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Laser cutting of rubber

Laser cutting rubber: contours and cut parts for your application

We laser cut suitable rubber into seal contours, pads, strips and shaped parts. Digital contours can be produced without a shaped die; we assess the material, cut edge and delivery format for your application.

Illustration of a laser over a red material web with round and rectangular cut contours

No shaped die

Contours from digital data

Material assessment

Check suitability and cut edge

01

Processing rubber by laser

When is laser cutting suitable for rubber?

In rubber laser cutting, a laser beam follows a specified contour. Suitable starting material can become flat seal contours, pads, strips and shaped parts without first making a shaped die. This is an option to assess for samples, changing contours and small production runs.

The shape alone does not determine the process. Rubber compound, thickness, elasticity and thermal behaviour affect whether the material can be laser cut and what cut edge results. We therefore clarify the material and the part's function before production; for function-critical seals, a sample can help assess fit and edge quality.

If another process or delivery format is needed, we compare the laser cut with rubber die cutting. Our rubber processing page outlines further options for this material group.

02

From rubber stock to cut part

Step 01

Send your requirements

State the application, rubber grade, contour, dimensions, quantity and delivery format; a drawing or sample helps us assess them.

Step 02

Assess material and contour

We assess laser suitability, cut edge, geometry and the requirements for sealing or protective function.

Red circular pads in different sizes on white sheets

Step 03

Agree the format

Where useful, we agree a sample, edge appearance and supply as individual parts or on a carrier with you.

Step 04

Produce the cut parts

After approval, we produce the agreed rubber cut parts in the specified shape and delivery format.

03

Contour and process options

04

Possible rubber cut parts

05

Rubber starting materials

Roll of a black rubber web with a length of material unwound

Rubber

Rubber webs and sheets may be starting materials. The specific compound and thickness determine laser suitability and edge quality.
Roll of black EPDM cellular rubber with material unwound

EPDM cellular rubber

EPDM cellular rubber is a separate material case. Its laser suitability and the required result must be assessed specifically. Explore EPDM Laser Cut →

06

Laser cutting process

07

Criteria for choosing the process

Assessment criterion What it means for your cut part
Rubber compound Its composition determines whether laser cutting and the required edge are feasible.
Thickness and elasticity Both affect edge quality and dimensional accuracy; suitability is assessed on the actual material.
Contour and function Outer or inner contour, sealing function and required edge shape determine the appropriate format.
Delivery format Individual parts or an arrangement on a carrier are agreed to suit subsequent processing.

Subject to material assessment

08

Details for your rubber laser cutting enquiry

Describe where the rubber part will be used and what it needs to do. State the rubber grade or available starting material, its thickness, the required outer and inner contours, dimensions, quantity and delivery format. Requirements for the cut edge, sealing function and subsequent processing help us choose the process.

A drawing or sample is helpful but is not essential for an initial enquiry. Send your details through the contact page; we will assess material and feasibility individually.

09

Questions about laser cutting rubber

How can an unknown rubber compound be assessed for laser cutting?

By examining the actual starting material and required cut edge. Rubber compounds differ in composition, elasticity and thermal behaviour. For an enquiry, the material designation, thickness and intended function are helpful. If the edge or dimensional accuracy is especially important, a sample can be agreed as a decision aid. We cannot make a blanket promise for every rubber grade.

When is rubber die cutting a better option?

When the material does not produce a suitable laser cut edge or mechanical cutting is better suited to the contour, quantity and delivery format. Die cutting requires a shaped tool, while the laser follows digital data. The comparison therefore depends on your part and starting material. The rubber die cutting page explains the mechanical option.

Can a laser cut rubber part be used as a seal?

Yes, a flat seal contour is a possible result if the material, cut edge and geometry suit the sealing task. Cutting does not create additional material properties. Please tell us about the installation situation, contact media and edge requirements. For a function-critical application, the intended performance and a sample should be assessed before production.

Which delivery formats are possible for rubber cut parts?

Individual parts or an agreed arrangement on a carrier may be possible, depending on the material and subsequent processing. The picture of sheeted parts is only a shape example, not a general promise. Tell us how the parts will be removed, positioned and assembled. We can then assess which format works for your workflow.

Enquire about your rubber cut parts

Send us the material details, contour, dimensions and desired delivery format. We will assess laser suitability and agree the approach for your part.

Thomas Klein

Advice on rubber cut parts

Thomas Klein

Contact for converting

Thomas Klein will discuss the material, contour and suitable delivery format with you.