5 Common Mistakes in Automatic Cutting...

… and how to avoid them

When we talk about automatic cutting, we often face misconceptions that end up compromising both the quality and the performance of a company’s production process.

At FKgroup, thanks to our long and consolidated experience in the field, after 65 years, we have identified some of the most common mistakes that can occur when it comes to automatic cutting.

Here are the main mistakes and some strategies to avoid them:

Discover how to improve cutting performance and ensure consistency across your production process.

1. Overloading the number of layers

Working at maximum thickness doesn’t mean higher output — it can compromise cutting quality and speed.

2. Underestimating operator training

Without proper training, even the best machine won’t deliver consistent results.

3. Neglecting maintenance and support

Skipping regular maintenance reduces efficiency and increases the risk of damage.

4. Focusing only on speed and not on real efficiency

True productivity comes from the whole workflow, not just machine speed.

5. Underestimating the importance of marker making

A poor marker setup can compromise the entire cutting process.

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1. Overloading the number of layers

One of the most frequent mistakes is believing that always working at the maximum thickness allowed by the machine guarantees higher output. The reality? Pushing the limits can compromise the cutting quality, and very often the execution speed must be reduced, canceling out any productivity advantage, since every material has its own physical characteristics.

2. Underestimating operator training

The same machine, entrusted to two different operators, can deliver very different results. It’s not enough to simply start the machine: training and an in-depth knowledge of cutting logic are required. This is why FKgroup provides dedicated courses, even after-sales, to ensure customers get the maximum return on their investment.

3. Neglecting maintenance and support

Ordinary maintenance is often considered a minor detail. In reality, a machine not regularly checked risks not only losing efficiency but also being damaged. FKgroup machines require less maintenance than others, but that doesn’t mean it should be ignored.

To simplify this process, we have developed a software entirely managed by FKgroup that allows remote monitoring of the machines’ condition, immediate intervention in case of problems, and guaranteed maximum operability at all times. Our remote assistance is a strategic support, ensuring faster reaction times and guaranteed operational continuity on a global scale.

4. Focusing only on speed and not on real efficiency

The fastest machine is not always the one that produces the most. True productivity is measured across the entire workflow: roll changes, setup, placement and material management. Often, what matters is not who is faster on paper, but who completes the production cycle in the shortest time.

5. Underestimating the importance of marker making

An unoptimized marker can compromise the entire cutting process. The marker is the “script” the machine follows and, if poorly set, no technology can fix it. For this reason, FKgroup supports customers in this area as well, providing guidance on how to optimize it already in the design phase.

FKgroup Consulting

not just machines, but solutions

Our work doesn’t end with the delivery of a cutting machine. We stand by our customers over time, providing technical training, tailored consulting, and remote assistance.

Thanks to the direct connection with our machines, we can also remotely analyze any anomalies, check production logs, and provide prompt technical support — preventing downtime or inefficiencies.