Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide The world’s finest cutting machines www.keencut.com +44 (0) 1536 263158 +1 (716) 748 6203 sales@keencut.co.uk (UK HQ) sales@keencut.
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide Contents 1. Introduction ......................................................................................................................................................... 3 1.1 The Evolution3 SmartFold user guide ....................................................................................................................... 3 2. Get to know your cutter ..............................................................................................................
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide 1. Introduction 1.1 The Evolution3 SmartFold user guide This User Guide for the Evolution3 SmartFold gives advice on cutting techniques, using the different cutting heads and care and maintenance of your machine. Before using your machine make sure that you have installed and calibrated it correctly. Full details are in the Installation Manual. Visit the Evolution3 SmartFold installation manual > The world’s finest cutting machines www.keencut.
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide 2. Get to know your cutter 2.1 Material stop A material stop is mounted at both ends end of your SmartFold (seen highlighted in this image). When cutting tough or thick materials at prevents it sliding when being cut. Insert your piece of material and lower the lift and hover so that it is just above the face of the material (as shown previously). Butt the material up to the stop before clamping it in place. The world’s finest cutting machines www.keencut.
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide The material stop can be rotated to move it out of the way. Particularly useful when an clear work surface is required for other purposes. The world’s finest cutting machines www.keencut.com +44 (0) 1536 263158 +1 (716) 748 6203 sales@keencut.co.uk (UK HQ) sales@keencut.
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide 2.2 Lift-and-Hover The patented ‘Lift-and-Hover’ is a unique Keencut development that combines three features to give the ultimate in accuracy and productivity. The SmartFold can hold the whole length of the cutter bar a very short distance above the object being trimmed and hold it there even if the levers are released. This leaves both hands free to align the objects cutting marks to the edge of the sightline strip.
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide Feature 3 – Sightline strip – These are easily replaceable and are available from your supplier. See how to replace the sightline strip > The world’s finest cutting machines www.keencut.com +44 (0) 1536 263158 +1 (716) 748 6203 sales@keencut.co.uk (UK HQ) sales@keencut.
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide 2.3 Fabric cutting strip The SmartFold includes an integral polymer cutting strip for use with the Evolution3 Fabric tool head to cut textiles and fragile materials. A simple push button at each end of the bar allows the cutter to be set on any of four cut lines, extending the life of the strip. There is no need for a separate cutting mat. See how to engage the plastic cutting strip > The world’s finest cutting machines www.keencut.
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide 2.4 Swapping tool heads See how to swap tool heads in this video > Pull and remove end stop. Slide the cutting head to the right. Lift up the head to remove it. The world’s finest cutting machines www.keencut.com +44 (0) 1536 263158 +1 (716) 748 6203 sales@keencut.co.uk (UK HQ) sales@keencut.
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide Insert the cutting head of your choice, and slide it to the left. More than one tool can be mounted on the cutter bar if required. Always replace the end stop. The world’s finest cutting machines www.keencut.com +44 (0) 1536 263158 +1 (716) 748 6203 sales@keencut.co.uk (UK HQ) sales@keencut.
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide 2.5 Foldaway action IMPORTANT: It is essential to remove cutter head before folding Pull and remove end stop. Slide the cutting head to the right. Gently lift to remove the cutter head, then replace end stop. IMPORTANT: This next step may require more than one person on longer cutters to prevent damage or injury The world’s finest cutting machines www.keencut.com +44 (0) 1536 263158 +1 (716) 748 6203 sales@keencut.co.uk (UK HQ) sales@keencut.
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide Grip the cutter bar firmly, lift carefully and swing over the edge of the bench, bring gently to a stop when vertical. Be careful when lifting The world’s finest cutting machines www.keencut.com +44 (0) 1536 263158 +1 (716) 748 6203 sales@keencut.co.uk (UK HQ) sales@keencut.
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide 3. Make your first cut 3.1 Align and clamp the material See how to align and clamp the material in this video > Pull the lever to raise the cutter bar, place the material for cutting approximately in position under the cutter bar. Push the lever to lower the cutter bar so it is only 1-2mm (1⁄16”) above the surface of the material, the closer to the material it is the less lining up error you will get when viewing the cut marks.
