Preface
If working in the packaging or converting industry, it is known to everyone how important slitting machines are for the production line. Such machines not only enhance the quality of the products produced with accurate cutting but also reduce material waste and minimize downtime.
With the flexible packaging market expected to reach $430 billion by 2026, the demand for films, labels, and sustainable materials is on the rise. This has also increased the need for reliable slitting solutions, with the slitting machine market projected to grow at a 4.7% CAGR through 2028.
In this post, we’ll highlight 11 industry-leading slitting machine manufacturers known for their engineering excellence, customer service, and tailored solutions.
Different Slitting Techniques Comparison
A slitting machine is used to slice large rolls of material into narrower strips or smaller rolls, making it essential in industries like packaging, printing, and textiles. Before we proceed to the manufacturers, it is important to understand the various slitting techniques. Typically, slitting can be categorized into razor slitting, shear slitting, and score slitting:
- Razor Slitting:
- Material is cut by directly placing a sharp razor blade on it. This method is fast and commonly used for thin films, paper, and adhesive films. However, it’s less precise and can damage thicker materials.
- Shear Slitting:
- Similar to scissors, this technique uses two blades cutting against each other. It’s ideal for thicker materials like aluminum foils and tubular fabrics, providing clean, accurate cuts.
- Score Slitting:
- Rather than cutting, this method crushes the material between a blade and a hard roller. It’s typically used for tougher materials like cardboard and core cutting applications.
List of Top 11 Slitting Machine Manufacturers
In the criteria for choosing the top 11 slitting machine manufacturers, factors such as technology advancement, product reliability, and industry impact were taken into consideration. All of these manufacturers are notable with some in the industries for different areas such as technology or service. They provide specialized needs of the different industries and hence stand tall in slitting machines.
Manufacturer | Founding Year | Headquarters | Slitting Technology |
KETE Group Limited | 2011 | Zhejiang, China | Razor Slitting, Shear Slitting |
DIENES Group | 1913 | Overath, Germany | Shear Slitting, Score Slitting, Razor Slitting |
MACTEC Machinery | 2007 | Zhejiang, China | Shear Slitting (Metal Slitting) |
CIDAN Machinery | 1907 | Götene, Sweden | Shear Slitting (Metal Slitting) |
Atlas Converting Equipment | 1976 | Kempston, Bedford, UK | Razor Slitting, Shear Slitting |
Euromac | 1986 | Villanova d’Asti, Italy | Shear Slitting, Razor Slitting |
Rosenthal Manufacturing | 1949 | Northbrook, Illinois, USA | Razor Slitting, Shear Slitting |
Goebel IMS | 1851 | Darmstadt, Germany | Shear Slitting, Razor Slitting |
Ashe Converting Equipment | 1976 | Ipswich, UK | Shear Slitting, Score Slitting |
Karl Menzel Maschinenfabrik | 1925 | Erkrath, Germany | Shear Slitting, Score Slitting |
Comexi Group | 1954 | Girona, Spain | Shear Slitting, Razor Slitting |
KETE Group Limited (China)
- Recommendation Rating: ★★★★★
- Founding Year: 2011
- Headquarters: Zhejiang, China
- Key Products: Center-surface winding slitting rewinders, center winding slitting rewinders, surface winding slitting rewinders, printing machines, bag making machines, paper product making machines, heat shrink packaging machines, spare parts
- Key Services: Customizable slitting machines, operator training, technical support, installation services, machine upgrades, and free spare parts
Specific Description:
As a leader in the printing and converting industry, KETE Group Limited has developed complete solutions for slitting machines that satisfy the different demands of the packaging, pharmaceutical and electronic sectors among others. KETE’s slitting machines are also unique in that they employ advanced technology that enables the use of straight and circular knives on the same machine. Whether it’s plastic films, papers, nonwovens, laminates, or metal foils (such as copper and aluminum), KETE’s machines can handle a wide range of materials with minimal adjustment, offering flexible solutions for complex production environments.
KETE machines are designed to operate with a minimal requirement of skilled operators thanks to sophisticated levels of automation. High quality motors from recognized brands such as Yaskawa, Schneider and Panasonic enhance the machine’s durability. With regard to accuracy, KETE’s slitting machines are able to achieve a cutting accuracy of up to ±0.1 mm at a speed of 500 meters per minute. The equipment is optimized to cut down on waste production without any loss in product quality and the final edge finish of the equipment is very clean. These machines are suitable for companies that process large-format rolls exceeding 2600 mm in width and 1400 mm in diameter.
