What Is a Slitting Machine?

A slitting machine, which is sometimes known as a slitter rewinder, is an essential tool within the converting industry. These machines are specifically engineered to take wide rolls of material and cut them down into narrower widths, making them suitable for a wide range of uses. In this article, we’ll explore the purpose of a slitting machine, delve into how these machines work, and review some of the different types currently available on the US market.

What is a slitting machine?

A slitting machine, also referred to as a slitter or slitter rewinder, is a vital device used for trimming and processing material rolls. Its primary role is to divide large parent rolls into smaller, more manageable rolls that can be used in follow-up manufacturing processes or directly by end-users.

Each slitting machine is made up of three essential sections: the unwind unit, which feeds the large roll of material into the machine; the slitting section, which cuts the material into narrower strips using blades; and the rewind unit, which collects the newly slit strips onto smaller rolls for storage or further use.

A slitting machine can be used across a wide range of industries, and the results of its work can be found in daily life. For example, the paper used for store receipts starts as large rolls that are trimmed down by a slitting machine, then rewound into smaller rolls ready for use in point-of-sale printers.

Types of slitting machine

Slitting machines are available in multiple configurations to suit different materials, requirements, and budgets. Below, we’ll explore the two main categories: wide-web and narrow-web slitting machines, and highlight some of their key models and functions.

Wide-web slitting machines

Diamond Wide-Web Duplex Slitter Rewinder

An effective yet economical machine, ideal for projects with limited budgets. This model is capable of handling a wide variety of materials efficiently.

Sapphire S2 Duplex Slitter Rewinder

Recognized for its speed and adaptability, this machine offers rewind diameter options of 600mm, 800mm, and 1000mm, making it suitable for a broad range of materials.

Solitaire Wide-Web Duplex Slitter Rewinder

Designed to process various materials, this model is especially appropriate for narrow-web slitting tasks across different industries.

Onyx Wide-Web Duplex Slitter Rewinder

An affordable and easy-to-use model tailored for flexible packaging needs, it is an excellent option for small companies and new businesses.

Sapphire S2T Wide-Web Duplex Turret Slitter Rewinder

A high-end machine designed for maximum throughput. Its automatic turret system helps minimize downtime, with changeovers achievable in just 15 seconds.

Diamond T Wide-Web Duplex Turret Slitter Rewinder

Compact yet powerful, this turret slitter is a more cost-effective option compared to the standard Diamond Duplex, while still delivering efficient performance.

Jade Secondary Film Slitter Rewinder

Purpose-built for film producers, this machine works well with materials such as BOPP, CPP, BOPET, PA, and coated or metallized films, offering fast and consistent results.

Jade Primary Film Slitter Rewinder

This model is ideal for high-speed, precision winding of plastic films, capable of processing materials up to 343 inches in width.

Jade Wide Web Labelstock/Paper Slitter Rewinder

Part of the Jade range, this versatile machine features center-surface winding and options for independent rewind stations, differential shafts, or airshaft systems.

Emerald Wide-Web Rewinding/Doctoring Machine (Salvage Rewinder)

Created to reduce material waste, this salvage rewinder is designed to fix poorly wound rolls and convert them into high-quality finished rolls.

Narrow-web slitting machines

Opal Standard Narrow-Web Label Inspection Slitter Rewinder

A highly adaptable and simple-to-operate slitter, perfect for processing narrow-web materials in various sectors.

Opal EC Narrow-Web Label Inspection Slitter Rewinder

An affordable introductory model for precise label slitting and rewinding, featuring PLC control and brushless AC motors for reliable operation.

Opal ISR Narrow-Web Label Inspection Slitter Rewinder

A fast and modular machine built for efficient, top-quality label production, making it a reliable choice for narrow-web processing.

Opal Narrow-Web Label Inline and Offline Turret Rewinder

A fully automated slitting solution built for the self-adhesive label industry, delivering uninterrupted, high-speed performance for demanding operations.

Opal Narrow-Web Label Converters and Converting Lines

A multifunctional converting system designed for producing both blank and non-die-cut labels, equipped with advanced controls and the flexibility to handle various production needs.

If any of the machines featured in this guide have caught your attention and you’d like more information, please don't hesitate to get in touch.