Steel rule tooling
Steel rule cutting dies for accurate form cutting
A steel rule cutting die cuts a defined shape from flat material in a press. For folding cartons, it can also carry the creasing and perforation lines; for gaskets, foam and leather, the construction is matched to the part and material. UK packaging buyers also use the term cutting forme. We manufacture these dies from an approved drawing, a laser-cut dieboard and fitted steel rule.
Where this die fits
The press determines the required overall rule height. Material hardness, thickness, grain or stretch direction and production quantity then guide the cutting-edge specification, layout and ejection rubber.
A folding carton and a gasket may share the same outer shape but require different cutting rules and rubbering. Send the actual material specification and press details with the drawing.
- Carton, kraft and board shape cutting
- Label and sticker custom shapes
- Gasket, foam, leather and EVA cutting
- Promo cards, hang tags, samples and short runs
Checks that set the tool structure for the material
The same outline does not behave the same way in board, leather, foam or gasket sheet. Hardness, thickness, grain or stretch direction, tight turns and press conditions are read together before the rule structure is selected.
- Rule height matched to the press and material setup
- Corner radius and narrow inner cuts
- Base strength and channel fit
- Durability expected from run quantity
Production data needed for a form-cutting job
The actual material, finished-part dimensions, quantity and press information form the quote basis. When no drawing exists, the measured sample and the geometry to be treated as the reference are agreed first.
- Material name and thickness
- Shape drawing
- Quantity and repeat-order expectation
- Machine or press information
Common questions
1
Which materials can steel rule dies cut?
Carton, paper, label stock, board, gasket materials, foam, leather and some plastics can be cut with the right blade.
2
What is a steel rule die?
It is a die system where hardened steel rule forms the cutting line and is mounted into a base.
3
Can you make a single die?
Yes. One-off dies can be produced for samples and short runs.
4Is a steel rule die the same as a cutting forme or a cutting die?
For this service, the terms describe the same tooling: steel rule fitted into a dieboard to cut, crease or perforate flat material. Steel rule die is common international usage; cutting forme is also used in UK packaging. Specify the material, dimensions, press and required line functions when ordering.
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