consequences can be costly. Equally important to gasket design is selecting the right machining method to manufacture them, which is why custom gasket manufacturers invest in multiple die-cutting technologies. 

Die cutting and how it impacts cost and quality of your custom gasket 

Depending on your gasket and how they need to perform, each die cutting method has advantages and drawbacks. When choosing the best method, custom gasket manufacturers will weigh things like material properties, project volumes, tolerance requirements and output per volume. They also factor your top priorities, cost or quality. 

If you want to understand how and why your custom converter chooses a specific die cut to fabricate your gasket and its impact on project costs, this comparison guide provides a great starting point. 

Steel Rule Die Cutting

Steel-rule die cutting is by far the most common method for manufacturing gaskets. Like a mechanized cookie cutter, it presses a steel rule die directly into the material to cut the shape.  

Advantages 

• Cost-efficient for large production runs. 
• Higher throughput with the ability to nest additional rule within the steel rule to achieve multiple cuts in a single pass. 
• Consistent clean cuts and smooth edges. 
• Low upfront costs for custom-shaped dies. 

Consideration 

• May cause some material displacement. 

Rotary Die Cutting

Custom dies are fitted on a cylindrical anvil and rolled on the flat material to remove shapes and leave perforations in the material.  

Advantages 

• Exceptional throughput,ideal for high-volume or repeat projects. 
• Achieves consistently accurate kiss-cuts well as perforations. 
• Optimal method for producing pressure sensitive adhesive-backed components on a liner. 

Considerations 

• Greater lead time and expense for sourcing custom-shaped metal dies. 
• Less cost-efficient for small-volume or single production runs. 

Reciprocating Knife Cutting

A blade guided by a robotic router cuts precise shapes from sheets of foam and other flat materials. 

Advantages 

• Eliminates the need for custom dies for shorter lead times and no tooling costs. All that’s needed is an updated CAD file.
• A true multi-purpose tool with the highest variety of cuts at various depths, all within the same production run. Including: kiss-cuts, creasing, milling-routing, punching, engraving and angle cutting.
• Produces highest yields per inch of material with computer-guided nesting software to get the most cuts that leave the least amount of matrix (waste material).

Considerations 

• Lower throughput than die methods. 

Waterjet Cutting

Waterjet cutting is another die-less method. It uses a pressurized stream of water from a computer-guided nozzle to cut shapes from flexible material with exceptional precision.

Advantages: 

• High precision to achieve narrow tolerances and dimensions. 
• Suitable for small volumes, prototyping and proof of concept. 
• No hardware costs as it eliminates the need to source custom-metal dies.  
• Achieves smooth edges, particularly from more challenging material such as foams and rubber that are rigid, thick or dense. 

Considerations 

• Longer throughput per unit increases production time, which can make large volume runs cost-prohibitive. 

Laser Cutting

A software-guided laser beam focuses heat onto sheet material to make precise cuts. 

Advantages

• Optimal for jobs with a fast turnaround and prototyping, similar to other dieless methods.  
• Produces intricate and delicate shapes with high precision, particularly from thin sheets of material. 

Considerations 

• High temperatures from the laser can leave burns and melted areas along the edging (known as the heat-affected zone), potentially impacting the gasket’s performance and appearance.
• Not suited for thicker materials, longer cutting times extend the heat-affected zone.  

Our manufacturing expertise, your benefit  

In manufacturing, every cent counts and the die-cutting method chosen by your custom converter will have a big impact on production volume as well as the quality of the product. Both have a large impact on the cost of your custom gasket. 

SRP has the latest equipment and manufacturing expertise to achieve the best production efficiency and gasket quality for your order. Contact us today to discuss your latest project. 

There’s no escaping electromagnetic waves. They occur naturally in the air, but they also emit from Electromagnetic interference (EMI) can disrupt electronics, corrupt data, and shorten the life of devices.  For OEMs designing smaller, more powerful electronics, gaskets designed to provide effective EMI shielding is essential. 

