Light Gauge Slitting Line VS Heavy Gauge Line | When Do I Upgrade My Equipment?

In the metal processing and manufacturing industry, light gauge slitting line and other types of slit line are absolutely essential. Slitting line is what is used to cut narrower widths of large sheet metal in order to meet customer specifications. Most light gauge slitting line can be used on ferrous and non-ferrous metals.

In general, the process follows a simple formula. The sheet metal is threaded through a pair of blades on the line that create precise cuts and narrow down the sheet.

Depending on your facility needs, you can command your light gauge slitting line to cut the exact size you need. As soon as the sheet metal is slit, it has to recoil before it reaches the end of the line, at which point it’s ready for further processing. But do you need light gauge slitting line for your facility or another type of slit line? Learn more below.

As suggested in the name, light gauge slitting line is a lighter form of the line meant to process smaller, lighter coils. Light gauge slitting line can process coils from electrical steel, aluminum, tin plates, and stainless steel. Depending on your manufacturer, the speed and coil capacity may change. You can expect this line to produce coils at up to 2400 feet per minute.

Just because you have a light gauge slitting line, doesn’t mean this equipment can’t process heavier metals. However, this slitting line will not be able to handle as much capacity as other lines, although it offers precision in every job.

Some slit line manufacturers will offer a middle-of-the-road line, called a medium gauge slitting line. This line can handle heavier coils, sometimes up to 100,000 lbs. However, due to the increased weight capacity, this line operates slightly slower, at around 1300 feet per minute.

Finally, the heavy gauge slitting line has the highest capacity for metal coils. This line can handle capacities of around 100,000 lbs, with .75 inch thickness and 96 inches wide or more.

This is a massive, powerful piece of equipment used in facilities that are processing enormous metal coils. This slitting line moves slower, at around 500 feet per minute, but is known for its incredible ability to process high-capacity coils.

As you can see, the main difference between light gauge slitting line and other types of line is mainly capacity and speed. So, the decision to switch lines rests almost wholly on the type of work, the metal coil capacity, and your business’s goals for expansion.

Keep in mind that slitting lines are massive pieces of equipment. Before you consider making a purchase, think about the amount of space you have in your facility. Some large facilities have no issue clearing out space, disposing of old equipment, and having plenty of room for a new slitting line.

Other companies may have to invest in a facility expansion in order to accommodate the new slitting line. Even light gauge slitting line is a large piece of equipment, so talk to your team before seriously considering this addition.

The most important thing to remember is that you have to find a reputable metal processing manufacturer. With the right team, you will have no issues finding the right light gauge slitting line, or switching to a larger line.

From design, through engineering, to the final product, you should feel comfortable asking the manufacturer any questions you have. Once you have an established connection, it’s time to prep for your new slitting line!