Kiss Cutting
The normal function of industrial cutting is creation of a shape or design from a workpiece by trimming away the access. It is a process that is performed by hydraulic and mechanical presses thousands of times a day. With metal pieces, a great deal of force is applied in rapid succession to create the design.
The cutting process requires a great deal of energy and force to be applied to achieve the desired result. There is one form of cutting that is widely used that requires precision, control, and gentleness in order to complete the cutting process. This form of cutting is referred to as kiss cutting.
Quick links to Kiss Cutting Information
What is Kiss Cutting?
In the world of heavy equipment, it would seem unlikely to hear a term such as kiss cutting. As unusual as it may sound, it is a very common cutting method, used as often as the more violent and forceful forms of cutting. The difference between a kiss cut and other cutting operations is the type of control that is needed to achieve the final result.
Kiss cut materials are items that we see and use every day. Postage stamps that peel off of a smooth sticky surface are an example. The stamps are printed and applied to sheets of adhesive paper then kiss cut to become easily removable.
Kiss cutting is a method that requires exceptional control and precision to avoid damage to the final product. The process is performed on a die cutting press that has been modified and adjusted to precisely cut the material to the correct depth.
As the ram of the cutting press lowers the punch onto the die, with the workpiece between them, the die cuts deeply into the upper layers of the workpiece but stops at the backing and does not cut through. The impression and shape of the design is left attached to the backing, so it can be removed at a later time.
Applications of Kiss Cutting
There is an endless number of designs, shapes, and materials that are made using the kiss cutting method. Though stamps, stickers, and labels are some of the typical items to be kiss cut, there is a wide array of manufacturing parts and components that are made using the process.
Many assembly operations use gaskets as part of the manufacturing process, and they need to be quickly and smoothly applied. Rubber, foam, and plastic gaskets are applied to adhesive backed paper and cut to the proper shape, so they can be quickly removed from the paper and applied to the assembly.
In the food and beverage industry, clearly printed and cut labels are a necessary part of identifying and labeling products. In all cases, the labels are printed and separated using this unique cutting process.
There are very few limits on the materials that can be kiss cut. As long as the material is pliable, soft, and sturdy, it can be cut, shaped, and formed using the process.
Of the many types of materials, vinyl is the most commonly used due to its durability, resilience, and pliability.