SteelTrak V-Grooving or ACP cutting checklist

ACP/ACM cutting and V-grooving checklist - FOLLOW EACH STEP ONE BY ONE

Does the number on the v-grooving tool correspond with the thickness of board being v-grooved? (e.g. if 3mm board is being used the number 3 v-grooving tool is required. 2 for 2mm, 4 for 4mm etc
A 3mm tool cannot be calibrated for a 4mm board etc

Fitting and calibration

Is the V-groove correctly fitted? Follow this guide to check >
Is the v-grooving tool calibrated correctly? To make sure, use this video: https://youtu.be/1SDGAcRnMVw

Blade check

When was the blade last changed? A blade on average will last for 50m of cutting before it may start to affect the v-groove.
Also check if there is damage to the v-grooving blade as this will detrimentally affect the groove.

Brand of ACM/ACP

What brand of ACM is being used? There is an ever increasing wide specification, behaviour and quality of boards available on the market today and there are some brands such that seem to be more difficult to get a good cut. It would be worth trying other brands, and seeing if you still get the same issue.
Please note some boards are not intended for fabrication and will not always V-groove properly, mainly because the polyethylene core is too brittle. Changing the brand for a good quality board that has a better inner core and 0.3 aluminium skins will help with consistency.

Material storage

Material storage is also very important for getting a good cut. Poor storage can affect the cutting/grooving. If ACM is consistently stored on its side/upright, gravity will ensure that it begins to bend, therefore it won’t sit straight on the machine and will give added pressure bending towards the spine, potentially causing more movement and lack of consistency. Please make sure boards are stored flat in a cool, dry place.

Body posture and stance

Body posture and stance is especially important from the transition through the shoulder from pulling to pushing – please see the video on the best practises when v grooving a long length – https://youtu.be/9tGvzcCXbWg

Clamp bar check

Please follow the check below to assess whether this is a clamp issue or not :

First check the the silicon cords are in place and complete. If they need replacing see the guide on how to do this here >
Then take three pieces of A4/office paper
Place them one under the clamp at the bottom with the clamp half closed.
Fold one edge of the second piece of paper and hook it over the top edge of the clamp bar to suspend it in place
Hold the third piece mid-way between the other two and use your hand free to close the clamp to the same pressure used when v-grooving (light-medium pressure).
If all is well the top and bottom pieces should be clamped and the middle piece will be loose or not gripped as tight as the other two.
If the clamp is gripping the middle piece and the top and bottom fall out or are gripped substantially less, then this indicates a clamp issue

Further support on clamp issues can be found here >

Final result

Once you have gone through this checklist step by step, the reason for your issues should either be solved or become more apparent. If further assistance is now required please email a full report of the steps you have taken and the results to [email protected] and we will offer further assistance.

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