The Summa S Class 3 vinyl cutter is available in multiple configurations, each designed for specific applications and material types. While the cutting head configuration is set at the factory and cannot be changed in the field, each option is engineered to deliver precise, reliable, and professional results for its intended workflow. Choosing the correct head when ordering ensures optimal performance, whether you are cutting thin vinyl, thick laminated media, reflective films, or performing complex print-and-cut or packaging tasks.
 | Drag Knife Head (D Series)The drag knife head rotates freely as it moves across the material. Ideal for standard vinyl and thin films, it is cost-effective and reliable. Best suited for: Standard self-adhesive vinyl, Heat transfer vinyl (HTV), Thin films, Lettering and decals Why choose it: Fast, high-speed cutting, excellent value, simple maintenance |  | True Tangential Head (T Series)The tangential head lifts and rotates the blade for every directional change, ensuring perfect corners and sharp points, even on thick or resistant materials. Best suited for: Reflective vinyl, Flock, Sandblast masks, Thick or laminated media, Detailed graphics and small text Why choose it: Superior precision, handles resistant materials, ideal for high-accuracy jobs |
 | Dual Tool Head with OPOS CAM (TC Series)The TC Series combines a tangential knife with a dual-tool system and OPOS CAM for camera-based print-and-cut workflows. Best suited for: Print & cut production, Multi-stage workflows, Packaging prototypes and POS displays Why choose it: Multi-tool versatility, enables print-and-cut accuracy, ideal for complex workflows | | |
BLADE & KNIFE TYPES
The Summa S Class 3 supports a range of blades and tangential knives designed for precision, consistency, and versatility across multiple materials. Each blade or knife type is engineered to perform optimally with specific cutting tasks, from fine detail work on thin vinyl to heavy-duty cutting of thick or laminated films. By selecting the right blade or knife for your material and design, you can achieve cleaner cuts, sharper corners, and longer blade life, ensuring professional results with every project. Whether you are producing lettering, decals, flock, sandblast masks, or complex graphic designs, understanding the capabilities of each blade type is key to optimising your workflow.
BLADE & KNIFE OVERVIEW TABLE
| | Part Code | Blade / Knife Type | Angle | Material Thickness | Accuracy | Compatible Head | Typical Use |
|---|
 | 9TL89-67041 | Drag Knife Blade | 36 degree | Thin | High | D / T / TC | Fine detail cutting for thin vinyl, labels, small lettering, and window graphics. |
 | 391-358 | Drag Knife Blade | 55 degree | Medium to Thick | Medium to High | D | General-purpose for standard vinyl, HTV, and printable films. |
 | 391-231 | Drag Knife Blade | 60 degree | Thick | Medium to High | D / T / TC | Heavy-duty cutting for thick vinyl, flock or laminated films. |
 | 390-534 | Tangential Knife | 36 degree | Medium to Thick | Very High | T / TC | Standard for medium to thick vinyl and precision cutting. |
 | 390-551 | Tangential Double Tip Knife | 36 degree | Medium to Thick | Very High | T / TC | High-precision knife for thick or intricate media; double tips extended life. |
 | 390-560 | Tangential Knife | 45 degree | Medium | Very High | T / TC | Mid-angle for general tangential cutting, sharp corners, consistent results. |
 | 390-550 | Tangential Knife | 60 degree | Thick | Very High | T / TC | High-precision for thick or intricate media; sharp corners, intricate designs, consistent results. |
TOOLS & ACCESSORIES
In addition to blades and knives, the Summa S Class 3 offers a suite of specialist tools and accessories that expand its functionality and streamline production. These tools are designed to maintain cutting accuracy, simplify multi-step workflows, and protect both the media and your blades. From pen tools for precise marking and registration to creasing tools for packaging prototypes, each accessory enhances workflow efficiency while ensuring professional-quality results. Using the correct tools and accessories allows you to reduce downtime, extend blade life, and tackle a wider variety of materials, making your S Class 3 setup both versatile and highly productive.
