Introduction to slitting

Slitting is a part manufacturing process and widely utilized across various industries, notably in metal fabrication and processing. This technique involves the cutting or shearing of large rolls or sheets of material into narrower strips or coils, leveraging specialized machinery and tools to achieve precise cuts. The quality of the slitting process is paramount, as it significantly influences the final product's dimensional accuracy, edge quality, and overall performance in subsequent manufacturing stages. 

How slitting is performed and its measurable aspects 

The slitting process can be complex, influenced by factors such as the material being slit, the machinery used, and the specific slitting technique employed. Generally, the procedure applies localized stress to the material until a shear zone develops, leading to the material's fracture along the desired line. The method is particularly crucial in sectors like automotive manufacturing, where part quality directly impacts the final product's performance and safety. 

​​​​​​​Quality assessment of slit edges is essential, with burr height serving as a key metric. A burr refers to the rough or sharp edges left after slitting, and minimizing burr height is desirable to reduce the need for secondary deburring operations. Measuring and controlling burr height is vital for maintaining high-quality production standards, ensuring safety, reducing additional processing costs, and meeting customer and industry specifications. It is a critical aspect of quality control in metal fabrication and other manufacturing processes where precision and excellence are non-negotiable. Factors affecting the quality of the slit edge include: 

• Material properties: The type of material, its thickness, microstructure, and prior treatments can influence the slitting process's outcome. 
• Slitting parameters: Adjustments in the slitting process, such as tool clearance and speed, play a significant role in edge quality. 
• Machine and tool condition: The precision of the slitting machinery and the state of the slitting tools (e.g., wear and tear) also affect the quality of the cut. 

Techniques for measuring burr height range from tactile methods, using instruments like micrometers, to more advanced, non-contact approaches. Each method has its advantages and limitations, highlighting the importance of selecting an appropriate measurement technique based on the specific requirements of the slitting operation. 

Applications of slitting across products 

Slitting finds application in producing a wide array of products, from metal coils used in automotive body parts to strips for electronic components and packaging materials. The versatility of the slitting process allows it to cater to the precise specifications required by different industries, making it an indispensable part of modern manufacturing. 

Burr heights and Slitting measurements. 

For those of you seeking to optimize your slitting operations, explore our innovative solutions of Burr Heights here at Vollmer.se. Our expertise and advanced technology are geared towards improving the quality and efficiency of your slitting process, ensuring you achieve the best possible results. Visit us today to learn more about how we can support your manufacturing goals.