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5 Uh-Ohs to Avoid When Die Cutting Gaskets

While small in size, die cut gaskets play an unrivaled role in the functioning of your process, product, and or machinery. Due to the monumental role die cut gaskets play, it's imperative to get it right. Fortunately, the team at Frank Lowe specializes in creating custom die cut gaskets with tight tolerances.

In fact, we have been confidently creating custom die cut gaskets since 1955. While Frank Lowe repeatedly delivers precision die cut gaskets, this isn't always the case when working with other die cutting partners. Let's take a closer look at a few watch-outs and mistakes you should avoid when ordering die cut gaskets.  

Oops #1: Choosing the Wrong Die Cut Gasket Material

Undoubtedly, the top mistake inexperienced die cutters make involves choosing the wrong material for the die cut gasket. Simply put, the longevity and performance of any die cut gasket are only as good as the materials used to create it. However, most gasket materials are not reviewed until there is a problem or machinery failure. 

In either case, the primary function of a gasket is to provide a robust seal for a liquid or gas throughout the life of the application. But this is often the bare minimum.

In addition to oil and water sealing capabilities, you should consider the environment in which the die cut gasket will perform. Here are a few of the top considerations that should be made when choosing die cut gasket materials:

  • Can the material perform in low or high temperatures?
  • How well does the material perform in regards to ozone and UV?
  • Consider the operating internal pressure of the die cut gaskets
  • Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) of the gasket material should be considered
  • The types of media the gasket material will be exposed to, such as sealing water, oils, chemicals, etc.
  • Whether the material thickness is sufficient for the application.

Oops #2: Bad Gasket Design 

In addition to the gasket material, the physical design of your gasket is key to the success of the application. Just because it works today doesn't mean the design is optimized and will continue to work over a period of time.

As a result of this, having an experienced, objective opinion on the design of your gasket is paramount. At Frank Lowe, we regularly partner with our clients to help them spot and overcome potential design flaws.

We use our decades of design experience to save our clients time and money. As a matter of fact, we always suggest you work with our design engineers as early as possible in the process to select the best die cutting method, limit manufacturing issues, and reduce costly delays. 

Oops #3: Selecting a Die Cutting Gasket Partner Solely on Price

Whether it's in manufacturing or purchasing clothing, you get what you pay for. When it comes to gaskets for your product, application, or process, it's imperative to get it right. As a result, price shouldn't be the only factor you consider when choosing a die cutting partner.

Focus on the Customer Service and Value the Partner Offers

Instead, it's best to focus on the experience of the die cutting company, whether they have proven ability to meet tight tolerances, and the additional value they offer. For example, ask a potential die cutting partner if they remove web scraps from when die cutting or kiss cutting different gasket types.

Whether it's smaller or larger gaskets, removing web scraps helps save you time and money in your manufacturing process. On the other hand, if you have to manually remove web scraps from your gaskets, it can drastically slow the speed of your production, increase labor costs, and have negative ramifications on the final product or application.  

Another thing to consider is your partner’s ability to meet your needs. Will the finished product be delivered on time and within promised budgets? At Frank Lowe our mantra is “We Get You What You Need When You Need It!” This peace of mind goes a long way with our customers and ultimately saves you money in the long run!

Oops #4: Using the Wrong Pressure Sensitive Adhesive 

Not all adhesives are designed to perform the same, which means they are not all created equally. And when you select the wrong adhesive, product failure and application failure are almost certain. Even worse, choosing the wrong adhesive for your gasket can lead to costly and dangerous safety issues. 

Instead, it’s best to work closely with your die cutting company to choose the most ideal pressure-sensitive adhesive based on the application. To do so, there are several key attributes to consider, such as: 

  • The life expectancy of the adhesive
  • The adhesion strength of the pressure-sensitive adhesive
  • The level of temperature resistance
  • How well the adhesive performs in a potential environment
  • Resistance to oils, liquids, etc.

Most importantly, the pressure-sensitive adhesive you choose should be proven to stick to mating surfaces and gaskets with certainty.

Oops #5: Choosing the Wrong Die Cutting Gasket Manufacturer

Without a doubt, the most detrimental mistake you can make when die cutting gaskets is to choose the wrong manufacturing partner. While there are several custom gasket manufacturers available, it's important to make sure they have the proven ability to meet your gasket requirements.

Very simply, choosing the wrong custom gasket manufacturer can have long-standing implications, including ruining a well-designed piece of machinery or product. Here are a few key attributes you should look for in a custom gasket manufacturer and Frank Lowe checks every box.

Single Point of Contact and Excellent Customer Service

You should have a single point of contact. Few things are worse than being cycled through a system of people and having to repeat your situation to each individual you speak to. At Frank Lowe, however, you will enjoy a single point of contact who will get to know you, your business, and offer the personalized attention and support you deserve. 

Decades of Experience Meeting Customer Specifications

Your custom gasket manufacturer should have decades of experience creating the core components or gaskets you need. Since 1955, Frank Lowe has been helping businesses across all industries and markets by providing high-quality custom gaskets and other die cut components. 

Reliable References and Testimonials

You should always ask for customer references and testimonials. While every custom manufacturer may rave and boast about their abilities — nothing speaks louder than customer testimonials and actual references

The Ability to Work with CAD Files

The die cutting gasket manufacturer should have the ability to work with CAD files, which can increase the speed of production for your gaskets and lower costs. 

Exceptional Prototyping Abilities

The manufacturer should offer services for prototyping. Frank Lowe offers custom fabrication and rapid prototyping capabilities, which means you can quickly test different potential solutions to find the best one. 

Exclusive Technical Expertise

In addition to extensive experience selecting materials and offering a vast range of material options, your manufacturing partner should have exclusive technical knowledge. Frank Lowe's experienced gasket exporters offer extensive technical expertise for every material type and variety of gasket we supply. This means we can act as a value add along every step of the journey, from design to materials selection to cost-effective production runs. 

Contact Frank Lowe for the Best Die Cutting Gasket Capabilities 

Since 1955, Frank Lowe has been die cutting gaskets for virtually every and any industry. When you partner with us for die cut gaskets, you'll immediately open the door to an entire team of highly-specialized support. 

In addition to gaskets, we regularly create specialty OEM products and components for a range of applications. No matter the manufacturing problem or situation, Frank Lowe can help.

Contact us today for the best die cutting gaskets and custom fabrication capabilities.

About the Author Randy Cohen

Since 2002, Randy Cohen has served as the Senior Vice President of Frank Lowe — leading Sales and Marketing as well as a variety of Administrative operations. Randy has 25 years of experience with a background in sales & marketing, production and business management, serving both government agencies and private industry. He holds a B.A from Syracuse University and a Masters and Professional Diploma from Fordham University. Randy uses his unique set of experiences to help businesses and entities across all sectors explore, pursue, and create better solutions.

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