Why am I getting a small nick or partial cut close to the cut end?

This problem is usually caused by an incorrect blade stop position. This is because the blade has been fitted incorrectly, the blade stop position has changed or the cutter servo motor has lost its parameters.

These errors allow the blade to over-shoot & cause a second partial cut or small nick near to the cut end.

To resolve this issue, please check:

The blade is located the right way in the blade holder:

With our older cutting machines it is possible to fit the blade incorrectly into the blade holder. The blade can be 180o out of position.

There is a reference notch on the blade holder to assist blade location. The blade must be set in the correct position relative to this notch. Please refer to the downloads section below for drawing showings this position.

The blade datum position is correct:

The datum position is the position where the blade stops between cuts. The optimum position is 180o opposite to the guide bushes (see photo above). For free-standing cutters (right-to-left feed) this means the blade will be at the 3 o'clock position when looking at the blade end on. For combination machines (right-to-left feed) the correct position is at 9 o'clock. For left-to-right feed machines, the opposite positions apply.

For machines fitted with a touch-screen control panel:

Go to the Tools or Setup screen to adjust the stop position. The datum field on this screen will allow you to enter a new value for the blade stop position. Please refer to the operating manual that came with your machine. Alternatively refer to the FAQ section relating to your Servo-Torq® cutter model & version. You should be able to download a PDF copy of the manual. If not, please contact our Tech Team (details below).

For non-touch-screen machines:

It will be necessary to adjust the blade stop position mechanically:

  1. Disconnect the electrcial supply from the machine!
  2. Remove the guard cover over the cutter servo motor.
  3. There will be a toothed timing belt running from a pulley on the servo motor to a pulley on the knife shaft.
  4. Slaken the timing belt tension. To do this you may need to loosen the bolts holding the servo motor in position.
  5. Fit a knife blade & manually set it to the correct datum stop position. Adjust the timing belt on the knife shaft pulley to do this. You may need to jump one or more teeth to do this. Please take care when handling the knife blade! We recommend you wear suitable safety gloves whenever you are handling the blades as they are very sharp!
  6. Re-tension the timing belt by adjusting the cutter motor position. Retighten the cutter motor bolts.
  7. Replace the guard cover over the motor.
  8. Reconnect the power & test the machine.

The cutter servo motor tuning is correct:

If the above two steps haven't solved the problem, then the issue could be that the cutter motor drive parameters have changed for some reason. This would cause the motor to miss the datum stop point & over-shoot.

If this appears to be the case it will be necessary to re-set the drive parameters. To do this you will need:

  1. Laptop computer running Microsoft Windows.
  2. Copy of the cutter motor drive software.
  3. Copy of the cutter motor parameter software.
  4. Connection cable to link the computer to the cutter motor drive.

A copy of the cutter motor parameter software should be located on the CD that came with your machine. If you are unable to locate it, please contact our Tech Team at the email address below. They will need to know your machine serial number (XXXX).

A copy of the drive software may also have been on the CD. If not, please download a copy from the servo drive manufacturer's website or contact our Tech Team for assistance.

If re-tuning the cutter servo motor does not solve the problem, then the motor's internal resolver encoder may have failed. If this is so, the cutter motor will need replacing.

For more assistance please contact our Tech Team via email on: tech@gillardcutting.com

Downloads (PDF):

> Blade location - straight blades.

> Blade location - curved blades.