Thick coil metal cutting machines are designed to process heavy-gauge metal coils (typically 3mm to 20mm+ in thickness) into flat sheets or blanks of precise lengths. These machines are widely used in industries such as construction, automotive, shipbuilding, and heavy equipment manufacturing.
1. Types of Thick Coil Metal Cutting Machines
A. Hydraulic Shear Cutting-to-Length Line
- Uses a heavy-duty hydraulic shear to cut thick coils (up to 20mm steel).
- Best for: Structural steel, shipbuilding plates, thick blanks.
- Pros: High cutting force, durable, low maintenance.
- Cons: Slightly slower than flying shear, may leave minor burrs.
B. Flying Shear Cutting Machine
- Cuts metal while the strip is still moving (ideal for high-speed production).
- Best for: Medium-thick coils (3mm–12mm).
- Pros: Continuous cutting, high efficiency.
- Cons: Less precise than stop-and-cut systems.
C. Rotary Shear Cutting Line
- Uses rotating blades for smoother cuts on thick materials.
- Best for: Thick stainless steel, aluminum (up to 16mm).
- Pros: Clean cuts, minimal distortion.
- Cons: Higher blade wear, requires frequent maintenance.
D. Plasma/Laser Cutting Integration (for Custom Shapes)
- Some lines integrate plasma or laser cutting after uncoiling for complex shapes.
- Best for: Heavy plates requiring contour cutting.
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2. Key Components of a Thick Coil Cutting Line
Heavy-Duty Uncoiler ： Holds & feeds thick metal coils (may include motorized mandrels).
Straightener/Leveler ： Removes coil curvature with multi-roller leveling.
Feeding System ： Precision servo-driven rollers for accurate length control
Cutting Unit ： Hydraulic shear, flying shear, or rotary shear.
Run-Out Table & Stacker ： Collects cut sheets for further processing.
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3. Production Process Step-by-Step
Step 1: Coil Loading & Decoiling
- A crane or forklift loads the thick coil onto the uncoiler.
- The coil is fed into the leveler for flattening.
Step 2: Straightening & Leveling
- Heavy-duty leveling rollers remove internal stresses and ensure flatness.
Step 3: Feeding & Measuring
- Servo-controlled feed system pulls the strip to the desired length.
- Encoder measures exact length before cutting.
Step 4: Cutting (Shearing/Plasma/Laser)
- Hydraulic shear (for straight cuts) or flying shear (for continuous cutting).
- Alternative: Plasma/laser for custom shapes.
Step 5: Stacking & Output
- Cut sheets are stacked automatically or conveyed to the next process.
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4. Finishing & Post-Processing
A. Deburring (Edge Smoothing)
- Grinding or filing to remove sharp edges.
- Machines Used: Deburring machines, edge rounders.
B. Surface Treatment (If Needed)
- Sandblasting, priming, or galvanizing for corrosion resistance.
C. Quality Inspection
- Check dimensions, flatness, and cut quality.
- Tools: Calipers, laser scanners, straightness testers.
D. Packaging & Shipping
- Metal sheets are bundled with protective film or wooden crates.
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5. Applications of Thick Coil Cut-to-Length Lines
✔ Construction – Steel beams, structural plates.
✔ Shipbuilding – Hull plates, bulkheads.
✔ Heavy Machinery – Excavator parts, press frames.
✔ Energy Sector – Wind turbine components, pressure vessels.
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6. Choosing the Right Machine
| Factor and Consideration
| Material Thickness :Hydraulic shear (best for 6mm–20mm), flying shear (3mm–12mm).
| Cutting Speed :Flying shear (fastest), hydraulic (slower but stronger).
| Precision Needs ::Rotary shear (cleanest cuts), hydraulic (strongest).
| Automation Level : Fully automated lines for high-volume production.
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Conclusion
A thick coil cutting-to-length machine is essential for processing heavy-gauge metal efficiently. The right choice depends on material type, thickness, required precision, and production speed. Post-processing (deburring, inspection) ensures high-quality output for industrial applications.
