Protective film slitting: surface protection film and masking film contract slitting
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Protective film slitting

Protective films precision-slit, in any custom width

Whether metal processors, glass processors, or plastics manufacturers: surface protection films and masking films are used daily in industrial production to protect sensitive surfaces from scratches, contamination, and damage. Yet standard widths rarely match your own production needs. This is exactly where GOBA comes in. As an experienced contract slitter, we convert your protective films to exactly the widths you need: from 5 mm slitting width, with a tolerance of +/- 0.1 mm, and on the core diameter of your choice. Gotthardt Isolierteile GmbH has stood for precision and reliability in roll slitting since 1962.

Materials we slit

Our machine park is designed for the longitudinal and cross-slitting of flexible web materials. In the area of protective film and masking film, we process a wide range of materials, regardless of whether you supply the material yourself or we source it through our supplier contacts.

PE protective films (polyethylene)

PE protective films are the classic among surface protection films. They are available in various adhesion levels, from low-adhesion for smooth metal surfaces to high-adhesion for rough or textured sheets. We slit PE protective films in thicknesses from 30 to 200 micrometers to your desired width.

PVC masking films

PVC masking films are frequently used in powder coating and anodizing. They reliably mask defined areas during surface treatment. GOBA slits PVC masking films cleanly and burr-free, without edge build-up that could later lead to undercutting.

PET protective films (polyester)

PET protective films are characterized by high tear strength and temperature resistance. They are frequently used as release liners or as protective film for optical surfaces. Our slitting machines process PET films precisely, without stretching or distortion.

PP protective films (polypropylene)

PP protective films offer good chemical resistance and are suitable for applications where contact with solvents or aggressive media is possible. We convert PP protective films in widths from 5 mm to 1,600 mm.

Self-adhesive surface protection films

Self-adhesive protective films adhere to the surface to be protected without additional aids. The challenge in slitting lies in preventing adhesive transfer to the cutting blades. Our slitting technology and machine settings are specifically calibrated to avoid adhesive transfer and ensure clean cut edges.

UV-resistant protective films

For outdoor applications or prolonged storage in daylight, many manufacturers use UV-stabilized protective films. These do not yellow and can be removed residue-free even after weeks. We slit UV-resistant protective films with the same precision as all other film types.

Paint protection films

Paint protection films protect freshly painted or powder-coated surfaces during transport and assembly. They are often co-extrusion films with defined adhesion strength. GOBA slits paint protection films to size without damaging the adhesive layer.

Temporary protective films for stainless steel and aluminum

In sheet metal processing, temporary protective films are applied to stainless steel and aluminum sheets to prevent scratches during stamping, bending, and transport. These films must be removable without residue after processing. We slit these films to the exact sheet widths our customers require.

Technical capabilities for protective film slitting

GOBA has a modern machine park specifically designed for precision longitudinal slitting of roll stock. Our slitting machines process master rolls with widths up to 1,600 mm and achieve speeds of up to 400 m/min.

Specifications at a glance

ParameterSpecification
Max. master roll width1,600 mm
Min. slitting width5 mm
Width tolerance+/- 0.1 mm
Max. slitting speed400 m/min
Core diameter25 / 55 / 76 / 152 mm
Quality managementISO 9001 certified

Clean cuts without adhesive residue

When slitting self-adhesive protective films, the biggest challenge is preventing adhesive transfer to the cut edges. Adhesive residue leads to edge bonding on the finished roll and makes later unrolling difficult for the end user. Our blade settings and slitting processes are optimized to keep cut edges absolutely clean.

No edge lift

Protective films that are cut imprecisely tend to lift at the edges from the surface. This so-called edge lift is particularly problematic with masking films, as coating material can creep under the film. GOBA prevents edge lift through optimal blade sharpness and controlled web tension during the slitting process.

Wrinkle-free processing of thin films

Thin protective films from 30 micrometers require particularly careful web guiding. Even slight tension differences can lead to wrinkling that renders the protective film unusable. Our machines feature precise web tension controls and spreader rolls that ensure a wrinkle-free result even with thin materials.

Application examples for converted protective films

Protective films are used in virtually every industry where sensitive surfaces need to be protected during production, transport, or storage. Here are the most common application areas for which GOBA converts protective films through contract slitting.

Metal processing: surface protection for stainless steel and aluminum

Stainless steel and aluminum sheets are often supplied with protective film from the mill. However, during further processing, such as longitudinal slitting of coils into strips, protective films in exact widths matched to the metal strip width are needed. GOBA delivers protective film rolls in precisely the width the metal processor requires. This ensures that the film sits flush with the sheet and the surface is fully protected.

Glass industry: temporary surface protection

Flat glass manufacturers and glass processors use temporary protective films to protect the glass surface during cutting, grinding, transport, and installation. Film widths must be precisely matched to glass formats. GOBA converts protective films for the glass industry in matching widths, from narrow strips for edge protection to wide webs for full surface coverage.

Plastic sheet manufacturing

Manufacturers of acrylic glass (PMMA), polycarbonate, or other transparent plastic sheets protect their products with surface protection film. Since plastic sheets are produced in many different widths, a flexible contract slitter is indispensable. GOBA slits protective films for plastic sheets in all standard and custom widths.

Electronics: display protection films on rolls

In the electronics industry, protective films are applied to displays, touchscreens, and optical components. These films are often processed in roll form on lamination machines. GOBA delivers display protection film rolls in precise widths aligned with the production lines of electronics manufacturers.

Get your protective film slit

Contact us for a customized quote. We respond within 24 hours.

Knowledge from our glossary

Technical fundamentals and term explanations on this topic.

  • Surface Protection Film

    A surface protection film is a temporary protection solution for sensitive component surfaces during manufacturing, transport and assembly.

  • Polyester Film

    Polyester film is a thin plastic film made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with high strength, thermal stability and chemical resistance.

  • HOSTAPHAN

    HOSTAPHAN is a brand of Mitsubishi Polyester GmbH for high-quality biaxially oriented polyester films (BOPET) with high temperature and chemical resistance.

  • Mylar

    Mylar is a biaxially oriented polyester film (BOPET) from DuPont with outstanding mechanical, thermal and electrical properties.