What Is Tape Slitting Process
Typically, the adhesive tape slitting process comprises 4 steps: unwinding the jumbo roll, web guiding, slitting, and trim removal. Each step requires a different key feature.
When you enter a tape manufacturer’s workshop, it is common to see a large roll of tape sent to a machine that can produce different sizes of tape. Congratulations, you have seen the tape slitting process, but it is not that simple.
First, unwind the jumbo roll and place it on the slitting machine. In this process, you need to pay attention to tension control to avoid tape stretching/deformation or uneven finished roll edges. Secondly, the web guiding process unwinds the jumbo tape and feeds it into the slitting process, where it is cut into smaller rolls with different dimensions. The trim Edges will also be removed through a vacuum system or dedicated winding shafts.
One word to explain: well-slitted tapes can improve manufacturing efficiency by making the process smoother and faster, which means we can offer a shorter delivery time than other manufacturers.
Why Is the Slitting Process So Important in Tape Manufacturing
The slitting process primarily determines the width, dimensions, and user experience; it can also reduce material waste and improve production efficiency by adjusting slitting precision. On the contrary, poorly slit tapes can lead to burrs, uneven edges, and adhesive bleeding.
In automated production lines, precisely slit tapes are more important than standard ones. Cause automated production lines need each machine to cooperate fast and smoothly, which is their core advantage over manual production lines. However, once poorly slit tape reaches the next step, it can easily cause jamming, matrix breakage, and line maintenance outages. Result in time-consuming repairs and higher costs in the end.
Egret Group’s Tape Slitting Capabilities
At Egret Group, we can accept high-precision slitting requirements, our slitting width ranges from 30 mm to 1300 mm. Meanwhile, we can also maintain stringent tolerance control within ±0.3%.
We can also offer custom roll lengths, as our slitting machines are equipped with meter-counter sensors. As the tapes pass through the sensors, the sensors accurately calculate the total length of material traveled based on the material’s movement distance (i.e., the number of roller/wheel rotations).
We also use automated slitting production lines to ensure on-time delivery. We have slitting capabilities, including simultaneous multi-roll slitting and high-speed automated slitting.
At last, we also remember the edge cleaning as the closing phase. We provide burr-free parts to ensure you have no after-sales concerns about quality or your manufacturing process.
- Types of Tape Slitting Methods
| Types of Tape Slitting | Princple | Suitable Application | Pros | Cons |
| Razor Slitting | Using blade cutting the jumbo roll directly, easy strutureing | Film-based Adhesive Tape(BOPP, PE, PET, PVC) | Low cost Low cutting resitance, suitable for high-speed running | Not suitable for thick tapes or foam tapes. Rapid blade wear, leading to limited edge stability |
| Shear Slitting | Similar to the principle of scissors, where two blades (an upper and a lower) shear against each other. | Foam tape, Cloth Tape, Aluminum Tape, Medium-to-High Thickness Tapes | Clean, consistent edge quality and high stability. Suitable for industrial applications requiring high edge quality. | High requirements for equipment calibration. Need an experienced operator |
| Score Slitting | A rotary blade performs the slitting by crushing the tape against an anvil roller below. | Medium-to-low precision requirements. Thicker or rigid substrates. | Simple structure. Easy to maintain | General edge consistency. Lower precision and shorter lifespan compared to shear slitting. |
Egret Group’s Closed Loop From Coating to Slitting
Many resellers distribute different production processes, such as coating and slitting, to different manufacturers, which consumes part of the delivery time. Additionally, different factories usually share different quality control standards. However, in the Egret Group, you do not have such concerns.
Unlike resellers, Egret Group is an experienced adhesive tape manufacturer with 30 years of experience. We own 20+ automated production lines and a 2000 ㎡ R&D Center, covering all processes from material engineering to finished rolls. We have a shorter delivery schedule and usually use the same quality control system you require.
Conclusion
The slitting process is an important step in tape manufacturing; unlike what many people think, tape slitting is not just about dividing jumbo rolls. The quality and precision of tape slitting directly decide the production efficiency.
Aluminum foil, PET, Foam, PE, Paper, PVC, Cloth, TPP, Fiberglass, PO Film, and Polyimide tapes， or other materials can be designed as you prefer.
Home appliances, Energy storage stations, 3C electronics, Construction & Infrastructure, Automotive, Aerospace, coating industries, Low-Altitude Aviation, Painting & Surface Treatment, Rowing / Marine Sports Equipment, and Defense & Military Applications.
