From beginner to mastery: operating specifications and safety points for film slitting machines

The following is a detailed guide on the operating specifications and safety points of the film slitting machine from beginner to proficiency, helping operators systematically master the equipment usage skills and ensure safe production:

First, basic cognition of film slitting machine

1. Equipment composition

◦ Unwinding system (unwinding shaft, tension control), correction device, slitting tool holder (round knife, straight cutter), winding system (core clamping, pressure control), transmission system, control system (PLC/HMI).

2. Working principle

◦ The film is unfolded by unwinding tension, and after the guide roller and correction, it is slitted into the required width by the tool, and finally rewound into an independent coil.

Second, operating specifications (phased)

1. Preparation before powering on

• Equipment inspection

◦ Confirm that the tool is not worn or loose, the pressure of the pneumatic/hydraulic system is normal, and the lubrication point is oiled.

◦ Check whether the emergency stop button and photoelectric protection device are effective.

• Material preparation

◦ Check the film specifications (width, thickness, material) and select the matching core (diameter, material).

◦ Make sure that the unwinding shaft is parallel to the retraction shaft to avoid deflection during operation.

• Parameter settings

◦ Enter the slitting width, tension value (unwinding/rewinding), slitting speed (low-speed commissioning is recommended for the first time).

2. Power on and run

•steps

1). Start the power supply, preheat the equipment (if there is a heating device).

2). Film penetration: Manual traction of the film through each roller shaft ensures no wrinkles or deviations.

3). Test cutting: run at low speed, check the flatness of the slitting edge, adjust the tension or correct the deviation.

4). Formal production: gradually speed up to process requirements and monitor the neatness of winding.

• Critical control points

• Tension control: unwinding tension> traction tension> winding tension (decreasing principle).

• Correction adjustment: The film edge is always aligned with the sensor baseline.

3. Shutdown and material change

• Normal downtime

1. Reduce the speed to the lowest gear and cut off the film.

2. Remove the finished product roll and label it (mark the specification and batch).

3. Clean the tool holder and roller shaft residual film chips.

• Emergency shutdown

◦ Immediately take a picture of the emergency stop button, and reset all safety devices after handling the fault.

Third, safety points

1. Personal safety

• Protective gear: Tight overalls, cut-resistant gloves, goggles (when handling knives) must be worn.

• Hazardous Areas:

◦ Do not approach the tool holder and roller running area (protective cover is required).

◦ When dealing with film breakage, you must stop the machine and use a special tool.

• Electrical safety: Do not operate the control panel with wet hands, and check the wiring insulation regularly.

2. Device safety

• Tool Management:

◦ Lock the power supply when installing/changing the tool, and use a magnetic tool to prevent drop damage.

◦ Replace the passivation tool in time to avoid burrs or film pulling.

• Fire Prevention Measures:

◦ Open flames are prohibited in the workshop, and flammable films such as PE/PP must be equipped with fire extinguishers (CO₂ or dry powder).

3. Environment and operational discipline

◦ Keep the ground dry and free of oil, and stack materials away from the passage.

◦ It is strictly forbidden for a single person to operate high-risk links (such as hoisting large roll films), and two people need to cooperate.

Fourth, common problems and solutions

• Uneven winding: Check whether the air pressure is uniform, whether the core is deformed, and adjust the winding pressure gradient.

• Slitting burrs: Incorrect or worn cutter angles, regrinding or replacement.

• Tension fluctuations: check the stability of the air pressure valve and whether the film has electrostatic adsorption (static eliminator can be added).

Fifth, advanced proficiency skills

1. Process optimization

◦ Adjust the parameter combination according to the characteristics of the film (e.g., PET high tension, PVC low temperature).

◦ Highly elastic films are processed using ultrasonic slitting technology.

2. Preventive maintenance

◦ Calibrate the tension sensor regularly, clean the air filter, and back up the PLC program.

3. Automation upgrades

◦ Introduce a visual inspection system to automatically identify defects, or install an automatic rewinding robotic arm.

Sixth, training and assessment suggestions

• Entry-level: Master the basic operation and emergency shutdown process (1 week of practical training).

• Proficient: Independently debug parameters and handle common faults (1-3 months).

• Expert: Participate in equipment transformation and process development (more than 6 months of experience required).

By systematically learning the above content and combining it with practical exercises, operators can gradually improve to a proficient level while ensuring production safety and efficiency. It is recommended that enterprises regularly organize safety drills and skill assessments to strengthen their awareness of norms.