How To Choose Different Types Of Cutting Tools And Blades For Summa Cutting Systems
1. Understanding Summa Cutting Systems
Summa offers different cutting systems, primarily:
- Roll cutters (Summa S Class, SummaCut) – Ideal for vinyl, decals, and thin materials.
- Flatbed cutters (Summa F Series) – Designed for thicker and rigid materials like cardboard, acrylic, foam board, and textiles.
2. Types of Summa Cutting Tools and Blades
Summa blades and tools vary based on the cutting system in use.
A. Drag Knife Blades (for Summa Roll Cutters)
-
Standard Drag Knife (36° - 45°)
- For general-purpose vinyl cutting (e.g., decals, heat transfer vinyl).
- Works best with thin materials.
-
60° Drag Knife
- Designed for thicker materials like flock, sandblast stencil, or reflective films.
- Provides deeper cuts with more precision.
B. Tangential Blades (for Summa S Class T-Series & Flatbed Cutters)
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Tangential Blade 36°
- Ideal for standard vinyl and thin materials.
-
Tangential Blade 60°
- Suitable for thicker or harder materials, such as rubber, sandblast mask, and cardboard.
-
Rotary Blade (for textiles and fabric)
- Helps in cutting fabrics cleanly without fraying.
C. Flatbed Cutter Tools (for Summa F Series)
- Drag Knife Tool – General purpose tool for vinyl, film, and thin materials.
- Tangent Knife Tool – Used for thicker materials with higher precision.
- Electronic Oscillating Tool (EOT) – For soft and thick materials like foam board, rubber, or corrugated board.
- Pneumatic Oscillating Tool (POT) – Handles very thick and dense materials, such as leather or gaskets.
- Routing Module – Used for hard materials like acrylic, wood, and aluminum composite panels.
3. Choosing the Right Blade Based on Material
| Material | Recommended Blade/Tool | Blade Angle |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Vinyl | Drag Knife 36° - 45° | 36° - 45° |
| Reflective Vinyl | Drag Knife 60° | 60° |
| Sandblast Mask | Tangential Blade 60° | 60° |
| Cardboard | Tangential Blade / EOT / POT | 60° / Oscillating |
| Foam Board | Oscillating Tool (EOT/POT) | Oscillating |
| Acrylic/Wood | Routing Module | Router Bits |
| Textiles | Rotary Blade | Rotary |
4. Key Considerations When Choosing a Blade
-
Blade Angle:
- Lower angles (36°-45°) for thin and flexible materials.
- Higher angles (60°) for thick and rigid materials.
-
Cutting Force:
- Ensure the correct force setting to avoid damaging materials.
-
Cutting Speed:
- Adjust speed based on the material to maintain precision.
-
Blade Wear:
- Replace blades regularly for optimal performance.
Conclusion
Choosing the right cutting tools and blades for your Summa cutting system depends on the material type, thickness, and desired precision. Always refer to Summa’s official blade compatibility chart and perform test cuts before large production runs.
Summa Knives/Knife Blades
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