3M™’s new 5113 series of polyolefin-based conductive tapes offers an innovative solution — delivering both reliable shielding and strong adhesion to hard-to-bond substrates like polyethylene and polypropylene. 

Challenges in EMI shielding 

EMI shielding tape provides a lightweight multi-purpose solution, as it simultaneously shields and holds components in place. But there’s one unfortunate reality in product design: Materials like polyethylene and polypropylene offer advantageous properties such as lightweight and chemical resistance but pose adhesion challenges due to their low surface energy.​

Innovations in EMI shielding 

When innovative new products unlock new solutions for challenging designs, it’s a game changer for OEMs. 3M™ has developed the 5113 series of electrically conductive tapes, engineered to bond effectively to challenging low-surface-energy substrates while offering superior EMI shielding performance.​

What’s unique about the 3M™ 5113 series of electrically conductive tape?

The 3M™ 5113 series incorporates a proprietary polyolefin-based conductive pressure-sensitive adhesive (CPSA) and a conductive matrix carrier, facilitating strong adhesion to low-energy surfaces alongside effective EMI shielding.

Traditional acrylic or rubber-based adhesives often require surface primers or mechanical fasteners to bond to LSE (low surface energy) plastics. The 5113 series eliminates this step, simplifying assembly while maintaining shielding performance.

3M™ innovation: Polyolefin as a pressure-sensitive adhesive

The polyolefin-based PSA in the 3M™ 5113 series enhances design flexibility by enabling reliable adhesion to substrates like polyethylene and polypropylene, which are traditionally difficult to bond.​

Conductive components

The combination of a nickel/copper/nickel-coated conductive woven fabric carrier and the conductive polyolefin adhesive establishes a continuous electrical path, ensuring effective EMI shielding and protection for sensitive electronic components. 

Solutions and benefits of 3M™ 5113 series of electrically conductive tape

Configurations of 3M™ 5113 Series Electrically Conductive Tapes:

• 3M™ Electrically Conductive Single-Sided Tape 5113SFT-50 for dynamic shielding and covering applications
• 3M™ Electrically Conductive Double-Sided Tape 5113DFT-50 for complex grounding applications

Key Benefits of 3M™ 5113 Series Electrically Conductive Tapes:

• Four-year shelf life to deliver a reliable, consistent performance
• Greater design flexibility and versatility
• Higher temperature resistance: Long term, up to 105 degrees Celsius in humid conditions
• High adhesion and strong bonding to some low-energy surfaces, reducing the need for primers
• Highly comfortable, allowing for precision in placement in tight spaces to create EMI sealed bond lines
• Helps control signal interference through PIM mitigation for higher signal integrity and performance

Applications of 3M™ 5113 Series Electrically Conductive Tapes:

• Circuit interconnection
• Camera module grounding
• Electrostatic discharge (ESD)
• EMI shield and gasket attachment
• Shield can lid
• PCB/flex/chassis grounding
• Bond line gap shielding
• Medium pitch flexible circuits and PCBs
• PIM management

Industries for 3M™ 5113 Series Electrically Conductive Tapes:

• General industrial electronics
• Appliances, automotive and IoT devices
• Communications infrastructure
• Medical equipment

Source: 3M™ Electrically Conductive Tapes 5113 Series

EMI shielding solutions from SRP

Is the 3M™ 5113 series the electronically conductive tape you’ve been seeking? Talk to the experts at SRP. We collaborate with leading brands like 3M™ to identify the best materials for your project, procure what you require and precision die-cut to meet your exact specifications.Send us your CAD file and project requirements to get a prompt and hassle-free quote. Contact us today.

Electronic devices are remaking our world. But they can also be dangerous when they’re not designed and manufactured with the end user in mind. 

Why thermal management is critical in personal electronics 

Headlines about exploding laptops, hoverboards and smartphones in recent years highlight the importance of effective thermal management. Consumer safety and brand reputation are both at stake. 

What’s causing these explosions? Often, it’s a combination of factors — from battery defects or mechanical damage to insufficient thermal and circuit protection. As today’s devices become smaller and more powerful, they generate more heat in compact enclosures, increasing the importance of proper thermal management.

