Drag Knife ⚙️
A drag knife is a specialized cutting tool designed for precision cutting of thin, flexible materials such as vinyl, paper, cardstock, and thin plastics. Named for its cutting action, the drag knife blade is dragged along the material rather than being pushed downward, making it ideal for CNC applications that require fine, detailed cuts.
Key Features of a Drag Knife
Swivelling Blade
The drag knife features a small, swivelling blade mounted on a holder that attaches to the CNC machine's spindle or cutting head. As the CNC machine follows a programmed path, the blade swivels automatically to maintain the correct orientation, allowing smooth, continuous cuts along curves and intricate shapes without bunching or tearing the material.
Applications
Drag knives are commonly used in sign-making, stencil creation, crafting, and other applications where precision cutting of thin materials is essential. They’re frequently used with CNC routers, plotters, and other automated machines for consistent, high-quality results.
Advantages of Using a Drag Knife
Precision and Accuracy
When combined with CNC control, drag knives create intricate shapes and patterns with high precision, ideal for detailed designs and delicate materials.Clean Cuts
The swivelling action of the blade ensures smooth, clean edges without fraying or tearing, which is critical for materials like vinyl and paper.Durability for Thin Materials
Drag knives are optimized for thin, flexible materials, offering extended tool life and reduced wear compared to other cutting tools.Versatility
Drag knives are compatible with a variety of CNC machines and can handle a range of thin materials, making them adaptable to diverse applications across industries.
Limitations
Drag knives are not suitable for cutting thicker or harder materials like wood, metal, or thick plastics, as they lack the necessary cutting force. For such materials, alternative tools like end mills, laser cutters, or plasma cutters are recommended.
A drag knife is an essential tool for precise, clean cutting of thin, flexible materials. Its swivelling blade and CNC compatibility make it ideal for intricate designs in applications like sign-making and crafting, delivering high accuracy and smooth edges in a range of materials unsuitable for more rigid cutting tools.
