SUMIKURA Advances Automation with State-of-the-Art Steel Coil Slitting Lines

SUMIKURA Co., Ltd., a veteran Japanese leader in coil-processing systems, is making headlines as it pushes the frontier of automation in steel slitting technology. Headquartered in Hamamatsu since 1947, the company has long been known for its precision-engineered slitting, blanking, and cut-to-length lines. 

The spotlight now shines on SUMIKURA’s fully automated E-Steel Slitting Lines, tailored specifically to the demanding requirements of electrical steel (CRGO/CRNGO). These systems support coils up to 1,250 mm wide and 15-ton in weight, and their ultra-thin processing range (0.1–0.5 mm) enables high-precision slitting. 

One of the most compelling differentiators is the high-speed capability: slitting speeds reach up to 300 m/min, while advanced back-tension control devices can operate at up to 800 m/min. This performance, combined with automation and robotics, empowers manufacturers to maintain tight dimensional tolerances and excellent strip quality across a broad spectrum of materials — including high-speed steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and more. 

Critical to this automation is SUMIKURA’s in-house slitter-head tooling exchange system. It features robotic tools that handle slitter changes, clean knives, and inspect edges — all without manual intervention. The system also integrates intelligent control and HMI interfaces, allowing real-time monitoring of coil tension, strip alignment, and cutting accuracy. Predictive data analytics further support preventive maintenance, minimizing unplanned downtime. 

Further bolstering productivity, features such as fast threading and efficient scrap removal streamline setup, while flexible recoiling and packaging options (manual to fully automatic) meet varying production needs. Crucially, the line’s ergonomic and safety-focused design removes the need for manual handling of heavy strips — a major advantage in high-volume steel centers.

SUMIKURA’s investment in automation aligns closely with broader Industry 4.0 trends. By embedding smart sensors, robotics, and automated controls into its slitting lines, the company is helping steel producers and service centers elevate throughput, reduce waste, and consistently deliver high-quality slit strip. 

As global demand for high-precision electrical steel grows — driven by applications in transformers, EV motors, and industrial machinery — SUMIKURA’s latest systems are well-positioned to serve the future-focused metal processing industry.