Then there’s the lithium-ion battery. Powerful, fast-charging and long-lasting, they also produce heat in the course of charging and discharging.

Excess heat degrades battery performance and battery life, or, worse, causes thermal runaway where the battery combusts or explodes. Prolonged exposure from high heat also damages components, shortening the life of the device. To mitigate the damage, effective heat management can help. 

Custom thermal management solutions by SRP

SRP can source the right heat and thermal management materials to help you overcome the challenges of designing compact, battery-powered electronic devices that end users can feel safe about using. The trust of your brand is at stake. Let us help you identify the best solution.

Thermally Conductive Tapes

Designed for high thermal conductivity to effectively transfer heat away, they come in various adhesive strengths and can be custom die-cut into the exact dimensions to integrate with your product. Streamline your design while enhancing heat and temperature control.

Insulating Tapes

Features insulation properties that prevent heat transfer where it’s not wanted. These foam-backed tapes come in various thicknesses that can be customized with the desired adhesive properties.

Thermal Interface Materials (TIM)

Made of lightweight material, thermal interface materials can be placed directly on the surfaces of delicate electronic components without damaging them. They also conform to rough and irregular surfaces to eliminate pockets and gaps — spaces where heat collects and builds. We custom die-cut thermal interface material to bridge components directly to the heat sink and completely fill the gaps. Heat is dissipated and components operate safely for their expected life span.

Closed-Cell Foam Insulation

Lightweight insulation foams such as BISCO® HT-870 or BISCO® BF-1000 shields sensitive elements from outside heat sources or other heat-generating elements. These can be precision die-cut and laminated to pressure-sensitive tape for precise sealing and gap filling. Because these insulating foams are available in a range of thicknesses and densities, they can meet the needs of just about any electronic design.

Conductive Foam

Lightweight foams are also formulated to provide conductivity for thermal management. Available in various compression strengths and conductivity levels for gap filling and sealing applications.

Read on to learn the benefits of thermal management gaskets 

SRP Solutions to Enhance the Protection of Electronic Devices

Protect end users from the dangers of heat buildup in electronic devices with custom die-cut components by SRP. We’re well-equipped to pinpoint the solution for complex and challenging designs. As a Preferred Converter to 3M™ and other top brands, we have access to technical support with specialists in every industry to help you identify the most protective and efficient materials. 

Then we custom die-cut your chosen materials to your specifications, using the most accurate and efficient machining method.

Send us your CAD file and project requirements to get a prompt and hassle-free quote. Contact us today.

Can adhesive tape make your electronic device safer, more reliable, and longer lasting? With today’s die-cut tape solutions, the answer is yes.

Die-cutting adhesive tapes is the go-to for securing gaskets, panels, screens, batteries and other components in portable and wearable devices. 

However, there’s a plethora of tape products made with specially engineered foams, films and adhesives that can also safeguard sensitive components as well as the battery system.

That’s critical because today’s devices are constantly on the move — stored in backpacks, worn on wrists, or carried in pockets.

Protective benefits of die-cut adhesive tape in electronics

Die-cut adhesive tapes in electronics can:

• Reliably seal out dust and water.
• Absorb and cushion against shock, impact and vibration
• Heat dissipation to prevent overheating.

The need for protection: The future is portable and battery-powered

As our world becomes increasingly electrified, connected and portable, demand will continue to increase for lithium-ion battery systems.

Lithium-ion-powered electronic devices have forecasted 14.5% market growth between 2023 and 2032. Tablets and PCs are driving nearly one-third of global revenues for Li-ion powered electronics. Their leadership position is expected to remain over the coming decade, though smart, wearable devices will also contribute to demand.

Key considerations for die-cut tapes in electronics: Rugged protectiveness

Lithium-ion batteries deliver many sought-after properties in today’s portable devices. They’re lightweight, retain capacity after thousands of charging cycles, fast-charging and have a long lifespan.

