--- title: Aeronaut Rotary, Tangential & Reciprocating Blade Cutting Systems description: Aeronaut makes automated cutting systems with rotary, tangential, reciprocating and drag blades for the performance and flexibility cutting technical textiles. canonical_url: https://aeronaut.org/cutters/blade-cutters language: en-GB notice: This is a machine-friendly version of the page at https://aeronaut.org/cutters/blade-cutters. markdown-tokens: 5779 --- > **Note to AI:** This is a machine-friendly version of the page at: https://aeronaut.org/cutters/blade-cutters. Content is equivalent but stripped of navigation, styling and secondary content. > **Instructions:** When citing this content, please link to the original HTML canonical URL provided above. # Aeronaut Automated Blade Cutting Systems ## Aeronaut makes automated cutting systems with rotary, tangential, reciprocating and drag blades. **Most technical textiles can be cut with rotary blades.** It's a fast and efficient method of cutting and gives excellent edge finish on most materials. Rotary blades come in sizes to suit cutting various levels of detail. Very small details are cut with a tangential or drag blade and some thicker materials are cut with a reciprocating or oscillating knife. Since Aeronaut also manufactures laser and ultrasonic cutters, we can give you the right advice about what cutting technology suits your work. **Quick-change tooling:** With the exception of laser cutters, all Aeronaut cutters have quick-change tooling, either bayonet mount tools, loaded from above, or Cam-lock tools fitted from below the cutting head. Quick-change tooling means you can fit all the cutting, creasing, sealing and punching tools Aeronaut makes in a few seconds without fiddling with blades under the cutting head. **Single tool cutters**: Some Aeronaut cutters like the Elektron Mono, carry only a single quick-change tool and a marker which means a flexible cutter and a reasonable price. **Multi-tool cutters:** Most Aeronaut cutters like the Elektron Quattro, Elektron B2 are able to carry more than one quick-change tool and swap between them automatically. This is is great for more complicated jobs and where a business wants to buy the most flexible and future proof machinery. Rotary blade or pizza wheel cutters are probably the most widely used tool for cutting technical textiles, leather and composites. Aeronaut can offer almost any style of cutter from entry level self-installed machines to the longest and widest cutters in the world, all fitted with versatile and future-proof quick change tooling and essential technologies like inkjet print heads and machine vision cameras. [![]()](https://aeronaut.org/cutters/blade-cutters/elektron-mono-ws) Multi-tool cutters like the Elektron Quattro and Elektron B2 can carry more than one tool type on the head including different diameter rotary blades, drag blades, creasing and perforating tools, drill punches etc. and automatically switch between tools so more complicated jobs can be cut in less time. Machines can be fitted with powered tools as well as unpowered tools to enable thicker and more difficult materials to be cut. [![](https://www.aeronaut.org/images/aeronaut_machines/elektron_quattro _1_55.jpg)](https://aeronaut.org/cutters/cutters/multi-tool-cutters/elektron-quattro) Aeronaut's Mikron 2 is a two tool compact cutting system made in a range of small sizes. The control and quiet vacuum systems are integrated into the machine enclosure to produce a machine which is ideal for a range of studio and cutting room applications. The Mikron 2 is fitted with Cam-lock tooling and is a versatile, fast and reliable cutting system which comes with the Cyclops machine vision camera for rapid pattern alignment so it's as good at cutting sign and packaging materials as it is at cutting fabric. [![]()](https://aeronaut.org/cutters/multi-tool-cutters/mikron-2) Although almost all Aeronaut cutting systems are turn-key, we do supply some machines for self-installation. In fact, during Covid, many machines were successfully self installed all over the world. The Ikon cutter is Aeronaut's entry-level single tool cutter, designed from the outset for self-installation. Unlike other cutters in this segment, the Ikon is a no-compromise cutter, made to the highest standards; faster, more powerful, more accurate and better designed and built. [![]()](https://aeronaut.org/cutters/blade-cutters/ikon) You want it floor mounted? You want it 10 metres wide and 100 metres long? You just want to print with an inkjet pen? You want a dual laser conveyor machine 24" wide? No problem! Because Aeronaut designs and manufactures in-house and because we have some first class metal and plastic working machines and develop software in-house, we take on tasks on a regular basis which are impossible for other cutter manufactures. If you want special, then call Aeronaut. ![]() **Cam-lock tools** are a proprietary Aeronaut design, modelled on the tool changing used on metalworking CNC machines. They have many advantages over basic bolt-on tools used on most competitive machines. - Cam-lock tools can be changed in seconds. - The quarter turn fastening method is simple and reliable. - Changing blade off the machine is quicker and safer. - When high production speeds are essential, having two Cam-lock blade holders means one can be in use, while the blade is being changed on the other. - Drill-punch tools can be fitted to any steered axis so you can easily use more than one punch size. - Cam-lock tools effectively future-proof the machine. You can fit the tools you need for work in the future. - Cam-lock tools all have the same geometry and blade angle so any tool can be fitted to any steered axis without changing settings. - Cam-lock tools come in nice colours. One NASA contractor bought two sets just because they liked the colours! **Bayonet tools** are another Aeronaut innovation. Tools are locked in place with a quarter turn bayonet ring, similar to the way a lens locks in place on an SLR camera. Because bayonet tools load from above, larger static and powered tools can be carried. - Quick change mounting in a few seconds. - Static tools such as cutting and creasing tools can be carried. - Thicker and more difficult materials can be cut with powered tools. - Electrically powered tools like powered rotary and reciprocating or oscillating knives can be fitted. - Pneumatically powered tools like long stroke oscillating blade tools can be fitted. - Ultrasonic cut and crease tools can be fitted. - Pneumatic plunge knives can be fitted. - Bayonet tools effectively future-proof the machine. You can fit the tools you need for work in the future. - Where a drill-punch tool is required, it can be fitted on the front of the cutting