Slitting Line FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions About Slitting Lines
Slitting lines are a vital component of the metalworking industry, used to process master coils of material into smaller, narrower coils with specific diameters. These coils are then used to create a wide range of products, from pipes and automotive parts to components for the aerospace industry.
Whether you're new to the industry or looking to expand your knowledge, this guide will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the slitting line process and its benefits.
What is a Slitting Line?
A slitting line takes a master coil and makes longitudinal cuts to produce narrower, predetermined widths. The line usually comprises three main parts—an uncoiler, slitter, and recoiler. The uncoiler feeds material through the nip between the two cutting wheels positioned above and below the feed and is then rewound into the smaller coils (called “mults”) onto the recoiler. Part art, part science, the slitting process performs an essential function in preparing material for downstream use, such as metal stamping or tube forming, before shipping to its final destination.
Slitting lines can cover various cutting needs from 6” to 96” wide, 5-ton to 60-ton capacity coils, and from .006” to 1.00” thick material. Depending on material thickness and yield strength, processing speeds can be anywhere from 100 to 2,000 feet per minute.
What is the Slitting Line Process?
A strip of metal unwinds from the uncoiler and is sent to the line for processing at the speed and direction best suited for the type of material & thickness. As opposed to a cut-to-length (CTL) process that cuts metal strips to a specified width and length, the slitting process takes a master coil of material. Then, it breaks it down into smaller coils with specific diameters only before being sent to the recoiler.
The recoiler then winds the slit strips of metal onto a spool-shaped device. One feature of a recoiler is an expanding mandrel that can control the strip rate and direction as it rewinds into mults.
What are Mults Used For?
Once the mults are cut and sent to their final destination, industries use them for various purposes. Slit steel coils can manufacture pipes of different sizes and lengths. Some coils end up as vehicle frames, car seat frames, and other automotive parts. Likewise, manufacturers use slit coils to build railroad equipment and cars or anything that needs solid framing and parts manufacturing, including components for the agricultural and aerospace industries. And, while not necessarily a manufacturing use, mults have been used in numerous large-scale community art projects and sculptures.
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