Cut-to-Length (CTL) Lines are advanced sheet processing systems designed to uncoil, level, cut, and stack sheet metal with outstanding precision, speed, and safety. They are engineered to handle the thickest and hardest materials while maintaining operator-friendly ergonomics. These lines are a complete solution for transforming coils into high-quality, ready-to-use sheet packages. With modular integration and full automation, CTL lines are tailored for maximum productivity, minimal downtime, and the highest levels of quality in both steel and non-ferrous material processing.

Key Features & Advantages

Safe and Ergonomic Operation: Designed for operator comfort and safety, even when processing high-strength steel or thick-gauge materials.

High Productivity: Achieved through high-capacity shears, powerful stackers, and fully automated roll and knife exchange systems.

Downtime Minimization: Automatic setup of main line components based on production data from higher-level IT systems eliminates manual adjustments.

Multi-Station Stacking: Different stacking stations can be used within the same stacker, enabling continuous production while finished stacks are evacuated without stopping the line.

Offline Packaging: Sheets can be packaged offline using manual, semi-automatic, or fully automatic systems for weighing, strapping, and wrapping (paper or plastic).

Start-Stop Stacking Systems: Either magnetic or vacuum-based stacking protects sheet surfaces and edges while operating at maximum speeds.

Cassette Levelers with Automatic Exchange: Different roll diameters are swapped automatically to suit material type and thickness, with full cassette changes completed in just 5 minutes.

Hybrid Material Capability: Lines designed for both steel and aluminum can accommodate up to three different leveling cassettes for optimal performance across all materials.

Patented Tilting Eccentric Rotary Shears: Developed by SALICO for on-the-fly trapezoid cutting, offering unmatched cutting capacity and reliability.

Flying Shears: Suitable for material thicknesses from 0.2 mm to 9 mm, ensuring precise and fast cutting without interrupting material flow.

No-Torque-Loss Spanning Machines: Especially for high-strength steel processing, multiple motors with innovative electronic torque balancing improve leveling performance while reducing wear.

Energy & Maintenance Efficiency: Systems are designed to reduce plant maintenance costs and energy consumption, increasing operational lifespan.

Technical Specifications

Material Thickness Range: 0.2 – 9.0 mm

Material Types: Steel (including high-strength steel), aluminum, and other metals

Stacking Systems: Magnetic or vacuum, with multiple stacking stations

Leveling Cassettes: Up to three different cassettes for hybrid lines; full exchange in 5 minutes

Cutting Systems: Flying shears, tilting eccentric rotary shears for trapezoids

Automation: Fully automated roll and knife change, auto setup from production data

Packaging Options: Manual, semi-automatic, or fully automatic

Product Instructions

Operation begins with uncoiling the material, which is fed through a high-precision cassette leveler. Depending on the product specifications, the appropriate leveling cassette is automatically selected and exchanged. The material is then cut to the required length using either flying shears for standard cuts or patented tilting eccentric rotary shears for trapezoids. Sheets are directed to one or more stacking stations—magnetic or vacuum—where they are carefully aligned to protect surfaces and edges. Finished stacks are evacuated without halting production, and packaging can be performed offline to maintain continuous operation. All primary adjustments, from cutting length to cassette changes, are handled automatically via an integrated control system connected to the plant’s IT infrastructure.

Applications & Industries

Cut-to-Length Lines are widely used in:

Automotive Manufacturing – Body panels, structural reinforcements, and chassis parts

Appliance Industry – Sheet components for refrigerators, washing machines, ovens, and HVAC units

Construction Sector – Roofing sheets, cladding panels, and structural sheet products

Metal Service Centers – Coil-to-sheet processing for various customer specifications

Aerospace & Shipbuilding – High-strength and corrosion-resistant sheet processing

Target Customers

These lines are ideal for manufacturers, processors, and service centers who require:

High-speed, high-precision cutting for various metals

Seamless operation with minimal downtime

Capability to process both steel and aluminum on the same line

Reduced maintenance and energy costs through advanced engineering

Integration into fully automated production environments