|
|
Poor Quality Cuts
The most common cause of a poor quality cut is an improperly adjusted cutting
knife. To properly set the blade (see Figure 1) think of the tip of the knifeholder
as reference point zero. If the blade is set to reference zero you should be
able to drag the knifeholder over the media and not score it. Now extend the
blade so that it protrudes from the knifeholder the exact thickness of the
material to be cut. Next extend the blade an additional 0.001" to 0.0015"
so that the backing material can be scored (but not too deep or else you'll
be making stencils). This will translate to easy weeding. A good rule
of thumb is that if you can see the blade then it is probably out too far.
Figure 1
Note: Always cut off a 3" strip of the media to be used.
Fold this strip in thirds (to prevent you from cutting through to the table).
Now using normal hand pressure drag the knifeholder (with knife adjusted)
across the media in a tic, tac, toe pattern. Weed out the center and
one leg of the pattern. Inspect the indentation in the backing.
Is it 'cut' or just indented? If it is 'cut' then retract the blade
just a little bit and redo the pattern. If it doesn't weed properly
then extend the blade a little and redo the pattern. Continue with the
pattern and adjusting until the backing is gently scored. Once this
manual adjustment is completed continue to the 'OFFSET' test where you will
confirm the precision cutting and proper force setting for your knife and
media combination. Consult your User Guide for the critical 'Offset'
procedure for your cutting plotter.
Note: This critical procedure should be performed everytime that you
either change media types or either when a new blade is used or after an old
blade has gotten a little dull.
Note: Remember when using either thick media or trying long jobs you
should slow the machine down so it can perform at its best. Consult the
FAQ for 'Improved Material Management' for comments about 'pen-up' and 'tool-up'
features of the XPC and SC cutting plotters.
|
