Polar and Hagedorn unveil world’s first intelligent knife

IntelliKnife, the first networkable intelligent knife to be launched into the market, is expected to play a fundamental role in the post-press process. As technology partner, finishing OEM Polar supported product development conducted by leading knife manufacturer Hagedorn (Bergisch Gladbach, Germany). Polar will also distribute the innovation to the printing market. For the first time, the intelligent knife will ensure full transparency in the cutting process, said the companies. The precise evaluation of cutting data promises a wide range of optimizations. For example, all conceivable knife data is stored on an integrated RFID chip – such as its quality, grinding angle and the number of grinding processes. In turn, an RFID reader built into the cutting machine reads the information. The networkable cutting machine sends the collected knife data, as well as errors, set-up and run times, to the secure IntelliKnife Cloud. In the Cloud, the data is collected and processed. A clear web-based user interface allows access to reporting, analysis of the machine performance and much more. Also, with its modern API interface, IntelliKnife easily integrates into existing in-house BDE/MIS systems.

The use of IntelliKnife offers numerous advantages for various users. For printing and finishing companies, the focus lies on the cost benefits and the holistic transparency of operating data. Operating data is also useful to identify optimization potential that leads to cost benefits. IntelliKnife also improves knife service life as well as cutting accuracy. Knife grinding companies and print shops benefit with the use of an external, hand-held scanner to identify knives from outside the box – without having to open it. Relevant information, such as the grinding angle and condition, can be read and stored on the knife chip. IntelliKnife is also retrofittable to older machines. An IntelliKnife Data Box and the corresponding new knife “can lift older Polar cutting machines from generation E/ED into the new technological age,” said the company.