Choosing the Right
Cutting Technology.

Drag Knife vs Tangential Knife Cutter

In today’s competitive sign and graphics market, precision cutting technology can make all the difference in quality and productivity. At Colyer, we partner with Summa to bring leading-edge cutting solutions — and understanding the difference between drag knife and tangential knife technology is the first step toward optimising your workflow.

What is Drag Knife Technology.

Drag knives — also known as swivel knives — are the most widely used cutting method in roll-fed plotters and cutters. Instead of rotating like a traditional blade, the drag knife is pulled through the material, turning freely on its axis to follow the cutting direction as the head and media move.

This simplicity gives drag knives several advantages:

Fast, efficient cutting of thin and flexible materials such as vinyl films, heat transfer materials, and general signage media.
Lower cost of ownership, making drag knives a cost-effective solution for everyday cutting tasks.
Reliable performance across a broad range of standard applications.

However, because the blade stays in contact with the material during the entire cut and cannot lift for repositioning, achieving perfectly sharp corners can be challenging — especially on thicker substrates.

What sets Tangential Knife Technology apart?

Tangential knife technology represents a significant step up in cutting precision and versatility. Unlike a drag knife, the tangential knife is fully motorised, allowing it to lift from, rotate, and re-engage with the media at precisely the right angle throughout the cutting process.

This controlled motion delivers:

Sharper, cleaner corners and finer details, thanks to accurate blade positioning.
Greater cutting force and depth, enabling thicker and more rigid materials to be cut with professional results.
Enhanced performance on intricate designs, laminated substrates, and challenging media types.

Tangential systems are often found on higher-end roll cutters and flatbed machines, reflecting their ability to deliver premium results across demanding applications.

Cutter Applications

Signage and Graphics
Businesses widely utilise vinyl cutters to produce large outdoor signs, eye-catching retail graphics, and professional window displays

Vehicle Wraps and Fleet Graphics
For branding on the move, vinyl cutters are essential for creating graphics for single vehicles or entire commercial fleets. They precisely cut designs that can be seamlessly applied to cars, vans, and trucks.

Packaging and Prototyping
Summa cutters are used in prototyping packaging designs, creating stencils, paint masks, and applications where accuracy and clean edges are paramount.

Custom Apparel and Promotional Items
Using heat transfer vinyl (HTV), cutters enable the customisation of apparel, sportswear, and other promotional merchandise.

Decals, Labels, and Custom Products
The precision of a vinyl cutter is ideal for creating intricate decals, stickers, and labels. These are often used for bespoke products, promotional materials, and various craft applications.

Summa Cutters from Colyer

Summa S3 TC Series

Summa S3 T75

Summa S3 D75

Summa S3 T120

Summa S3 D120

Summa S1 D60

Summa S3 D140

Summa S1 D120

Summa S1 D140

Summa S3 T140

Summa S3 D160

Summa S3 T160

Summa S1 D160

Summa F Series

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Choosing the Right Technology

So, which is right for your business?

Choose Drag Knife if:
✔ You primarily cut standard vinyl or flexible films.
✔ You want a cost-effective solution for high-volume, everyday jobs.
✔ Your projects don’t require razor-sharp cornering or heavy cutting force.

Choose Tangential Knife if:
✔ You need precision on intricate designs and tight corners.
✔ You work with thicker, laminated, or rigid materials.
✔ You prioritise high-quality finishing and professional results.

Both drag and tangential knives have their place in production workflows. At Colyer, backed by Summa’s advanced cutting technology, we help you select the right cutter and configuration for your specific needs — whether that’s reliable everyday performance or premium precision cutting.

Ready to elevate your cutting capabilities?

Contact our team to explore the latest Summa cutters and find your ideal solution.

Choosing the Right
Cutting Technology.

What is Drag Knife Technology.