For PE film slitting, tungsten steel blades are the first choice, as they are durable, save time on blade replacement, and result in a lower total cost; for medium output, high-speed steel can be an option; carbon steel is only suitable for small-batch, low-demand use.
1. Check the color and luster
Tungsten steel (carbide): Dark gray in color, matte finish, heavy texture, and fine cutting edge.
High-speed steel (HSS): Bright white with strong metallic luster, lighter than tungsten steel.
Carbon steel/ordinary steel: Dark and yellowish in color, poor luster, and light in hand feel.
2. Check the hardness (the most critical)
Tungsten steel: Highest hardness (HRA88–92), wear-resistant, long service life, suitable for long-term high-speed slitting of PE films.
High-speed steel: Medium hardness (HRC60–65), good toughness, high cost performance.
Ordinary carbon steel: Low hardness, easy to blunt and roll the edge, not suitable for long-term mass production.
3. Listen to the sound
Tungsten steel: The sound is crisp and short, like knocking on ceramic tiles.
High-speed steel: The sound is clear and loud.
Carbon steel: The sound is dull and low.
4. Check the cutting edge and cut surface
Good material: The cutting edge is neat, without chipping or burrs, and the cut surface is fine.
Poor material: The cutting edge is rough with slight cracks, and when cutting PE films, it is prone to wire drawing, fuzzing, and film breaking.
5. Check the marks and manufacturers
Regular blades will be marked with:
Tungsten steel: YG6, YG8, YT15, etc.
High-speed steel: HSS
When purchasing, you can request material certificates to avoid shoddy products.
6. On-machine actual testing is the most accurate
When cutting PE films:
Flat cut, no burrs, no wire drawing → qualified material.
Quickly becomes blunt and chips → poor material.