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide Look down vertically to align the edge of the sightline strip to the cut mark. When fully aligned use the lever to lower the cutter bar onto the material and clamp it in position ready for cutting. Further cutting information is given in the sections under relevant tool heads.
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide 3.2 Introduction to the Double Graphik tool head See how to use the Double Graphik tool head in this video > QuikSwap Graphik tool head for Evolution3 cutters, with two individual blade holders for two way cutting. Graphik blades are stronger and more stable than regular blades. Ideal for vinyl, banner, cardboard, PVC foamboard up to 13mm (½″), foamcentred board, corrugated plastic, paper, pop-up and roll-up materials.
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide 3.3 Insert Graphik blades into the Double Graphik tool head Undo the highlighted knob to remove the magnetic blade clamping plate. Pull the magnetic blade clamping plate away from the cutting head. The world’s finest cutting machines www.keencut.com +44 (0) 1536 263158 +1 (716) 748 6203 sales@keencut.co.uk (UK HQ) sales@keencut.
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide Insert a Graphik blade, check it is facing the correct way for your desired direction of cutting. Place the small pin in the hole at the top of the blade and align with the edge of the clamping plate. Replace the blade clamping plate onto the blade holder but do not tighten fully until the blade depth has been set (see how to adjust the blade depth >). Repeat on the other blade holder if required. The world’s finest cutting machines www.keencut.
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide 3.4 Double Graphik tool head cutting technique The cutting head can be pulled or pushed to cut the material. Load and align the material to be cut as described in the ‘clamping material’ section (see how to align and clamp the material >), press down the chosen blade holder whilst pushing/pulling the cutting head along the cutter bar.
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide 4. Using the Double Graphik tool head 4.1 Change the Graphik blades Undo the highlighted knob to remove the magnetic blade clamping plate. Pull the magnetic blade clamping plate away from the cutting head. Lift off the blunt blade (if there is one) and replace with a new Graphik blade, check it is facing the correct way for your desired direction of cutting. Place the small pin in the hole at the top of the blade and align with the edge of the clamping plate.
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide Replace the blade clamping plate onto the blade holder but do not tighten fully until the blade depth has been set. Repeat on the other blade holder if required. The world’s finest cutting machines www.keencut.com +44 (0) 1536 263158 +1 (716) 748 6203 sales@keencut.co.uk (UK HQ) sales@keencut.
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide 4.2 Adjust the blade depth and direction To adjust the height of the blade, loosen knob ‘A’ by a half to one full turn. Move knob ‘B’ up or down until the blade is long enough to just cut through the material. Place a piece of the material under the cutter bar so it does not protrude past the edge of the cutter bar and the blade can be seen against the edge of the material. Tighten ‘A’ to lock the blade in chosen position.
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide The blades also have adjustable cutting depth, so if a thick material is being cut on a long machine such that it is beneficial to make two cuts, one blade can be set to cut half the thickness in one direction and the other to cut full depth on the return journey. The world’s finest cutting machines www.keencut.com +44 (0) 1536 263158 +1 (716) 748 6203 sales@keencut.co.uk (UK HQ) sales@keencut.
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide 4.3 Advanced cutting techniques NOTE: The following is for a right-handed person. For left-handed use cut at the left-hand end of the cutter and reverse the direction of cut and hand positions. When cutting thick, tough materials such as PVC foam board and fluted plastics such as Correx or Coroplast, set the blade depth so the blade tip protrudes only 1-2mm (1⁄16”) through the thickness of the board and cuts from left to right.
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide Take a firm grip on the cutter bar with your left hand. Depress the blade holder and push the cutting head using the strength across your shoulders. Tip: If the material is too thick to reasonably cut in one stroke the blade can be lowered partially and the board cut in a number of strokes. Cutting Aluminium Composite Panels is not recommended using the Graphik tool head.
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide Check that the material is not being pushed into the cutting groove as the blade is cutting. If so, the material is likely to be suited to being cut with the rotary blade of the Fabric tool head where the underside of the material is supported on a plastic cutting strip. As a short term measure, it is possible to use the Graphik blade on the plastic cutting strip but too much use will quickly wear out the strip.
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide 5. Using the Fabric tool head 5.1 Change the Fabric tool head blade Loosen the clamping knob. Remove the blade cover. Remove the safety cover. The world’s finest cutting machines www.keencut.com +44 (0) 1536 263158 +1 (716) 748 6203 sales@keencut.co.uk (UK HQ) sales@keencut.