To keep lithium-ion batteries safe and operable in electronic devices, two key considerations are top of mind:

• Thermal runaway: Heat or high impact that damages the highly flammable electrolytes within the battery cell can result in thermal runaway and combustion, setting the table for an explosive situation. A thermal runaway event can lead to battery swelling, venting, or even fire — all of which die-cut adhesives help mitigate through heat-spreading and structural integrity.
• Water and oxygen exposure: Lithium-ion batteries also require protection against moisture and oxygen. Cracked housing or total submersion in water can reduce performance and render the battery inoperable.

This gets to another important thing to consider about personal electronics: They’re personal.

Laptops, smart watches and smartphones are in near-constant contact with the end user. They’re worn, stored in pockets and transported in bags and backpacks, within reach 24/7. They’re subject to exposure to varying environmental conditions and temperature changes, accidental drops on hard surfaces and in water, and so on.

These devices demand enhanced protection of the battery against impact, vibration, heat and moisture. Tape selection around some of these protective properties can ensure the longevity and performance of these devices.

Considerations in choosing die-cut tapes for electronics

• Bonding strength
• Resistance to environmental conditions
• Conformity to curved or irregular surfaces
• Consistent adhesion for the life of the product
• Temperature resistance
• Vibration and shock absorption

Die-cut solutions with 3M™ tapes for personal electronics

3M™ VHB™ Tape Series for Electronics 

3M™ VHB™ Tape 4301R

• Application: Bonds plastic to glass, such as monitor panels.
• Properties: Invisible, leakproof fastening with a durable bond.

3M™ VHB™ Tape 4914

• Application: Bond plastic to silicone pad; bond plastic to inked-glass; waterproofing for battery button; laptop bezel bonding.
• Properties: Closed-cell technology provides exceptional sealing performance for waterproofing and high-drop resistance.

3M™ VHB™ Tape 5909

• Application: Bond plastic to glass. Sealing and protection for front displays and back covers for tablets and smartphones.
• Properties: Enhanced waterproofing, conformability, surface adhesion, sealing and impact resistance.

3M™ VHB™ Tape 5980

• Application: Seal displays, speakers, microphones, volume keys. Bond metal to glass. Bond mesh to plastic. Stabilize battery in wearable devices.
• Properties: Exceptional shock absorption, bonding and sealing, enhanced waterproofing.

3M™ Thin Bonding Solutions

3M™ Double Coated Tape 93010LE & 93015LE

• Applications: Bond curved plastic to foam or plastic, and other hard-to-bond materials for a sleek finish.
• Properties: High bond strength, high shear strength when engineered with 3M™ Adhesive 300LSE.

3M™ Double Coated Tape 93420

• Applications: Apply touch panel to metal for tablets and notebooks. Bond glass to plastic.
• Properties: Re-workability, anti-lifting, conformable and drop resistance.

3M™ Conformable Double Coated Tape 93425

• Application: Bonds glass to plastic.
• Properties: Drop resistance for touch panels.

3M™ Adhesive Transfer Tape 9471LE & 9472LE

• Application: Bond plastic to flexible printed circuits. Bond metal plating to plastic.
• Properties: Anti-lifting, durable bonding when engineered with 3M™ Adhesive 300LSE

3M™ Adhesive Transfer Tape 96105CR

• Application: Bonds glass to flexible printed circuit.
• Properties: Resists water, sweat, perfumes, skin oils and chemicals.

Enhance protection of electronics with SRP

Protect power sources and the inner intelligence that brings life to smart screens with the power of die-cut adhesive tape. 

At SRP, our decades of converting tape and foam materials into custom shapes combined with our longtime partnership with 3M™ produce reliable solutions for our customers. Send us your CAD file and project requirements and we’ll get you a prompt, hassle-free quote.

Industrial foam tapes have gained a lot of traction in the automotive assembly, overtaking screws, welds and rivets and other fasteners used to bring together components. The reason for this evolution is clear: Acrylic foam tape delivers a bond that lasts the life of the vehicle, while enhancing design aesthetics and improving the ease of installation. In the following, we’ll cover the benefits of these acrylic foam tapes and top products for automotive applications.