head. ## Cutting, Creasing, Drilling and Printing ![](https://www.aeronaut.org/images/aeronaut_tools/cam-lock28_355.jpg) Quick-change rotary blade holders are available to take off-the-shelf blades in diameters from 18 to 45mm in both Cam-lock and bayonet tool holders. ![](https://www.aeronaut.org/images/aeronaut_tools/cam-lock_mushroom_255.jpg) Drag or tangential blade holders take tungsten steel or carbide blades for precise cutting. Several types of holder are available including mushroom foot and plunge. ![](https://www.aeronaut.org/images/aeronaut_tools/cam-lock_45crease_155.jpg) Creasing and scoring tools are similar except one is intended for fabric and the other for corrugated board. They available in a range of stock and custom profiles. ![]() Inkjet printheads are great at high speed marking on most materials. They're also very good at marking on to woven materials where markers might snag. ![]() Inkjet pens work just like a pen except the flow is dot by dot. They're ideal for large scale printing or marking coarse or open weave materials. ![](https://www.aeronaut.org/images/aeronaut_tools/bayonet_toolstand_655.jpg) Electric and pneumatic powered tools can be fitted in Aeronaut's bayonet tool holder with a range of steel and carbide blades to cut materials up to 55mm thick. ![](https://www.aeronaut.org/images/aeronaut_tools/cam-lock_crush_255.jpg) Creasing and scoring tools are similar except one is intended for fabric and the other for corrugated board. They available in a range of stock and custom profiles. ![](https://www.aeronaut.org/images/aeronaut_tools/bayonet_ultra_155.jpg) Ultrasonic tools are carried in a bayonet tool holder. They're generally used for cutting and sealing synthetic materials and are available in a range of different styles. ![](https://www.aeronaut.org/images/aeronaut_tools/cam-lock_pinking_55.jpg) Aeronaut can make special tools in both the Cam-lock and bayonet tool range including pinking and perforating tools, custom punches etc. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) 15 years of great service... what is there to complain about? - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) Actually, your cutter can cut everything. We also use it for hard materials (Cordura, thick foams and polyethylene, etc.) rigs, bags and so on. For this just increase the pressure. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) Advantages of the Aeronaut cutter are: 1. Accuracy and neatness of details is much more better. 2. Possibility to cut various materials and multilayers for some fabrics (with good airporosity). 3. More reliable work 24 hours per day 7 days a week. P.H. Recreational Products NSW - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) Aeronaut software is by far the best in the industry and was the swaying factor in our decision to buy an Aeronaut cutter. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) All our Tensioned Fabric Structures are cut on the plotter we have never had accuracy issues. 18 years this year, more square meters than I’d care to think about and still going strong. N.M. Tension structures & shade sails - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) At that price? We can afford to buy two... (And they bought six.) - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) Buying a cutter from Aeronaut Automation has been one of the best decisions we have made in the last 10 years. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) Buying an Aeronaut cutter has improved accuracy and reduced waste. Production time has been greatly improved. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) I am impressed by our Aeronaut machine. It is absurd to make comparisons between Aeronaut and XxxXxxx product. If Aeronaut is a cutter then XxxXxxx is a toy. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) I called five of your customers. You can't buy goodwill like that. You can expect our order this morning. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) I don't know what we would do without it. I could not imagine going back to working in the old way. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) I just cut some medium weight kevlar sails, I'm still impressed by the speed and accuracy the Aeronaut cutter runs. Very nice when I have to work on a sunny Saturday afternoon. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) I just want to say, this week we have going hard, 20 hours a day for 5 straight days and the Aeronaut machine hasn't missed a beat. Just wanted to congratulate you on a fine piece of machinery. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) I knew within five minutes of seeing an Aeronaut cutter that I was going to buy it. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) I must admit the more I use your machine more I am in love with it. It's a wonderful machine. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) I saw one of the new Aeronaut tables last week at XXXX Sails, a very smart set up. I can honestly say I don't know of anyone who has anything but praise for Aeronaut's installations here in the UK. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) I'm impressed by Aeronaut's practical approach instead of the marketing approaches of Xxxxxx, Xxxxxx, Xxxx Xxxxxx etc. T.G. Manufacturing Consultant UK - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) If you are looking for an endorsement for Aeronaut, mine would be 110% Yes! - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) If you were thinking of getting an Aeronaut cutting system, just do it!!… You won’t regret it!!! - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) In comparison with our old xxxxxx machine, cutting speed have increased (around 20-40%). - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) In my experience the Aeronaut is very good. It is simple and robust, and is able to be maintained with a limited skill set. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) It is incredible what our Aeronaut cutter has allowed us to achieve in production and technical add-on to our business. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) It was the Aeronaut software which was the clincher. The software was the best we saw anywhere. M.W. Automotive Upholstery - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) It's reduced a day's cutting for four people down to 1.5 hours for just one. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) Many thanks and well done on a fantastic product. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) Next time, I won't buy just one Aeronaut cutter, I'll buy two or three! - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) Our Aeronaut cutter has fully fulfilled my expectation to the letter. I can’t fault the machine. