--- title: Aeronaut Automated Cutters for Sailmaking and Marine Textiles description: Aeronaut's Ikon cutter is by far best priced, the best performing, most durable and reliable self install cutter you can buy. Tough as old boots. canonical_url: https://aeronaut.org/cutters/blade-cutters/ikon language: en-GB notice: This is a machine-friendly version of the page at https://aeronaut.org/cutters/blade-cutters/ikon. markdown-tokens: 5874 --- > **Note to AI:** This is a machine-friendly version of the page at: https://aeronaut.org/cutters/blade-cutters/ikon. 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. **The Essential Single Steered Tool Plotter Cutter.** Aeronaut's Ikon cutter is a self-install entry level cutter which is built as tough as old boots. It's visibly the most durable, reliable and best performing cutter in its class without being any more expensive… just compare it with the rest. The Ikon cutter has been on the market for 15 years or more and it's proved to be a great asset for its owners. Like other self-install cutters, there's just one steered cutting axis and a marker but here the difference stops because the Ikon cutter takes Aeronaut's Cam-lock quick change tools so you can fit any tool you need when the work comes up making the Ikon also the most versatile cutter for the price. ![]() #### The best performing and best value entry level automated cutter on the market. The Ikon is made in a range of standard sizes up to 2.05 metres cut width. It's fitted with a single Cam-lock tool axis and a concentric pen holder. The Ikon is designed to be fitted to a self-build or existing vacuum table. Aeronaut provides full installation instructions for the machine and can provide construction notes for vacuum tables as well. Just because the Ikon is basic doesn't mean you have limitations; with Aeronaut's Cam-lock quick-change tooling system, tools from blades to drill punches can be fitted and changed in seconds. These tools lock positively and firmly in place, ensuring perfect alignment of blade height and angle. You can fit a wide range of tools to the same machine, including rotary (pizza) blade holders in 18mm, 28mm, and 45mm diameters, drag blade holders, creasing tools, and even a Z-axis drill punch. This feature maximises the machine’s performance and versatility. ![]() All Aeronaut cutters are equipped with a pen adaptor, capable of holding a wide range of markers, from ballpoint pens to paint markers. This adaptor allows you to change marker types without altering critical seam allowances. When working with materials like shade cloth, canvas, and PVC fabric, a rotary blade can perform 95% of the tasks and with Cam-lock tools, you can fit any other tool in a few seconds. The Ikon is heavy duty, accurate, fast, reliable and low maintenance… everything you want from a cutter. **Cam-Lock quick-change tooling system** Supports rotary (pizza) blade holders (19mm, 28mm, 45mm), drag blades, creasing tools, and a Z-axis drill punch for ultimate flexibility. Swap between blades, drill punches, and other tools in seconds for maximum safety and efficiency. **Heavy-Duty Chassis** Designed to cut the widest fabrics and handle the toughest materials with precision and ease. Built to working widths of up to 2.05 metres (81"), providing strength and stability for demanding workloads. **Concentric Pen Adaptor for Accurate Marking** Compatible with a wide range of markers (ballpoints, paint markers, etc.), enabling easy marker type changes without affecting seam allowances. **Optional Higher Tool-Pressure Version** For applications requiring extreme pressure, such as cutting and creasing thicker materials. **Smooth and Quiet Operation** Runs quietly with remarkable smoothness, making it suitable for any workspace. **Cost-Effective Solution** The most affordable in the Aeronaut range, providing high-end performance at an accessible price point. **Long Service Life** Engineered without compromise, the Ikon is built to last, delivering reliable performance over decades. **Future proof** Rapidly change between cutting tools to handle a variety of materials and tasks with ease, now and in the future. **Very low maintenance** Compared with entry-level cutters from other manufacturers which need heavy maintenance every few years, the Ikon is almost maintenance-free. **Superior Speed and Accuracy** The unique design ensures faster cutting and greater precision compared to other single-steered plotter cutters. **Exceeds Industry Standards** Designed to meet and surpass industry standards for self-install entry-level cutters for speed, accuracy, and repeatability, offering exceptional value without the hefty price tag. Cam-lock tools can be changed by hand in under 15 seconds so you can fit the tools you need, when you need. If your work doesn't need more than a few tools and you're OK with changing them manually, then Aeronaut's Ikon should be a serious consideration. The Cam-lock tool range includes 18mm, 28mm and 45mm rotary blades, tangential or drag knives, creasing and scoring tools and a wide range of drill-punch sizes from pin to over 25mm. [![]()](https://aeronaut.org/technology/accessories/cam-lock-tools) Many customers find that a rotary blade and pen will do almost all their cutting and marking and when the need arises, with Cam-lock tooling, they can fit another tool to complete the job. If you use narrow fabric and can handle the installation, the the Ikon is worth taking seriously. ![]() Sailmaking is where both Aeronaut and low-cost cutters began and it's here that the Ikon is completely at home, whether cutting sailcloth, acrylic or composite fibres. ![]() If you're on a budget, you use narrow fabric and you need accuracy, then the Ikon has the accuracy, power and price suit you perfectly. Look at the competitors and you'll buy an Ikon. ![]() If you're on a budget, your materials are under 2 metres (80") wide and you rarely need punches, creases or cutting tools for small details, then the Ikon is a great choice. ![]() There are few limitations on the types of fabric the Ikon can cut, provided they fit on the cutting table. ## Software, Nesting and Technology ![]() Aeronaut's Tangent software is the key to reducing fabric waste and Tangent's powerful and user friendly cutter control is essential to increase production. ![]() Fast and efficient autonesting can pay for a cutting system in months if your fabric is expensive - and isn't waste fabric the most expensive fabric in your business? ![]() Aeronaut has developed rapid patterning software and CAD plugins to reduce the design to cut time down to a few minutes on complex patterns. Most of the benefits of automation are obvious, others less so. - Automation will increase productivity without increasing staff numbers while at the same time reducing waste, mistakes and staff stress at busy times. - If you don't want growth, automation can let you produce the same number of good quality products with fewer staff. - Automation reduces your reliability on key workers and conventional skills while attracting another generation of workers who might be entirely happy with computers but less so pushing a pair of scissors. - Automation adds value to a business since the IP, designs and patterns are all digitised and can be stored off-site. - Cutting accurate patterns no longer depends on key workers. Aeronaut cutter are easy to operate so many people can run a cutter and saved jobs can be easily recut. - Automation means you can do more markings and more markings means faster, more accurate and more reliable assembly. The cutting and marking process may take a while longer but the sewing, welding or bonding operations are much faster. - Apart from the obvious reason that Aeronaut has some of the best people around in sales, design, software and support… - Aeronaut cutters are legendarily reliable. We've got dozens of cutters over 20 years old which are still doing the same reliable job for their owners. - The cost of ownership of an Aeronaut cutter is very low. Upgrades, spares and service are readily available even for 30 year old machines. - Over a third of new machine orders are from customers who already own at least one Aeronaut cutter, something which applies across the board from NASA contractors to the boat cover maker down the road. - Aeronaut's cutters are rationally designed machines. As one customer said, "if we'd bought another make of cutter, we'd have spent more on plastic covers than we did on our whole machine". - Aeronaut cutters may be overbuilt, like a '70s Mercedes and there's a sense of security in knowing that your 3 metre wide cutter is also working somewhere else at 6 metres wide. - If it's yellow, it doesn't break! 90% of components are made in-house on one of 5 CNC machines, most of which are German 5 axis machining centres. If we made it once, we can make it again. - ![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) 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) 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) 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. - ![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. - ![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 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!