When it comes to cutting neoprene, there are a few different ways to choose from depending on how quick the part is needed, the thickness of the rubber, dimensional tolerances required and the kind of part that is being cut. Neoprene rubber sheets can be cut using hand cutting, laser cutting, waterjet cutting, and die cutting methods. In some instances, neoprene fabrication must be as accurate as possible for applications such as seals and gaskets. Computerized cutting machines, such as laser and waterjet cutters, can provide more accurate cuts of custom neoprene parts that would be impossible to achieve with the naked eye. Other times, larger, less precise neoprene products can be cut by hand for a more cost-effective method of cutting neoprene. Overall, the method of neoprene fabrication is dependent on the type of application, the time schedule of your project, and the budget of your project.

How Do You Cut Neoprene Rubber Sheets?

Neoprene sheets can be cut with a utility knife, pre-measured die cutters, waterjet cutters, and laser cutters. Each method of cutting neoprene is ideal for different purposes, such as larger neoprene sheets for mats or smaller and more precise cuts for seals and gaskets. For example, the precise cuts needed for seals and gaskets cannot be produced by hand cutting and, therefore, must be cut using a machine operated method. When cutting neoprene on a machine, you are able to produce more accurately cut pieces of custom neoprene, even smaller cuts of neoprene. However, before cutting, it is important to consider its thickness and durometer, the size of the part being cut, and the tolerances required. The thickness and durometer of the neoprene sheets will help determine which method to use when cutting neoprene. Some methods can only be used with thinner neoprene sheets whereas other methods can cut through even the highest durometer of neoprene. Tolerance refers to the margin of error in each method of cutting neoprene. In some instances, custom neoprene parts must be precise, rendering hand cutting the least recommended option over die, laser, and waterjet cutting methods. In addition, the scale of a project and volume of required cut parts are also important to consider. Hand cutting neoprene, although cost-effective, is not the recommended method for those needing high volumes of neoprene cuts in a short amount of time. Most importantly, cost is a massive factor to take into consideration. Of course, due to the lack of machinery, hand cutting is the most cost-effective option while die, laser, and waterjet cutting can be a bit on the pricey side.

How to Cut Neoprene by Hand

Hand cutting neoprene is the most basic way to cut neoprene and can be done with a utility knife and a T-square ruler. This method of neoprene fabrication is ideal for simple straight cuts that do not need to be perfectly precise. Thicker, longer, and larger neoprene sheets will be easier to cut using this method; however, thicker neoprene sheets can take multiple cuts to completely sever the piece. This is called “scoring” and the difficulty of cutting depends on the durometer rating of the neoprene. This method of cutting rubber will not be as precise as other computerized methods including laser cutting, waterjet cutting, and die cutting processes. Due to this limited precision, cutting neoprene by hand is only done for cutting larger parts. It will leave a tolerance of 1/16-inch (0.0625 inches) for materials half an inch thick or thinner and 1/4-inch (0.250 inches) on materials 1-inch thick or thicker. Additionally, this is the most cost-effective method of cutting neoprene due to the lack of expensive machinery that are used in other methods.

Can You Cut Neoprene on a Laser Cutter?

You can cut neoprene on a laser cutter and it will produce an accurate and precise cut. For this method of cutting neoprene, measurements are entered into the machine for accuracy humans cannot achieve with the naked eye. Then, a high-powered laser beam is guided across the surface of the material creating extremely accurate and precise neoprene products, such as seals and gaskets. Cutting rubber on a laser cutter gives you the benefit of cutting through thicker neoprene sheets. Slight discoloration and tackiness along the laser cut edges may occur; however, this can be easily cleaned with a wet rag after the cutting is complete. Although laser cutters produce extremely precise lines, they also tend to use up much more energy than other methods, such as die cutting, making them the least frequently used method of neoprene fabrication. Due to the large amount of energy being used, laser cutting neoprene is generally only used when in need of a tighter tolerance.

Can a Water Jet Cut Neoprene?

Waterjet cutters can cut neoprene and, like cutting neoprene with a laser cutter, waterjet cutters are used for making complicated and intricate cuts. Custom neoprene parts fabricated through waterjet cutting are extremely accurate and true to the specified measurements entered into the computer. Unlike laser cutters, waterjet cutters do not use heat in the process of cutting; instead, they use high-pressure streams of water to cut through the material. This method allows for a more precise and accurate cut that will not be compromised by heat that can melt away some of the material. When cutting through tougher materials, such as neoprene products with high durometer ratings, abrasives are added in the water to help cleanly cut through the material. Waterjet cutting is the most expensive option for cutting neoprene; however, the accuracy of the cuts is unmatched by do-it-yourself neoprene fabrication methods. Furthermore, because this does not require as much energy as laser cutters, this method is regarded as an eco-friendly process of cutting neoprene.

Can You Die Cut Neoprene?

You can die cut neoprene as long as the neoprene sheets are thinner than 3/8-inch (0.375 inches) thick. Die cutting machines are essentially large hole punchers, pre-measured to customer specifications, that cut out custom neoprene parts. Although die cutting is limited to thinner sheets, die cutting reduces time spent cutting individual pieces. Die cutters are generally used for creating custom neoprene products en masse by using multiple pre-measured cutting molds punch out many neoprene parts simultaneously; however, the dimensions of the neoprene sheet being cut must be relatively small and less than 24 inches on all sides. Furthermore, the tolerance of a die cutter is 1/16 of an inch (0.0625 inches) which makes for extremely accurate cuts. This makes die cutting neoprene an efficient method of creating large numbers of cut neoprene parts for precise applications.

With various different ways of cutting neoprene, such as hand, laser, waterjet, and die cutting options, it is easy to discern which method is best suited for the application and scale of your project. It is important to take into consideration the type of application, the deadline of the project, and the project’s budget before choosing a method of neoprene fabrication. Custom neoprene parts are all made to specific measurements and specifications that may not be compatible with certain cutting methods. For instance, due to its limited precision, hand cutting neoprene is ideal for larger cuts of neoprene. On the other hand, machine cutting neoprene, including laser, waterjet, and die machines, produce a more accurately cut pieces that can be smaller in size. Precision, accuracy, and cost are all important and major factors to take into consideration that will help narrow down the methods of cutting neoprene to one that is best suited for your project.