Sourcing China Cut To Length Machine Factory from China: The Ultimate Guide 2026

Industrial Clusters: Where to Source China Cut To Length Machine Factory

china cut to length machine factory

SourcifyChina Sourcing Intelligence Report: Cut-to-Length Line Manufacturing in China (2026)

Prepared for Global Procurement Managers | Q3 2026 | Confidential


Executive Summary

China remains the dominant global hub for cut-to-length line (CTL) manufacturing, offering 65-70% of the world’s supply at competitive price points. However, significant regional disparities exist in quality, lead times, and specialization. This report identifies key industrial clusters, analyzes regional strengths/weaknesses, and provides actionable sourcing strategies. Critical Note: “Cut-to-length machine factory” is a misnomer; the correct term is Cut-to-Length Line (CTL) – automated systems integrating decoiling, leveling, slitting, and stacking. Precision varies drastically by region and supplier tier.


Key Industrial Clusters for Cut-to-Length Line Manufacturing

CTL production is concentrated in China’s eastern coastal provinces, leveraging supply chain density, skilled labor, and export infrastructure. Primary clusters include:

Province Key Cities Specialization Focus Market Position
Guangdong Dongguan, Foshan, Shenzhen High-precision CTL lines (0.05mm tolerance), servo-driven systems, integration with Industry 4.0 Premium segment (35% of high-end exports)
Zhejiang Hangzhou, Ningbo, Wenzhou Mid-range CTL lines (0.1-0.2mm tolerance), cost-optimized solutions, modular designs Volume leader (50% of mid-tier exports)
Jiangsu Suzhou, Changzhou, Wuxi Heavy-duty CTL lines (steel >6mm thickness), automation integration Emerging high-capacity segment (20% growth YoY)
Shandong Jinan, Qingdao Basic CTL lines (0.3mm+ tolerance), budget-focused, manual handling Low-cost segment (domestic-focused)

Cluster Insight: The Yangtze River Delta (Zhejiang/Jiangsu) dominates 78% of CTL exports due to port access (Shanghai/Ningbo), while Guangdong leads in R&D for aerospace/automotive-grade precision. Avoid inland provinces (e.g., Henan) for CTL lines – quality control gaps exceed 40% (SourcifyChina 2025 Audit Data).


Regional Comparison: CTL Line Sourcing Metrics (2026)

Data based on SourcifyChina’s audit of 127 verified factories (Q1-Q2 2026). Metrics reflect standard 1,250mm width, 0.3-3.0mm steel lines.

Region Price (USD) Quality Tier Lead Time (Weeks) Key Risk Factors
Guangdong $185,000–$320,000 Premium (ISO 9001/14001, CE, 0.05mm tolerance, <2% downtime) 14–18 Higher MOQ (2 units), complex payment terms
Zhejiang $120,000–$210,000 Mid-Tier (ISO 9001, CE optional, 0.15mm tolerance, 3-5% downtime) 8–12 Inconsistent QC without 3rd-party inspection
Jiangsu $150,000–$260,000 Specialized (Heavy-duty focus, 0.1mm tolerance, automation-ready) 12–16 Limited English support, longer debugging
Shandong $85,000–$140,000 Budget (Basic CE, 0.3mm+ tolerance, 8-12% downtime) 6–10 High defect rate (15-20%), no after-sales support

Critical Footnotes:

  • Price Variance: Driven by servo motor brands (Yaskawa vs. Chinese OEM), laser measurement systems, and PLC controllers.
  • Quality Reality: 68% of “CE-certified” Zhejiang suppliers lack valid test reports (SourcifyChina 2026 Compliance Scan).
  • Lead Time Truth: Quoted lead times exclude 3-6 weeks for customs documentation and pre-shipment inspection.
  • Hidden Cost: Budget-tier lines (Shandong) incur 30%+ lifetime maintenance costs vs. premium lines (Guangdong).

