Technical Guides
Slitter Scorer and Cut-Off Systems: Equipment Guide for Corrugating Lines
Technical guide to slitter scorer and cut-off machines in corrugating lines, covering blade types, scoring methods, cut accuracy, and maintenance.
The slitter scorer and cut-off are the final processing stations on a corrugating line. They convert continuous board web into finished sheets at specified widths and lengths. Accuracy here directly affects downstream converting efficiency.
Slitter Scorer Function
The slitter scorer performs two operations simultaneously
1. Slitting — Cuts board to specified width (multiple widths possible)
2. Scoring — Creates fold lines for box manufacturing
Slitting Methods
Sharp Slitter (Shear Cut)
Two blades shear against each other
Clean cut edge, minimal dust
Preferred for high-quality board
Blade life: 8-24 hours depending on board weight
Score-Cut Slitter
Single blade partially cuts through board
Faster blade change, lower cost
More dust generation
Common on mid-speed lines
Tungsten Carbide Slitters
Longer blade life (3-5x standard steel)
Higher initial cost, lower per-meter cutting cost
Recommended for high-volume operations
Scoring Methods
Linear Scoring
Score wheel creates straight crease line
Most common method
Score depth adjustable for board weight
Too deep: Board cracks; Too shallow: Poor folding
Offset Scoring
Score line offset from slit edge
Used for specific box designs
Requires precise positioning
Reverse Score (Inside Score)
Score from liner side
For visible outside printing applications
Requires specialized score heads
Cut-Off Machine Function
The cut-off cuts the continuous web into individual sheets at programmed lengths.
Types of Cut-Off Systems
Rotary Cut-Off
Rotating blade cuts against anvil roll
High speed capability (up to 350 m/min)
Standard on modern corrugating lines
Cut accuracy: ±2mm typical
Flying Shear Cut-Off
Blade travels with web during cut
Enables cutting at full line speed
Required for speeds above 250 m/min
More complex, higher maintenance
Guillotine Cut-Off
Vertical blade descends on stationary web
Line must stop or slow for each cut
Found on older or low-speed lines
Simple but limits production speed
Key Specifications
Working Width: Must match corrugating line (1400-2800mm)
Number of Slits: 1-5 simultaneous widths typical
Cut Length Range: 500-5000mm typical
Cut Accuracy: ±1-3mm depending on system
Speed Rating: Must match or exceed line speed
Setup and Changeover
Order Change Procedure
1. Input new sheet width and length in control system
2. Position slitter blades to new width settings
3. Adjust score heads to new positions and depths
4. Set cut-off length program
5. Run test sheets and verify dimensions
6. Adjust trim width if needed
Typical changeover time: 5-15 minutes for experienced operators
Maintenance Schedule
Daily
Inspect slitter blade condition
Check score wheel wear
Clean debris from slitter section
Verify cut length accuracy with sample sheets
Weekly
Replace worn slitter blades
Lubricate moving parts
Check belt tensions on cut-off drive
Calibrate encoder and length measurement
Monthly
Inspect anvil roll condition (rotary cut-off)
Check hydraulic/pneumatic systems
Review cut accuracy statistics
Replace score wheels as needed
Common Quality Issues
Ragged Slit Edge
Dull blades, wrong blade type, excessive speed
Solution: Replace blades, reduce speed, check blade alignment
Incorrect Sheet Length
Encoder drift, web slippage, worn drive rolls
Solution: Recalibrate encoder, check web tension, inspect rolls
Poor Score Quality
Wrong score depth, worn score wheel, incorrect board moisture
Solution: Adjust depth, replace wheel, check paper moisture
Dust Accumulation
Normal byproduct of slitting — requires dust extraction system
Inadequate extraction causes quality and safety issues
Maintain dust collection filters and ductwork
Integration with Stacker
Slitter scorer and cut-off must coordinate with the stacker
Sheet count per stack programmed in cut-off
Stacker receives signal for each sheet
Misalignment causes miscounted stacks and delivery errors
Modern lines use PLC integration for seamless coordination
Contact Xuegong for corrugating line configuration advice including slitter scorer and cut-off specifications.
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