Apart from providing robust mechanical systems, KETE stresses the importance of customer service. Offering warranty coverage for 1-2 years, free-of-charge spare parts for a year, support around the clock, and machines made to order, KETE is committed to ensuring their slitting solutions integrate seamlessly into your production line, minimize downtime, and ensure smooth, uninterrupted operations.
DIENES Group (USA, Germany)
- Recommendation Rating: ★★★★★
- Founding Year: 1913
- Headquarters: Overath, Germany
- Key Products: Shear cut slitting machines, score cut slitting machines, razor cut slitting machines, slitting blades, knife holders, replacement parts
- Key Services: Machine upgrades, on-site maintenance, knife holder repairs, knife re-sharpening services, custom slitting tool
Specific Description:
DIENES has been a leader in precision cutting technology for over a century, holding more than 200 patents in the slitting and cutting industry. For example, the patented automated positioning system allows seamless adjustments for more accurate cuts and efficient production changeovers. Their slitting solutions are used across a wide range of materials, including film, textiles, non-wovens, paper, metal foils, composites, rubber, sheet metal and steel.
Their machines are highly customizable, often designed modularly, allowing upgrades and additional functionalities such as automatic knife holders or spacing adjustment modules. This flexibility makes it easy to meet specific requirements of existing production lines, offering flexibility for upgrades and retrofits. DIENES also facilitates system upgrades to fit client budgets and operational demands, which can reduce downtime during transitions to as little as one day.
They don’t just stop at machine delivery—DIENES provides ongoing support, including maintenance, sharpening, and repair services, ensuring that machines remain efficient and durable over time. For businesses aiming to improve slitting efficiency and accuracy, DIENES has the experience and expertise to deliver tailored solutions.
MACTEC Machinery (China)
- Recommendation Rating: ★★★★☆
- Founding Year: 2007
- Headquarters: Zhejiang, China
- Key Products: Slitting line, roll forming machine, purlin forming machine, PU continuous sandwich production line
- Key Services: Spare parts availability, machine maintenance, IOT for machine upgrade
Specific Description:
From the time of its establishment in 2007, the MACTEC company has been aiming to supply advanced systems for the processing of metal sheets and has been doing so very well, due to its devotion to technology, quality and service. Their equipment portfolio includes high precision slitting line, roll forming, and custom cutting solutions for industries such as construction, automotive, and industrial manufacturing. The slitting lines handle materials like hot-rolled steel, aluminum, and stainless steel treated in the thickness range of 0.3mm up to 2.0mm at a maximum speed of 120 meters per minute.
MACTEC’s PPDS service model – project, production, delivery, service – guarantees to each customer the order with full transparency and execution reliability. The machines are designed for high durability and high efficiency of operation and have stress-relieved welded frames and dependable power units. With 8 offices across the globe for support and 24-month warranties, MACTEC provides complete after-sales support which ensures customers with equipment that works effectively long after it’s been installed making the company, MACTEC one of the hottest companies in the metal processing machine industry.
CIDAN Machinery (Sweden)
- Recommendation Rating: ★★★★☆
- Founding Year: 1907
- Headquarters: Götene, Sweden
- Key Products: Metal shears, coil handling and slit & cut to length, metal folders, long folders, coilfarm, decoiling lines, recoiler, automated metal finishing, sheet rollforming machines
- Key Services: Technical support, preventive and corrective maintenance plans, spare parts, machine installation, education and training of owners, operators and dealers, control system upgrade
Specific Description:
CIDAN Machinery emphasizes its name rightly because of its profound specialization in the metal slitting machine field. A wide variety of slitting and shear machines are offered that are used in various construction, metal and industrial work fabrications. Their machines work on metals like aluminum, stainless steel, and coated steel, and can crank coil weights of up to 8 tons.
Their cut-to-length systems are designed for efficiency and ease of use, featuring such as integrated straw straighteners, feeders, and dual-blade shear cutters and even a less skilled worker can operate with ease. These systems help save on raw materials and cut production costs by directly cutting from metal coil thus increasing production and minimal wastage. CIDAN is also noted for its compact structures that require very small space in the factory while coping with a high volume of production.
Their partnership with Forstner Machinery further strengthens their product range, allowing CIDAN to provide some of the world’s most advanced coil handling and slitting technologies. With a century-long legacy and a commitment to safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability, CIDAN stands as a reliable partner for companies looking to improve their metal processing operations.