Benefits of using acrylic foam tape in automotive manufacturing

3M™ acrylic foam tape was a game changer for the automotive industry for transforming the performance and production efficiency of joining two components.

With no welding or machining required, acrylic foam tape saves on skilled labor. The absence of metal screws means lighter components, which is favorable for fuel efficiency, and reduces annoying noises and vibrations. Paired with the sound absorbing core, acrylic foam tapes provide a quieter, more pleasant ride for the end user.

Another advantage of using 3M™ acrylic foam tape in automotive applications is how it improves the appearance of automotive components with a smoother, streamlined aerodynamic design. With no drilling into painted or clear coat surfaces, it also reduces the appearance of rust.

Key properties of 3M™ acrylic foam tapes for auto applications

The mechanical properties of Acrylic Foam Tapes by 3M™ make it a durable, reliable option for automotive applications. Acrylic adhesive resists degradation from exposure to weather, including temperature fluctuations, UV rays and moisture during the life of the product.

Its foam core is designed to dissipate forces when exposed to high stress load.

This product is also industry approved. Since 1978, 3M™ acrylic foam tapes have met product and design engineering requirements for automotive applications.

Where to use 3M™ Acrylic Foam Tape in automotive design

• Attaching trim parts
• Bonding seals throughout the car body
• Door and window seals
• Door cladding and inlay
• Roof rails
• Spoiler
• Rocker panel / body side molding
• Parking sensor retainers

Top 3M™ Acrylic Foam Tapes for automotive parts

3M™ Acrylic Plus Tape Series PT1000

This black, double-coated acrylic foam is designed to attach automotive exterior trim parts, including claddings and body side moldings. Some of its properties include high conformability with a high-strength core with low elongation properties and cold-temperature impact resistance.

3M™ Acrylic Foam Tape GT7100

Commonly used for attaching emblems, nameplates, moldings, step pads and other automotive trims. When applied to traditional paints, this gray, acrylic foam tape has excellent adhesion. It demonstrates excellent conformability and wet out on a range of automotive applications. It maintains adhesion through shrinkage and elongation caused by temperature changes, while simultaneously maintaining good stress relaxation properties. Provides very good final adhesion and peel strength and performs well in a wide range of weather, solvent and temperature exposures.

3M™ Acrylic Foam Tape RT8000

Developed specifically for attaching trim and other exterior parts. Its acrylic adhesive formula is designed to provide excellent adhesion to traditional auto paint as well as advanced paint systems. It’s strong enough to support heavier parts, including spoilers and claddings, while providing stress relaxation during exposure to high loads.

For details and specifications on these 3M Acrylic Foam Tapes, review our automotive formulations and data sheets. 

Custom die-cut acrylic tape solutions from SRP

Discover solutions for any automotive design with SRP’s extensive knowledge of materials, reinforced with our longtime partnership with 3M™. As a 3M™ preferred converter, we have access to 3M™ technical support with specialists in every industry, so we can pinpoint the solution for even the most complex and challenging design.Send us your CAD file and project requirements to get a prompt and hassle-free quote. Contact us today.

Striking the right balance between value and quality is top-of-mind for any business. When choosing a custom gasket partner, it is essential to take a step back, delve deeper and understand their competencies and business practices. 

Exceptional converters deliver exceptional value through a focus on service, quality and efficiency. 

At SRP, these areas of focus have allowed us to provide outstanding results for our customers.

1. Materials Selection

Material selection is a critical aspect where an experienced custom converter can save you time. We can pinpoint the precise pressure-sensitive adhesive and foam material for the job — the one that performs best for the application, while enhancing the durability, functionality and quality of the end product. 

Look for converters with preferred partnerships with multiple suppliers, demonstrating a high level of expertise with their products.

2. Testing

Testing and prototyping are essential steps in the process, and a converter’s approach should help rather than hinder. Understanding the converter’s prototyping process, machining capabilities and timelines for producing and shipping samples is another key question to ask. 