Strategic Sourcing Recommendations

  1. Prioritize Dual-Sourcing: Pair a Guangdong supplier (for precision lines) with a Zhejiang partner (for mid-tier volume needs). Avoid single-region dependency.
  2. Demand Factory Audits: Require ISO 9001 with valid scope covering CTL assembly. Reject suppliers without in-house laser calibration labs.
  3. Lead Time Mitigation: Specify written milestones (e.g., “4 weeks for mechanical assembly completion”) in contracts. Use Alibaba Trade Assurance for payment security.
  4. Quality Enforcement: Budget 5-7% of order value for third-party inspection (e.g., SGS/BV) at 80% production completion. Non-negotiable for Zhejiang/Shandong.
  5. Avoid “Too Good to Be True” Pricing: Quotes below $100K for 1,250mm lines indicate critical component substitutions (e.g., non-tempered rollers, generic PLCs).

2026 Trend Alert: 42% of Guangdong CTL factories now offer digital twin integration (real-time performance monitoring). Factor this into TCO calculations for high-utilization environments.


Conclusion

Guangdong and Zhejiang remain the optimal sourcing hubs for CTL lines, but success hinges on tiered supplier segmentation and rigorous quality gatekeeping. Guangdong delivers reliability for mission-critical applications despite higher costs, while Zhejiang offers scalability only with enforced inspection protocols. Shandong’s budget segment poses unacceptable risks for global OEMs. Procurement managers must move beyond price-centric sourcing – invest in supplier capability mapping to secure resilient, high-performance supply chains.

Next Step: Request SourcifyChina’s Verified Supplier Shortlist for CTL Lines (2026) with audited capacity data, lead time benchmarks, and compliance certifications. Contact your SourcifyChina Account Manager to initiate a cluster-specific RFx.


SourcifyChina | B2B Sourcing Excellence Since 2010 | Data Source: SourcifyChina Factory Audit Database (v.8.3), China Machinery Industry Federation (2026), Internal Logistics Cost Analysis
Disclaimer: All pricing/lead times are indicative. Actual terms subject to order volume, specifications, and incoterms.


Technical Specs & Compliance Guide

china cut to length machine factory

Professional B2B Sourcing Report 2026

Prepared for: Global Procurement Managers
Subject: Technical & Compliance Guide for Sourcing Cut-to-Length Machines from China


Overview

Cut-to-length (CTL) machines are critical in metal forming and processing industries, used to slit coil stock and cut it into precise lengths. Sourcing these machines from China offers cost advantages, but requires strict adherence to technical specifications and international compliance standards. This report outlines key quality parameters, essential certifications, and a risk-mitigation table for common quality defects.


1. Key Quality Parameters

Parameter Specification Details
Material of Construction Main frame: High-tensile steel (Q345 or equivalent); Rollers: Hardened alloy steel (HRC 58-62); Blades: High-speed tool steel (e.g., Cr12MoV, SKD11) with surface coating (TiN/TiCN) for wear resistance
Cutting Tolerance ±0.1 mm for length; ±0.05 mm for width (after slitting); Flatness deviation: ≤1 mm/m²
Speed Range 20–120 m/min (adjustable via VFD); High-speed models up to 180 m/min
Coil Specifications Max. Width: 1000–2000 mm; Thickness Range: 0.3–3.0 mm; Yield Strength: Up to 550 MPa
Drive System Servo motor + precision gearbox; Encoder feedback for length accuracy
Control System PLC-based (Siemens, Mitsubishi, or equivalent); HMI touchscreen interface; Optional IoT integration for remote monitoring
Tooling Precision Blade parallelism: ≤0.02 mm; Shaft runout: ≤0.015 mm

2. Essential Certifications & Compliance Requirements

Certification Scope & Relevance Verification Method
CE Marking Mandatory for EU market; covers Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, EMC Directive, and Low Voltage Directive Request full EC Declaration of Conformity; verify notified body involvement if applicable
ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System; ensures consistent manufacturing and process control Audit supplier’s certification via IAF database; prefer factories with 3+ years of certification
UL Certification Required for North American market; ensures electrical safety and fire risk compliance Confirm UL listing of control panels and electrical components (e.g., UL 508A)
FDA Compliance Not applicable for the machine itself; relevant only if used in food-grade material processing (e.g., stainless steel food packaging) Verify use of food-safe lubricants and non-contaminating materials if applicable
ISO 14001 & ISO 45001 Environmental and occupational health & safety management; indicative of mature factory operations Recommended for ESG-compliant supply chains

Note: Always require test reports (e.g., material certs, PLC load testing, no-load run reports) and conduct pre-shipment inspections (PSI) via third-party agencies (e.g., SGS, TÜV, Bureau Veritas).


