Materials we slit
Foam tapes and sealing tapes come in numerous material variants, densities, and cell structures. Each variant places its own demands on the slitting technology, for example regarding blade guidance, pressure rollers, and web tension. GOBA has the experience and equipment to slit the following materials cleanly and without deformation:
EPDM foam tapes
EPDM foam (ethylene propylene diene monomer) is one of the most commonly used sealing materials. We slit EPDM foam tapes in both closed-cell and open-cell versions, for facade sealing, automotive applications, and industrial equipment construction. The high weather resistance of EPDM makes precise slitting widths particularly important, as the tapes are typically installed in functional joints where every millimeter counts.
PU foam tapes (polyurethane)
PU foam tapes are available in both open-cell and closed-cell variants. Open-cell PU foams are soft and compressible and are frequently used as dust seals or acoustic damping strips. Closed-cell PU foams offer higher compressive strength and are suitable for sealing against moisture and drafts. We slit both types to your desired width.
PE foam tapes (polyethylene)
PE foam is lightweight, chemically resistant, and closed-cell. Typical applications are insulation and cushioning strips in the construction and packaging sectors. We process PE foam tapes with densities from approximately 25 to 200 kg/m3 in roll widths up to 1,600 mm.
Pre-compressed tapes and joint sealing tapes
Pre-compressed tapes (pre-compressed sealing tapes) expand after installation and completely fill the joint. They are used in window construction and facade technology according to RAL quality standards. Slitting pre-compressed tapes requires special care, as the material must neither be squeezed in width nor have its recovery capability impaired. GOBA masters this process.
Sponge rubber tapes
Sponge rubber based on CR (chloroprene), EPDM, or NR (natural rubber) is used as sealing tape, damping strip, and edge protection. We slit sponge rubber tapes in widths from 5 mm and convert them to practical roll lengths.
Silicone foam tapes
Silicone foam is temperature-resistant from approximately -60 degrees C to +200 degrees C and is suitable for sealing applications in food technology, medical technology, and high-temperature environments. The low Shore hardness of many silicone foams makes a particularly gentle slitting process necessary.
Self-adhesive foam tapes
Many foam tapes are supplied with a single-sided or double-sided adhesive layer. GOBA also slits these self-adhesive variants cleanly and without bonding of the cut edges. Our blades and machine parameters are set so that neither the adhesive smears nor the carrier material is damaged.
Cellular rubber tapes
Cellular rubber based on EPDM, CR, or NBR combines the elasticity of rubber with the lightness of foam. We slit cellular rubber tapes in various densities and hardness levels for sealing, insulation, and vibration isolation applications.
Technical capabilities for foam tape slitting
Longitudinal slitting of foam tapes differs fundamentally from slitting rigid or incompressible materials. Foam is by definition compressible: even slight pressure can compress the material and lead to dimensional deviations, waviness, or damaged cell structures. GOBA has optimized its processes over decades for processing sensitive materials.
Machine park and specifications
Our longitudinal slitting machines are designed for master rolls with a width up to 1,600 mm. The slitting width starts at 5 mm, significantly narrower than many competitors who only offer from 10 or 15 mm. The slitting tolerance is +/- 0.1 mm, ensuring an exact end result even with soft foams.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Master roll width | up to 1,600 mm |
| Min. slitting width | from 5 mm |
| Tolerance | +/- 0.1 mm |
| Slitting speed | up to 400 m/min |
| Core diameter | 25 / 55 / 76 / 152 mm |
The slitting speed reaches up to 400 m/min. For pressure-sensitive foam tapes, we deliberately reduce the speed to prevent material deformation caused by web tension or winding pressure. Each order is individually parameterized.
Deformation-free slitting
The key to clean foam slitting lies in controlling three factors: blade sharpness, web tension, and winding torque. Dull blades compress the material instead of separating it. The result would be frayed edges and width variations. We rely on regular blade changes and material-specific blade geometries.
Web tension is kept as low as possible to prevent stretching or compression of the compressible material. During winding, we control the winding pressure so that foam tapes on the finished roll are not compressed and retain their nominal thickness.
Core diameters and roll formats
We convert foam tapes onto core diameters of 25 mm, 55 mm, 76 mm, or 152 mm, depending on customer requirements and downstream processing. Smaller cores are suitable for hand rolls in the construction trade, larger cores for automated further processing in industry.
Application examples for slit foam tapes
Foam tapes and sealing tapes are used wherever joints need to be sealed, vibrations dampened, or surfaces protected. GOBA supplies customers from numerous industries with custom-slit tapes.
Window and facade construction
In window construction, pre-compressed tapes and joint sealing tapes are indispensable. They seal the connection joint between window frame and masonry and must meet RAL installation requirements. Different joint widths require different tape widths, and this is exactly where GOBA comes in. We slit pre-compressed tapes, EPDM sealing tapes, and PE foam tapes in the exact custom widths your project requires. This avoids material waste on the construction site and accelerates installation.
Automotive industry
In automotive production, foam tapes are used in many ways: as door seals, for engine hood insulation, as sound absorbers in the interior, as vibration dampers between body panels, or as spacers in electronic assemblies. Width tolerance requirements in the automotive sector are particularly high, as the tapes are frequently processed in automated assembly operations. Our slitting tolerance of +/- 0.1 mm reliably meets these requirements.
Household appliances
In washing machines, refrigerators, dishwashers, and dryers, sealing tapes ensure that neither water nor air enters or escapes uncontrolled. Sponge rubber tapes and EPDM foam strips are installed as door seals, housing seals, and sound insulation. GOBA delivers these tapes in the widths and roll lengths your manufacturing process requires, from small batches to large series with Kanban delivery.
HVAC and ventilation technology
In ventilation systems, air conditioning units, and heat exchangers, foam tapes seal flange connections, duct transitions, and housing covers. Additionally, insulation strips are used for thermal decoupling and sound absorption. PE foam tapes and closed-cell EPDM tapes in custom widths are particularly in demand here. GOBA slits these materials in the widths typical for HVAC applications and converts them to the appropriate roll formats.