Application: What Tooled methods to use when excising parts from a panel. In the flexible circuit and flexible heater industry parts are processed in panel form through the majority of the build process to help keep unit prices low. When it comes time to remove the parts from the panel, All Flex offers a variety of methods and can help guide you to the correct solution that best meets your application needs and price points. We have broken down this case study into two different types of excise options, Part I (available on our website blog) focused on Tool-Less Methods and Part II focuses on Tooled Methods.
Tooled Methods
Steel Rule Die
The most common type of rule die is a steel rule die. The die is normally formed by embedding a steel band with a sharp edge into a block of wood. The rules can be bent and shaped in a variety of custom patterns. The cutting action occurs when the die presses against the material that is mounted on a backing surface. When the die blades penetrate over 60% of the substrate thickness, the rest of the material usually splits. Although the tooling cost is higher than the tool-less options, steel rule dies are a great option for high volume manufacturing (where tight tolerances are not required), as it can remove the parts from the panel very quickly.
Etched Die
Etched dies are chemically etched (instead of machine formed) which provides a tighter tolerance than the steel rule die. The process for removing the parts from the panel is the same as the steel rule die, so this is also a great option for high volume application where tighter tolerances are needed.um features through a dynamically flexing region.