Here are some "insider tips" from Eastman's Technical Service Team for cutting thin films, plastic and rubber with the Eastman automated cutting systems:

Plastic Films – Plastic films can generally be cut with a 1” or 2” round knife. If greater detail and integrate shapes are to be cut then a drag knife would be used. If surface appearance is a concern then a felt material can be added to the drag knife foot to prevent direct contact with the material.

Vinyl – Eastman recommends cutting vinyl with a round knife and low pressure. The knife will easily cut through vinyl with little pressure. The lower the pressure of the cutting knife the longer life you will get out of your Eastman cutting surface.

Mylar – Eastman techs recommend cutting mylar with a round knife or a drag knife depending on piece size and/or shape. 

Reinforced Mylar - Can be cut with either a round knife or a drag knife depending on fiber reinforcement, piece size and/or shape. A Kelar reinforced Mylar would require a drag knife while a Fiberglass reinforced Mylar cuts better with a round knife.

Thin Rubbers – Thin rubber material less than 0.050” (1.25 mm) can generally be cut with a 1” or 2” round blade.  Intricate designs or small shapes can be cut with a drag knife.

Thicker Rubbers – Thicker rubber materials above 0.050” (1.25 mm) are cut with a drag knife.  The blasé is able to slice though the material.

PTEK – PTEK is used in the Ski and Snowboard industry and is cut with an Eastman drag knife. High precision cutting is required in these industries so a HD Tool head with heavey duty spindles are required. Eastman has many customers in the ski and snowboard industry - ask us for a list of references!