Die cut gaskets are literally everywhere, and manufacturers should have an in depth understanding of the performance of these components.
However, not all die cut gaskets are created equally. In fact, there are a range of factors that can contribute to the overall performance of your gasket and product. Let’s look at a few tips you can use to potentially improve your die cut gaskets.
Falling Victim to Design Flaws
When it comes to designing the best die cut gasket for your application, there are many pitfalls. However, when you partner with Frank Lowe, we’ll use in depth consultation and our decades of experience to help you overcome potential design flaws, which can save you substantially later down the road. In fact, we strongly suggest you get us involved in the design process as early as possible to reduce manufacturing issues and limit costly delays.
Letting Price Dictate Your Decisions
While price is always a factor when it comes to manufacturing products, it shouldn’t be the only factor! Instead, you should focus on quality and experience of the die cutting company. Don’t create expensive product or application failures today because of an attempt to save a couple of bucks and cut corners. When deciding on the best manufacturer for die cut gaskets, it’s best to look at the holistic picture — and not just price.
Wasting Time to Remove Web Scrap
When it comes to manufacturing (and virtually everything else), time is money! And if your custom manufacturing partner doesn’t remove web scrap from your die cuts, you could be unknowingly throwing your profits out with the trash. Simply put, the time it takes to remove the web scrap can slow your speed of production, drive up labor cost, and even have negative implications on the final application or product. In many instances, web scrap can get stuck to the bottom of the gasket, especially when adhesive is on the other side.
At Frank Lowe, we pride ourselves on being a cut above the rest. We always go the extra mile for our customers and work to provide solutions that truly make the difference. While most custom manufacturers may not offer complimentary web scrap removal, we do. Whether it’s punching out holes or an odd shaped scrap, Frank Lowe will remove these, so you can enjoy an expedited and clean production process.
Using Cheap Pressure Sensitive Adhesives
Not all adhesives are created equally or designed to perform the same. If you choose the wrong adhesive, application failure or product failure are almost certain. Instead, it’s best to work closely with your die cutting company to select the pressure sensitive adhesive best for your application.
Make sure you consider the adhesion strength, life expectancy of the adhesive, temperature resistance, and how the adhesive can perform in the potential environment. In addition to the pressure sensitive adhesive, you should also consider the adhesive surface. It’s critical the adhesive will stick to the die cut gasket and the mounting surface.
Failing to Run Materials by Die Cutting Partner
First and foremost, understanding the various properties of the seemingly countless number of materials used to create die cut gaskets can be a lot! Every material has unique advantages and disadvantages. In general, Frank Lowe offers die cut gaskets from four different classes of materials:
Within each group can be several hundred material options! How are you supposed to know which attributes and characteristics are best for your application? It's simple — trust the experts at Frank Lowe to guide you through the process. Failing to run your material choice by your vendor can result in the over engineering of the die cut gasket for your application.
Even worse, under engineering the die cut gasket for the application can result in potential failures. Simply put, you should always consult your vendor about material selection. And if your vendor doesn’t offer comprehensive materials selection assistance, it’s time to find a new one!
Contact Frank Lowe for the Best Die Cut Gaskets
When die cutting or designing a die cut gasket for any application, it’s vital to work with an experienced team of custom manufacturers. At Frank Lowe, we offer decades of experience working with partners across virtually all industries. In any case, we’ll carefully walk you through gasket design and all considerations to produce die cut gaskets that perform as intended.
Contact Frank Lowe today for the best die cut gaskets.