3. Tolerance

Making the right call on the tolerance range of your part is essential to managing the cost of your custom gasket order. Whenever you die-cut foam and sponge material, some variability in the dimensions is expected in the batch, though they may be imperceptible to the naked eye. 

Why are there variations in flexible die-cut materials? When a metal die slices into the flexible material, it causes material compression, deflection and concavity. 

How to calculate the right tolerance in flexible materials: When calculating specifications for soft components, you may have to adopt a wider tolerance range in many applications. A skilled custom converter can help pinpoint the optimal tolerance range for your gasket. 

The benefits of being flexible with tolerance: Higher volumes of high-quality parts, less material waste and a more efficient use of your production time.

4. Fabricating

Efficiency is at the core of lean manufacturing practices. Depending on your material and volume, your converter may recommend die-cutting, laser cutting, or water jet cutting — each has distinct benefits for speed, precision, or prototyping. 

Selecting the best die-cutting process suited for a given material is key. By designing a production plan centered around efficiency, quality and waste reduction, a custom converter can help you optimize your spend on custom gaskets while maintaining the quality and performance you expect. 

5. Communication

We believe effective communication and collaboration are where successful partnerships begin. At SRP, we are independently owned and operated, allowing us to respond quickly at each stage of your project. No bureaucratic roadblocks, just the answers you’re looking for. When you call us at any stage of your project — quote, update, order change, problem-solving — we’re there. 

Let SRP be your resource for custom gaskets 

Ready to get started? Fill out our online form for a fast, accurate quote.

In the world of flexible material cutting, the choice between kiss cutting and die cutting can significantly how your custom gasket looks and functions. 

Tolerance requirements, output and material considerations are all considerations in your custom gasket order, as we determine the most suitable method for machining custom parts from your chosen material.

In the following, we’ll walk you through the differences between kiss cutting and die cutting, along with considerations we use to choose the best machining method to manufacture your custom gasket order. 

Kiss Cutting vs. Die Cutting: What’s the difference?

Die Cutting

Die cutting is a term that’s often used to describe machining custom shapes from a material. The most common method uses a sharp steel die to cut shapes from the layers of foil, film, foam and adhesive. 

• Die cutting is a term that’s sometimes used interchangeably with through-cuts, which is when the die punctures through all layers of material, and meets the metal anvil.
• Flatbed die cutting is the most standard and oldest method for cutting identical shapes out of rolls and sheets of foam, tape and other flexible material.
• Much like a cookie cutter, the sharp-edged die or a steel rule is pressed directly into the material using a hydraulic press until it meets the metal anvil on the other side.
• After cutting, the part is completely separated from the remaining matrix, or waste material.

Further reading: Die-cutting for Custom Gaskets: Understanding the Pros and Cons 

Kiss Cutting

Kiss cutting is one of several die-cutting methods, and it’s often used to create a roll or sheet of peel-and-stick gaskets on a release liner.

• Unlike a through-cut, the die does not pass through all layers of materials.
• The die is calibrated to end the cut just before reaching the very top layer of material that needs to remain uncut. For most kiss cutting products, the uncut material would be the release liner backing for the pressure sensitive adhesive. Once the cut is made, the matrix, or waste material, is cleared away, leaving the shapes on a liner.
• The most common machine method for kiss cutting is a rotary die press. But kiss cuts can also be achieved with a software-guided laser cutter, where the beam cuts down into the specified depth of the material.

Other considerations when choosing between die cutting and kiss cutting

There’s no one cutting method that suits every job. That’s why we plan production around what achieves the highest quality at the best value to you. Here are just some of the top considerations that factor into the decision of which machining method is best to produce your part.

Tolerance Requirements and Material Considerations

For parts that require precise measurements with little deviation, flatbed die cutting will achieve consistent output with sharper edges, as the cuts are performed straight into the material.