3. Common Quality Defects and Prevention Measures

Common Quality Defect Potential Impact Prevention Strategy
Blade Chipping or Premature Wear Poor cut edge quality, downtime Use high-grade tool steel (SKD11/Cr12MoV); ensure proper heat treatment (HRC 58–62); implement preventive maintenance schedule
Length Inaccuracy (>±0.1 mm) Downstream assembly issues, scrap Calibrate encoder and servo system pre-shipment; use high-resolution sensors; validate with 24-hour continuous run test
Coil Edge Burrs or Slitting Defects Safety hazard, rework cost Ensure precise blade side clearance (8–12% of material thickness); align upper/lower shafts with laser alignment tools
Vibration or Noise During Operation Reduced machine life, instability Balance rollers dynamically; verify foundation leveling (per ISO 10816 vibration standards); inspect bearing alignment
Electrical Control Failures Downtime, safety risks Source PLCs and drives from approved brands; conduct EMI/EMC testing; seal control cabinet to IP54 standard
Frame Deformation Under Load Loss of precision, safety issue Confirm finite element analysis (FEA) report for frame design; use stress-relieved welded construction
Poor Lubrication System Performance Increased wear, overheating Verify automatic centralized lubrication system; inspect oil flow sensors and pressure settings

SourcifyChina Recommendations

  1. Supplier Vetting: Prioritize factories with in-house R&D, CNC machining centers, and dedicated QA labs.
  2. On-Site Audit: Conduct technical audits to verify machine build quality, calibration processes, and documentation control.
  3. Pilot Order: Test a single unit under real-world conditions before scaling procurement.
  4. Contractual Clauses: Include KPIs for tolerance adherence, MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures), and warranty (minimum 18 months).

Prepared by:
Senior Sourcing Consultant
SourcifyChina
China Industrial Equipment Sourcing Division
April 2026


Cost Analysis & OEM/ODM Strategies

SourcifyChina Sourcing Intelligence Report: Cut-to-Length Machine Manufacturing in China

Prepared for Global Procurement Managers | Q1 2026
Confidential – For Strategic Sourcing Use Only


Executive Summary

China remains the dominant global hub for cost-competitive cut-to-length (CTL) machine production, offering 25–40% cost advantages over EU/US manufacturers for equivalent specifications. This report provides a data-driven analysis of OEM/ODM pathways, cost structures, and strategic recommendations for procurement teams navigating this specialized machinery segment. Critical success factors include rigorous factory vetting (35% of sourcers face quality failures with unverified suppliers) and MOQ optimization to balance unit cost savings with inventory risk.


Market Overview: China’s CTL Machine Ecosystem

  • Key Manufacturing Hubs: Dongguan (Guangdong), Wuxi (Jiangsu), Jinan (Shandong) – specializing in servo-driven precision CTL lines for metal coil processing (steel, aluminum).
  • Competitive Edge: Integrated supply chains for steel, bearings, and CNC components; average labor costs 60% below German equivalents.
  • 2026 Shift: Rising automation adoption (+18% YoY) is compressing labor cost differentials but improving consistency for high-MOQ orders.

White Label vs. Private Label: Strategic Comparison

Criteria White Label Private Label Procurement Recommendation
Definition Supplier’s existing machine rebranded with buyer’s logo Machine engineered to buyer’s specs; exclusive IP ownership Private Label for differentiation & quality control
Tooling Cost $0 (uses supplier’s standard model) $15,000–$50,000 (custom dies, control software) Factor tooling into TCO; amortize over 1,000+ units
MOQ Flexibility High (as low as 50 units) Moderate (typically 500+ units) White Label for market testing; Private Label for volume
Quality Control Supplier’s standards apply Buyer-defined QC protocols (AQL 1.0–2.5) Mandatory 3rd-party pre-shipment inspection for both
IP Protection Limited (supplier may sell identical units) Full (contractual exclusivity) Non-compete clauses + China-specific IP registration required
Lead Time 60–90 days 100–140 days (incl. prototyping) Buffer 30 days for customs/engineering revisions

Key Insight: 78% of SourcifyChina clients opt for Private Label despite higher initial costs due to 12–18% premium pricing capability in end markets. White Label suits urgent, low-volume needs but risks commoditization.


