Because elastomers are used for so many different applications, there are a great amount of custom-made rubber parts that need to be produced. Rolls of CR can be turned into small neoprene strips or large neoprene pads. This allows OEM’s or hobbyists alike to turn sheet stock into custom neoprene parts that suit their specific needs. When it comes to cutting neoprene, seals and other parts can be cut with methods such as die or laser cutting. However these processes can be cost prohibitive for small jobs or test0runs. However, an important decision that is made during neoprene fabrication is whether or not it will need to be cut by hand. Can the job use a product that is cut with less precise tolerances? The size of the object is what ultimately determines whether the product will be cut by hand or with machinery; a large piece. That is an occasion where a rubber supplier or the end-user themselves will need to engage in neoprene fabrication.

Hand cutting neoprene entails exactly what you think: a skilled craftsman outlines the given shape or design and uses a hand-cranked slitting machine, or a utility knife, or perhaps a few more specialized tools to make a cut. For the right type of end-product, hand-cutting neoprene is a great option to consider for these reasons:

• Large Gaskets: Die, laser and hydro-jet cutting are all very effective methods of cutting out a rubber part; however, they are limited in their abilities, for they can only be used to cut smaller-sized objects. These machines are of course beneficial when the precision of technology is needed to create accuracy when human hands cannot. But for larger parts it may not be possible to use them. Furthermore, with die, laser and hydro-jet cutting, the rubber sheet or roll has to be able to fit on each respective machine’s cutting table. If the size of the neoprene pads do not fit within the range of maneuverability of the machine, the part cannot be fabricated. Neoprene fabrication for these oversized parts can be accommodated by a skilled craftsman who can hand-cut rolls up to 25 or 50 feet in length.

• Thicker Custom Neoprene Parts: Using hand-operated tools and machines allows for greater control and potential when cutting rubber products. Neoprene pads measuring an inch thick or greater can be hand cut with a 1/4-inch tolerance (0.250”). Other methods, especially die cutting in particular, are limited to rubber sheets thinner than 3/8 inch (0.375”). But a hand-held cutting tool is not limited to this measurement. Thus, when thicker neoprene strips are needed, it must be hand-cut or cut by more costly methods.
• Faster Lead Times: Since minimal tools are required, hand cut gaskets can be prepared, cut and readied faster than other cutting methods. The quick availability of hand-cut product is ideal for urgent applications or for preliminary testing purposes. Are you working on an idea but want to test materials first, or have your parts cut and prepared for less? Just remember that you will lose precision when choosing this method, but results will be met faster, and trial and error is a great way to ensure your products are top-of-the-line.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Hand cutting a rubber gasket does not require many tools and only expends the energy of the craftsman performing the fabrication. This cuts down costs significantly compared to other methods like die, laser or hydro-jet cutting. The sum total of equipment and set-up costs required for machine cutting is much greater than the minimalist processes of hand cutting.

Considering such facts, opting for a hand-cut neoprene pads may be the better choice if your project. Larger and thicker gasket specifications call for the skill and manipulation that only a craftsman can provide. Hand cutting neoprene from rolls can also be a faster and cheaper neoprene fabrication method. This process can yield small neoprene strips to very large rubber liners!