Kiss Cut and Kiss Slit Parts


Kiss cutting and kiss slitting are high-speed methods for making “easy-to-peel” adhesive-backed custom cut parts. Kiss cutting and slitting leaves finished parts on a removable layer of backing paper or foil (release liner or substrate).

In kiss cutting and slitting, parts with adhesive backing mounted onto a release liner are cut, but not cut all the way through the liner. In this way, the parts can be easily detached from the liner and placed into use.

As a process, kiss cutting and slitting is capable of holding tight tolerances, and multiple operations such as laminating, slitting, and cutting can be combined into a single process. Using high-speed production equipment, such as the rotary die cutter explained below, large volumes of adhesive-backed parts can be produced quickly and economically.

Kiss cut and kiss slit parts: traditional die cutting

Traditionally, adhesive-backed parts were produced using a steel rule die mounted on a travelling head press. Under this method, the material being cut was positioned over the die and the press engaged to cut the material on the die. Due to the manual nature of the operation, this production method is much slower than using rotary die cutting. It is therefore better suited for producing parts whose production volumes are low.

Kiss cut and kiss slit parts: rotary die cutting

Rotary die cutting is a preferred method for producing kiss cut parts in high production volumes. Compared with traditional steel rule die cutting, this production method delivers unmatched speed and efficiency in the production of kiss cut parts.

At CRG, we use rotary die cutting equipment equipped with three to six top-of-web anvil positions. Fitted with large anvils, which are either fixed or removable, CRG’s rotary die cutting equipment can be used for zero-tension laminating projects, island placement projects, and other fabricating challenges. Most importantly, with rotary die cutting, CRG can perform a variety of operations on a single piece of equipment, including kiss-cutting, kiss-slitting, guillotine-cutting, laminating, wind-up, and part printing. This feature improves production efficiency and eliminates the need for costly secondary operations.

Advantages of rotary die cutting

For parts destined for industrial and automotive applications, rotary die cutting can ensure consistent quality and fast, lower-cost production. The speed of rotary die cutting allows large volumes of cut product to be supplied Just-In-Time or as needed, eliminating the need to store or inventory cut parts. Parts can be supplied in roll form to enable ease-of-application at the end-use process. Kiss cut parts produced with a rotary die cutter separate cleanly from the release liner, reducing scrap and the need for rework as parts are being consumed and applied.

Industrial and automotive kiss cut and kiss slit parts

At CRG, we custom manufacture kiss cut and kiss slit parts from a range of materials that are purpose-suited for end-use applications. These materials include elastomers (silicone and non-silicone), foams and sponges (silicone and non-silicone), PVC plastics, felts and flocks, corks, non-wovens, and specialty materials such as foils, films and laminates.

All kiss cut parts we make are custom manufactured to each customer’s designs, specifications and tolerances. Examples of kiss cut and kiss slit parts we produce include the following:

  • Rubber (silicone and non-silicone) gaskets and seals

  • Closed and open-cell foam and sponge (silicone and non-silicone) gaskets and seals

  • Stripping

  • Rubber washers and spacers

  • Parts for suppressing noise, vibration and harshness (NVH)

  • Parts for damping, isolation and insulation

  • Parts for shielding against RFI and EMI

CRG offers full support for the production of kiss cut and kiss slit parts, including CAD support, prototyping, and quality control via our ISO 9001:2015 certified quality management system. Our experienced and knowledgeable staff will be pleased to assist with concepts, manufacturing techniques and costs, and material considerations and selection.

To find out more about the kiss cut and kiss slit parts we can supply, please contact our sales department at crg@canadarubbergroup.com.