Jun 1, 2010 12:00 PM, By Wayne Etchells, Metlon Corp.
Saving time and money is always important. Obtaining the best quality of your finished product is always the goal. These tips will improve both your bottom line and your project outcome.
- Define accurately the material to be slit. Example: If it’s foil, what metal? If it’s film, is it polyester or vinyl acetate? Is it a lamination? Are there special coatings, pressure-sensitives, or liners?
- Provide the physical description: gauge; width; length; inside and outside diameter; and weight.
- Determine the slit width of the material, including plus-or-minus tolerance.
- Provide the quantity required.
- Identify the form in which the finished material is to be supplied, such as pancake coil or traverse wound. Specify the type of core or carrier: paper or plastic core, flanged paper core, or plastic spool.
- Determine the inside diameter preferred, and specify the outside limitations on diameter.
- Define the packaging requirement in terms of footage per package and/or minimum and maximums.
- State whether splices are acceptable; identify what type, such as butt, overlap, pressure-sensitive tape, etc. Be specific.
- If there are unusual requirements or specific instructions, state them upfront.
- List the shipping instructions.
This information determines whether the custom slitter’s machinery can handle the physical characteristics. It also helps develop an accurate production schedule and quote.