Atlas Converting Equipment Ltd. (UK)
- Recommendation Rating: ★★★★☆
- Founding Year: 1976
- Headquarters: Kempston, Bedford, UK
- Key Products: High-speed slitter rewinders for flexible films and packaging
- Key Services: Upgrade service, tailored training session, spare parts supply, 24/7 customer support
Specific Description:
As a leader in the slitting and rewinding technology sector, Atlas Converting Equipment Ltd. is recognized globally for delivering innovative solutions in handling flexible packaging materials like BOPP, PET, CPP, and other sophisticated film types. With over 4,500 machines installed worldwide in more than 80 countries, Atlas offers both primary and secondary slitting rewinders that can handle film widths up to 10.6 meters, making them a preferred choice for manufacturers of large-scale industrial films and packaging solutions.
Atlas, along with Titan, specializes in high-speed slitting systems capable of processing materials at speeds up to 1,500 meters per minute. Their machines, such as the PrimeSlitter and ProSlitter series, embody advanced features like automatic knife positioning and integrated unloading systems, ensuring maximum efficiency while reducing downtime and material waste. These systems are designed to meet the needs of modern, flexible packaging lines where customization is key to handling different material types.
Atlas is part of the Kampf Schneid- und Wickeltechnik group under the Jagenberg Group, a union that enhances its capacity to deliver innovative and comprehensive solutions for slitting and rewinding. Their lifecycle services ensure ongoing equipment efficiency via maintenance, retrofits, and troubleshooting, providing clients long-term operational support. Atlas remains committed to enabling sustainable, high-performance production for companies worldwide.
Euromac (Italy)
- Recommendation Rating: ★★★★☆
- Founding Year: 1986
- Headquarters: Villanova d’Asti, Italy
- Key Products: Slitter rewinders for plastic films, laminates, paper, and aluminum foil
- Key Services: Personalized machine design, after-sale service
Specific Description:
Euromac is a leading name in the production of high-tech slitter rewinders for plastic films, laminates, aluminum foil, and paper, particularly within the flexible packaging industry. Their machines are of a sturdy design such that they easily adapt to running a variety of materials with roll widths of as many as 8,000mm, for both food and non-food applications. The in-house development of mechanical and electronic components is a significant benefit. Every machine can be tailored to specific customer requirements.
With over 2,000 machines installed globally, Euromac offers numerous machine series like the TB-3 and TB-6, known for their twin-turret rewinding systems and heavy-duty slitting capabilities. Such machines can minimize downtime to just thirty seconds resulting in improved productivity for the manufacturers. Euromac also provides systems for the automatic setting of the knife and positioning to enhance efficiency as well as safety to the operator.
Sustainability also comes into play in Euromac’s production. For instance, there are solar panels in the facilities and water-based coatings to reduce the influence of harmful volatilized compounds on the environment.
Rosenthal Manufacturing (USA)
- Recommendation Rating: ★★★★☆
- Founding Year: 1949
- Headquarters: Northbrook, Illinois, USA
- Key Products: Roll slitters, slitter rewinders, sheeters, stackers, winders & applicators
- Key Services: custom converting solutions, on-call technical support, equipment warranties, spare part replacements, total refurbishments
Specific Description:
Rosenthal Manufacturing is a well-established player in the converting industry, focusing on automated systems for processing materials such as plastic films, fabric, aluminum, and others. More than 7,000 machines manufactured by the company are used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, and medical. Their machinery converts wide rolls into narrower rolls, long rolls into shorter ones, or large sheets into small sections. This is particularly useful for customers with varied production requirements.
Rosenthal is known to possess flexibility in terms of the customization of their machines. The most common is their willingness to partner with the customers in developing systems aimed at solving particular operational problems like limited space, special materials to be moved, or the need for more automation. There is an in-house staff of qualified engineers and technical people who are committed to making the systems technologically up-to-date, long-lasting, and easy to maintain.
Rosenthal is considered as having put the customer first by offering additional service of looking after the client’s system by providing technical support and good spare parts as well as upgrades. The machines are designed in such a way that they can serve productive and cost-effective operations for many years and their competence to provide solutions to processing problems in different fields has assured them of the position they enjoy in the industry of precision converting.
