Page 137 - Industrial Cutting of Textile Materials

124 Industrial Cutting of Textile Materials

9.3.2 The cutting table

The cutting process is carried out on flatbed static or conveyorized tables. They are
available in different width and different length. The width of the table depends on
the processed fabric width, but the length of the table can be expanded by using more
separate table segments. Often, the cutting table may be developed depending on the
application.

9.3.2.1 Static tables
Using static tables (see Fig. 9.12), the cutting process is completed in one step. The
cut materials may be in sheet form or rolled. To increase the productivity of the cutting
process, the surface of the cutting table is divided into two areas. While the machine
is cutting in one area, the operator collects the cut parts in the other area. If cutting
surface is equipped with vacuum system (see Section 9.3.4), it is divided into two
independently controllable areas to activate or reactivate vacuum supply as needed.
Front/rear extensions of the cutting table may be optional to increase a feeding part
before cutting and removal part after cutting. Often, cutting surface is configured in-
dividually, corresponding to the specific requirements of the cutting process. Fabric
processing on the static tables can ensure higher cutting accuracy than cutting on con-
veyorized surfaces.

9.3.2.2 Conveyorized tables
The surface of the cutting table is movable, which ensures continuous cutting process
and increased productivity. The material – in roll or cut ply form – is fed automatically
into the cutting area, and once the components are cut, the conveyor feeds the finished
product to take-off table where the operator removes the cut components while the
cutting process continues. The control system of the cutter determines the perfect tim-
ing and start position for each advance of the conveyorized cutting surface. Advanced

Fig. 9.12 A static table single-ply cutting system by Eastman.