Summa S Class Vs Graphtec FC Cutters

Summary

This video compares two popular vinyl cutters, the Summa S-Class 2T and Graphtec FC 9000, highlighting key differences in technology, cutting modes, and workflows. The video explores the advantages of tangential vs. drag knife modes, their suitability for different materials, and the workflow impact on kiss cutting and die cutting. It also covers tracking accuracy, barcode systems, and warranty support, ultimately helping users choose the best cutter for their business needs, whether it's for intricate cuts, thick materials, or larger, less complex designs.

Takeaways

• 😀 The main differences between the Summa S-Class 2T and the Graphtec FC 9000 vinyl cutters are their cutting modes, tangential vs. drag knife, and workflow features.
• 😀 Tangential cutting (Summa) is better for fine detail and thick or difficult materials, while drag knife (Graphtec) is better suited for thinner media.
• 😀 The Summa S-Class 2T uses a tangential knife that lifts and rotates to avoid overcuts, ideal for complex designs and rigid materials.
• 😀 The Graphtec FC 9000 uses a drag knife that rotates freely, making overcuts at design corners but can be adjusted to minimize this issue.
• 😀 For jobs involving both kiss cutting and die cutting, the Summa can alternate seamlessly between these two modes, while Graphtec requires manual blade rotation.
• 😀 Graphtec performs better with long tracking, capable of tracking up to 50 feet, which is useful for large or continuous jobs.
• 😀 The Summa can track jobs for up to 39 feet, but both brands recommend segmenting jobs into smaller portions to prevent tracking issues.
• 😀 Both cutters use barcode systems to read jobs, with Summa’s system allowing for easy integration with multiple devices, which is beneficial in a multi-machine workflow.
• 😀 Graphtec offers a 3-year warranty, while Summa offers a 2-year warranty. Both warranties cover parts and labor, but shipping or transport costs for repairs are at the customer's expense.
• 😀 Both manufacturers provide solid customer support with online resources, video guides, and technical teams available to help users.

Q & A

What is the main difference between a tangential cutter and a drag knife cutter?

A tangential cutter picks up and rotates the blade during cuts, leaving no overcuts, making it ideal for fine details and thick materials. A drag knife cutter rotates freely within the holder, making overcuts at corners or start/end points, which works better for thinner media.

Which type of cutter is more suitable for cutting thick, difficult materials like traffic signage?

The tangential cutter, as it is designed for cutting thick materials like traffic signage and sandblast material with higher precision.

How does a drag knife cutter perform on thinner media?

Drag knife cutters are more effective for cutting thinner media like window graphics, vinyl banners, and stickers. They may show deviations in overcuts on thicker materials, but the issue is minimized by adjustable overcuts at the start and end points.

What is a key advantage of the Summa S-Class 2T in terms of workflow?

The Summa S-Class 2T can automatically alternate between tangential and drag knife cutting modes without user intervention, which is especially useful for kiss cutting and die cutting in the same job.

How does the Graphtec FC9000 handle kiss cutting and die cutting tasks?

The Graphtec FC9000 first completes die cuts and requires manual rotation of the blade to switch to kiss cutting mode, which might be seen as an interruption during workflow.

What is the difference in tracking performance between the Graphtec FC9000 and the Summa S-Class 2T?

The Graphtec FC9000 performs better with longer tracking, able to track for 50 feet using a cut-by-segment tool, while the Summa S-Class 2T can track up to 39 feet. Both are best used with 10-foot segments to prevent interruptions.

How do the barcode systems work in the Graphtec and Summa cutters?

Both machines use barcode systems to read the job, but the Summa's system is capable of connecting between multiple devices, which can be helpful in environments where you also use their flatbed cutters.

What warranty do Graphtec and Summa offer on their cutters?

Graphtec offers a three-year warranty, while Summa offers a two-year warranty. Both cover parts and labor, but the user must cover the shipping costs if the machine needs to be transported for servicing.

What kind of support do Graphtec and Summa provide for their cutters?

Both manufacturers provide technical support, with Graphtec offering extensive online resources such as video guides, manuals, and quick references to assist users.

Which cutter would be best for producing vehicle wraps or stickers?

For cutting vehicle wraps or stickers, the Graphtec FC9000 or the Summa D Series are better choices, as they do not require intricate cuts and are more suited for standard cutting tasks.