Punching
Die-cutting is a cutting method where details are printed with tools in a press - ideal for large series with consistent quality and low unit cost. We die-cut films, foils, tapes, rubber and foam on sheets or rolls, with kiss-cut and multi-layer lamination.
Format
3 x 3mm - approx. 1.6 x 0.65 m
Thickness
Up to 40 mm depending on material
What is punching?
Punching is a cutting process where a tool (punch + die) is used to “punch out” details from a material - on a sheet or from a roll. A press layer creates the contour (e.g. outer edge, hole patterns) with high repeatability. The method is particularly suitable for series where the same geometry is to be produced many times at low unit cost.
This is how it works:
- Feeding: The material is inserted as sheets or narrow web rolls.
- Tool types: A tool with the desired contour presses the material against a pad.
- Withdrawal: The details are taken out fully punched or “kiss-cut” (partially cut on carriers for easy application).
Typical uses: gaskets/seals, insulators, spacers/shims, EMI/EMC and gap pads, labels, protective films, double-sided tape parts.
We punch soft materials. ISO 9001 certified production
Stans-Service has a number of punching machines for punching everything from small thermal pads of about 3×3 mm to large gaskets and insulation parts of up to about 0.65×1.6 m. We punch most things into loose details and we also kiss-cut punch many self-adhesive details.
Our production is certified according to ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015, which means that we work with documented processes, full traceability and systematic quality work at every stage.
Punching of gaskets
Gaskets are used in many different types of products and environments. Our main customer base today is in the electronics industry, but we manufacture gaskets for a wide range of industries. We punch gaskets in materials such as silicone, neoprene, EPDM, nitrile, natural rubber, cellular rubber and foam plastic - adapted to the requirements of the application in terms of sealing, temperature and chemical resistance.
Among other things, we have produced gaskets for forestry machines, ventilation systems, water pipes and compressors for air and oil.
Read more about punched gaskets
Die cut isolation
We punch many types of insulation materials and some filter materials. In particular, we punch a lot of thermal interface materials (TIM), so-called gap fillers or gap pads to the electronics industry. We have many different types of gap filler in stock and can order more variants through our suppliers if it is not in stock with us.
Common insulation materials we punch are Nomex (aramid fibre for thermal and electrical insulation), Kapton (polyimide films for printed circuit boards and flex circuits) and mica-based materials.
Read more about punched insulation
Kiss-cut punching
We kiss-cut large volumes of self-adhesive thermal foils, pads and tape parts. This means we punch through the material but not through the underlying plastic or paper liner. The parts are delivered on sheets or rolls, ready to be picked and applied directly - which greatly simplifies assembly in your production.
Read more about kiss-cut punching
Plastic and plastic film die-cutting
We punch plastic films such as PET, PI (Kapton), PC in thicknesses from 0.05-0.5 mm, as well as thin plastics in PE, PET, PP, PVC, PC and PTFE - the softest variants up to about 3 mm thick. We have a selection of plastic films in stock in 0.05-0.5 mm thickness and can order many different types of plastics as needed.
Materials we usually punch
Gap Pad / Gap Filler
A thermally conductive silicone cushion or pad used to fill gaps and improve heat transfer between two surfaces, for example between a processor and a heat sink. Available in different thicknesses and thermal conductivity (W/mK). We have several types in stock.
Sil Pad
A type of thermally conductive material in pad form used to improve heat transfer between components and heat sinks, especially in electronics. Thinner and harder than gap pads - chosen when the gap is small and the pressure high.
Nomex
A heat-resistant aramid fibre from DuPont that combines flame retardancy with electrical insulating properties. Will not melt, drip or lose its properties at high temperature. Common choice in electronics, power supply and battery technology.
Kapton
A polyimide film known for extreme temperature stability (-269 °C to +400 °C) and excellent electrical insulation. Often used as insulation on printed circuit boards, substrates for flexible circuits and in cable protection. We punch and kiss-cut Kapton according to drawing.
PET film / Mylar
Polyester film (PET) which is extremely tear-resistant, durable and has very good electrical insulating properties. It is used in everything from motor insulation to protective films and flexible packaging.
Punching or cutting - which method is best?
Both punching and cutting are methods we offer, and the choice depends on geometry, volume and material. Here is a simple rule of thumb:
Choose the punch when:
- You need larger series with the same geometry
- Low unit cost is important
- The detail has a relatively simple shape
- You want kiss-cut details on carriers
Choose the cut when:
- The mould is complex and it does not pay to make a tool
- You need a small batch or prototypes quickly
- The material is difficult to work with punching tools
Not sure? Contact us and we will help you decide which method will deliver the best results for your project.
Fill in the form and we will contact you
Frequently asked questions about punching
What materials can you punch?
We die-cut most soft materials: rubber (silicone, EPDM, neoprene, nitrile, natural rubber), cellular and foam rubber, plastic films (PET, PI/Kapton, PC, PE, PP, PVC, PTFE), tapes and adhesives, thermal interface materials (gap pads, gap fillers, sil pads), insulation materials such as Nomex and mica, as well as paper and cardboard. Can't find your material in the list? Contact us - we can probably punch it too.
What sizes and thicknesses can you handle?
We punch details from about 3×3 mm up to about 0.65×1.6 m. In terms of thickness, we handle materials up to about 40 mm, depending on the type of material. We usually punch plastic foils in thicknesses from 0.05 to 0.5 mm, and softer plastics up to about 3 mm.
How much does it cost to punch?
The cost depends on the material, the volume, the complexity of the part and whether a new punching tool needs to be made. In general, punching is a cost-effective method for series, as the tool can be reused and the unit cost decreases with the volume. Send us an enquiry with drawing, material and estimated volume and we will give you a concrete price proposal.
Do I need a drawing of my own?
No, it is not necessary. If you have a drawing (DXF, PDF, CAD), we will use it. If you don't have one, we can help you produce one based on a sketch, a sample or a description of the part's function.
What is the difference between punching and kiss-cut?
In punching, the tool cuts completely through the material and creates loose details. In kiss-cut we cut through the material but not through the underlying liner (carrier material). Kiss-cut parts are delivered on sheets or rolls and can be easily picked and applied - perfect for quick assembly in your production.
Can you help with material selection?
Yes, we do. We have extensive experience in matching materials to application requirements - temperature, chemicals, pressure, electrical insulation, flame retardancy or mechanical properties. We stock a wide range and can order specialised materials from our suppliers.
Do you also punch prototypes and small series?
Yes, it is. The tooling cost for stamping is relatively low, making the method suitable for both prototypes and large series. For very complex shapes in single pieces cutting be a better option - we'll help you decide what's best for you.
Do you deliver outside Stockholm?
Yes, we deliver to customers throughout Sweden, the Nordics and the Baltics. Our production is located in Bromma, Stockholm, but we ship finished parts to customers all over the region.