What can you base the selection of your plotter blades on?
In principle:
1.The more "pointed" a plotter blade is (small
wedge or cutting angles), the finer fonts you can usually be cut
with it. However, sharper blades have a shorter lifetime ("service
life") than more compact ones.
2. Double-sided blades have a slightly longer
service life than single sided ones.
3. Fonts cut with double-sided blades are
easier to weed than those cut with single-sided blades, as the cuts
always overlap slightly at the corners (see "Overcut"). This effect
can, however, be undesirable e.g. for repro work (masking film) and
/ or very delicate motifs.
4. The behavior of drag blade plotters
(ROLAND, MIMAKI, etc.) depends on a variety of parameters such as
offset size, cutting edge angles, foil type, etc. But also the blade
holder - without active drive - has a high influence on the result.
As a result, the performance of a particular blade can vary from
plotter to plotter and cannot be clearly reproduced. A blade which
works best in case A may not produce the desired result in a similar
case B. In this case, only targeted "testing" with different types
will help. Often the replacement of a wornout blade holder also
brings a significant improvement. Make a test with our precision
blade holders for GRAPHTEC, MIMAKI, ROLAND and SUMMA.
How should you treat your plotter blades?
With your decision for GIS Premium Blades you
have made a good choice. You are investing in a high-quality tool
that will be useful for a long time, provided it is treated
correctly. In addition to the low wear caused by finest-grained
carbide grades, GIS Premium Blades are characterised by low
manufacturing tolerances. You will notice what this means by the
time you spend weeding at the latest. To ensure that your plotter
blade offers you the highest possible benefit for your production,
please note the following:
1. Always use the most suitable
blade for your application.
2. Replace the protective cap after use and keep your blades in
their packaging; do not leave them loose.
3. Never touch the tip of the knife with a hard object (and
preferably not with your hand).
4. Check the blade holder and its attachment from time to time.
If one of these components shows play or wear, it should be repaired
or replaced.
5. Carefully adjust the cutting pressure and cutting depth after
a blade change. In the case of frequently changing media, it may
make sense to keep a knife holder with the appropriate knife and the
correct setting available for each type and then no longer adjust
it. When changing the material, you can change the entire holder
quick and easily.
6. If you send us plotter blades or other
tools for resharpening, always pack them individually and if
possible also with a protective cap. Otherwise the tools may be
damaged during transport. Also use at least a tough air cushion
envelope or better a box for shipping. Otherwise, it may happen that
the tools are pushed through thin paper envelopes on their way
through the sorting systems and get lost.
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