Contract slitting is a process which takes large rolls of material and cuts it down to smaller consignments usually used in retail trade etc. In fact, without this kind of procedure all the goods that we buy cheaply, on a roll, would probably be much more expensive for sure. OEM slitting too is one of those processes which take some rather large equipment to do this work to acceptable standards.

We may all familiar with the result of this kind of procedure although we may not be fully aware that it has been done. Things like toilet tissues, wrapping tape and most kinds of sticky tape etc are all made in vast rolls somewhere in the depths of manufacturing companies. However, very few of them have the machinery to carry on and cut everything down to small amounts. In fact, it is the very act of making things like this in bulk which keeps prices relatively low.

When the wholesalers want to buy, for example, rolls of aluminum foil or plastic wrap, they will certainly want it all neatly wrapped in family sized portions so that it can be placed in supermarkets. Anything in too bulky a packet will not be used. There are catering establishments that will use this kind of material in larger packets, but the majority of goods are bought by individuals so they must be catered for.

The whole process of cutting things down will obviously take some time and boxing in branded packets too all add to the cost of the finished product. However, after the manufacturer has produced the goods, third-party companies then get involved to finish off the process. After this, it should be ready to be sold on to supermarket chains and the like.

The machinery used in this process is a little dangerous to say the least. Much care has to be taken to ensure that no one gets hurt in the cutting process. The cutters themselves are like razors since a fine finish is required on most of the goods being cut. This then raises the price somewhat since guards and safety equipment will also be needed to keep the workers safe.

This machinery can used manually, semi automatically or fully automatic, depending on what the job is and most companies which start out with manual machines will eventually upgrade to semi of fully automatic. The fully automatic style is very safe since the blades have sensors to stop working when there is an obstruction in the works. This is not only safer for the workers, it also saves time and money since the material will not be spoiled by being torn or ripped when there is something in the machine that should not be there.

Of course, it goes without saying that anyone who works on machinery like this must be fully trained and able to see danger when it occurs. Having a machine which senses something wrong, therefore, is probably the safest way to ensure that no one gets hurt in the processing zone.