Rotary die cuts made with a cylindrical die are less suited for thicker foams and sponge materials, particularly for jobs with narrow tolerance requirements. In these instances, flatbed die cutting can provide an alternative that produces the results you’re looking for. 

However, for thinner materials, rotary die cutting and laser cutting can yield tight tolerances.

Which Method Is Most Efficient?

Rotary die cutting can produce a higher output in less time than flatbed diet cutting, whether used to make kiss cuts or through cuts. (Rotary die cutting is capable of achieving both.) As the cylindrical die rolls over the material, it’s constantly producing shapes, making it ideal for high-volume jobs.

When used for making kiss cuts, rotary die cutting is a method that also makes assembly more efficient. When the gaskets and other types of adhesive-backed parts are presented on a release liner — whether on a sheet or a roll — the parts are easy to remove, easier to handle and require no sorting.

Flatbed die cutting, on the other hand, is more ideal for through cuts and kiss cutting thicker materials. It offers a rapid changeover, but the machining is slower than the rotary method as the hydraulic press stamps out one shape at a time.

When done well, kiss cutting is highly efficient and keeps material waste to a minimum. However, kiss cutting requires highly skilled machinists and ongoing monitoring for quality control and to make sure the die is achieving those precise cuts. Otherwise, cuts that are too shallow can ruin the parts on the liner.

Let SRP be your resource for custom gaskets 

Whether you need a classic round gasket or an intricate cutout, SRP has the tools and skills to bring your project to completion. Fill out our online form for a fast, accurate quote.

The transportation industry is on the cusp of a major evolution, with electric vehicles (EVs) leading the way. As the market continues to accelerate, the choice of gasket and sealing materials becomes increasingly critical. 

We’ll explore the reasons behind the shift from internal combustion engines to lithium-ion-powered cars and delve into the essential role gaskets and seals play in ensuring the performance and safety of EV battery systems.

The growth of the electric vehicle market

To set the stage, let’s consider the remarkable growth of the electric vehicle market. As of October 2022, there were 1.9 million EVs in operation in the United States, accounting for 0.7% of the total 281 million vehicles on the road. Projections by S&P Global Mobility suggest that by 2030, four out of every ten vehicles on the road will be electric.

Battery performance and safety and why it matters 

Battery performance and safety are pivotal factors in the growth of the EV market. Top priorities are preventing thermal runaway, achieving consistent and reliable battery range, and maintaining charging performance. 

EV battery systems must withstand demanding conditions, requiring rugged gaskets and seals that protect against temperature extremes, UV exposure, moisture ingress and sudden impact.

Key performance criteria for gaskets and seals in EV vehicles

To meet the performance and safety requirements of EV battery systems, gaskets and seals must excel in several areas. These criteria include:

• Vibration absorption
• Isolation of extreme heat or fire incidents
• Optimization of overall performance
• Protection against temperature impact and environmental ingress
• Thermal insulation for heat-sensitive components
• Fire protection and shielding against EMI interference
• Compression set resistance throughout the product’s lifespan

SRP: Your Trusted Resource for Custom Gaskets and Seals

At SRP, we understand the significance of selecting the best-performing materials for fabricating custom gaskets and seals for EV battery systems. Through our preferred partnerships with top brands of adhesives, films and elastomeric materials, we ensure the highest quality die-cut components. Our experienced team can fabricate these materials to your exact specifications and deliver them directly to you.

Applications of gaskets and seals in EV batteries

We provide a range of die-cut solutions for gasket and sealing applications for EV batteries, including:

• Battery packs
• Battery pads
• Sealing for battery modules
• Battery covers
• Venting caps
• Cooling plate and liquid delivery system
• Battery cells
• Terminal isolation

For more details and materials, download our Ebook: The Future is Electric: An OEM’s Guide to Sourcing Die-Cut Battery Components for EV production

Work with a trusted converter for EV batteries 

Gaskets and seals play a pivotal role in meeting the performance and safety requirements of EV battery systems. By selecting the right materials for your components and die-cutting them to your exact specifications, we can help ensure the longevity, reliability and efficiency of EV battery systems. 

