What is Razor Slitting?

Razor slitting is an industrial cutting method where a sharp, stationary industrial razor blade is positioned across the path of the moving web in a slitter machine. As the material passes the slitter blade, it is cut by direct contact. The resulting cut depends on the characteristics of the web material. These include thickness, density, stiffness, ductility, coating, and other factors. When razor slitting, the material is unwound from the roll, passed through the razor blades, cut in air or in a grooved roll, and finally wound onto cores called spools or bobbins. This technique is commonly used for thin plastic films, where clean, straight cuts are required. Razor slitting is often chosen for its simplicity, low cost, and ability to produce narrow cuts with minimal waste. However, razor cutting has some limitations. It may not be suitable for thicker or tougher materials, and the blades may require frequent replacement due to wear and tear. The optimal range is between 0. 5 and 7 mils (approximately 12 to 175 microns), depending on film type and slitting razor blade quality. While razor slitting can technically cut paper or filled films, blade wear occurs rapidly, making such use cases less practical or economical. Additionally, the process might produce dust or debris, which requires careful removal to prevent contamination or other issues. Despite its speed and wear limitations, razor slitting remains one of the most practical and economical slitting methods. It’s ideal for converters handling flexible packaging, label films, and light laminates.