Common Industrial Slitting Processes You Need to Know

The technological advancements have reached the point where it is now possible to manufacture tools or equipment that serve to help production processes. These tools are now much needed in many sectors, especially the ones that need special final packaging. The slitting process is one example. Fortunately, the manufacturing of certain types of industrial slitter blades has made it easier for operators to work efficiently. As it is a part of the current production flows, companies find it rather impossible to start the workflow without investing in these blades.

It is true that the majority of people are not familiar with what slitting process is unless they work in a certain industry that requires cutting process. However, note that the presence of the blades is way more crucial than what people initially assume since it is the most effective way that can lead to neat and effective packaging. Materials, such as vinyl, films, fabrics, and paper, are often produced onto big bulks and rolls. It is when the slitting processes are necessary to make things easy to handle. This article discusses several common slitting processes in the industry.

two operators working in a factory

Razor Slitting

The most common type of slitting process is razor slitting. Just like what its name suggests, the process requires the use of rectangular razor-like blades to cut the materials into pieces. One benefit of this method is that it allows operators to cut the materials into tiny pieces. Another plus point is that the entire process produces very little dust, making it one of the cleanest cutting process in the industry. More importantly, the equipment installation also proves to be the cheapest that companies specializing in films, plastics, and ribbons often rely on this method.

Crush-Cut Slitting

The main function of crush-cut slitting, or what people usually refer to as scoring, serves to separate thick non-woven materials, such as fabrics and paper. Although the tools are quite cheap, the method is also known to offer the poorest edge quality, resulting in rolls or bulks that are thicker on the inside but narrower on the outside.

Shear Slitting

This type of cutting process is required whenever precision cuts are needed. Note that it is way more expensive to install the equipment, and not all sectors need to use this method. This cutting method is usually required for companies specializing in foils, layered materials, and composites. For that reason, consulting with the experts is advisable before installing the equipment to carefully evaluate the actual condition and the business conditions.