Elastomerics Blog

Kiss cutting is a die cutting process where a gasket or pad is supplied rolled up on the adhesive liner. If you were able to watch the cutting process in slow motion you would see the die penetrate the gasket or pad material, then continue through the thin adhesive layer and cut partially into the adhesive liner. The gasket or pad must have a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) or “peel and stick” backing for kiss-cutting to be possible.

Kiss cutting has several advantages over individually cut through parts. With kiss-cut gaskets, the parts can be rolled up, and parts on rolls are easier to handle can and can be set up neatly and dispensed in a paper towel like fashion at assembly work stations. Also, peeling the part off the release liner is considerably easier than removing the release liner from an individual part; this helps increase production throughput.

Stockwell Elastomerics regularly kiss-cuts gaskets and pads from solid silicone, silicone sponge, silicone foam, and Poron®. Other necessary materials include foam adhesives such as 3M VHB’s and thermal pads. Note: not all materials and parts can be kiss-cut.

For applications assistance or more information about kiss cutting and kiss-cuts gaskets and pads, please call Stockwell Elastomerics at 215-335-3005 or complete a contact form for assistance.