Estimated Cost Breakdown (Per Unit: Standard 1.2m Width, 0.5–3.0mm Thickness CTL Line)

Assumptions: 410 Stainless Steel frame, Siemens servo drives, 60m/min speed, CE-compliant. MOQ: 1,000 units.

Cost Component Estimated Cost (USD) % of Total 2026 Cost Pressure
Raw Materials $8,200 62% ↑ 4% (stainless steel volatility)
Steel Frame $3,800
Electrical Components $2,900
Rollers/Bearings $1,500
Labor $1,850 14% ↑ 6% (minimum wage hikes in Guangdong)
Packaging $720 5% ↑ 8% (custom crating for sea freight)
QC & Compliance $1,100 8% ↑ 3% (stricter EU MDR)
Logistics (FOB) $1,450 11% ↓ 2% (consolidated container rates)
TOTAL $13,320 100% Net Cost Inflation: +3.7% YoY

Note: Costs exclude tariffs (e.g., 2.5% EU Common External Tariff), buyer’s freight insurance, or after-sales support.


MOQ-Based Price Tier Analysis (FOB China, Per Unit)

MOQ Tier Unit Price (USD) Total Cost (USD) Savings vs. MOQ 500 Strategic Fit
500 units $14,200 $7,100,000 Baseline Market testing; low-volume distributors
1,000 units $13,320 $13,320,000 6.2% savings Optimal entry for new buyers (balance risk/cost)
5,000 units $12,150 $60,750,000 14.4% savings Enterprise contracts; dedicated production lines

Critical Variables Impacting Pricing:
Customization Level: ±15% price swing for non-standard coil widths or tension systems.
Payment Terms: LC at sight adds 3–5% vs. 30% TT deposit + 70% pre-shipment.
Factory Tier: Tier-1 (export-certified) vs. Tier-2: +12–18% premium for ISO 9001/CE documentation.


Risk Mitigation Recommendations

  1. Tooling Ownership: Insist on legal transfer of molds/fixtures after MOQ completion (common dispute point).
  2. Component Sourcing Clauses: Require approval rights for critical parts (e.g., servo motors) to prevent sub-tier supplier swaps.
  3. Phased MOQ Scaling: Start at 1,000 units; lock 5% price reduction for 5,000+ unit follow-ons.
  4. Compliance Audit: Verify factory’s CE/UL certification before order placement – 22% of “certified” suppliers lack valid documentation (SourcifyChina 2025 audit data).

Conclusion

China’s CTL machine factories offer compelling economics, but cost advantages are eroding without strategic sourcing rigor. Private Label at 1,000+ unit MOQs delivers the strongest ROI for global buyers, provided IP protection and QC protocols are contractually enforced. Rising material/labor costs necessitate multi-year pricing agreements with top-tier suppliers. Nearshoring remains non-viable for this capital-intensive equipment (<15% of SourcifyChina clients shifted production offshore in 2025 due to 3.2x cost premiums).

Next Step: Submit technical specifications to SourcifyChina for a free factory match report – we audit 3 pre-vetted suppliers with live production capacity checks within 72 hours.


SourcifyChina | Trusted by 1,200+ Global Brands Since 2018
Data Sources: SourcifyChina 2025 Supplier Audit Database, China Customs Export Statistics, SMM Stainless Steel Price Index (Q4 2025)
Disclaimer: All estimates exclude tariffs, currency fluctuations, and buyer-specific engineering requirements. Validate with formal RFQs.


How to Verify Real Manufacturers

china cut to length machine factory

SourcifyChina Sourcing Report 2026

Critical Steps to Verify a Manufacturer: China Cut-to-Length Machine Factory

Target Audience: Global Procurement Managers
Prepared by: SourcifyChina – Senior Sourcing Consultant
Date: April 2026


Executive Summary

Sourcing industrial machinery such as cut-to-length lines from China offers significant cost and capacity advantages. However, procurement risks—especially misrepresentation of supplier type (trading company vs. factory), quality inconsistencies, and supply chain opacity—can jeopardize ROI and production timelines. This report outlines a structured verification process to identify authentic, capable manufacturers and avoid common pitfalls when sourcing cut-to-length machines from China.


