Composite material slitting

Materials we slit

The composites industry works with a wide variety of flexible fiber reinforcements and semi-finished products available as roll stock. At GOBA, we slit these materials precisely through contract slitting to your desired dimensions.

Carbon fiber fabric

Carbon fiber fabric is one of the highest-quality reinforcement materials in composite manufacturing. We slit twill weave, plain weave, and satin weave fabrics in various area weights, from lightweight 80 g/m2 to heavy 600 g/m2 and above. The challenge in slitting carbon fiber fabric lies in preventing fraying and maintaining fiber alignment. Our machines are configured for the precision processing of these high-value materials, ensuring clean cut edges.

Fiberglass fabric

Fiberglass fabric made from E-glass or S-glass forms the backbone of many composite applications. The abrasive nature of glass fibers places special demands on the slitting process. Our machines are designed for processing abrasive materials and deliver uniform cuts over the entire roll length. We process fiberglass fabric in all common weave patterns: plain, twill, and satin. Area weights from 25 g/m2 to over 1,200 g/m2 pose no problem for us.

Aramid fabric (Kevlar)

Aramid fabric, known under the brand name Kevlar, is distinguished by its exceptional impact resistance and low weight. Slitting aramid fibers is demanding, as the fibers are extremely tensile yet difficult to cut through. Our experience with high-performance fibers and the calibration of slitting parameters to aramid-specific requirements enable clean, precise cuts. We process pure aramid fabrics as well as aramid blend fabrics.

Prepreg films

Prepregs are fiber fabrics or tapes pre-impregnated with resin that are directly processed further in composite manufacturing. Slitting prepreg films requires special care: the material must not be overheated or mechanically damaged, and the resin distribution must be preserved. We slit prepreg materials based on epoxy, phenolic, and polyester resin in the widths you require. Proper handling, including temperature-controlled storage, is standard practice for us.

Hybrid fabrics

Hybrid fabrics combine different fiber types in one fabric, for example carbon and aramid, carbon and fiberglass, or aramid and fiberglass. These material combinations unite the advantages of both fiber types and place special demands on slitting, as each fiber type reacts differently to the cutting process. We individually adjust our slitting parameters to the respective fiber combination to achieve optimal results.

Thermoplastic tapes

Thermoplastic tapes are unidirectional fiber reinforcements in a thermoplastic matrix. These narrow tapes are used in automated composite manufacturing (tape laying, tape winding) and must be available in exact widths. Our minimum slitting width of 5 mm and the tolerance of +/- 0.1 mm make us a suitable partner for converting thermoplastic tapes.

Nonwovens for composite applications

In composite manufacturing, nonwovens are used as surface improvement layers (surface veil), as core material, or as flow promotion material. We slit fiberglass nonwovens, polyester nonwovens, and carbon fiber nonwovens in the widths required for your application. Detailed information on nonwovens can be found on our page Technical textile slitting.

Technical capabilities

Flexible composite materials place special demands on the slitting process. Abrasive fibers such as glass and carbon stress cutting tools above average. Sensitive fiber alignments must not be disturbed during slitting. And high-value materials require minimal waste. Our technical equipment meets these requirements:

Most composite fabrics are produced in widths of 1,000 to 1,270 mm (50 inches). Our machines also accommodate overwidth master rolls. The minimum slitting width of 5 mm is particularly relevant for narrow tapes and reinforcement strips, as used in repair work or local reinforcements. In composite manufacturing, the width accuracy of the reinforcement material directly determines the quality of the finished component. Overlap zones and butt gaps must be precisely defined.

Handling abrasive materials

Fiberglass and carbon fiber fabrics are highly abrasive. They stress cutting tools considerably and, with unsuitable equipment, lead to rapid wear that impairs cut quality. Our slitting machines are designed for processing abrasive materials. We continuously monitor tool condition to ensure that cut edge quality remains consistently high over the entire order length. Clean cut edges without fraying are essential for composite materials, as fiber interruptions can affect the structural integrity of the finished component.

Application examples

Flexible composite materials are used in numerous high-performance industries. As a contract slitter, we support the entire value chain, from fiber manufacturers through prepreggers to component producers.

Aerospace (suppliers)

The aerospace industry sets the highest standards for the quality of composite materials. Carbon fiber fabrics and aramid fabrics for structural components, interior fittings, and engine components must be available in precisely defined widths. Aerospace suppliers need contract slitters who ensure complete documentation, highest precision, and reproducible quality. Our ISO 9001-certified quality management system provides the required traceability for every roll and every cut.

Automotive lightweight construction

The automotive industry is increasingly turning to fiber composites to reduce vehicle weight. Carbon fiber fabrics and fiberglass fabrics are used for body parts, structural reinforcements, and interior components. Automotive suppliers need composite materials in production-ready widths and tolerances. We slit fiberglass and carbon fiber fabrics in the dimensions required for series production, with the consistency and precision that automated layup devices and presses require.

Wind turbines

Rotor blades of wind turbines are among the largest composite components in existence. Their production requires large quantities of fiberglass fabric, carbon fiber fabric, and infusion aids. We slit these materials in the widths specified for rotor blade manufacturing. Long roll lengths and consistent width accuracy over the entire roll are particularly important for wind energy applications, as the reinforcement materials are processed in vacuum infusion or prepreg methods where every millimeter counts.

Sports equipment and leisure industry

High-performance sports equipment such as racing bicycles, skis, surfboards, paddles, and tennis rackets are now frequently manufactured from fiber composites. Manufacturers need carbon fiber fabrics, fiberglass fabrics, and hybrid fabrics in application-specific widths. We slit these materials in smaller order sizes as well, as is typical for specialized sports equipment manufacturers. Our flexibility in order size, from a few running meters to large series, fits the requirements of this dynamic industry.