How to Cut Split Braided Sleeving Without Fraying?

How to Cut Split Braided Sleeving Without Fraying?

PET split braided sleeving can be cut without fraying by using a hot knife or laser cutting. Both methods use heat to seal the PET filaments at the cut end. For self-wrapping sleeving, the finished end also needs to open freely so the sleeve can wrap around the wire harness.

At MJ IST, laser cutting is available for pieces up to 1.6 m (1,600 mm) long. For longer cut-to-length pieces, we can review your requirements for hot cutting.

Hot-Knife Cutting vs. Laser Cutting

Cutting method	When to use it	What to check
Hot-knife cutting	For in-house harness assembly or supplier-cut pieces, including requests over 1.6 m	The cut end is sealed and the overlapping edges open freely
Laser cutting	For supplier-cut pieces up to 1.6 m per piece	The finished piece meets the drawing tolerance and the approved end-finish requirements.

How to Cut PET Split Braided Sleeving With a Hot Knife

1. Confirm the cut length

Check the required coverage on a representative harness, including bends and branch points. Mark the sleeve in its relaxed state.

2. Make a trial cut

At a ventilated cutting station, use a hot knife to make a square cut on a scrap piece. Check that the filaments are sealed without scorching or excessive melt buildup.

3. Keep the split open

Position the overlapping edges so they stay separate at the cut line. After cooling, check that the sleeve opens freely at both ends.

4. Verify the installed fit

Wrap the sleeve around the harness and confirm the required coverage and overlap. Check that the ends stay intact during installation.

What Should You Check Before Production?

For either cutting method, approve a first sample on the actual harness. Use the approved sample as a reference for cut length, end finish, and side-opening function. A cut end should stay intact when opened, and the sleeve should close around the bundle with the overlap specified for the assembly.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I cut PET split braided sleeving with scissors?
Scissors cut the braid but leave the PET filaments unsealed. The ends can fray during handling or installation. Use a hot knife when cutting roll stock in-house and a sealed end is required.

2.Can MJ IST laser-cut a piece longer than 1.6 m?

MJ IST’s laser-cutting limit is 1.6 m per piece. If your drawing calls for a longer piece, send us the required length and tolerance so we can review a hot-cut option.

3.What should I specify when ordering pre-cut sleeving?

Include the sleeve size or part number, cut length and tolerance, end-finish requirements, and estimated annual volume. If your assembly requires a specific overlap, share the bundle outside diameter and the applicable drawing requirement.

Request a Cut-to-Length Sample

Share your harness drawing or cut-length list with MJ IST. We can review sleeve sizing and confirm which cutting method suits each length. View MJ IST’s Self-Wrapping Split Braided Sleeving.