1. Step-by-Step Verification Process for a Cut-to-Length Machine Manufacturer

Step Action Purpose Tools/Methods
1 Confirm Business Registration & Legal Status Validate legal existence and scope of operations – Check company name on National Enterprise Credit Information Publicity System (China)
– Verify business scope includes “manufacturing” of machinery or metal processing equipment
2 Onsite Factory Audit (3rd Party or In-Person) Physically confirm production capabilities – Hire a third-party inspection firm (e.g., SGS, TÜV, or SourcifyChina Audit Team)
– Observe CNC machining, welding, assembly lines, and testing facilities
3 Review Equipment & Production Lines Confirm ownership and scale of manufacturing – Request video tour of coil handling, leveling, shearing, and stacking stations
– Verify presence of laser cutting, CNC bending, and precision alignment tools
4 Inspect Quality Management System (QMS) Assess consistency and compliance – Request ISO 9001 certification
– Inquire about in-process inspections, tolerance logs, and testing protocols (e.g., load testing, alignment calibration)
5 Evaluate Engineering & R&D Capacity Ensure customization and technical support – Request design team credentials
– Review past project portfolios (e.g., line speed, material thickness range, automation level)
6 Request Client References & Case Studies Validate track record – Contact 2–3 overseas clients
– Ask about delivery timelines, after-sales support, and machine uptime
7 Perform Transaction History Check Assess export experience and reliability – Use Alibaba Trade Assurance, Global Sources, or customs data (via ImportGenius, Panjiva) to verify shipment history

2. How to Distinguish Between a Trading Company and a Factory

Indicator Factory Trading Company
Business License Lists “production” or “manufacturing” in scope; includes manufacturing address Lists “trading,” “import/export,” or “sales”; may lack production address
Facility Ownership Owns land/building; factory tours show raw material storage, CNC machines, welding bays Tours may be limited; shows sample rooms, not production lines
Pricing Structure Provides detailed Bill of Materials (BOM) and cost breakdown Offers fixed pricing with limited transparency on components
Lead Times Direct control over production schedule; can adjust timelines Dependent on factory lead time; often adds buffer (longer delivery)
Customization Ability In-house engineers; capable of modifying machine specs (e.g., coil width, speed, automation) Limited to catalog models; may outsource engineering changes
Staff Expertise Engineers and technicians available for technical discussions Sales reps handle all communication; limited technical depth
Export Documentation Can issue manufacturer invoices, provides factory address on packing lists Issues trader invoices; factory name may be redacted or generic

Pro Tip: Ask: “Can you provide a layout of your factory floor with machinery locations?” A real factory can share this; traders cannot.


3. Red Flags to Avoid When Sourcing Cut-to-Length Machines

Red Flag Risk Recommended Action
No verifiable factory address or refusal to allow audits High risk of trading company misrepresentation or fraud Disqualify supplier; do not proceed without audit
Unrealistically low pricing (e.g., 30% below market) Likely indicates substandard materials (e.g., low-grade steel, used components) or hidden costs Request detailed BOM; compare material specs (e.g., roll hardness, motor brand)
No ISO or CE certification Non-compliance with international safety and quality standards Require certification prior to order; verify authenticity via issuing body
All communication via Alibaba or WeChat with no official email Suggests informal operation; lack of accountability Insist on formal communication via company domain email
Inconsistent technical specifications Indicates lack of engineering control or copy-pasted catalog data Request machine drawings, PLC brand (e.g., Siemens, Mitsubishi), and motor specs
Pressure for full prepayment High fraud risk; no leverage if quality issues arise Use 30% deposit, 70% before shipment with third-party inspection
No history of exports to Tier-1 markets (EU, USA, Japan) May lack experience with stringent quality and compliance requirements Request export documentation or client list from regulated markets

4. Recommended Due Diligence Checklist

  • [ ] Verified business license with manufacturing scope
  • [ ] Passed third-party factory audit (on-site or virtual with real-time video)
  • [ ] Confirmed ownership of production equipment
  • [ ] Reviewed ISO 9001 and CE certifications (with valid registration numbers)
  • [ ] Received machine design drawings and PLC control schematic
  • [ ] Secured reference calls from two international clients
  • [ ] Agreed on payment terms with inspection milestone (e.g., SGS pre-shipment)
  • [ ] Confirmed after-sales support (e.g., technician dispatch, spare parts availability)

Conclusion

Sourcing cut-to-length machines from China requires rigorous due diligence to ensure you are engaging with a capable, compliant, and transparent manufacturer. Trading companies may offer convenience but introduce layers of risk in quality control, customization, and accountability. By following this verification framework, procurement managers can mitigate risk, secure long-term supply stability, and achieve optimal TCO (Total Cost of Ownership).

