Paper & Slitting Applications

Waterjets have changed the way the paper industry does business. Twenty five years ago, paper manufacturers faced the same concerns many manufacturers have today: reliability, redundancy, 24-hour operation. Flow's R & D and engineering teams went to work to develop solutions to the problems of the world's largest paper manufacturers. Today, Flow has more than 800 installations around the world cutting paper and paper products, and composite and cement-based siding and roofing. Many of those installations are in operation 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Major customers include Georgia Pacific, International Paper, Champion and Fort James.

A waterjet system's cutting tool is a supersonic stream of water, thinner than a human hair. Although its water, waterjet cutting is clean and dry. Typically, the paper or web product picks up more water from the air or touch than from the waterjet. Waterjets produce no airborne dust, so working conditions are improved and the final product is higher quality, especially for materials that are to be printed. The low cutting force of waterjets means it can cut at higher speeds than a mechanical knife. Flow's waterjet systems are designed with redundant nozzles that double the slitting time between "knife" changes. Positioning, whether manual or automatic, is fast and easy. In many tissue and towel applications, waterjet slitting eliminates rewinding because a waterjet slitter can be installed right on the machine. Edge strength tests comparing waterjets with knives on lightweight paper and tissue grades show that waterjet edge is as strong as sharp knife edge. The waterjet edge, however, never dulls. Waterjet slitters are easily guarded so worker safety is improved. And, waterjets can enter, exit, and cross a moving web without breaking it. Fewer web breaks reduce downtime.

Flow's UHP waterjet systems are used in paper mills around the world for edge trimming, tailcutting, and slitting — both on the machine and on the winder - cutting everything from tissue to coated paper. In addition to paper based products, our slitting systems are also used to cut insulation, foam, fiberglass, flooring underlay and even ceiling tiles.

"We used to be limited to cutting mostly in straight lines or boxes. Now, we can control our equipment to cut in numerous patterns. This has allowed us to go back and get customers and projects we previously had to turn away. The waterjet cutting system is opening up new markets for us. We're very pleased with what the technology is enabling us to do for our customers."
- David Beresid, Corrupad Protective Packaging

RELATED INFORMATION

	How Waterjet Cutting Works
	Flow Waterjet Technology Overview
	Frequently Asked Questions

	UHP Slitting Systems Brochure