Tangential cutting is a precise method used in digital cutting systems where the blade is actively rotated and oriented throughout the cut path to maintain the correct angle relative to the direction of movement. This differs significantly from simpler drag knife systems.
How Tangential Cutting Works
Unlike a drag knife, which pivots freely and is dragged through the material, a tangential knife is driven by a motor that controls its exact orientation. This allows the blade to be lifted, rotated to face the next segment of the path, and then lowered again. This precise control over the blade's angle enables cleaner, sharper corners and the ability to cut more complex shapes.
Tangential Cutting vs. Drag Knife Technology
Based on the provided reference, tangential technology offers distinct advantages over drag knife technology:
- Higher Cutting Pressures: Tangential systems can apply significantly greater downward force.
- Longer Knives: This technology enables the use of longer knife blades.
- Thicker and Harder Substrates: As a direct result of higher pressures and the ability to use longer knives, tangential cutting allows users to cut materials that are thicker and harder.
- Quality on Difficult Materials: The quality and detail of the cut on thick and hard substrates remain comparable to cuts made on thin materials using drag knives.
This capability makes tangential cutting ideal for materials like thick cardstock, foam board, rubber, sandblast stencil, and other demanding substrates where a drag knife might struggle or produce a less precise cut.
Benefits Summarized
Here's a quick overview of the advantages of using tangential cutting systems:
- Improved accuracy, especially around corners and intricate details.
- Ability to process a wider range of materials, including very thick or dense ones.
- Higher overall cutting quality and consistency.
- Reduced material waste due to more reliable cuts.
Tangential cutting is a key technology for applications requiring high precision and versatility across different material types and thicknesses, particularly in industries like signage, packaging, and gasket fabrication.
| Feature | Tangential Cutting | Drag Knife Cutting |
|---|---|---|
| Blade Orientation | Actively controlled (motorized rotation) | Passive (drags and pivots freely) |
| Cutting Pressure | Much higher | Lower |
| Knife Length | Can use longer knives | Typically uses shorter knives |
| Substrate Range | Thicker and harder materials possible with detail | Best suited for thinner, more flexible materials |
| Corner Quality | Very sharp and clean | May show slight rounding or imperfections |