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide Remove the blade and magnetic blade boss. There may be a number of clear plastic shims on the threaded shaft, ensure they are clean and in good condition. Separate the boss from the blade and inspect the boss for wear and clean off any debris. Dispose of the worn blade responsibly. Reassemble with a new blade. Do not over tighten the clamping knob, it is essential that the blade is allowed to rotate whilst cutting. The world’s finest cutting machines www.keencut.
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide 5.2 Engage the plastic cutting strip Before using the Fabric tool head, you must engage the plastic cutting strip to ensure a clean cut. See how to engage the plastic cutting strip in this video > Raise the cutter bar. Press and hold down the highlighted button on the right side of the unit. Push the end of the cutter bar away from you.
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide 5.3 Adjust the Fabric tool head blade pressure Turn the highlighted screw to adjust the blade pressure (clockwise to reduce). When adjusting you will see the pressure indicator go up and down. The world’s finest cutting machines www.keencut.com +44 (0) 1536 263158 +1 (716) 748 6203 sales@keencut.co.uk (UK HQ) sales@keencut.
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide 5.4 Use the Fabric tool head blade guard Rotate the red blade guard, using tab (B), to reveal or hide the blade. If it is difficult to rotate loosen the clamping knob (A) a little. Ensure it is adjusted correctly before cutting so the blade is just able to rotate without sideways movement. The world’s finest cutting machines www.keencut.com +44 (0) 1536 263158 +1 (716) 748 6203 sales@keencut.co.uk (UK HQ) sales@keencut.
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide 5.5 Fabric tool head cutting technique See how to use the Fabric tool head in this video > Take a small piece of the material to be cut, clamp it under the cutter bar. The Fabric tool head cuts in both directions and requires the blade holder to be pressed down fully whilst the rotary blade is cutting the material. Check the blade is rotating and not moving from side to side, if it is, adjust the blade clamping knob. The world’s finest cutting machines www.keencut.
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide Cut in one smooth continuous motion, adjust to increase or decrease the cutting pressure if necessary. When the small piece of material has been cut successfully place the main piece of fabric in the cutter, align and cut in the same way. NOTE: The Fabric tool head can also be used to cut many other thin materials such as paper and film. The world’s finest cutting machines www.keencut.com +44 (0) 1536 263158 +1 (716) 748 6203 sales@keencut.co.uk (UK HQ) sales@keencut.
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide 6. Using the Creaser tool head 6.1 Different creasing wheels The three creasing wheels supplied with the Creaser tool head will each produce a different style of crease. Experiment on small samples of your material to see which gives best results. The world’s finest cutting machines www.keencut.com +44 (0) 1536 263158 +1 (716) 748 6203 sales@keencut.co.uk (UK HQ) sales@keencut.
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide 6.2 Change the creasing wheels Remove the lower clamping knob. Remove the creasing wheel leaving the bearing and clear plastic shim in place. Remove the upper clamping knob. The world’s finest cutting machines www.keencut.com +44 (0) 1536 263158 +1 (716) 748 6203 sales@keencut.co.uk (UK HQ) sales@keencut.
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide Choose the creasing wheel you would like to use and exchange it with the lower wheel. Replace both clamping knobs. The world’s finest cutting machines www.keencut.com +44 (0) 1536 263158 +1 (716) 748 6203 sales@keencut.co.uk (UK HQ) sales@keencut.
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide 6.3 Creasing technique Align your material in the machine, apply downward pressure to the wheel holder and move the cutting head along to create the crease line. Adjust the hand pressure and number of strokes accordingly, you can crease in either direction. The world’s finest cutting machines www.keencut.com +44 (0) 1536 263158 +1 (716) 748 6203 sales@keencut.co.uk (UK HQ) sales@keencut.
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide 7. Using the Rocker tool head 7.1 The Rocker tool head The Rocker tool head has been especially designed to give perfect comfort for all day, every day, cutting. The tool head fits the curve of your hand, allowing you to cut denser materials with ease. The Rocker head accepts the Medium Duty blade and the specialist Tech D012 blade. This will allow you cut Aluminium Composite Panels (ACP) alongside standard materials. The world’s finest cutting machines www.keencut.
