DM&E began its involvement with radial blade cutters and reels in 1974. We began by repairing and restoring cutter components and cutters. We continue to repair, modify and restore cutters and cutter reels for all major fiber producers. Through our commitment to fiber cutting we developed the DM&E cutter. All of the DM&E cutters are radial blade cutters.

The radial blade cutter uses a reel consisting of a disc and a concentric ring separated by support posts. The periphery of the disc and ring has a multitude of "razor" blades parallel to the common axis and located radially with the sharp edge facing outward. As the reel turns, tow is wrapped around the reel and blade tips. A wheel is fixed in position close to the blade tips. As the tow builds on the circumference, the fixed wheel forces the accumulating fiber against the blade tips thus cutting the fiber. The cut fiber passes through the opening between the blades, and towards the center of the reel for discharge through the ring.

Cut length is determined by the blade spacing around the reel. Different reels are required for different cut lengths. Cut length is uniform, and blade life is exceptional when compared to other cutters. (A typical radial cutter reel for 1 1/2 inch staple will have over 5 feet of exposed cutting surface.) Cut lengths from 3/16 inch to 7 1/2 inches may be produced on the same cutter by installing a different cutter reel. Cutter reels producing distributed cut lengths within the same reel are available.

DM&E offers a complete line of tow cutters. Tow cutters are available to process the smallest lab samples or up to 15 tons of tow per hour!

Each DM&E cutter is carefully configured to match the customer's needs. Many options are available and custom engineered units may be requested to satisfy special requirements.

Standard Features

1) The presser wheel on DM&E cutters is as large as the cutter reel. The large wheel keeps the tow gradually progressing into the blades, and minimizes side loading of the blades by reducing the convergence angle between the reel and the wheel. All presser wheel assemblies feature easily replacable "tires" mounted to precision hubs. The hub rotates on two sealed heavy duty bearings to provide accurate alignment and long life. Presser wheels are pneumatically operated for ease of operation and operator safety. Full pneumatic travel prevents damage to valuable reels in the event a blockage occurs in the cutting zone.

2) All cutters feature a monopost frame that allows fiber discharge to three sides and the bottom. Hinged doors give easy access to the front and rear of the reel area to make adjustments and maintenance quick and easy. The cutter reel attaches from the top with a drawbar for simple reel changes on Models 40 and 60. Gauges and controls are mounted at a convenient height.

3) Right or left hand operation is available on all cutters. (Right hand cutters move the tow from the right to the left.)

4) Variable speed electronic drives are standard on all cutters. All drives are state-of-the-art solid state units supplied by major manufacturers that offer world-wide service. Controls on the Model 60 and 90 series cutters can be connected to the most sophisticated computer controlled systems. Frequency and voltage kits are availble to suit most requirements. A double reduction HTD toothed belt drive allows the motor and tow speed to be matched for optimum control and energy efficient operation.

5) A sophisticated tow guiding system is used to control the tow presentation to the cutter reel in all DM&E cutters. Correct tow presentation is critical to quality staple. The tow may be maneuvered vertically or horizontally, and shaped from top to bottom to present the most uniform tow bundle to the cutter reel.

6) Safety is designed into each cutter. Reel access doors are electrically interlocked for operator safety. Controls are functionally interlocked to prevent improper operation. Emergency stops are located on the cutter and remote pedestals. All belts and rotating parts are guarded from access. Electrical components are UL approved, and CSA certified models are available.

7) All cutters are pretested and supplied with complete maintenance and operating manuals. Final inspection sheets, and factory specification sheets are included. Critical spare parts are stocked by DM&E and available for overnight delivery if necessary to keep you in production.

Three Series Of DM&E Cutters

DM&E cutters come in three basic sizes, each with its own special features. One of the series will satisfy your cutting requirements.

MODEL 40 SERIES

Many large fiber producers use the 40 series cutter to produce samples and eliminate interruptions on large production lines. The Model 40 employs all the features of DM&E cutters in a compact and straight-forward machine. Rated at 500,000 denier and 150 meters per minute line speed, the Model 40 is widely used on development lines and light denier production lines. With a production capacity of 1100 lbs per hour it offers the same cut quality as its larger brothers the Model 60 and Model 90. The same blades are used in the reel. The reel only weighs 32 pounds and may be easily and safely handled by one person. With a 40 inch cutting circumference, the Model 40 can supply cut lengths from 1/4 to 6 inches. A 2HP variable speed DC drive is standard on the Model 40. The 200 Series DM&E Sension Stand is compatible with the Model 40 cutter. For more information, click here.

MODEL 60 SERIES

The Model 60 cutter with its 60 inch reel circumference offers full production cutting of nearly 4 tons per hour of staple fiber. Standard features are all included. The 5 HP solid state digital AC inverter drive works in coordination with a separate holding brake to prevent loss of tow tension when the production is interrupted. This results in less down-graded fiber. The presser roll moves on sealed linear bearings with regulated air cylinder loading to prevent reel damage should the unexpected knot enter the cutting area. Cutter reels are compatible with other 60 inch circumference reels following a simple modification. Reels are attached with a through-the-spindle drawbar for ease of installation. A control console is standard with speed indicator and tension stand controls. Cutter reels are available for staple lengths 1/8 inch to 7 1/2 inches. The DME&E 200 and 300 Series Tension Stand are compatible with the Model 60 cutter. For more information, click here.

MODEL 90 SERIES

The Model 90 can supply up to 15 tons of staple every hour. Powered with a 20 HP motor, solid state AC inverter drive and a double reduction belt train the Model 90 can be tailored to your exact processing conditions. Like the Model 60, an integral brake prevents loss of tow tension when the cutter is stopped. As with all DM&E cutters the monopost design allows fiber to be discharged to the front, rear, side or bottom of the cutter. The Model 90 comes standard at a 57 inch tow height to allow use of a "T" discharge duct. Cutter reels are compatible with other 90 inch cutting circumference reels, and are available in cut lengths 1/4 to 7 1/2 inches. Both DM&E 200 and 300 Series Tension Stands may be used with the Model 90 cutter. For more information, click here.