GUNNAR CMC Blades are used by a machine called a GUNNAR CMC computerised mat cutter. These Swiss made GUNNAR CMC machines are popular and essential device used by many professional picture framing businesses to cut matboards with precision.
When it comes to using mat cutting CMC blades, it is always recommended to only use original, genuine GUNNAR blades, which are made to the highest specification and standard and provide the best results.
How can identify if a GUNNAR CMC blade is genuine?
You can identify a genuine GUNNAR blade, but the etched GUNNAR logo making on the side of the blade, above a number.
What are the different types of GUNNAR CMC blades?
Blades can be identified by a numerical marking etched onto the side of the blade. There are only two types of GUNNAR blades:
001012 - These are regular blades for everyday use. These come in a red coloured dispenser. They are suitable for all types and materials of matboard.
001013 - These come in a green coloured dispenser. These are the same size and dimension are regular blades. The steel for these blades has tempered to a higher temperature, making them more resilient against the abrasion of cotton-fibred material and matboard. So, if you are cutting a lot of cotton rag matboard, these may last longer than regular blades.
However, these blades don't last any longer than regular blades when cutting standard matboard made from wood pulp. Because of their higher tempering, they are also lacking flexibility and are more brittle, making their tips more susceptible to breaking when cutting any decorative designs with curves or circles.
Helpful Tips for using GUNNAR CMC Blades:
GUNNAR Expert, Jared Davis has some put together some helpful tips when it comes to using and changing blades on a GUNNAR CMC, from our resident GUNNAR Expert, Jared Davis:
Checking your blades regularly
It’s important to regularly inspect the condition of your blades; dull or broken blades can lead to jagged edges and uneven cuts, which cause damaged and wasted mats.
Inserting your blade into the blade holder
When replacing your GUNNAR CMC blade in the blade holder, always make sure that the etched number is facing outwards, so you can clearly see the number.
Varying blade depth
GUNNAR CMC Blades can slightly vary in length, from box to box, depending on when they were manufactured. To avoid blade depth issues and overcuts or undercuts, it is best to recalibrate your blade depth whenever changing to a new box of blades.
Quickest way to assess blade depth
The quick way to assess if your base blade depth is set too deep, is to just place 5 sheets of standard 80gsm copy paper between a 4 ply matboard and your slip mat. Cut a test opening in your matboard and see how deep the blade cuts through the matboard, and through the sheets of paper. If the blade cuts through more than 4 sheets of paper (into the 5th, then your blade is set to cut through too deeply).
How to change your blade depth
This depends on the make and model of your GUNNAR CMC. But there are two ways. Both methods you can find in the Configuration Assistant for your GUNNAR GMC software.
If you have a nylon clip blade holder - As per the Configuration Assistant, the blade depth is configured using the small depth screw on the nylon blade holder-
If you have a "Hybrid" cutting head, for either the GUNNAR F1 Hybrid or the AiOX Hybrid - then blade depth is controlled in the GUNNAR GMC Software within in the Configuration Assistant.
Choosing the correct blade profile setting
To maximize blade performance, it is crucial to select the appropriate blade profile setting in the GMC software, for each thickness or type of material you are cutting.
Different materials require blade depth configurations, to ensure a smooth cut without causing excessive wear on your blades or slip mats.
What should my blade profile setting be for standard matboard?
Standard 4 ply matboard is usually around 1.3mm -1.4mm thick. So, the default blade profile in your GMC software should generally be "C3" set for this depth.
Cutting oval & circles
When cutting ovals and circles, sometimes the blade does not always cut all the way through. This is because the blade slightly flexes when cutting curves and circle cuts.
To help compensate for this, try setting your blade to cut slightly deeper, using a thicker blade profile setting (for example, 1.5 to 1.7mm), to allow more blade depth and compensate for blade flex.
Cutting thicker materials and matboards
It is recommended to set your blade profile (in the GMC software) to slow down the cutting speed, when cutting denser, thicker material such as 8 ply matboards. This will provide better cutting consistency, and also help extend blade life.
Experiment with different cutting speeds based on material density and thickness; observing how varying settings influence outcomes and blade life.
It is also recommended to slightly increase your pressure setting for the blade head on your machine, to help provide the additional force required for the blade to fully penetrate the thicker material.
Mastering your GUNNAR CMC with proper blade use
GUNNAR CMC blades are the foundation of your mat cutting and a reflection on the quality of your work. Proper attention and maintenance not only prolong the life of your blades, but it also ensures that each cut is precise and clean, enhancing the overall appearance of your framing.
Mastering your GUNNAR CMC for optimal blade use and configuration can enhance your both production and creative process, ensuring that you achieve consistently high-quality results.
Buying GUNNAR CMC Blades
Profile Australia offers genuine GUNNAR blades at competitive pricing
This article was written by Jared Davis - www.jareddavis.com.au
Jared Davis is a recognised GUNNAR CMC expert and a Master Certified Picture Framer with over 30 years' experience.
Jared is published author, writer and an industry-recognised educator who teaches classes and workshops to professional picture framers all around the world.