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide 7.2 Fit or change the Rocker tool head blade To change the blade, loosen the blade clamping knob. Remove the magnetic cartridge from the Rocker head. Place the blade between the two guides, the magnet will hold it in place, and slide it back to touch the blade depth screw. The blade depth screw can be adjusted to set the blade correctly for the thickness of material to be cut.
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide 7.3 Rocker tool head cutting technique Aluminium Composite Panels can be cut using the Rocker tool head. The following method is only intended for occasional use, for cutting on a regular basis the SteelTrak should be considered. When cutting thinner / less dense materials, ensure the blade depth is adjusted so only the tip of the blade is going through the material. Place your hand on the Rocker tool head as shown and rock it forward to engage the blade.
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide Push the Rocker tool head slowly through the material. Extra effort can be applied by holding the grip area on the top of the cutter bar with your other hand and using the strength across your shoulders to push. Thicker materials can be cut in several passes. The material should be in contact with the material stop to prevent it moving when cutting. The world’s finest cutting machines www.keencut.com +44 (0) 1536 263158 +1 (716) 748 6203 sales@keencut.co.
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide 7.4 Cut ACP with the Rocker tool head Aluminium Composite Panels can be cut using the Rocker tool head. The following method is only intended for occasional use, for cutting on a regular basis the SteelTrak should be considered. Use the Tech D012 blade and set the depth so the tip passes through the ACP by 1-2mm (1⁄16”). Use the push technique to cut though the ACP, it usually takes 5-6 passes of the blade to cut all the way through and will require an amount of effort.
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide 8. Care and maintenance 8.1 Clean your machine See how to clean and maintain your machine in this video > Use a vacuum cleaner to remove any dust and smaller debris. Frequency: daily as required Moisten a cloth with diluted detergent to wipe down the cutter bar and base plate, dry with a cloth. Frequency: weekly DO NOT use solvents or aggressive cleaning products. The world’s finest cutting machines www.keencut.com +44 (0) 1536 263158 +1 (716) 748 6203 sales@keencut.co.
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide 8.2 Maintain the bearing track See how to maintain the bearing track in this video > Put a small amount of petroleum jelly (Vaseline) on the scouring surface of a dish washing sponge and rub it up and down the two tracks. Wipe clean any surplus with a dry cloth. Frequency: Light use – monthly Heavy use – weekly The world’s finest cutting machines www.keencut.com +44 (0) 1536 263158 +1 (716) 748 6203 sales@keencut.co.uk (UK HQ) sales@keencut.
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide 8.3 Change the plastic cutting strip When using the Fabric tool head with the purple plastic cutting strip, it will become scored and require replacing. Adjustment of the cutting pressure to keep it to a minimum for the fabric being cut will help to extend the life of the strip. Check you have used all four cutting tracks on the strip before proceeding. Carefully fold the cutter bar over to reveal the base plate. This may require 2 people.
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide There is a small adhesive patch under the left hand end of the strip to prevent it sliding in use, lift up the strip by sliding a flat edge under the left hand end of the strip and it should then slide to the right. A wide bladed flat screwdriver can be used to help push the strip. Turn over and re-insert the cutting strip so that the smooth surface is now facing upwards and what was the left hand end goes in first.
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide 8.4 Change the sightline strip IMPORTANT: Ensure that you have a replacement sightline strip before proceeding When using your SmartFold, the sightline strip may become scored or damaged. To change the sightline strip, first grip the cutter bar firmly, lift carefully and swing over the edge of the bench, bring gently to a stop when vertical. Be careful when lifting You will see the sightline strip on the underside of the cutter bar.
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide Remove the damaged sightline strip making sure that all residue from the adhesive tape is removed. Your new sightline strip will have a protective backing on the double sided tape found on the underside of the part. Remove this backing. Apply the sightline strip in stages from left to right, ensuring that no wrinkles or bubbles form under the tape.
Evolution3 SmartFold User Guide Once you fold over your SmartFold, you will notice the sightline strip is larger than it needs to be. Use the Double Graphik tool head to gently cut the sightline strip. Tip: it is recommended to do this in 3 passes to ensure that the line cut by the blade is as straight as possible. Once you have removed the excess, your sightline strip will be configured to your machine giving 0.2mm of accuracy. Tip: Order replacement strips (or check stock) when you notice any damage.
