In-Line Cutting
Systems

In-Line Cutting Systems — Precision
Cutting for Continuous Thermal Processes

KEPKA In-Line Cutting Systems are engineered as an integrated extension of our tunnel-furnace technology, providing fully synchronized cutting for flat products processed in continuous thermal lines. After materials are heated, stabilized and cooled inside the furnace, the cutting module performs precise, high-speed „cutting in motion”, ensuring accurate lengths and clean edges without interrupting the flow of production. Our systems are designed for products that move between protective liners or films — such as thermal pads, compressible thermal interface materials, laminated composites, multi-layer foils, technical textiles and thin polymer sheets. When these materials exit the cooling zone in a controlled state, the cutting system immediately adapts to their speed and profile, delivering repeatable, perfectly aligned cuts at the exact length defined by the process recipe.

Integrated With Tunnel Furnaces
for Continuous Processing

In-line cutting is not a stand-alone technology. It is a natural continuation of the heating and cooling sequence. KEPKA builds complete thermal lines in which:

1. The tunnel furnace heats and stabilizes the material, activating binders, adhesives or functional layers.
2. The integrated cooling section brings the temperature to the correct cutting window, preventing deformation or sticking.
3. The in-line cutting module synchronizes with conveyor speed, sensing material movement and cutting precisely as the sheet passes through.

Because everything is controlled by one process system, the cutting operation becomes fully deterministic, stable and repeatable — independent of line speed, sheet thickness or material type.

Cutting Flat Materials Between Liners and Multilayer Webs

Many advanced materials used in automotive, battery and electronics applications are transported between two liners or films, protecting the surface from contamination and deformation.
KEPKKA In-Line Cutting Systems are designed specifically for this architecture.
They allow accurate cutting of:

• thermal interface pads (thermal pads / TIM materials),
• multi-stage laminated composites,
• coated foils and webs after curing or heat activation,
• acoustic and damping materials,
• techncal films,
• speciaty polymer sheets and multi-layer tapes.

The system ensures that even very soft, compressible or heat-sensitive products maintain shape integrity immediately after cutting.

Precision Synchronization and
Clean Cutting Quality

The cutting unit follows the material dynamically, adjusting to:

• line speed,
• cooling temperature,
• shee thickness,
• liner friction,
• web tension and expansion behavior.

This guarantees a stable cut with:

• clean edges,
• no tearing,
• no delamination,
• no stretching or wrinkling.

The process is executed „in flight,” so the material never stops — essential for high-volume production lines.

Ideal for Thermal-Pad, Battery, Automotive
and Electronics Manufacturing

The combination of continuous heating → controlled cooling → in-line cutting is widely used in:

• thermal-pad and TIM production,
• battery module insulation materials,
• EV thermal-management mats,
• EMI shielding foils,
• adhesive and coated laminates,
• automotive interior foils and insulation layers,
• industrial acoustic films,
• protective liner-based materials.

Whenever a flat product must be shaped immediately after thermal stabilization — and must do so without stopping the line — KEPKA In-Line Cutting Systems provide the required precision.

Summary

KEPKA In-Line Cutting Systems extend the capabilities of our tunnel furnaces by enabling precise, continuous cutting of flat heat-processed materials. Engineered for products transported between protective liners, the system ensures perfect cut quality directly after heating and cooling. Integrated control, synchronized movement and advanced thermal conditioning create a complete, reliable and efficient production flow ideal for thermal pads, laminated composites, coated foils and technical materials used across automotive, battery and electronics industries.