Die Cut Hydrogel

Hydrogel Applications

Hydrogel is a specialized, flexible material composed of water. It comes in sheeted and liquid formats, but for die cutting, Strouse focuses on sheeted.

Researchers, healthcare providers, farmers, and countless consumers use die cut hydrogels to create moist environments, facilitate conductivity in small devices, deliver drug solutions, and more.

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Hydrogel Die Cutting and Converting

Strouse has over 40 years of experience converting hydrogel, pressure-sensitive adhesives, and other flexible materials to custom sizes, shapes, and formats.

As a specialty adhesive tape converter, Strouse provides tape slit to custom widths or custom shapes and dimensions. Finished components can be provided in multiple formats including parts wound on a roll of liner, parts on single sheets of liner, or parts as individual pieces with liner on one or both sides to protect any potentially exposed adhesive. These formats are designed to simplify your assembly process.

Whether you apply hydrogel components by hand or use automated machinery, Strouse can design a solution that meets your functional needs while integrating with your existing processes.

We work on projects of all types from concepts drawn on a napkin to pre-designed components already spec'd into a project. Our diverse manufacturing capability allows us to provide you with the material you need in the exact size, shape, and format required for your design and process, while scaling for production in a cost-effective manner.

Using a rotary press to die cut hydrogel components.

A member of Strouse's team shows off a sample sheet of adhesive hydrogel.

One of Strouse's engineers is overseeing a clean room cutting project.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Hydrogel FAQ

Should I use hydrogel in my design?

Hydrogel is a material with highly specialized properties, so it isn't always the best, nor the cheapest option. However, if you're looking for a flexible, water-based material, then hydrogel could be right for you.

If you're still unsure whether to use hydrogel in your design, contact Strouse today, and our material experts will help you find the right materials for your project.

For those who are further along in the process, we'll even help you start prototyping your design to ensure that your materials function in context.

Where can I find sheeted hydrogel? For personal use and individual rolls, you may want to begin with a retailer's website (such as Amazon). We recommend reaching out to a converter, like Strouse, once you're ready to begin building commercial designs.

How can I cut hydrogel? Individual sheets of hydrogel are typically soft enough to cut with scissors. On a manufacturing scale, converting processes such as rotary die cutting will allow you to cut the same-sized parts consistently in larger quantities.

What are the disadvantages of hydrogel?

Hydrogel tends to be more expensive than other flexible materials, and it can dry out if left unsealed. That's why hydrogel products utilize sealed packaging.

Additionally, hydrogel is a challenging converting material that requires experienced hands to cut and process in larger quantities. When manufacturing hydrogel products, it is crucial to work with partners who have extensive experience working with it.

MANY CAPABILITIES. ONE CONVERTER

IMPOSSIBLE

130% PRODUCTION IMPROVEMENT

FIT. FORM. FUNCTION

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