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.