A fixture assembly for slitting a workpiece into a serpentine body, a cutting system having a fixture assembly, and a method of forming a serpentine body. The fixture assembly includes a patterned support section that has a plurality of support slats interspaced with gaps. A holder plate has an opening configured to receive the workpiece and positioned atop the patterned support section such that intended cutting locations in the workpiece are positioned directly above the gaps in the patterned support section and the slats are positioned directly below uncut portions of the serpentine body after cutting the workpiece.