TPT Backsheet Cutting Machine: Process Value and Technical Features

As photovoltaic module manufacturing continues to evolve toward larger formats, higher power output, and intelligent production, increasingly stringent requirements are being placed on the precision, stability, and efficiency of raw material pre-processing in the encapsulation stage. As a key front-end equipment in the lamination process, the TPT backsheet cutting machine is responsible for the automated, high-precision cutting of roll-form backsheet materials according to module specifications. Its operational stability and cutting quality have a direct impact on lamination yield rates and the long-term reliability of PV modules.

 

Core Functions and Process Value Positioning

1. High-Precision Fixed-Length Cutting

Precise Dimensions: Through high-precision servo drives and encoder feedback, the backsheet conveying length is controlled, achieving a cutting accuracy of ±1.0mm or better, ensuring a strict match between backsheet and glass dimensions.

Automatic Fixed-Length Cutting: Multiple module sizes (such as 182 mm and 210 mm formats) can be preset,, enabling one-click quick production changeover and adapting to flexible production with multiple specifications.

 

2. Ensuring Cutting Quality and Production Efficiency

High-efficiency continuous operation: From roll unwinding, edge correction, conveying, fixed-length positioning, and cutting to material output, the machine enables fully automated continuous operation, meeting the requirements of high-speed production lines.

Neat, burr-free cuts: Utilizing high-rigidity straight blades, circular blades, or ultrasonic cutting processes ensures straight, burr-free, and delamination-free cuts, preventing glue overflow or quality issues during subsequent lamination.

 

3. Integrated Quality Control and Traceability

Online Defect Detection: Integrates a vision inspection system to detect scratches, stains, dents, uneven thickness, and other defects on the backing panel surface during unwinding or cutting, automatically marking or rejecting them.

Information Binding: Affixes or prints barcodes containing batch and specification information to the cut backing panels and binds them to subsequent production data, enabling full-process quality traceability.

 

4. Optimized Material Management and Cost Control

Reduced Waste: Precise length cutting and roll management maximize material utilization and reduce waste of scrap materials compared to manual or external pre-cutting.

Reduced Inventory and Logistics Costs: Direct use of large rolls of raw materials reduces storage space and secondary handling costs for prefabricated backing panels.

 

Key Technical Systems and Equipment Configuration

1. High-Precision Deviation Correction and Tension Control System:

Automatic Deviation Correction: Real-time monitoring of the roll edge position via photoelectric sensors drives the deviation correction mechanism, ensuring the material remains centered throughout the conveying process. This is a prerequisite for ensuring cutting accuracy.

Constant Tension Control: Servo-controlled tension systems is used for unwinding and rewinding (if applicable) to maintain material flatness and prevent wrinkling and stretching deformation.

 

2. Advanced Cutting Technologies

Hydraulic/Pneumatic Straight Knife Cutting: The most commonly used method, with high force, suitable for TPT and composite backings of various thicknesses.

Rotary Knife Cutting: Suitable for high-speed continuous cutting, resulting in smoother cuts.

Ultrasonic Cutting: Utilizes high-frequency vibration to melt and seal the cut, leaving no burrs. Especially suitable for fluorinated backings to prevent delamination, but at a higher cost.

 

3. Intelligent and Flexible Design:

Formula Management: Cutting parameters (length, quantity, speed, etc.) for different component sizes can be stored and managed via a human-machine interface.

Quick Roll Change: Designed with a quick roll change mechanism such as an air shaft to reduce downtime.

Automatic Belt Splicing: Some high-end equipment features automatic belt splicing, enabling continuous production without downtime.

 

4. Integrated and Clean Design:

Communicates with the production line's MES system to report output and status. Integrated dust collection device collects debris generated during cutting, maintaining a clean environment.

 

                                               

 

Typical Operating Workflow of the TPT Backsheet Cutting Machine

1. Loading and Unwinding: The large roll of TPT backing sheet is installed onto the unwinding shaft, and the material is fed into the equipment.

2. Path Correction and Conveying: After passing through the path correction mechanism, the material is precisely conveyed to the set length by a servo motor-driven conveyor roller.

3. Pressing and Cutting: Upon reaching the set length, the pressing mechanism presses down to fix the material, and the cutting blade (or ultrasonic cutter) performs the cutting action.

4. Inspection and Output: The cut backing sheet is inspected (or directly) and output to the lamination line waiting station by a conveyor belt or robotic arm.

5. Wrap-up Waste (Optional): The remaining skeleton paper or protective film after cutting is automatically wound up.

 

Conclusion

As a critical front-end equipment in photovoltaic module encapsulation, the TPT backsheet cutting machine enables the efficient transformation of “a roll of material” into “a qualified backsheet.” Its cutting precision, operational stability, and automation level directly influence lamination quality and the long-term durability of PV modules, making it an indispensable precision checkpoint in high-quality module manufacturing.

ChinTiyan will continue to focus on photovoltaic equipment innovation, delivering advanced manufacturing technologies and reliable equipment solutions to support the industry's transition toward higher efficiency and higher-quality development.