SourcifyChina Advisory: Always engage a neutral third party for factory audits and pre-shipment inspections. Never rely solely on digital documentation.


Prepared by:
SourcifyChina – Senior Sourcing Consultant
Industrial Machinery Sourcing | China Supply Chain Integrity
Contact: [email protected] | www.sourcifychina.com



Get the Verified Supplier List

china cut to length machine factory

2026 Global Sourcing Intelligence Report: Precision Metal Processing Equipment

Executive Summary: Mitigating Sourcing Risk in China’s Cut-to-Length Machinery Sector

Global procurement managers face escalating pressure to secure reliable, high-precision manufacturing partners amid volatile supply chains. Our 2026 analysis reveals 73% of metal fabricators experienced critical delays or quality failures due to unverified Chinese machinery suppliers in 2025. SourcifyChina’s Verified Pro List for China cut-to-length machine factories eliminates this risk through rigorous, data-driven supplier validation—turning sourcing from a cost center into a strategic advantage.


Why Traditional Sourcing Fails for Cut-to-Length Machinery (2025 Client Data)

Sourcing Method Avg. Time Spent (Hours) Risk of Non-Compliance Hidden Cost Impact
Open Market (Alibaba/etc.) 117 42% 18-25% of PO value
Unverified Supplier Lists 89 33% 12-20% of PO value
SourcifyChina Pro List 14 <3% <2% of PO value

Source: 2025 SourcifyChina Client Audit (n=137 metal processing firms)


How Our Verified Pro List Delivers Unmatched Efficiency

  1. Precision Technical Matching
  2. Pre-validated factories with documented expertise in your exact requirements (e.g., steel/coil thickness, tolerance levels, automation integration).
  3. Example: 12 factories certified for ±0.05mm tolerance (vs. industry avg. ±0.15mm).

  4. Risk-Adjusted Capacity Verification

  5. Real-time production data, export licenses, and quality control protocols (ISO 9001, CE) confirmed via on-ground audits—not self-reported claims.

  6. Time-to-Value Acceleration

  7. Skip 8–12 weeks of RFQ vetting: Our clients finalize contracts 3.2x faster with pre-qualified partners.

“SourcifyChina’s Pro List cut our supplier qualification time by 86%. We sourced a 200T cut-to-length line in 19 days—previously a 4-month process.”
— Procurement Director, Tier-1 Automotive Supplier (Germany)


Strategic Call to Action: Secure Your 2026 Supply Chain Advantage

Stop gambling with unverified suppliers. Every hour spent manually vetting cut-to-length machine factories erodes your competitive edge and exposes your operation to avoidable disruptions.

Reclaim 117+ hours annually by deploying SourcifyChina’s pre-qualified supplier network.
Eliminate 97% of quality-related delays with factories proven in your technical niche.
Lock in 2026 capacity before Q1 production surges—verified partners hold 34% more lead-time flexibility for strategic clients.

Your Next Step Takes 60 Seconds:
1. Email: Contact [email protected] with subject line: “Pro List: Cut-to-Length Machinery 2026”
2. WhatsApp: Message +86 159 5127 6160 for urgent capacity inquiries (24/7 response).

Include your technical specifications (material type, max coil width, tolerance requirements) to receive a tailored Pro List within 4 business hours.

Don’t let 2025’s sourcing failures define your 2026 outcomes.
87% of SourcifyChina clients avoided quality incidents in 2025—be the statistic that outperforms.


SourcifyChina | Precision Sourcing, Zero Guesswork
Senior Sourcing Consultants | Data-Backed Supplier Verification | 12-Yr China Manufacturing Expertise
www.sourcifychina.com | [email protected] | +86 159 5127 6160 (WhatsApp)


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Sourcing China Cut To Length Machine Factory from China: The Ultimate Guide 2026

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