Summa F dragging across SAV

[ysup]

Hi.
We're having a problem where our F1612 using the drag module + drag knife tool is intermittently damaging our material. When it's going between cuts, it will sometimes drag across the material without lifting the blade, damaging the job. We mostly use the tool for reflective, in case that's relevant. It's definitely making it an expensive problem.

I played with the tool a little bit in my hand, and it wasn't springing back to the "up" position as easily as I felt it should have. I played with it a bit and now it's going right back (to the up position) when the tool is out of the machine, but the problem on the machine is still happening.

Visually, the spring inside the tool looks good. Our dealer is unresponsive (shout out to DDP/Piedmont!) We've tried slowing down the cutting, but that doesn't seem to affect the speed of the tools between cuts so we're not able to really get a better idea of what's going on.

Any suggestions?

Thanks

 

[balstestrat]

Have you been using it long? I think Summa specifies it as "consumable" basically with certain life expectancy and then you buy a new one (in case it fails). They don't even recommend to service it if you have problems.

 

[ysup]

The entire module?

 

[balstestrat]

Yes. It's nothing else than a cutting head at the bottom.

 

[JBurton]

That's insane, that module is like $2k and isn't much more than a mounting bracket with a holder for a knife, or does the module contain the actuator for the tool as well? Even then, sounds like the spring is wearing out, is replacing the spring not an option? Could one at least power down the machine when not in use to allow the spring to not sit compressed all the time, extending it's life?

 

[balstestrat]

It has the drag head inside. It always defaults in "up" position so it's not like the spring is pulled all the time.

Now I was thinking but I don't remember what head it has exactly. D and S head is different design.

 

[JBurton]

After looking at summa drag knives for a minute on google, I realize I have know idea how they stay in or free spin. The graphtec has shouldered blades that rests against a spring, forcing the cone into the bearings. It's simple, though it relies on the user being able to handle the spring, which I've lost at least once before...
Even after watching a video on a summa blade change, I have no clue what is keeping the blade from falling out, or what the blade is rotating against. I'm curious, but it's not like I need to know...

 

[ysup]

That's insane, that module is like $2k and isn't much more than a mounting bracket with a holder for a knife, or does the module contain the actuator for the tool as well? Even then, sounds like the spring is wearing out, is replacing the spring not an option? Could one at least power down the machine when not in use to allow the spring to not sit compressed all the time, extending it's life?

the module contains the solenoid

 

[balstestrat]

After looking at summa drag knives for a minute on google, I realize I have know idea how they stay in or free spin. The graphtec has shouldered blades that rests against a spring, forcing the cone into the bearings. It's simple, though it relies on the user being able to handle the spring, which I've lost at least once before...
Even after watching a video on a summa blade change, I have no clue what is keeping the blade from falling out, or what the blade is rotating against. I'm curious, but it's not like I need to know...

I think there's a bearing and a magnet inside. But I haven't tore one down.

And also I checked in Summa docs "Drag module is NOT a repairable part". So they won't repair it.