Product Catalog

FAQ

FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Fabric Cutting: Are the cutting blades sharp?

A. No, the cutting blades are not sharp. The heat is what cuts the material, not the sharpness of the blade that you're using.

Q. Fabric Cutting: What type of surface should I use to cut my material?

A. We suggest that our customers cut on top of a 1/4 inch piece of glass that's formed fitted to their cutting table. We also tell them that they should smooth the edges of the glass for their protection. The glass doesn't absorb the heat out of the cutting blade, therefore all of the heat goes into the cutting process and is not pulled out of the blade like a wood or steel table will do.

Note: This recommendation is for manual cutting, our slitter machine and some of our custom retrofitted devices have ceramic tubes that the material runs over while the blade slits (cuts & seals) the material.

Q. Fabric Cutting: What type of straight edge or guide should I use when using a heatcutter?

A. We suggest that our customers use an anodized aluminum (the same material that screen doors are made of) straight edge because it doesn't pull the heat out of the cutting blade like a steel guide would do.

Q. Fabric Cutting: How should I clean off my cutting blade?

A. The simplest way to clean off your cutting blade is to get the blade nice and hot and brush the blade off with a steel brush. This will also extend the life of your blade.

Q. Fabric Cutting: What's the difference between the Green HSG-0 and the Grey HSG-0

Heatcutters?

A. The Green HSG-0's housing is made out of a polycarbonate plastic material and the Grey HSG-0's housing is made out of a polyamid nylon plastic material that holds up a little stronger when it is being used around harsh chemicals and fumes. Both are the same price.

Q. Fabric Cutting: Do you make custom blades?

A. Yes, we can have custom blades made to fit the exact application for our customers. Whether they need a circle, rectangle, oval, square, or triangle blade, we can get blades made to each customer's detailed specifications. If there is another type of custom blade that a customer requires, they would have to call and give us the dimensions and we will find out if it is possible for such a blade to be made.

Q. Fabric Cutting: Can I order your products online?

A. No, we prefer to talk with our customers one-on-one in order to best satisfy their needs and to make sure we provide them with the very best customer service and heatcutting equipment specifically for their application.

Q. Fabric Cutting: What does "intermediate use" mean?

A. The term, "Intermediate use", means that the trigger should never be pressed for longer than 10 minutes at one time. This is because the transformer is inside the housing and if the trigger is pressed for too long, you risk damaging your unit. Releasing the trigger for a minute or two to let the transformer cool down is recommended.

Q. Fabric Cutting: Can your equipment seal two pieces of material together?

A. When two or more pieces of synthetic material are on top of each other and are being cut with our heatcutters, they will seal together, but there is no guarantee how strong the seal is bonded together. We specialize in heatcutting one layer of synthetic material at a time and as you cut the material it will seal the edge so that it doesn't fray.

If you are wanting to seal two pieces of synthetic material together the proper way, give us a call and we can recommend a couple of different companies that specialize in welding synthetic materials together.

Q. Fabric Cutting: Will your equipment cut natural fibers (cotton, wool, silk, hemp, etc.)

A. No, our equipment is meant to cut synthetic fibers that will bond together making a sealed edge while cutting with heat. Natural fibers like wool and cotton will only flame up and burn and not have a sealed edge.

Q. Fabric Cutting: Does your equipment come with a warranty?

A. Yes, our equipment comes with a one-year manufacturer's warranty that starts from the date of the original retail purchase and it covers any and all manufacturers' defects. This warranty does not cover any product that has been altered, modified or damaged, neglected, accidently dropped or improperly used. If any of the previous occurs, the warranty shall be considered null and void.

Q. Fabric Cutting: How long do the blades normally last?

A. We normally tell our customers that the blades last around 3 to 6 months if they are being used correctly. No pressure is needed; the heat is doing the cutting. If a customer keeps the blade clean by using a steel brush while it's heated, it will extend the life of the blade. Also, if the customer isn't using the blade everyday, it will extend the life of the blade.

Q. Fabric Cutter: Will your products cut polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coated materials?

A. We strongly suggest not using heat cutting when separating PVC coated materials because of the dangerous fumes that are emitted. Any type of incineration or accidental burning of PVC will produce large amounts of dioxin, one of the most toxic substances known, which can cause cancer and reproductive disorders if inhaled.

Note: We recommend an appropriate breathing mask and a well ventilated working area no matter what type of material your cutting with HSGM products. Health and Safety comes first!

Q. Fabric Cutting: We are cutting synthetic material with a razor blade, how will your cutting method compare?

A. We can not compete with the speed of a cold cut razor blade, in most intences, but we can compete with the quality of the cut. Razor blades leave freying on the edges of synthetic material. Our heat blades cut and seal the edges at the same time eliminating freying and stopping the need to hem the edges in another process, which in turn will save you money through man hours.

Q. Polystyrene Cutting: Are the blades interchangeable between the C-120 Styrocutter, C-140 Styrocutter, & HSG-G1-VW polystyrene heat cutters?

A. The blades for the C-120 unit are not interchangeable with the other two polystyrene heat cutters because they have flat legs that slide between two retaining plates. These plates squeeze together and hold the blades in position. The C-140 and HSG-G1-VW blades are interchangeable from the C-70, up to the C-140 and most all of the curved blades. The HSG-G1-VW is required to properly heat the C-180 and C-200 blades because of their extended length.

Q. Polystyrene Cutting: Can you bend the polystyrene blades yourself to make your own shaped blade?

A. Yes, you can bend the polystyrene blades yourself, but it's recommended to heat the blade up first in order to make the laser cut blade more flexible and easier to shape. Please note that if a customer decides to bend or alter their blades, they do so at their own risk. HSGM, Inc. is not responsible for damages done to altered or modified equipment.

Q. Polystyrene Cutting: Do you sell polystyrene cutting tables?

A. Yes, we have standard cutting tables or we can custom build you a polystyrene cutting table to fit your exact application(s). Please contact our sales office in order to get a quote and the lead time.

Q. Polystyrene Cutting: How long should my blade be when cutting my polystyrene boards/blocks?

A. We would recommend that you purchase a blade that is only an inch longer than your polystyrene boards or blocks. That way your not wasting energy during the cutting process and it will also make your cuts faster. Plus it will enable your blade to heat up faster with less area to heat up.

Q. General Question: Do you sell voltage converters?

A. Yes, we can special order you a voltage converter, whether you need to convert 110 Volt to 220 Volt or 220 Volt to 110 Volt. We can also provide different types of transformers too. Please contact our sales office in order to get a quote and the lead time.

Q. General Question: Can I resell your products?

A. Please contact us directly (888-854-4746) in order for us to better explain the requirements to become a reseller.