As manufacturers across the globe pursue Industry 4.0 capabilities, Automation Metal Slitting Lines are emerging as a cornerstone technology in modern steel and non-ferrous coil processing. These highly automated systems — capable of converting wide metal coils into precise, narrow strips with minimal human intervention — are transforming traditional manufacturing workflows into data-driven, high-efficiency operations.
Founded in 1947 and headquartered in Hamamatsu, Japan, SUMIKURA Co., Ltd has built a reputation as a leading specialized manufacturer of full-service coil processing lines, spanning blanking lines, cut-to-length systems, shear lines, and advanced slitting lines. With R&D centers and factories in both Japan and Zhejiang, China, SUMIKURA serves major automotive, steel service, and industrial customers worldwide.
The company’s offerings are designed to meet the exacting demands of industries such as automotive, electrical equipment, construction materials, shipbuilding, and precision metal fabrication.
At the heart of these systems is the ability to automate almost every aspect of coil processing — from uncoiling and tensioning to slitting, recoiling, and even tooling changes. SUMIKURA’s slitting lines, for example, are built to handle a wide range of materials including high-speed steel (HSS), cold-rolled steel (CRS), hot-rolled steel (HRS), stainless steel, and aluminum, with coil widths up to 2,500 mm and weights up to 35 tons. They can produce up to 50 slit strips in a single pass at speeds approaching 300 m/min.
Advanced tension control systems using felt plates, belt bridle, or roll units that preserve surface integrity and maintain consistent strip tension.
Automated tooling and slitter reconfiguration, reducing downtime between jobs and improving throughput.
Integrated robotics and safety systems that eliminate manual handling of heavy strips, enhancing operator safety and ergonomic performance.
Real-time monitoring and predictive adjustments, aligning with trends in smart factory digitalization.
Such automation not only increases production speed but also significantly reduces waste, improves cut accuracy, and supports flexible production scheduling.
Industry analysts note that slitting line automation is part of a larger shift toward fully connected manufacturing systems, where sensor data, machine learning, and real-time analytics enhance process reliability and quality control. Inline sensor networks enable dynamic adjustments during slitting operations, minimizing defects and downtime, while machine intelligence supports predictive maintenance strategies that keep lines operating at peak performance.
This trend toward digitization aligns with broader smart manufacturing goals — lowering costs, optimizing energy use, and integrating seamlessly with ERP and MES systems for end-to-end process visibility.
Automotive supply chains, where precise strip widths are essential for structural, electrical, and body panel components.
Electrical steel production, particularly for precision lamination strips used in transformers and electric motors.
Metal service centers that serve diverse industrial customers with tight delivery schedules.
By reducing manual intervention and streamlining process flows, automation in slitting lines helps companies stay competitive in a manufacturing environment that prioritizes flexibility, speed, and quality.
As demand grows for highly reliable, software-integrated metal processing systems, manufacturers like SUMIKURA that combine decades of mechanical engineering expertise with cutting-edge automation technologies are well positioned to lead the industry forward. This transition marks a significant step toward smart, high-efficiency production in the global metalworking sector — one where Automation Metal Slitting Line technologies play a defining role.
Your cutting line specialists!
Factory in Japan
ADDRESS
487-3, Sanshincho, Chuoku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
Japan local market : +81 53-425-5331
Factory in China
ADDRESS
265 Yixian Road, Deqing, Zhejiang, China
Overseas market : +86 572-883-2016