Goebel IMS (Germany)
- Recommendation Rating: ★★★★★
- Founding Year: 1851
- Headquarters: Darmstadt, Germany
- Key Products: Slitter rewinders, automatic unwinding machines, web inspection systems
- Key Services: Field service, remote assistance, preventive maintenance, spare parts, relocation, inspection, retrofit & upgrade, extended care
Specific Description:
Goebel IMS is a pragmatic slitter machine manufacturer. The company provides advanced solutions for industries such as the production of plastic films, aluminum foils, paper, tobacco, and non-woven fabrics. More than 11,000 machines have been put into operation all over the world, high-performance slitting rewinding machines and automatic winding systems for providing cost-cutting and material waste-reducing outcomes to the production range are available. Such machines cover a wide variety of material in terms of roll width which can be up to 12,000 mm and roll film thicknesses ranging from 0.5 μm to 1 mm.
As a solution provider, Goebel IMS understands the unique requirements of the clients and works towards making the desired machines that will be suitable for particular production lines and occupied for a long period of time. As a testament to their commitment to innovation, the company holds over 750 patents and offers an extensive range of products including slitting systems that are capable of cutting into advanced materials. Their equipment is used across various sectors, including food packaging, tobacco, electronics, and medical industries.
Aside from offering high quality slitting equipment, Goebel IMS also provides excellent after-sales services that include repairing and upgrading ensuring that its status as a world-class maker of slitting machines is maintained.
Ashe Converting Equipment (UK)
- Recommendation Rating: ★★★★☆
- Founding Year: 1976
- Headquarters: Ipswich, UK
- Key Products: Slitter rewinders, label inspection slitter rewinders, core cutters, custom converting equipment
- Key Services: Bespoke machine configuration, after-sales support, system upgrades
Specific Description:
Ashe Converting Equipment is a private limited company that specializes in the production of slitter rewinders and specific converting equipment for flexible films, paper and self-adhesive labels industries. During these four decades, Ashe has offered up-to-date converting machines to customers from all over the globe, making it one of the most reliable slitter machine manufacturers.
The company specializes in providing products ranging from a narrow web machine for label stock to a wide web system with specific models such as the Duplex Slitter Rewinder and Duplex Turret Slitter Rewinder which are tailored to large scale market environments. The machine can handle roll with widths varying from 300mm to 8.7m putting them in a position to cater to different production requirements. Every single machine is in-house designed and in-house manufactured thus enabling accurate, dependable, and consistent machines.
Ashe provides excellent after-sales service that stretches from training on how to install the machines to 24-hour customer assistance on any of the offerings. Such service reduces response time in case the client’s machinery breaks down thus making it possible for production to go on in a timely quality manner.
Karl Menzel Maschinenfabrik GmbH (Germany)
- Recommendation Rating: ★★★☆☆
- Founding Year: 1925
- Headquarters: Erkrath, Germany
- Key Products: Slitter rewinders, winding machines, laminators, coating machines
- Key Services: Complete machine assembly, retrofitting of old systems, spare parts supply
Specific Description:
Employing nearly 100 years of expertise, Karl Menzel Maschinenfabrik GmbH ranks among the foremost slitter machine manufacturers, proposing state-of-the-art technologies for converting and processing various materials, ranging from non-woven fabrics, foils, textiles, to composites. They provide high speed slitting, rewinding, laminating, and coating systems, designed for various industries, including medical, textile, and packaging.
Karl Menzel offers fully customizable machinery, designed according to individual client specifications. Their technology caters to both manual and fully automated processes, ensuring precision in handling delicate materials or heavy industrial-grade products. The company takes pride in offering robust equipment, such as its slitter rewinders, which incorporate innovations like automatic core changes and advanced cutting mechanisms.
Karl Menzel’s machines are built to last and are especially attractive for manufacturers whose business is based on the need for slitting machines aimed at endurance. Besides, Karl Menzel also has the capability to assimilate present-day technologies into old machines. Thus for customers who want to modernize their existing plans of slitting machines, this is a good option.
Comexi Group (Spain)
- Recommendation Rating: ★★★★★
- Founding Year: 1954
- Headquarters: Girona, Spain
- Key Products: Slitter rewinders, coating machines, printing and lamination lines
- Key Services: Customized solutions, remote service, spare parts, and retrofitting
Specific Description:
The Comexi Group ranks first among slitting machine manufacturers and focuses on the flexible packaging market. With machines like the Comexi S1 and S2 series, it provides high-speed slitting and rewinding systems capable of handling numerous material widths and roll diameters. Their most advanced models, such as the S1 DT, can work at speeds of 1000 m/min, allowing high efficiency for mass production.
Comexi’s machines are recognized for their ability to handle a wide range of materials, including films, laminates, and other packaging materials. Quite flexible as to be highly adjustable, the solutions by Comexi assist the producers in effective incorporations to uphold specific manufacturing requirements. With strategic hubs within Europe, North America, and Asia and more areas on the way, their global presence assures quick and effective service and backup making them suitable for anyone in need of powerful solutions for slitting machines.
