Should I be using the blade lubrication system?
For optimum cut quality the knife blade must be kept clean at all times.
For most applications this isn’t a problem. However, for “sticky” materials (typically rubbers, some plastics, such as PU, food & non-polymer materials (adhesives, putty & similar)), there can be a build-up on the blade over time. This will seriously degrade the cut finish.
To avoid this build-up, we recommend you use the standard blade lubrication feature fitted to all our Servo-Torq® rotary cutters. This "wet" cutting can drastically improve the cut quality & transform the results you get when compared to dry cutting.
Blade lubrication can sometimes help with reducing hairs & whiskers when cutting rigid plastics. The lubrication system acts as a blade wash, removing the hairs.
For many products lubricating the blade also greatly assists the cutting action and eases the passage of the blade through the extrusion. This will reduce blade wear & lessen the cutting power needed to cut the product. Some products, such as solid rubber profiles, may not even cut when the blade is dry. However a wet blade will easily slice through them.
How do I use the blade lube feature:
This bath lubrication system is very simple. As the blade rotates between cuts, it dips into the liquid bath. Due to the speed of the knife, most of the liquid is thrown-off the blade. However a fine film remains. This is sufficient to provide the necessary lubrication to the blade.
Simply fill the integral blade lubrication bath system with a suitable lubricant. The "wet" cutter block is made from aluminium so it won't rust. There is usually a level indicator to the front. Avoid over-filling the bath as this may cause liquid to splash out of the cutter bushes & around the cutter lid. You only need enough liquid in the bath to ensure the blade dips through it between each cut.
Check the bath level daily & top-up as necessary. Also regularly refresh the liquid in the bath to remove any debris or particles left-over from the cutting process.
As an option we do offer an atomiser spray system. This is normally only required for non-polymer products such as food & rim block extrusion. There are more details here: http://www.gillardcutting.com/productos/a-3-atomiser-spray-blade-lubrication-system
Recommended lubricants:
- Flexible plastics: plain tap water (or tap water with a small drop of washing-up liquid) is suitable for most products. If you are in a "hard" water area, use filtered or distilled water.
- Rigid plastics: plain tap water (or tap water with a small drop of washing-up liquid) is suitable for most products. If you are in a "hard" water area, use filtered or distilled water. Alternatives are ultra-low viscosity Silicone fluid or Isopropyl Alcohol or similar. Be aware of the potential hazard if using a flammable liquid.
- Medical plastics: where a sterile lubricant is required, we suggest Isopropyl Alcohol or similar. Be aware of the potential hazard if using a flammable liquid.
- Rubbers: plain tap water with a small drop of washing-up liquid is suitable for most products. If you are in a "hard" water area, use filtered or distilled water. Alternatively you can use a diluted Sterate solution, but be aware of the potential white residue on the cut end once the product dries. Another possibility is an ultra-low viscosity Silicone fluid.
- Rim blocks & soap: Propylene Glycol liquid or similar (diluted as required).
- Food products: Vegetable Glycerine or similar (diluted as required) or a liquid which is compliant with food safety standards in your area.
Avoid the use of medium-high viscosity oils or similar types of liquid.
For more technical advice please email our Tech Team on: tech@gillardcutting.com
Downloads (PDF):
