About Stack Paper Cutters

Cutting large amounts of paper can be difficult if you do not have the proper equipment. Arm cutters, guillotine cutters and rotary trimmers cut a few sheets at a time and may be appropriate for small projects. However, if you need to trim a large number of business cards or cut through a whole ream of paper you will need a stack (ream) cutter.
The stack cutter is an important piece of equipment for businesses, schools, and facilities that require cutting large amounts of paper. Here are some important features of stack cutters.

Cutting capacity

Stack cutters with high cutting capacity offer better productivity. Depending upon the model, some can cut a ream or 500 sheets of paper in one slice. This offers you the most flexibility for a wide range of projects.

Paper stop

The paper stop or pressure bar is an important feature in a stack cutter. It maintains the position of the paper so that the entire stack is cut uniformly. High quality stack cutters have a steel paper stop that is perfectly square and does not flex or move.

Blade width

The width of the blade is an important consideration for the type of project. Depending upon the model, the blade width can range from 12-inches for letter sized paper up to 26-inches wide for cutting master sheets of paper. If you have a large blade width then you will have the capability to work with a wider range of paper lengths.

Cutting table

The size of the cutting table should accommodate the dimensions of the paper to be cut. The maximum length in front of the blade and the maximum distance behind the blade determines the greatest size of paper that you can cut. A large cutting table gives you the capability to cut the widest range of paper sizes.

Manual cutters

Manual stack cutters are the most economical but are not efficient when large volumes of paper will be cut on a regular basis. Manual stack cutters use a lever that you lift and press down onto the paper. The lever has a spring mechanism which reduces the amount of actual force you need to apply.

Automatic cutters

Automatic cutters are the most efficient for cutting large volumes of paper. Some can be programmed for repeated cuts at specific lengths and some can have the cutting dimensions stored for routine projects.
Automatic cutters use either electricity of hydraulic pressure to clamp and cut paper. Semi-automatic cutters may require you to manually adjust the cutting mechanism.

Safety features

Stack cutters can slice easily through fingers, hands, and loose clothing. Therefore, it is crucial that cutters require two-handed operation and have safety guards to keep the body away from the equipment. Some automatic cutters have a foot pedal to align the cutting mechanism and use safety light beams.

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