Making Dies for Cutting?

**sdashiki** · 09-11-2007, 01:36 PM

I figured people here may be my best chance to figure this one out:

if I needed some fabric cut to exact shapes and keep it consistent, I would use a die of some kind, right?

Like a cookie cutter, only it needs to be made precise of course and not bend or warp.

What kind of services are available for making these kinds of things?

A stencil is a novel alternative but human error scares me.

**Profozone** · 09-11-2007, 08:54 PM

Need a little more information. What kind of fabric and what are you using it for. Most people just use scissors and cut the fabric too large. Then it gets folded to the underside of whatever you are attaching it to, so that it isn't seen. I presume you can't do this. But couldn't you just make a cardboard template and then cut the fabric with scissors or an exacto blade to the same size as the template?

What strange situation do you have that these normal methods don't work?

Good luck.

**sdashiki** · 09-13-2007, 08:54 AM

Well the thing is, it needs to be "exact" because id be using the shapes more than once on more than one. It would most typically be leather or reptile skin, not too thick.

The point is to emulate the original shape and consistently make copies of it.

Basically its like decals that must fit the contours and whatnot of the object its being attached to.

I think a cookie cutter type die is the idea.

**dupa2** · 09-13-2007, 10:11 AM

are you making shoes or purses?

**sdashiki** · 09-13-2007, 11:03 AM

Its actually for cameras.

Die-cut shapes to adhere to a specific model of camera. since id do it a few more times than once, a die cut makes sense for not only consistency but also clean and perfect shapes.

**houdini** · 09-13-2007, 08:25 PM

You might try emachineshop.com
If they will make you a die it will be more cost effective
because you do the designing.

**davesaudio2** · 09-13-2007, 08:52 PM

I believe nowadays they laser cut a stack of fabric...

**sdashiki** · 09-14-2007, 08:59 AM

Ive seen large die cutting machines used on fabric for shoes, wallets, etc.

But this is a much smaller scale. Keep the dies for life, but use it sparingly over the months/years id be doing these projects.

that link looks good, $150 to start though, but I think the parts should be relatively cheap to manufacture. i might just have to send my stuff to the guy in japan who has his own dies i assume, $7 + shipping aint bad...

**Profozone** · 09-14-2007, 10:35 PM

I think a die is one way to go, but I believe you would need to have a press to properly cut the material. Also, I would call around to some local machine shops. I've heard that emachineshop isn't always that competitive and that the design tool isn't that great. I have not used them, so I cannot say that for certain.

Good luck.

**erricson_nguyen** · 09-17-2007, 02:16 AM

i recently work for die cutting company we die cut all shape, size fr 4x3 up to 32x40" but we only cutting paper not fabric but i'm 100% sure dies that we use will easily cut fabric i've make lotta small die to use on some of my own stuff if you need more info feel free to PM me glad to help