Paper cutters are used in workplaces around the globe; by graphic designers, teachers, small and large corporations, and many more different teams. These machines are favored thanks to their ability to produce clean, consistent results, and they allow workers to save more time than if they were to use scissors. Below, we’re looking at effective paper cutting techniques that guarantee professional results every time. Let’s begin.
Guide To Paper Cutting Techniques
Know Your Machine
The first step is to know your machine. It may sound simple, but getting information about your machine wrong can cause great confusion. Do you have an automatic cutter that will start up with the push of a button? Do you have a manual paper trimming machine that requires you to pull a lever? Does your machine offer LED laser cutting for optimal precision like the Formax Cut-True Guillotine? Knowing your machine is key to getting the best use out of it.
Make Sure Your Paper Is Correctly Aligned
You must make sure that your paper is properly inputted into your machine before cutting. If there are any alignment issues, this can lead to paper cutting inconsistencies and poor results. Many machines have a measuring tool to hold your paper against - we recommend using this tool as it will ensure efficiency. If your machine is not producing precise results, it might be worth calibrating it. This will reset it, so it will be correctly aligned before cutting.
Use High Quality Equipment
You should use good quality paper cutters and trimmers rather than low-grade machinery. High-quality paper trimming machines often provide improved precision, faster cutting times, and generally perform better. They will deliver more uniform, clear, and professional results.
Utilize Stack Cutting
Stack cutting involves multiple sheets of paper - also known as a stack of paper - being cut in one clean swoop. Stack cutters are best for heavy-duty cutting, and are popular with print shops and paper-heavy businesses. This paper cutting method saves valuable time by negating the need to cut single sheets of paper one at a time.
Adjust Blade Before Cutting
Some machines allow you to change the blade depth before cutting. This lets you cut through a variety of paper and cardstock with a single machine, saving you money. Other benefits of adjusting your machine’s blade include a cleaner cut with increased precision, reduced waste, and improved overall consistency when paper cutting.
Replace Blade When Necessary
Blades won’t last forever, and sometimes they may need replacing. If the time comes to replace your blade, you should do so immediately as a dull blade can cause poor results, and even ruin sheets of paper.
On the other hand, replacing your blade can extend the lifespan of your paper trimming machine, and improve its value. Some cutters may offer features to make blade changes easy, such as blade-changing handles. Others may allow you to change blades without having to remove the cover.
Make Use Of Any Safety Features
This is not necessarily a paper cutting technique to improve your overall results, yet is worth mentioning nonetheless. Some paper trimming machines like the MBM Triumph 4305 Paper Cutter have a hinged, transparent safety guard that locks while cutting, ensuring complete safety. The cutter also features a safety catch that locks the blade in the ‘up’ position to avoid accidents.
Other machines may offer manual safety features, i.e. those that you have to press in to lock. Whichever safety features your machine offers, you should utilize them to prevent any accidents from occurring.
Always Check The Manual
Finally, always check the instruction manual. All cutting tools for paper, whether they are trimmers or cutting machines, should come with an instruction manual. The instruction manual will contain useful information about setting your machine up, and how to use it effectively. Following the instructions in the manual will let you make the most of your cutter and its individual features.
Summary
You will now have a better understanding of the different paper cutting and trimming techniques to use for clean, professional results. And don’t forget about safety - these cutting and trimming machines offer various safety features to keep you protected, so it's a good idea to utilize and make the most out of them.
If you need a new paper trimming machine, browse all of our paper cutters and trimmers here. Alternatively, if you need help choosing the best machinery for your office or workplace, contact us today for expert advice tailored to your needs.
