Flat Cutting Rules

Understanding Flat Die Cutting Blades In The Die Manufacturing Industry

Flat die cutting blades are essential tools used in the die-making process for precision cutting across industries like packaging (e.g. corrugated board cutting via steel‑rule dies), printing, and electronics. These blades are typically made of high-carbon steel or alloy steel and undergo quenching and surface decarburization treatments to enhance their hardness—making them suitable for cutting materials of various thicknesses and densities under high pressure.

1. Common Specifications of Flat Die Cutting Blades

Blade Height

• Non-standard adhesive blades: 7 mm, 8 mm, 9.5 mm, 12 mm

• Standard blades (e.g. mirror-finished, ground edge, perforation): 23.6 mm, 23.8 mm

• Tall blades: 30 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm, 50 mm

• Common heights for rule lines: 22.9 mm, 23.3 mm

Blade Thickness

• 0.45 mm (1.27 PT) – for adhesive label cutting

• 0.53 mm (1.5 PT), 0.71 mm (2 PT), 1.07 mm (3 PT), 1.42 mm (4 PT)

  
  

Thickness is selected based on material properties—whether thick or thin—and the complexity of bending, as well as machine pressure.

Hardness

• Tip hardness: HS50, HS52, HS55, HS72, HS76, HS78, HS80

• Body hardness: HS48, HS50, HS51, HS52, HS55

  
  

  Blades are designed with a harder tip than the body to enhance cutting edge formation and extend service life.

Bevel Angle

Available in 30°, 42°, 45°, 52°

• 30°: Very sharp, ideal for fine cutting but lower pressure resistance

• 42°: Most common; balances sharpness and durability

• 52°: Higher pressure resistance and longevity, but reduced sharpness

Minimum Bending Angle

• The smallest recommended bending angle is 20°

• Lower angles require slightly softer blades (e.g. HS47 body, HS74 tip) to prevent cracking and ensure smooth bending

2. Flat Die Blade Parameters

3. Types of Cutting Edges (Bevels)

Three main types of blade bevels in die making:

1. Central Bevel (CB) – Also known as Single Bevel or Low Peak

2. Long Central Bevel (LCB) – Double Bevel or High Peak

3. Side Bevels (SB / LSB) – For one-sided cutting; includes Short Side Bevel and Long Side Bevel

   
   

Side bevels are often preferred for high-volume jobs using thinner paperboard. They feature higher tip hardness, better pressure resistance, and offer stable and durable performance—especially for straight-edge, thick-material cutting and closed-form die designs.

4. Common Blade Variants in the Market

• Mirror Finish Blades – Smooth, polished edges for clean cuts

• Ground Edge Blades – Sharpened for increased precision

• Adhesive Blades – For label and sticker material cutting

• Perforation Blades – Used for tear lines

• Toothed Blades – With serrated edges for special cutting needs

• Wavy Blades – For decorative or special cuts

• Creasing Blades – For creating fold lines on materials

Applications in Industry

Flat die cutting blades are indispensable in industries such as:

• Packaging – For die-cutting corrugated boards, cartons, labels

• Printing – Precision die cutting in post-press processing

• Electronics – For cutting insulating materials and components

• Other Light Industries – General non‑metallic material processing

Why Blade Design Matters

Choosing the right blade type, thickness, bevel, and hardness ensures:

• Cleaner cuts

• Longer blade life

• Fewer reworks

• Reduced downtime

• Safer, more reliable performance

  
  

For precision and reliability in die-making, selecting the right flat die blade is as critical as the machine itself. With a full range of customizable options, Yitai provides blades tailored to the exacting needs of die makers across the globe.