Vertical or horizontal machine - which one to choose for cutting foam?

The choice depends on the product. Choose the vertical machine (PPA) when you need to divide a block into thick slices of a given thickness, up to 10 times thick from one block. Choose a horizontal machine (PARK, PPAB) for thin sheets and panels in continuous production, e.g. mattress layers. In many plants, both types work in parallel.

What is the difference between a vertical machine and a horizontal foam cutting machine?

The vertical machine guides the knife through the entire height of the block and divides it into thick slices, and the horizontal machine cuts thin sheets from the top of the block in continuous mode. The vertical one produces 7-1000+ mm slices of various thicknesses, the horizontal one produces homogeneous sheets from several to several dozen mm for mattresses and inserts.

What thickness range does a vertical machine cut and what does a horizontal machine cut?

The vertical PPA machine cuts slices from 7 to over 1000 mm, with the possibility of mixing up to 10 thicknesses in one cycle. The horizontal foam cutting machine specializes in thin layers - from a few to several dozen millimeters - which are cut in series from a block in continuous production mode.

Which cutter should I choose for mattress production?

For mass production of mattresses, a horizontal machine is best, especially the PPAB model with a belt conveyor, which ensures continuous production of uniform comfort layers. A vertical machine can be a complement when thick cores or slices of non-standard thickness are needed.

Does your plant need both a vertical and a horizontal machine?

In plants with diversified production, usually yes. The vertical machine divides the block into full-thickness slices, and the horizontal machine cuts them into thin sheets and patches. Both types complement each other, maximizing block utilization and reducing waste - they often work on a common CNC control.

What is the cutting accuracy of a vertical machine and a horizontal machine?

Both DZIERGWA machines ensure repeatability of ±1–2 mm over the entire cutting length. Such precision is guaranteed by CNC control, controlled feed and pneumatic knife tension and pressure. This ensures that both thick slices and thin sheets maintain a uniform thickness throughout the series.

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TechnologyJune 7, 2026

Vertical or horizontal machine - comparison of foam cutters

TL;DR: The choice between vertical and horizontal cutting depends on the final product. Vertical machine (PPA type) divides the foam block into thick slices of a given thickness - from 7 to over 1000 mm, even up to 10 times the thickness of one block. Horizontal foam cutting machine (PARK, PPAB) cuts thin sheets and batts continuously, ideal for mass production of mattresses and inserts. In many plants, both types work in parallel because they complement each other.

Vertical or horizontal slot machine - the shortest answer

The question "vertical machine or horizontal?" it comes down to one thing: what shape and thickness of material you want to get from the foam block. It is the direction of the knife that determines the purpose of the machine.

Vertical automatic (PPA) - a vertically guided knife divides the entire block into flat, full-height slices, from thin layers to thick slabs.
Horizontal machine (PARK, PPAB) - a horizontally driven knife cuts subsequent sheets from the top of the block, in continuous production mode.

If you need repeatable slices of different thicknesses, you choose the vertical. If you produce a lot of thin, uniform sheets, you focus on the level. Below we break down both solutions into prime factors.

How a vertical foam cutting machine works

Vertical automatic is a cutter in which the closed loop of the band knife moves in a vertical plane and the foam block is moved under the blade on a precise work table. One cut goes through the entire height of the block, giving a flat slice of a given thickness.

Key features of the PPA vertical machine:

thickness range from 7 to over 1000 mm - from thin layers for quilting to thick construction boards;
up to 10 different thicknesses from one block in automatic mode, which shortens changeovers;
pneumatic knife tension maintaining constant belt tension and cutting straightness;
CNC controller and touch panel measuring the table feed after each slice;
repeatability ±1–2 mm along the entire cutting length.

This solution works well where you need to obtain even, full-thickness slices from a block - in the production of mattresses, upholstered furniture and technical packaging. The full structure and operation are described in the article about vertical foam cutting machine.

How a horizontal foam cutting machine works

Horizontal foam cutting machine guides the band knife horizontally, cutting subsequent sheets and panels from the block - from a few millimeters to several dozen. The block is moved to the blade and the belt conveyor collects the finished layers, enabling continuous work.

DZIERGWA produces two types of horizontal cutters:

PARK - classic machine for sheets and panels; ideal when dozens of identical comfort layers or mats are needed from one block.
PPAB - machine focused on continuous production; belt conveyor and automated feeding allow you to work virtually without interruption.

The structure is held together by linear guides (parallel knife guide), pneumatic pressure (compensating for the elasticity of the foam) and band knife with tension (smooth cutting surface). This ensures that each sheet has a uniform thickness throughout - which is critical in a multi-layer mattress. Details can be found in the text about horizontal foam cutting machine.

Vertical or horizontal machine - comparison of parameters

The easiest way is to compare both types of machines according to the criteria that actually determine production:

Cutting direction: vertical - across the entire height of the block; horizontal - cutting layers from above.
Final product: vertical - thick slices of a given thickness; level - thin sheets and patches.
Thickness range: vertical 7–1000+ mm; level from several to several dozen mm.
Operating mode: vertical - cyclic block division, up to 10 thicknesses; level - continuous production with conveyor.
Typical volume: vertical - serial production of patches; level - mass production of sheets.
Repeatability: in both cases ±1–2 mm thanks to CNC control and pneumatics.

In short: the vertical machine wins in terms of thickness flexibility and work on thick boards, and the horizontal foam cutting machine wins in terms of speed and efficiency when cutting thin, uniform sheets.

What to choose for which production

It is best to base the selection of the machine on the product profile:

Series mattress production - horizontal machine (PPAB) for comfort layers and continuous sheet production; vertical machine as a supplement when thick cores are needed.
Upholstered furniture (sofas, armchairs) - PPA vertical automatic machine for full-thickness seats and backrests; horizontal for thin inserts and mats.
Technical packaging and padding - vertical machine for boards of repeatable thickness.
Mats, underlays, thin layers - horizontal machine, preferably PARK or PPAB.
Semi-finished products for further processing - the vertical machine prepares slices, which are then sent, for example, to CNC contour machine.

In practice, many plants invest in both types: the vertical one divides the block into slices, and the horizontal one further processes them, or vice versa. If you are just putting together a fleet of machinery, start with an analysis of the product and volume - they will indicate the priority. A more extensive selection guide can be found in the article how to choose a foam cutting machine.

Do you need both machines

In facilities with diversified production, the answer is usually yes. The vertical machine and the horizontal machine do not compete, but create a complementary technological line:

1. The vertical machine divides the raw block into full-thickness slices.
2. The horizontal machine cuts the selected slices into thin sheets and patches.
3. Further processing (contour, string) gives the material its final shape.

This arrangement maximizes the use of the block and reduces waste. Both machines belong to the group of automatic machines and can cooperate with a common CNC control system. On a smaller scale, it is also worth considering manual machines.

Summary and contact

The choice of "vertical or horizontal machine" depends on what you produce: vertical for thick slices of a given thickness, horizontal for thin sheets in continuous production. The horizontal foam cutting machine (PARK, PPAB) and vertical automatic cutting machine (PPA) from DZIERGWA combine ±1-2 mm precision, CNC control and high efficiency - and often work best together.

You don't know which cutter to choose? Check out automatic machines offer or contact us - we will help you choose a vertical, horizontal or both configuration to suit your production profile.

+48 723 882 783 +48 691-700-387