What are the Best Slitting Machines for Different Materials?
Each slitting machine manufacturer has unique strengths, so the best slitting machine for you depends primarily on the materials you’re working with.
Material | Key Considerations | Best Slitting Machine Type | Recommended Brands & Models |
Paper/Board | Thickness management, curl control, tension accuracy | Shear Slitter | Atlas (TitanSlitter ER610), Ashe (Duplex Slitter), KETE (KTSM-C400G) |
Plastic Films | Tension consistency, fast processing for thin, stretchable films | Razor Slitter | Comexi (S2 DT), Euromac (TB-3 Series), KETE KTSM-C200) |
Metal Foils (Aluminum/Copper) | Precision cutting for thin foils, tension control for delicate materials | Razor or Shear Slitter | Goebel IMS (Razor Slitter), DIENES (Shear Slitting Systems), KETE (KTSM-CS150) |
Fabrics & Non-Wovens | Gentle tension handling to prevent material damage, precise control over thinner materials | Razor or Shear Slitter | Karl Menzel (Nonwoven Slitting Machines), MACTEC (Wide Web Shear Slitter), KETE (KTSM-S100) |
Composite Materials | Multi-layered material handling, need for high cutting accuracy | Shear Slitter | Ashe (Duplex Slitter Rewinder), Euromac (TB-6 Series) |
Rubber Materials | Tough cutting required, need for edge consistency without causing damage | Score Slitter | Rosenthal (Custom Rubber Slitting Line), Menzel (Rubber Slitting Machines) |
Metal Coils (Not Foils) | High tension control, robust machinery for cutting thick, rigid materials | Shear Slitter | Goebel IMS (Primary Metal Slitters), Atlas (PrimeSlitter) |
What to Consider For Choosing the Right Slitting Machine
Choosing the right slitting machine can greatly impact your efficiency and product quality. Here’s what you should think about before making a decision:
1. Material Type and Thickness
Every machine is built to handle specific materials. Are you working with delicate films or thicker, stronger materials? Some machines are better suited for lightweight materials, while others handle thick laminates or foils. Understanding the type and thickness of your materials will help you decide what kind of cutting blades and tension control the machine should have. Do your materials stretch easily? If so, you’ll need soft tension control to avoid damage.
2. Roll Width and Diameter
How large are the rolls you process? Slitting machines come with different capacities to handle various roll widths and diameters. Whether you’re dealing with small rolls for packaging or large rolls for industrial applications, you should ensure the machine accommodates your typical size range. Do your production lines often change roll sizes? Picking a machine with easy adjustments can streamline your workflow.
3. Slitting Precision
In high-precision industries like medical or electronics, every millimeter counts. How accurate does your machine need to be? If you require tight tolerances, focus on machines that maintain cutting precision over long production runs. Consistency in slitting accuracy reduces defects and ensures the final product meets quality standards.
4. Production Speed and Output
How fast do you need the machine to run? If you’re running a high-volume operation, you’ll need a machine that matches your output goals without sacrificing quality. But keep in mind—higher speeds can sometimes lead to more waste. Can the machine maintain high speeds while keeping production waste to a minimum?
5. Automation and Control Systems
Is your goal to reduce manual labor? Higher automation levels can save time and reduce the potential for human error. Look for advanced control systems that fit into your broader production network, especially if you need real-time data integration with MES or ERP systems.
6. Durability and Maintenance
A machine’s longevity matters. How frequently does it need maintenance? Regular upkeep is inevitable, but a machine that’s easy to service—like one with quick blade changes or automated cleaning—will minimize downtime. Choose a machine that balances performance with ease of maintenance.
7. After-Sales Support
Finally, consider the manufacturer’s support. Do they offer rapid spare part delivery and ongoing maintenance services? Can they provide employee training and customization options? Quick, reliable support is key to long-term success, so ensure the manufacturer is invested in your production running smoothly.
Conclusion
Choosing the right slitting machine manufacturer can make a huge difference in your production efficiency and product quality. Whether you’re looking for a high-quality precision machine or one that can power through large, industrial volumes, the companies listed here consistently deliver. From long-standing names like Goebel IMS and DIENES, all the way to the latest innovators like KETE Group Limited and MACTEC, each brings something unique to the table. Now, it’s just a matter of identifying which one best aligns with your production requirements.