Kiss Cutting

What is “kiss die cutting”?

Kiss cutting is a form of die cutting, whereby a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) backed material is partially, but not completely, cut through. In kiss cutting or kiss die cutting, the steel rule dies somewhat “kiss” the die cut part onto the paper sheet. This method of die cutting cuts through the actual gasket material, be it rubber, sponge, foam, neoprene, EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber) or otherwise, as well as through the adhesive to the paper liner on the back. By cutting the foam gasket/sponge gasket/rubber gasket in this fashion, the gasket retains its pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) backing as well as its liner, allowing for a “peel and stick” application upon use.

Put another way, kiss cutting is simply a form of die cutting where a very light impression (of the steel rule die) cuts through the peel-off portion of pressure sensitive labels, but not through the backing material. One of the biggest benefits of kiss die cutting is that it makes transportation easier, and it reduces any risk of damage during shipment. Kiss cutting is the perfect solution for customers that require the ability to adhere their seals or gaskets to the final product such as in the automotive industry for vibration control applications.

Machinery involved in kiss cutting:

Our state-of-the-art die cutting presses enable us to ensure precision cut pieces, whether it’s neoprene gaskets, sponge gaskets, foam gaskets or rubber gaskets. With the efficient automation of the die cutting presses, there are never any missed-cut or partially-cut pieces. All seals and gaskets fabricated during the kiss cutting process simply peel cleanly and evenly from their release liner, which is typically of a paper material. With the sophistication of our die cutting presses used in kiss cutting, we also never experience any double cut parts; our gaskets always maintain a consistent gap between parts. Any kiss cutting jobs can be customized in such a way that only the final pieces are attached to the release liner; the scrap material can be removed, so only useable gaskets/parts remain on the roll for convenience.

Common kiss cut products we manufacture/fabricate:

Additional information:

Kiss-cutting is available for all adhesive backed pieces, or for those non-adhesive materials that come pre-cast on a paper release liner. For the non-adhesive materials that require kiss-cutting but do not come pre-casat, a low tack plastic film is usually incorporated to provide the transport liner.

When asked for recommendations, we always suggest that kiss cutting/kiss die cutting is a process best suited for the fabrication of gaskets or seals that are going to be used frequently in the final production process of your product. The kiss die cut gaskets, seals or pads can be rolled up on a self-adhesive paper or plastic liner for convenient dispensing or storage.

A.J. Rubber & Sponge Ltd. can provide a full range of products using kiss cutting technology (die cutting presses) from aerospace seals, to rubber gaskets for the automotive industry. Our precision die cutting equipment in conjunction with our machining experience over the last 45 years is more than sufficient to produce custom gaskets on sheets or rolls of self-adhesive lining material. In order to guarantee the success of your kiss cutting project, we will assist you in making the best gasket material choice for your specific application.