Cutting ToolingSteel-rule dies and matched punch-and-die tools that separate your formed trays and blisters from the web — a clean, burr-controlled edge every stroke.
A clean edge — held by the tool
Cutting tooling separates the finished pack from the web. A hardened cutting edge shears the material against a matched die or anvil — and the tool holds the clearance, contour and depth constant, part after part.
Most cutting tools are one of two builds: a steel-rule die that crush-cuts against a hardened plate, or a matched punch and die that shears with a controlled clearance. Both are cut from your part CAD so the contour lands exactly on the formed feature.
Anatomy of a cutting tool
Four elements decide edge quality — and every one lives in the tool, which is why the tool matters more than any machine setting.
Three ways to cut, one tool programme
Which cut you need depends on the pack — how clean the edge, how high the volume, and whether parts stay in the web. Pick one to see where it fits.
Steel-rule die
A steel cutting rule is bent to your contour and set in a base, crush-cutting the material against a hardened plate. Fast and economical to make — the quickest route to a first cut and to lower volumes.
Prototypes, short runs and thinner materials.
Rules of thumb for cutting tooling
Prove the cut, then harden it
We prove the contour and clearance on a fast steel-rule or laser-cut die, then build the hardened production tool from the same CAD — matched punch-and-die, coatings and quick-change mounting for the line.
Cut edge, material and contour are matched
A clean cut depends on the material and gauge you run. Tell us the material and contour and we set the clearance and edge — and the forming tool for the tray follows the same programme.
Clear rigid trays and blisters — the workhorse of thermoformed packs.
Recyclable mono-films and barrier laminates — cut clean without delamination.
Card backers and inserts — die-cut to match the pack.
See the tray materials in our packaging materials hub.
What we deliver
Thermoforming, sealing and combined tooling follow the same programme — a cutting tool can be built to combine with them.
Send your part drawing and material — we return the cut type, tooling route and quote.
PDF, STEP or DXF — attach it in the form
Clearance, radii, nicks and tolerances on one page — plus what we need to quote.
What happens next
From your first message to a quote in three steps — no account, no sales call required.
Part drawing, material and gauge, and the contour you need. PDF, STEP or DXF — attach it to the request.
Cut type, clearance and corner radii — and the best route for your volume.
A fixed price and lead time — prototype die for trials, hardened production tool from proven CAD.
Typical first response within two business days.
Built for your cutting station
Every cutting tool is made to the machine it runs on — ours or a third-party cutting or punching station. Send the station spec and we handle the fit.
Drop-in fit, tested on our own machines before dispatch.
Built to your station size, stroke and clamp spec.
Standardised base for fast changeover and repeatable registration.
Matched to your web width and index for maximum output.
Made for regulated production
A clean, burr-free edge protects the sterile barrier — our tooling is built and documented for ISO 11607 packaging and validated production.
Every tool ID-engraved and matched to your part REF and batch records.
Tool documentation and dimensional reports to support your IQ / OQ / PQ.
Burr-controlled edges for sterile-barrier packs — no loose particulates.
Cutting tooling FAQ
Steel-rule die or matched punch & die — which do I need?+
A steel-rule die is faster and cheaper to make and crush-cuts against a hardened plate — ideal for prototypes and lower volumes. A matched punch and die shears with a controlled clearance for the cleanest, most repeatable edge and the longest life — the choice for high-volume and tight-tolerance medical packs.
What is cutting clearance and why does it matter?+
Clearance is the gap between punch and die, usually a few percent of the material gauge. Too much clearance leaves a burr and a rough edge; too little accelerates edge wear and can cause a ragged shear. The right clearance for your material and gauge is what gives a clean, repeatable cut.
Why do my parts have burrs or rough edges?+
Burrs come from too much clearance, a dull or chipped edge, or a cut running into a sharp corner. We set the clearance to the material, harden and grind the edge, and use generous corner radii so the cut stays clean over the life of the tool.
Can you leave the parts nicked in the web?+
Yes — small uncut bridges (nicks) hold the cut parts in the skeleton web so they stay registered for downstream handling and destacking, then push out cleanly. We size and place the nicks for your automation.
Do you make combined form-cut or seal-cut tools?+
Yes — a cutting edge can be built into a forming or sealing tool to form-and-cut or seal-and-cut in one stroke, and can combine into a single combined tool. It’s the same tooling programme.
Explore the tooling family
One programme, four tool types — each available on its own, and designed to build together into a single combined tool.
Cavity tools that form trays and blisters.
View page →Seal dies for tray and lidding-film seals.
View page →Cutting and punching tools for finished-pack contours.
You are hereForm, seal and cut in one integrated tool.
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