Precision hardened & tempered steel rule for flat-bed and rotary die cutting. 2pt & 3pt thickness, five edge types, factory direct with rapid sample packs.
Die cutting rule — also called steel rule, cutting rule, or Bandstahllinien (German) — is precision-hardened flat steel strip used in flat-bed and rotary die cutting machines to cut, crease, and perforate sheet materials.
Die cutting rules are bent into custom shapes and mounted in plywood or magnetic dies. When the die press closes, the sharpened edge of the rule cuts through paper, cardboard, corrugated board, labels, thin film, rubber gaskets, and electronic insulation materials with clean, repeatable precision.
The steel must satisfy two contradictory demands: the cutting edge must be extremely hard (HV 620–670) to maintain sharpness through millions of impressions, while the body must remain tough and bendable (HV 300–480) so the rule can be bent into complex die layouts without cracking.
This dual-hardness profile is achieved through differential heat treatment — edge hardening with controlled body tempering — a core competency of our production line.
Die cutting rule dimensions follow an industry-standard "point" system where 1 point = approximately 0.353mm (1/72 inch). The two dominant thicknesses worldwide are 2pt and 3pt.
| Designation | Thickness (mm) | Thickness (inch) | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2pt (two-point) | 0.71 mm | 0.028" | Standard: paper, labels, thin corrugated, film, gaskets |
| 3pt (three-point) | 1.07 mm | 0.042" | Heavy-duty: thick corrugated, rubber, high-rigidity applications |
| 4pt | 1.42 mm | 0.056" | Specialty: ultra-thick board, industrial gaskets (available on request) |
Note: 2pt (0.71mm) is the global standard and accounts for ~80% of all die cutting rule consumption. If unsure, start with 2pt.
The edge profile determines cut quality, material compatibility, dust generation, and die life. We produce all five standard edge types in-house.
Also known as: Standard straight bevel, side bevel
The industry default. The cutting edge is ground symmetrically from both sides to a centered point. Provides clean, straight cuts on paper, cardboard, corrugated board, and most sheet materials. Suitable for general-purpose die cutting with good edge life and easy re-sharpening.
Best for: General packaging, carton blanks, corrugated trays
Also known as: Polished edge, low-dust edge
Super-polished cutting edge with mirror-like surface finish. Dramatically reduces paper dust generation during high-speed die cutting, keeping dies cleaner and extending production runs between maintenance stops. The polished surface also reduces cutting resistance.
Best for: Premium label printing, pharmaceutical packaging, food-grade cartons
Also known as: Perforating rule, breathable rule
A series of precisely spaced notches cut into the edge, creating a pattern of cut-and-hold segments. Used for perforation lines (tear strips on packaging), ventilation holes, and breathable die cutting patterns. Notch spacing is customizable: standard 2mm on / 1mm off.
Best for: Tear-off lids, ventilated packaging, coupon perforations
Also known as: Saw-tooth edge, zip rule
Fine serrations ground along the cutting edge, similar to a micro saw-tooth pattern. Creates a controlled tear line rather than a clean cut — ideal for easy-open features on packaging. The serration pitch (teeth per cm) is adjustable to match the tear resistance of your substrate.
Best for: Easy-open packaging, tear strips, controlled-break lines
Also known as: PTFE-coated rule, anti-adhesion rule
Standard center bevel or mirror edge with a low-friction PTFE (Teflon) or similar anti-adhesion coating applied to the rule surface. Prevents adhesive labels, tapes, and sticky substrates from adhering to the rule during die cutting. Essential for self-adhesive label die cutting and any application where the substrate has exposed adhesive.
Best for: Self-adhesive labels, tape die cutting, high-speed label converting lines
Die cutting rule demands a specific combination: high edge hardness for cut quality, plus enough body ductility for bending into die shapes. These three grades deliver.
15N20 contains ~2% nickel, providing excellent toughness and fatigue resistance. The nickel content allows the body to remain ductile at higher hardness levels, making it ideal for complex die shapes with tight bends. This is the premium choice for high-volume die cutting where rule longevity matters.
| C % | Si % | Mn % | Cr % | Ni % | Mo % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.75 | 0.25 | 0.40 | — | 2.0 | — |
75Ni8 with 1.8–2.1% nickel is the European die cutting industry standard. At 0.71mm thickness, it matches the 2pt specification precisely. Excellent bendability for rotary dies and long straight rules alike. DIN-certified composition ensures batch-to-batch consistency.
