Choosing the Right Equipment

Shear slitting, according to Brian Ivens, sales and marketing manager, Arpeco, can run at or faster than web speed, with the two blades acting in a scissor action to cut the web. This method generates minimal amounts of slitting dust. "This system is most effective for paper products," he added.

The second method—score or crush slitting—is a more complex method of separating the web, and although it is common, it involves the installation of a hardened anvil roll and wrapping the web over the roll, says Reiny Schable, application technology manager for Tidland. The slit occurs in the crushing nip between the anvil and the slitting wheel, and while changing widths is not hard, crush slitting has some downfalls.