Gasket Cutting

TE cut most flat gaskets to shape using modern technology, we have two reciprocating knife cutters with bed sizes of 1000mm x 1250mm. The design is produced with computer aided design software (we use solid works CAD package) and the machine can automatically nest the shapes on the material to be cut ensuring optimum use of material to eliminate as much waste as possible. Using this technology we can cut up to 15mm thick with straight vertical edges therefore eliminating the apple core effect that would be evident when using traditional rule die cutting.

We also continue to use traditional die cutting with steel rule dies and clicker presses to cut materials that cannot be cut on the knife cutters, these materials have very high metal mesh content such as our woven and expanded metal in silicone gasket sheet.

Water jet cutting for very thick or hard materials is available through local subcontractors.

Kiss cutting is a cutting process where adhesive-backed gaskets are cut through, but the laminated backing paper is not, the knife only kisses the backing paper. This process enables the gasket to be easily peeled off the adhesive backing paper. TE can kiss cut with our steel rule die kiss cut machine and our reciprocating knife cutters.

Cutting gasket strip to length is accurately achieved using automated cutting machines that are programmed to cut to a given length and a given quantity. This technology enables us to cut many thousands of pieces per hour.