Introduction

Watch the video below to learn how to set up FlexCut.

Cutting Through

The cutting through (or die cutting) functionality is focused on cutting simple shapes (e.g. rectangles). It is used mostly in combination with contour cutting.

An interrupted cutting line makes sure that the material remains together using small media ‘bridges’. When the job is finished, the cut pieces can be torn out.

To create the interrupted cutting line (FlexCut) some adjustments need to be made:

1.      Knife depth

2.      FlexCut parameters:

                -  Full Pressure

                -  Full Pressure Cut Length

                -  Flex Pressure

                -  Flex Pressure Cut Length

                -  FlexCut Speed

Adjustments

For determining the FlexCut parameters, the normal knife pressure test pattern can be used:

1. Power on the machine.

2. Load media in the machine.

3. Use a high knife pressure. The knife pressure used depends on the sharpness of the knife and the media used. For standard non-laminated media, a good start value is 200 grams.

Determine Knife Depth Setting

1. Set the knife to extend the nose piece wheels so it can cut completely through the media. This usually results in the knife to cut too deep. To do this, turn clockwise on the knife holder. One complete turn (360°) of the knife holder will increase the knife depth 0.5 mm.

2. Click the knife pressure test button to verify the knife can cut through the media. Increase the knife pressure as needed until the media can be cut through.

3. Decrease the knife depth by turning counterclockwise on the knife holder, until the knife barely cuts through the media. Click the knife pressure test button to verify.

4. Increase the knife depth slightly: rotate the knife holder clockwise for ¼ (≈ 0.1 mm) of a turn. Click the knife pressure test button to verify.

5. Decrease the knife pressure until the knife barely cuts through. Click the knife pressure test button to verify.

6. Increase the knife pressure with 10%, this to compensate for the knife wear while cutting the job. Click the knife pressure test button to verify. Note this knife pressure, as it has to be used for the FlexCut Full pressure parameter.

7. Decrease the knife pressure until the knife only cuts the film, and barely scratches the liner. Click the knife pressure test button to verify. Note this knife pressure, as this has to be used for the FlexCut Flex pressure parameter.

8. Adjust the knife pressure until the knife only cuts the film, the glue, and scratches the liner. Click the knife pressure test button to verify. This pressure will be used for the normal contour cut.

FlexCut Parameters

The FlexCut parameters can be set from the display of the machine.

1. Set the Full pressure and Flex pressure as defined in step 6 and step 7.

2. Adjust the parameters Full pressure cut length and Flex pressure cut length to suit your needs, depending on the media.

3. Click one of the parameters, and click the test button to verify the settings.