Slitting 101

What method of slitting is right for you?

As many companies begin the process of purchasing a custom Slitter Rewinder System, they will soon come to realize that the answer to this question is imperative to the type of machine that is designed and built specifically for the company's application.

Contech believes that focusing on our customer's application parameters, while keeping cost, safety and simplicity in mind, are important factors in choosing the right slitter for the job.

According to "Slitting Techniques, Choosing the Best Method," there is a 3-step procedure to follow to identify the best slitting method for each application.

1. Identify the important characteristics of each slitting method.
2. Identify the characteristics of the material to be slit.
3. Match the material to the best slitting method.

Below is a brief explanation of some of the more common slitting methods:

1. Razor Slitting: One of the most popular methods of slitting, this method utilizes a razor blade to cut material. The material is unwound from the roll, passes over the razor(s), gets cut and re-wound onto the child cores. Razor slitting is frequently used to slit materials ranging from woven to non-woven like plastics or films.
2. Shear Slitting: Male and female circular knives are utilized to provide a cut that is similar to the same effect as scissors. This system is used widely on paper, films, foils and other non-woven materials.
3. Score Slitting (crust cut clitting): A knife is pressed and runs against a hardened anvil shaft essentially crushing the material. The system works well with hundreds of materials, including non-wovens.