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Slitting tools are expensive, and fabricators depend upon them as the backbone of most punching processes. Used and abused every day, these tools have to survive partial hits, unbalanced punching loads, high-speed operation, and many material types and thicknesses without failure. Slitting tools directly impact part quality and the cost of downstream processes such as deburring, press brake, and assembly. Having a robust, long-lived slitting tool will make a positive contribution to your bottom line and improve your punching processes all the time.

Tips for Optimizing Slitting Tool Performance

Achieving maximum performance from your slitting tools can dramatically reduce tooling costs and increase press productivity. Following are some tips to optimize performance.

• Tool life will be extended when the punch goes into the center of the die. The press must be in good condition and have precise alignment to ensure this happens. Angular misalignment is a bigger problem on longer tools like slitting tools and is visible by looking at the wear patterns on the punch and die. Wear to the punch guide, die shoe and orientation keys also contribute to shorter tool life.
• Fully-guided slitting tools increase punch and die life by precisely and securely positioning the punch point so it enters the center of the die, especially when using partial hits. Using fully-guided slitting tools allows the press to run at maximum speed and part quality to be at its best.
• Remember that the punching force calculation for any tool is correct when the tools are sharp, and the die clearance is correct for the material. As tools become dull, the punching force increases, so a best practice is to limit the punching force needed for a slitting tool to 80% of the press capacity.
• Thick turret clamp clearing dies and strippers have a smaller surface area that can lead to sheet marking when using standard guide assemblies. The solution: Mate’s Ultra Light™ spring packs and Ultra Light™ guide assemblies have reduced stripping force, which is also adjustable in the C, D, and E stations.

Download a PDF of the Solution Bulletin.