ANALYSIS OF THE BAND KNIFE CUTTING MACHINE UNDER

MODAL AND HARMONIC RESONANCE USING SOLID-WORKS

Agra, Abiel Joel; Felices, Charls Ledcel; Santos, Karl Luigi

Mechanical Engineering Student, Adamson University,

900 San Marcelino St. Ermita, Manila 100

ABSTRACT
I. INTRODUCTION

Band knife cutting machine is an endless and looks like a loop. It is used for the cutting of
fabric rolls without cardboard-inner tube. It is important instrument of cutting fabrics. This cutting
machine works automatically according to the height of the relevant material. This machine is with
special blower decreases resistance between fabrics and table,which enables the fabrics be moved
easily and be cut precisely. And it could adjustable speed to fit different fabrics. Band knife cutting
machines have been recognized around the world for many years for their high quality even when
faced with difficult customer-related conditions and in applications with demanding materials.

Band knife machines provide the most accurate cutting and are therefore used in cutting
small and complex shape components. The fabric plies are guided against the cutting device which
is fixed and performs only a vertical movement down to the fabric. Because the band knife moves
in only down direction, the friction between the knife and the material ensures the continuous
compression of fabric plies throughout the process. Band knife machines may be used to cut fabric
spreads up to 300 mm high.
Band knife cutting machine

A band knife machine has a working surface and a knife that forms a moving circle during the
fabric cutting process. During the work process the fabric is moved while the knife is in a fixed
position and performs a continuous downward movement. The band knife is characterized by its
length, width and thickness. The work surface of the machine is smooth and may be equipped with
a special air blowing system to facilitate maneuverability of cut fabrics. The band knife machines
can ensure the highest level of accuracy in manual cutting.

It is the most useful cutting instrument in apparel cutting. In apparel industry, more than 99%
cases this knife is used. This machine is called straight knife cutting machine because its cutter is
straight in shape. It is used for both woven & knit fabric. In this machine different types of straight
knife are used according to the different cutting objects. This machine provides good efficiency.
Cutting of intricate patterns and tight turns due to the low-profile base plate and narrow silhouette
standard.

A band knife blade forms a continuously moving circle during the cutting process. It is
narrower than the blade of a straight knife, therefore providing a higher degree of accuracy. The
band knife is characterized by its length, width and thickness. Band knives with two smooth blades
(double bevel knives) are used to cut textiles. The cutting machines operate with either a fixed
knife speed (e.g. 14 m/s, 16 m/s) or an adjustable speed which accommodates a wider range of
fabrics (8–18 m/s, up to 30 m/s).
1.1 Statement if the Problem

The design of the Band Knife Cutting Machine and the vibration it produces affects the
performance and usability of the machine and it is greatly given importance by the manufacturers
that produces such products since this will affect the products durability and its life span.
The researchers, as aspiring engineers, desired to design the fundamental mechanism of
the Band Knife Cutting Machine and to analyze its modal and harmonic resonance for future
contribution in the field.

1.2 Objectives
 To design a proper working model of the Band Knife Cutting Machine and to determine
the loads that are affecting the machine assembly.
 To analyze the Band Knife Cutting Machine’s modal and harmonic response when loads
are applied using SOLIDWORKS.

1.3 Scope and Limitations

The study focuses on designing the necessary mechanical assembly of the Band Knife
Cutting Machine using the SOLIDWORKS application and using specific parameters such as
weights, material specification, loads and moments. This will be used for the analysis of data for
the modal and harmonic response analysis.
The research will only help the future researchers to better understand and analyze the
vibration analysis on the Band Knife Cutting Machine, but will not help in improving the assembly
of the mechanical system.

II. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE