How to choose the right slitting machine according to the hot stamping foil material?

The core principle of choosing a slitting machine is that the slitting machine must handle the hot stamping foil of a particular material "gently" and "precisely" enough to avoid any damage to it during the slitting process. Any scratches, indentations, stretches or static electricity will cause the hot stamping foil to be scrapped.

Here is a detailed selection guide based on different foil materials:

First, understand the basic structure of hot stamping foil

Foil stamping usually consists of 5 layers:

1. Base film (PET film): The bearing layer, usually polyester film (PET), is usually between 12-19μm thick.

2. Detachment layer: melts after heating, separating the pigment layer from the base film.

3. Pigment layer (aluminized layer): Provides color and metallic effects.

4. Adhesive layer: Activated after heating, the pattern is pasted on the ironing object.

5. Adhesive Layer: Sometimes present to protect the adhesive layer.

The main objects that are touched and protected during the slitting process are the most sensitive pigment layer and the most fragile base film.

Second, the correspondence between key material characteristics and the configuration of the slitting machine

Third, the core components that must be examined when choosing a slitting machine

Regardless of the type of hot stamping foil, the following components are at the heart of determining whether a slitting machine is suitable or not:

1. Slitting method

◦ Contact cutting: the most common and efficient. Suitable for most conventional foils. The key is whether the tool holder is designed to be easy to adjust and maintain stability.

◦ Air Cutting: High-end configuration for extremely sensitive materials such as laser laser foils. Non-contact slitting is achieved through high-pressure airflow, completely eliminating scratches. Expensive.

◦ Shear Cutting: The upper and lower cutterheads bite like scissors, with high slitting accuracy and long blade life, suitable for slitting wider and thicker materials.

2. Tension control system - this is the "soul" of the slitting machine

◦ Magnetic powder clutch/brake: traditional solution, simple control, low cost, but average accuracy and response speed, easy to heat up after long-term work.

◦ Full servo motor control system: standard on modern high-end slitting machines. The tension control is extremely precise and stable, adjustable from a minimum tension close to 0, making it ideal for ultra-thin, soft fabric foils and sensitive foils. It is the guarantee to achieve high-quality slitting.

3. Roller system

◦ Flattening roller: Eliminates internal stress of the material before slitting and prevents wrinkling. Fabric foil is a must.

◦ Mirror rollers: The surface of the roller in contact with the material is highly polished and mirror-smooth, and is used to protect the surface of sensitive foils.

◦ Press roller: The rubber pressure roller used for winding can discharge the air in the roll, making the winding tighter and flatter.

4. Rewinding and unwinding mechanism

◦ Slip axis: Generate friction through air pressure or mechanical means to achieve center winding, which is the mainstream at present.

◦ Airbag shaft: It can perfectly fit the coil core after expansion, especially suitable for finished rolls that need to be shipped directly after slitting, to ensure that the end face is neat.

◦ Surface winding: The coil is driven by direct friction with a drive roller, and the tension is very soft, making it suitable for materials that are very easy to stretch.

5. Static eliminator

◦ Slitting high-speed friction will inevitably generate static electricity, which will absorb dust, lead to uneven winding and even cause fire. Ionic wind electrostatic rods are a must-have, especially for plastic foils and dry environments.

6. Vacuum system

◦ For dust-generating materials (such as some metal foils), the built-in vacuum port keeps the cutter area clean, guarantees slitting quality, and protects the equipment.

Summary and suggestions

1. Identify the main products: Start by determining which type of foil you primarily process. If the business is diverse, the equipment should be selected according to the highest standards, such as taking into account both laser and fabric foils.

2. Budget and Allocation Tradeoffs:

◦ Economical: If you only cut ordinary paper foil, you can choose a standard slitting machine equipped with magnetic powder tension and circular knife slitting.

◦ Professional type: If it involves plastic foil or coarse-grained foil, it is necessary to choose a model with more precise tension control (servo or high-end magnetic powder), with vacuum suction and mirror rollers.

◦ High-end type: If processing laser laser foil, transparent foil, and high-grade fabric foil, full servo drive, air knife slitting (or ultra-high-precision circular cutter), mirror roller, and large flattening roller are almost essential.

3. Testing is key: Before purchasing, be sure to provide your hot stamping foil samples to the equipment supplier for on-site testing. Carefully check whether the end face of the coil after slitting is neat, whether there are scratches, and whether the tension is uniform (whether there is stretching or wrinkling).

4. Brand and after-sales: Choose a brand with a good reputation and fast technical service response. Slitting machines are precision equipment, and regular maintenance and commissioning are important.

Hopefully, this detailed guide will help you make the most suitable choice!