Manosplint® Safety Cutter: User Manual
4. Operation
4.1 Cutting
Positioning of the Safety Cutter on the Cutting Surface
Place the Safety Cutter on a level surface (table, worktop). Position the Safety Cutter at a
comfortable position to allow you to get as close as possible and above the Cutter Head so
that you are not reaching too far and can apply a firm downward pressure with your palm.
Inserting Thermoplastics into the Safety Cutter
Having marked your thermoplastic with the start point from which to make your cut, lift the
Cutter Bar and insert your plastic, pushing it up against the two Cutter Stops. This will ensure
that your cut is ‘square’ to the material and easier to cut.
Aligning Cutter Head
Align the red arrow on the Cutter Head with the cutting start point. The red arrow provides a
clear visual guide to the tip of the utility blade. This is important if you are scoring the plastic
before cutting – depending on plastic thickness (see below).
Depressing the Cutter Head and Cutting
The Safety Cutter has unidirectional Medium Duty utility blades which are designed for
cutting thermoplastic materials. The best ergonomic position is to place your palm on top of
the Cutter Head, depress and engage with the plastic. Push the Cutter Head away from you
towards the Cutter Stops keeping the Cutter Head depressed.
For thinner plastics (1.6mm, 2.0mm) with firm pressure on the Cutter Head, the blade should
go through the plastic at the first attempt and the plastic will cut in one movement.
For thicker plastics (2.4mm, 3.2mm) you may need to score the surface of the plastic first with
2 – 4 movements and then the final movement should cut completely trough the plastic
material.
If you are cutting the full length of thicker plastic we recommend dropping the blade onto
the top of the plastic approximately 2mm from the edge for your first 2-4 scoring movements
and then only positioning the blade before the plastic for the final cutting movement.
Thermoplastics – Dealing with Different Thicknesses/Toughness
Consideration should be given to the thickness and toughness of the thermoplastic that you
are cutting. Thin materials (for example 1.6mm, 2.0mm) may be cut with one stroke of the
Cutter Head. Thicker materials such as 2.4mm or 3.2mm may need to be scored 2 to 4 times
before the final cut is performed.