TOOLS & ACCESSORIES TABLE
| | Tool / Accessory | Compatible Head | Purpose | Key Benefits | Common Applications |
|---|
 | Drag Blade Holder | D / T / TC | Maintains correct blade alignment and depth | Consistent cuts, protects blades, allows quick blade swaps | Daily signage production, laminated films, specialty media |
 | Tangential Blade Holder | T / TC | Maintains correct blade alignment and depth | Consistent cuts, protects blades, allows quick blade swaps | Daily signage production, laminated films, specialty media |
 | Fibre Tip Pen | TC | Draws or marks registration points on media | Consistent cuts, protects blades, allows quick blade swaps | Print & cut workflows, registration marks, layout marking |
 | Ballpoint Pen | TC | Permanent marking for templates, layouts, and packaging prototypes | Durable, smudge-resistant, reusable | Dielines, layout guides, registration marks. |
 | Creasing Tool | TC | Scores materials without cutting through for clean folds | Prevents cracking, ensures professional folds | Cartons, packaging displays, multi-step workflows |
 | Replacement Cutting Strip | D / T / TC | Protects blades and ensures cutting depth | Extends blade life, maintains consistent cuts, prevents tearing | Multi-layer cutting, laminated media, daily vinyl cutting |
CHOOSING THE RIGHT SETUP
Selecting the correct combination of cutting head, blade or knife, and tools is essential to getting the best performance from your Summa S Class 3. Different materials, thicknesses, and applications demand specific configurations to ensure clean edges, accurate corners, and efficient production. Whether you are working with delicate vinyl, thick laminated films, reflective media, or complex print-and-cut jobs, the right setup will improve cut quality, reduce waste, and extend the life of your consumables. Use the guide below to quickly identify the ideal configuration for your most common tasks.
SETUP RECOMMENDATIONS
| Material / Task | Recommended Blade / Knife | Head Type | Notes |
|---|
| Thin Vinyl / Fine Detail | 36 degree Drag Blade | D / TC | Optimised for small text, sharp corners, and intricate detail with minimal material lift. Ensure blade is sharp and cut speed is reduced for delicate designs. Ideal for decals, lettering, and graphics requiring high precision. |
| Standard Vinyl | 45 degree Drag Blade | D / TC | Balanced performance for everyday cutting, offering clean edges and consistent results. Maintain medium cut force to avoid material stretching. Suitable for general signage, banners, and standard vinyl graphics. |
| Medium to Thick Vinyl | 36 degree or 45 degree Tangential Knife | D / TC | Provides greater control and accuracy on tougher media, reducing drag and distortion. Tangential mode ensures smooth cornering and reduces blade drag; adjust cut depth according to material thickness. |
| Thick Vinyl | 36 degree Tangential Double Tip Knife | T / TC | Designed for high-force applications, delivering precise cuts through dense or rigid materials. Double tip knife increases cutting accuracy and blade lifespan. Best for layered or specialty vinyl and thicker substrates. |
| Heavy Duty / Abrasive | 60 degree Drag Blade or Tangential Knife | D / T / TC | Built to handle tough, textured, or abrasive materials while maintaining blade life and cut accuracy. Use higher force settings with slower speed; tangential mode reduces blade wear and prevents material distortion. |
| Print & Cut | 45 degree Blade plus Fibre Tip Pen or Ballpoint Pen | TC | Enables precise contour cutting and accurate registration for printed graphics. Blade must be aligned with registration marks for exact contour following. Pen tip should be clean to ensure visible guide marks. |
| Packaging / Folds | Creasing Tools | TC | Creates clean, consistent score lines for accurate folding without tearing or cracking. Adjust crease pressure to match material thickness and density for repeatable folds. |
| Template Marking | Ballpoint Pen or Fibre Tip Pen | D / T / TC | Ideal for long-lasting, visible markings on templates and layout materials. Use appropriate pen tip and pressure to ensure clear, legible marks without cutting into the substrate. |
The Summa S Class 3 gives you precision, speed, and versatility for every cutting project, from detailed vinyl graphics to print & cut and packaging workflows. With the right combination of blades, knives, and tools, you will achieve consistent, professional results every time.
Discover how PSW can help you optimise your cutting setup today.