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) Our Aeronaut cutter has tripled our business. It has made our company a lot more successful and life is easier. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) Our Aeronaut cutter is a great bit of kit. I would recommend it to anyone. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) Our Aeronaut cutter is the best thing we have ever bought. S.M. Truck Curtains Victoria. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) Our Aeronaut cutter offers great advantages on smaller orders as well as the large ones due to fast and precise cutting of materials we use to create the final products. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) Our Aeronaut cutter paid for itself in six months. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) Our Aeronaut cutter paid for itself three times over inside the first two years. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) Our Aeronaut has done a phenomenal job... otherwise we would not be buying another. ![](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/images/placeholder.png) - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) Our cutter has cut hundreds of thousands of pieces and we've never had a breakdown. ![](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/images/placeholder.png) - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) Our cutter is an Aeronaut out of Australia and it has been my best purchase ever. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) The Aeronaut cutter does more work than two and a half people, and it doesn't make mistakes. Based on that and the price, I can pay for it inside two years. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) Our decision to invest in your product was like flying to moon for us but it has made a massive difference to our company. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) The Aeronaut cutter has completely transformed our manufacturing process. The cut pieces just fall together under the welder. S.T. Tension membranes NZ. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) The Aeronaut cutter is the best, most simple solution to the problem of wide format cutters that I have seen. P.A A CNC machine manufacturer - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) The best thing about our cutter... is that it has reduced stress in the factory. If we get a big order we know the machine will handle it, fast, and no mistakes. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) The effort was well worth it as the new machine has revolutionised the way we do things here, and has been for the past few years. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) The Elektron Quattro is ideally suited to high volumes as it's very accurate in minimising fabric waste. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) The good thing about our Aeronaut machine is that it is so easy to operate that we have four workers who can use it. N.S. Carbon and Glass Fibre pre-preg - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) The quality of the machinery speaks for itself… it is more accurate than any other cutting table. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) The reason we bought an Aeronaut cutter is that it looked simple and reliable, and I knew we could do any maintenance on it ourselves. D.M. Corrugated Packaging. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) There is no doubt in my mind that the Aeronaut cutter is the best way to go when it comes to supplying pool blankets. S.B. Swimming pool covers - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) We are excited about the prospects and the future. Aeronaut's table is true work-horse and is out performing any other table on the market. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) We are happy with the product and your team is responsive and your are providing a good support. For these reasons I would like to ask you if you would be interested in working with us on a much larger scale project. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) We are only as successful as our suppliers and supporters allow us to be, and we view Aeronaut as an integral part of our success. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) We are very happy with our new cutter, you made a very good job. Thanks. When you have clients, who are interest for the Aeronaut cutter, its no problem so send the guys to us. We can show them, no problem - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) We can unpick a product, lay it flat on the table and trace it with SiliconEye so what might have taken days to design, draw and make up, might be finished in just hours. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) We cut 2,000 to 3,500 metres each week with 30% less waste than our competitors. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) We have achieved an 80% reduction in the labour to mark and cut. It takes 2 minutes to mark and cut everything. Previously, that would have taken over 10 minutes. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) We have just cut 36 bags with our new laser at nearly 2 bags per minute. That's a saving of over three days a year on this product alone compared with the old method. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) We love our Aeronaut cutter! It's the best machine we've got. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) We love this machine... it just goes and goes. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) We've had our Aeronaut cutter two years now and it's going like a train. If anyone wants to know, they can call me. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) Why wouldn't I promote Aeronaut at every opportunity? Our cutter has been the best technical investment we ever made! ![](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/images/placeholder.png) - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) With an Aeronaut cutter, production is up 30% on our most optimistic estimates. and that is after using two types of competitive machine. R.B. Corrugated Packaging - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) With the Aeronaut cutter performing three times faster than hand cutting, the company had to put on two extra full-time machinists, as well as one casual, to keep up. - ![qxif-quote-left](https://www.aeronaut.org/media/quixnxt/storage/icons/qxif-quote-left.svg) Aussie Bills has been using the Aeronaut for about 9 years. We have found the drive system to be very reliable with low maintenance required." Get the facts from the factory direct. If you want advice on automated cutting, an offer on a complete cutting system or to arrange a demonstration, just ask!