Ward & Kennedy supplies businesses nationwide with traditionally die-cut and high-precision digitally cut cork. From flooring to gaskets and everything in between, you can trust Ward & Kennedy’s nearly 100-year history for fast turnaround times and dedicated service and support.
Cork is a natural material harvested from the bark of cork oak trees, known for its lightweight structure, compressibility, and natural resistance to moisture and fire. It's widely used across flooring, wine production, and industrial sealing applications, particularly where insulation, cushioning, or a renewable material is valued.
Common products made from cork include:
Cork's density, compressibility, and natural variability directly affect how it performs during cutting, from blade pressure to edge consistency.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Density | Natural density varies across sheets, which can require adjusting cutting pressure for consistent results |
| Compressability | Cork compresses under the blade, similar to foam, which can affect final dimensions |
| Natural variability | Grain and texture differ piece to piece, unlike synthetic materials, which can lead to inconsistent cuts |
| Friability | Can crumble or flake at the edges if cut too aggressively or with a dull blade |
| Composite construction | Cork sheets made from granules and binder cut differently than solid natural cork |
| Moisture content | Higher moisture can affect how cleanly the material cuts and how well it holds its shape |
slices completely through the material, and both digital cutters and traditional dies can perform it depending on thickness and volume.
Digital cutting works well for prototyping cork products and producing detailed or custom designs, such as decorative coasters, craft pieces, or new gasket shapes still being developed. Laser cutting is especially useful for cork, since it can etch fine detail while also cutting through the material.
For production runs, die cutting remains the standard, particularly for gaskets, seals, and coasters produced in high volume. The upfront tooling cost is offset by faster cutting speeds and lower per-unit costs once the design is finalized and moving into full production.
At our facility in Milwaukee, WI, our team of designers and fabricators can help bring your vision to life. Whether you have existing design files or assistance with their creation, we’re here every step of the way.
Along with fabrics, we die cut materials like:
Ward & Kennedy has been designing, fabricating, and supplying industries all over the world since we were founded in 1928. Whether you’re in our Wisconsin backyard or located across the world in Asia, we can supply your die cut materials.
Along with fabricating parts for businesses across America, we supply them with the necessary tools, supplies, and gear to keep them running at full capacity. We stock abrasives, adhesives, PPE, and more from major brands like 3M, Dynablade, Superior Glove, Wendt and Mirka.
