CIDAN nuSlit: Precision Sheet Metal Slitting Machine | Boost Productivity & Efficiency

Should I upgrade to faster speeds?

This answer depends on your plan for your slitter. If you plan only to slit and cut-to-length, especially pieces that are less than 20’, upgraded speed will not give you much of a benefit. As the slitter speeds up, it will slow down to make the cut. Therefore, the machine will rarely get up to full speed or only for a short time. If you plan to recoil today or in the future, a speed upgrade is a worthwhile investment. When running hundreds or thousands of feet, a speed upgrade becomes advantageous.

What is Straightening and do I need it?

Straightening is a function to remove the “Coil Set.” When metal is wrapped in a coil, over time, the material can often still have some “memory” of being wrapped in a coil and have a curve to it. Machines with straightening have a set of rollers that remove this coil set, allowing for blanks that lay flat without this curve.

What if I use soft materials?

When straitening soft materials, opting for a slitter with CNC straightening rollers or “Sensitive Material Mode” is recommended. With CNC-controlled rollers, the rollers are automatically raised anytime the machine stops. This prevents dwell marks in the material. A great analogy is a steam roller on a newly paved asphalt road. A steam roller should never stop on the new, hot asphalt. Doing so would leave marks on the pavement!

How many slitting knives should I have?

This will, of course, vary based on a customer’s business. Most machines can have one to as many as nine knives. Typically, you want to find a balance.

- - Too few knives many not make as many slits as you need.
  - Too many knives reduce the slitting capacity of the machines and make the machine ‘crowded’. Whether the machine has manual or CNC knives, knives need to be moved when changing slits and could waste time.

Should I get a machine with CNC (Computer Numerical Control) knives? Is it faster?

A slitter with CNC knives is a much greater investment than manual knives. In terms of the finished product, both machines will offer the same high-quality finished product. In terms of speed, a CNC machine will likely be faster than a novice operator. However, an experienced operator can change knives faster, if not quicker, than a CNC machine.

Reasons NOT to buy a CNC Slitter:

CNC slitters can often be over double the price of a machine with manual knives.
Software: You are not using a software system that will automatically calculate coil usage and slits that will automatically send the job information to the slitter.
Volume: If the machine is not operating constantly for a full shift, the ROI will be much longer to justify

Reasons you SHOULD buy a CNC Slitter

You plan to get into automation with your software and machines. Additional options like label/barcode printers and step cutting enable your entire factory to be streamlined.
Safety: While manual-knife machines are safe, the hands-off operation of CNC machines, except loading coil and picking up the finished cut blanks, provides an added layer of security for your operators.Errors: Computers don’t make mistakes. (However, if the operator enters the wrong information into the machine, a mistake is still possible!)

What options should I consider when purchasing a CNC Slitter?

Speed
Straightening
Step cutting
Label printer
Outfeed conveyor
Coil farm

I process lots of stainless steel, does this effect the machine?

Since stainless steel is a harder material than mild steel, a machine’s capacity will decrease. If processing more than about 25% stainless steel, HVC Hardchrome on straightening rollers is recommended to extend the life of the rollers.

Unlock Precision and Efficiency with CIDAN’s nuSlit – Your Key to Streamlined Metal Slitting