What Is a Slitter Knife?
2 min read
A slitter knife is a type of saw that can cut the material into narrow strips. They are often circular and are used in a wide variety of industries. In many cases, they have a beveled edge. Slitter blades are handy for cutting corrugated materials, paper, foil, and other thin substrates. However, they are also used for various other applications.
A slitting blade is generally made from steel disks with a beveled edge. Slitting line This allows the blade to make exact cuts. The blade can be incorporated into any kind of slitting unit, including slitting machines, rotary cutters, and other similar types of machinery.
Most slitter knives are made from 420 or 440-grade stainless steel, which makes them very durable and resistant to rust. Some slitter blades are even manufactured with alloy steel. Regardless of the blade’s material, it should be capable of making accurate, clean, and smooth cuts.
While the blade is the most prominent component of a slitter, the other components of the process are also vital. These include the rollover, the fracture zone, the burnish, and the burr. Rollover is the first step in the slitting process. Once the slitting head comes into contact with the material, it stretches and contracts, causing it to slit.
Next, the blade comes into contact with a hardened metal anvil. As it rotates, it can penetrate the material and deform it. The material then rests on the anvil roll. If the blade is not set correctly, the result can be a chipped, broken, or damaged knife. Another common problem is an excessive burr. Burr can occur due to several factors, including the material’s compression force, the width of the horizontal clearance, and the amount of time the slitting machine is in operation.
The second step in the slitting process is the burnish. When the knife comes in contact with the material, it begins to expand and contract, causing it to form a shiny shear zone. It may look like a slit of paper or a piece of wire, which is the slitting process’s most noticeable area. Many slitting knives have a beveled edge.
In addition to a beveled edge, the best slitting knives are crafted from high-quality cutting tool steel, such as 440 or 420-grade stainless steel. The 430 grade is known for its excellent resistance to rust and wear, which is why it is considered a top choice for slitting blades.
A beveled edge helps to maximize the cutting force of a slitter knife. This is beneficial for both the operator and the machine. It can reduce the time the machine takes to complete a job. Because of the beveled edge, a slitter blade can produce sharp, uniform cuts without any of the usual blade smears and breaks that often accompany dull blades.