Cutting Systems Finding the perfect cut C
utting solutions around the world have had to change dramatically over the years with the evolvement in knife holder technology, knife metallurgy and geometry. This was a must to keep up the pace, what with slitter rewinding equipment becoming faster and materials being slit becoming ever more technical. From simple paper, adhesive backed materials, nonwovens to battery composites, all materials needing the same solution, but delivered in varying ways. If the knife and knife set up is not correct, then regardless of how new or even how expensive the slitting machine is, the slit quality will be poor.
In many cases, knives and knife set is not normally given the focus needed within the production environment, where the norm is to use traditional tooling, but knives have changed so much over the years that very often there are better alternatives to the traditional methods. We often use the analogy that fitting poor quality tooling to a state-of-the-art slitter is like fitting cheap tyres to a F1 Car; just not logical.
Blade management and correct sharpening methods on and off site are critical to slit quality consistency and working with a professional knife partner is critical to support the supply chain, as well as making sure that you are always getting the most up to date advice. Swemko, established in 1975, working closely with Dienes,
established in 1913, have a wealth of experience and knowledge in all areas of the cutting process, from crush to shear cut knives and slitting systems, be it mechanical, pneumatic or even electronic.
Blade set up is always a critical factor where setting the knife correctly can resolve slit quality issues, material contamination and reduce reel rejection, resulting in greater blade life. At Swemko, we offer our customers full technical consultation to either advise or confirm that the best practises are being followed within blade set up.
Blade geometry is another area where slit quality and blade life plays a signifi cant factor, meaning that having secondary angles and blades with concave bevels to enhance slit quality are very important to achieve those necessary slit quality results.
From blades, we move to knife holders and slitting systems. The blade holder and its ability to replicate the same set up time and time again are critical factors in gaining consistency on the slitting lines. Shaft mounted shear slitters need the correct level of elasticity from the garter spring to create the correct and even side load pressure, whereas pneumatically operated individually set knife holders must make sure that side lay pressure and overlap are followed to the correct parameters to enable a consistent cut. Dienes have developed their latest knife holder, the PSGS-DF LED Holder, which allows the operator to set the correct overlap every time regardless of blade diameter using a simple sensor system to fi nd the cutting edge, coupled with the easy set system for fi nding the bottom knife. This holder really sets new standards in blade set up for speed and consistency. There are several blade material options, from 1.5 percent chrome being the industry standard, to 12 percent chrome high speed steel, to the advanced powdered metals ASP and Tungsten Carbide, which all have a place with the production environment. All these materials are designed with an aim in mind and that is blade longevity to extend blade life on the slitting machine, to reduce downtime and, in turn, the amount of regrinds. This gives greater overall blade life and so, on some occasions, the most expensive knife works out to be the cheapest. To sum up blades, blade holders and the actual blade set up are all technical tools that need to be understood and, at Swemko, we are keen to no longer make it a black art, but something all users have a good understanding of and can benefi t from.
24
November 2024
www.convertermag.com
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