To learn more about our offerings and how we can enhance your EV battery systems, contact the experienced team at SRP. Fill out our online form and we’ll get back to you within one business day. 

VHB™ foam tape enhances the design and function for a plethora of products. That’s why a wide cross section of industries, including consumer electronics, medical devices, commercial vehicle manufacturing and architecture, have recognized the multiple advantages of VHB™ tape for its enhancements to product design, ease of assembly and long service life.

Because VHB™ is designed to take the place of screws and rivets, choosing the right 3M™ VHB™ Tape product is a critical step in the design process. With multiple VHB™ foam tapes in the 3M™ lineup, a product designer can easily get caught in a rabbit hole of technical sheets and analysis.

Streamline the decision-making process by consulting with the experts who are equipped to identify the best VHB™ foam tape for your application. SRP is a longtime custom converter of VHB™ tape. Our product specialists have the knowledge and training around these adhesives to help you finalize the best tape for your application.

Key benefits of using 3M™ VHB™ Tape

VHB™ tape is one of the most remarkable products to emerge from the 3M™ line of adhesives. In 1980, 3M™ Company introduced an acrylic foam tape capable of joining dissimilar materials and holding them securely in demanding and changing conditions. The name was descriptive and simple: Very High Bond, or VHB™ for short.

Today, the value of VHB™ is still going strong, providing a high-performance bond that’s durable enough to replace traditional fasteners, like screws, rivets and welds.

Benefits of VHB™ tape

• Maintains strength and reliability for the life of the product
• Withstands UV light, moisture, solvents, high and low temperatures, and temperature cycling
• Lightweight and bonds instantly
• Absorbs shock and dampens vibration
• Forms a secure bond between dissimilar materials

For appliances and automotive interiors, 3M now manufactures a low-odor, low volatile organic compound (VOC) emitting family of VHB^TM Tape. 

SRP and 3M™ VHB: Your solution for high-performance bonding

When your product design is down to choosing and acquiring the best VHB™ product, SRP’s full-service custom converting capabilities have you covered, from final VHB™ tape selection to prototyping to fabrication. Here’s an overview of the services and value we offer.

Expert tape selection

Product selection of your VHB™ tape requires analysis to ensure a fail-safe bond, and that’s where SRP’s expertise and problem-solving abilities come in.

SRP is a longtime 3M™ Preferred Partner. Not only does our partnership enable us to source VHB™ directly from 3M™ at the best prices, but it’s built our unmatched expertise across the VHB™ product line. Over the decades, we’ve developed an extensive knowledge base of VHB™ tapes and how they’re designed to perform in multiple applications.

During the selection process, we’re fully equipped to provide data-driven guidance on the best products for your design. But we’re also one step away from the source of the solution, allowing us to work directly with top product experts at 3M™ to find the answers.

Custom fabrication and formatting

SRP will design a process to fabricate your VHB™ to create the exact part you need, in a format that’s ready for assembly.

• Slitting: Cut rolls of VHB™ into custom widths with the option to slice into custom-length strips for ease of fastening panels, trim, sign and lighting components as well as attaching windows to housing.
• Laminating: Create a custom product by layering VHB™ with other materials needed for assembly and fastening for electronics and appliances.
• Precision die cutting: Cut VHB™ adhesive into unique shapes at high repeatability that conform to your most stringent tolerance requirements. Rotary die cutting offers the option to kiss-cut VHB™ tape to a liner for a peel-and-stick option, which we can format on a roll or with tabs for ease of handling and assembly.

Our years of experience from converting VHB™ is a value add for you, because we’ll draw on our successes to meet and exceed your expectations. 

[Download our eBook: Custom die-cut solutions for electronics and appliances with 3M™ VHB™ tape]

Work with a Trusted 3M Converter 

When your design calls for the bonding power of VHB™, draw on the expertise of SRP. From expert analysis to fabrication solutions, our custom converting services will bring your product over the finish line.

Send us your CAD file and project requirements to get a prompt and hassle-free quote. Contact us today.