Choose a Cutting Edge for ESD Cutters

ESD CUTTERS: CHOOSING A CUTTING EDGE

All high quality cutters are compression cutters. Both cutting edges cut on the same plane, cutting motion stops when the two edges hit each other.

High precision cutters are machined as matched pairs of cutting edges. Nevertheless there is generally some rounding, edge overlapping or other edge imperfection that prevents the two edges from coming together as two razor blades. The result is that cutting performance may be erratic and very fine leads (0.5mm & smaller) may not be cut at all.

Manufacturers of very low grade, rivet joint tools stop there. However, all manufacturers of high precision cutters provide a final edge finish to yield top cutting performance. Following are the three cutting edge finishes available

SEMI FLUSH - Both cutting edges receive a very small bevel by diamond honing over the entire outer length. The bevels are at 90 degrees to the plane of the cutting surface. The bevels are no more than 0.25 to 0.35mm in width. When the cutter is closed the bevels form a V-shaped groove along the length of the cutting edge. This beveling results in a fine but very rugged interface between the two edges. The lead or wire being cut will have a raised surface, or "pinch", exactly in the shape of the V-shaped groove.	SEMI FLUSH
FLUSH - Both cutting edges receive a tiny bevel by diamond honing over the entire outer length. The bevels are at 60 degrees to the plane of the cutting surface. They are no more than 0.12mm in width and form an exceptionally small V-shaped groove along the edges. This beveling also results in a rugged and very long lasting cutting edge interface. It also yields only the tinniest raised surface, or "pinch", on the cut lead. The Flush edge finish provides a desirable balance between long cutting life, flush cut leads, and cost.	FLUSH
RAZOR FLUSH™ - There is no bevel on either cutting edge. The backside is absolutely flat at an angle of 45 degrees to the plane of the cutting surfaces. The exceptionally sharp edges produce cuts with virtually no raised surface on the lead. Also, minimum shock is imparted to the cut lead or component. More frequent resharpening is required for Razor Flush™ finish.	RAZOR™ FLUSH

Cutters that cut exceptionally flush have an edge finish called Razor Flush™. The cutting edges are machine ground to make the them razor sharp with perfect alignment. Wire or leads will be left with no raised surface or "pinch". Also these cutters minimize shock when cutting leads on components. All cutters with Razor Flush™ cutting edges have a fine set screw top built into the handle or jaw of the cutter to prevent these exceptionally sharp edges form dulling themselves, even when an operator applies a very strong cutting force.

SHEAR:

Almost all shear cutters have only coarse cutting ability and very limited tool life. This is because the cutting edges do not really meet together for a fine, accurate cut. They pass by each other, moving in planes that are close but separate. Cutting edge motion stops when the two handles come together. This is the action of scissors or garden shears. Effective on large wire and for light usages. When the rivet joint loosens the shear cutter must be discarded. They cannot be resharpened, impart considerable shock and leave a significant pinch reflecting the clearance between the two edges.

THERE ARE EXCEPTIONS to the the common variety shear cutters. They are the Standoff Cutter models #TDI 930S and
#TDI 930L. They are precision tools made with interlocking threaded joints and heat treated cutting edges. The standoff shear cutters are designed with a cutting ridge mounted on a stationary leg. The leg is placed next to the lead being cut. A sharpened and hardened cutting edge is then moved through the lead and over the cutting ridge. These versatile tools use the shear cutting principle in order to achieve a predetermined length (or Standoff) to insure that components or solder joints below the lead are not damaged.

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