| C % | Si % | Mn % | Cr % | Ni % | Mo % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.72–0.78 | 0.15–0.35 | 0.30–0.50 | — | 1.80–2.10 | — |
75Cr1 offers good edge hardness with the addition of chromium (0.30–0.40%) for wear resistance. A cost-effective alternative to nickel grades for standard-duty die cutting applications. Well-suited for short-run and medium-volume die production.
| C % | Si % | Mn % | Cr % | Ni % | Mo % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.70–0.80 | 0.25–0.50 | 0.60–0.80 | 0.30–0.40 | — | — |
| Property | 15N20 | 75Ni8 | 75Cr1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edge Hardness | HV 640–670 | HV 630–660 | HV 620–650 |
| Body Toughness | Excellent | Excellent | Good |
| Bendability | Excellent | Excellent | Good |
| Wear Resistance | Very Good | Very Good | Good (Cr-enhanced) |
| Cost Level | Premium | Standard | Economy |
| Best For | High-volume, complex dies | General purpose, European market | Short-run, cost-sensitive |
Die cutting rule steel serves the entire packaging and converting industry chain — from heavy corrugated boxes to delicate electronic insulation films.
Flat-bed die cutting of folding cartons, corrugated boxes, display stands, and POP materials. Center bevel edge in 2pt thickness handles 90% of carton die cutting requirements.
Self-adhesive label die cutting, blister pack lids, shrink sleeves, and flexible pouch blanks. Mirror finish edge reduces dust contamination on print surfaces. Non-stick coating is essential for adhesive labels.
Die cutting of PET, PI (Kapton), copper foil laminates, insulation gaskets, and EMI shielding materials. Ultra-precise edge geometry prevents micro-burrs on sensitive substrates.
Industrial gasket blanks, foam inserts, rubber seals, and automotive interior components. 3pt rule provides the rigidity needed for dense, compressible materials.
Our "three-piece sample pack" lets you test and compare edge types on your actual production materials before committing to volume.
Standard edge — your baseline reference for general die cutting performance.
Compare dust generation and edge quality vs. standard center bevel on the same substrate.
Test perforation quality and tear strength on your specific packaging design.
Each sample piece is 1 meter long — sufficient to make a small test die. Custom heights, thicknesses, and grades available on request. Typical sample lead time: 5–7 working days.
The die cutting industry uses specialized terminology that varies by region. This reference helps ensure we speak the same language.
| Term | Also Known As | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| Die Cutting Rule | Steel rule, cutting rule, Bandstahllinien | The steel strip that forms the cutting edge in a die |
| 2pt / 3pt | Two-point / three-point | Thickness designation: 2pt = 0.71mm, 3pt = 1.07mm |
| Rule Height | Blade height | Distance from base to cutting edge: standard 23.8mm (0.937") |
| Center Bevel | CB, standard bevel, side bevel | Symmetrical edge ground from both sides |
| Nick / Bridge | Hold point | Uncut segments that hold the blank in the sheet |
| Creasing Rule | Score rule, folding rule | Rounded-edge rule for fold lines (not cutting) |
| Perforation Rule | Perf rule, zip rule | Notched edge for tear lines |
| Die Board | Die base, plywood die | The plywood or MDF board holding the rules |
| Ejection Rubber | Stripping rubber | Foam strips that push material off the rule after cutting |
| Rule Bender | Auto-bender, CNC bender | Machine that bends rules to shape from CAD files |
Die cutting rule requires tight thickness tolerance for uniform cutting pressure across the entire die layout. Our standard supply is T2–T3 class per EN 10132-4.
| Thickness (mm) | T1 | T2 | T3 | T4 | T5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.020–0.040 | ±0.002 | ±0.003 | ±0.004 | ±0.005 | ±0.008 |
| 0.040–0.080 | ±0.003 | ±0.004 | ±0.006 | ±0.008 | ±0.012 |
| 0.080–0.150 | ±0.004 | ±0.006 | ±0.008 | ±0.012 | ±0.018 |
| 0.150–0.300 | ±0.005 | ±0.008 | ±0.012 | ±0.016 | ±0.024 |
| 0.300–0.600 | ±0.008 | ±0.012 | ±0.016 | ±0.024 | ±0.035 |
| 0.600–1.000 | ±0.010 | ±0.016 | ±0.022 | ±0.030 | ±0.040 |
| 1.000–1.600 | ±0.014 | ±0.020 | ±0.028 | ±0.036 | ±0.050 |
| 1.600–2.500 | ±0.018 | ±0.026 | ±0.035 | ±0.045 | ±0.060 |
Tell us your edge type, thickness, height, and quantity. We will respond within 4 hours with pricing and lead time.